Springsteen, Fogerty, Buck 65 sing songs of baseball CBC Music - Free Streaming Radio, Videos, Songs, Concerts & Playlists

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The boys of summer are back. To celebrate baseball’s return we offer our playlist of songs about baseball.

“463,” Buck 65

The lyrics are kind of a dark childhood epic, but “463” is the scorecard notation for a double play ball going from the second baseman, to the shortstop to first base. We’re marking this one a hit. His tribute to Jays' slugger Jose Bautista, "Joey Bats," is also worth mentioning.

“Centerfield,” John Fogerty

The 1985 hit is peppered with references to baseball greats like Willie Mays, Joe DiMaggio, Shoeless Joe Jackson and nods to Bang the Drum Slowly and Casey at the Bat. The song itself is now part of the game.

“Did You See Jackie Robinson Hit That Ball,” Count Basie

This song, written by Buddy Johnson, became a hit for Basie in 1949, when Jackie Robinson, who broke baseball’s colour barrier two years earlier, took the Brooklyn Dodgers to the National League pennant.

“Say Hey,” the Treniers

Here’s a swinging number about the great “Say Hey” Willie Mays, the Hall of Fame centerfielder for the New York Giants.

“Glory Days,” Bruce Springsteen

Most of this song is about how people’s lives haven’t amounted to much, but it starts off strong looking back at a friend who could throw that speedball by ya.

“Catfish,” Bob Dylan

A blues crawl about the first million-dollar athlete and his journey from Louisiana to the big leagues. Listen to a sample on Dylan’s website.

“Piazza, New York Catcher,” Belle & Sebastian

This strange little love song takes a moment to contemplate the sexuality of Mike Piazza, formerly of the New York Mets, and throws baseball in as a backdrop of wistful desires.