From the Great Depression in the ‘30s, past the ‘90s, and into 2023 as we speak, baseball has brought people together through the darkest of times. The national games of the United States of America and the country’s favorite pastime, it is unequivocally associated with team spirit, vigor, and community.
Music is an important part of the game. From team anthems to victory songs, from chants to iconic walk-ups, these songs keep the energy of the game alive and have a strong connection with fans. Below we have compiled a list of 50 iconic songs related to baseball for you to transport you right back to that stadium.
Here are the 50 Best Songs About Baseball
- Take Me Out To the Ball Game — Edward Meeker September
- The Boys of Fall — Kenny Chesney
- Centerfield — John Fogerty
- Glory Days — Bruce Springsteen
- Say Hey — the Treniers
- All the Way — Eddie Vedder
- Did You See Jackie Robinson Hit That Ball — Woodrow Buddy Johnson
- Tessie — Dropkick Murphys
- Cheap Seats — Alabama
- Joltin’ Joe DiMaggio — the Les Brown Orchestra
- Right Field — Peter, Paul & Mary
- The Greatest — Kenny Rogers
- Can’t Stop — Red Hot Chili Peppers
- Subway — Jim Nuzzo
- Catfish — Bob Dylan
- Sweet Caroline — Neil Diamond
- It’s a Beautiful Day for a Ball Game — The Harry Simeone Songsters
- Jump Around – House of Pain
- Night Game — Paul Simon
- Lose Yourself — Eminem
- Seven Nation Army — The White Stripes
- Swing — Trace Adkins
- The Natural — Randy Newman
- My Oh My — Macklemore and Ryan Lewis
- Sweet Emotion — Aerosmith
- Your Love — The Outfield
- Meet the Mets — Yo La Tengo
- D-backs Swing — Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers
- Iron Man — Black Sabbath
- Baseball (Willie, Mickey & The Duke) — Terry Cashman
- Margaritaville — Jimmy Buffett
- Thunder — Imagine Dragons
- America’s Favorite Pastime — Todd Snider
- New York, New York — Frank Sinatra
- Go Get em Tigers — Detroit Tigers
- D-O-D-G-E-R-S Song (Oh, Really? No, O’Malley) — Danny Kaye
- Knock It out of the Park — Sam & Dave
- A Dying Cub Fans Last Request — Steve Goodman
- Brewer Fever — Milwaukee Brewers
- Go, Cubs, Go — Steve Goodman
- Let’s Go, Go-Go White Sox — Chicago White Sox
- OK Blue Jays — Keith Hampshire
- Nolan Ryan (He’s a Hero to Us All) — Jerry Jeff Walke
- Load Up the Bases (The Baseball Song) — Whiskey Falls
- The Hitter — Mark Erelli
- 3rd Base, Dodger Stadium — Ry Cooder
- Takin’ Care Of Business Bachman–Turner Overdrive (met victory song)
- Humble — Kendrick Lamar
- Welcome to the Jungle – Guns N Roses
- We Will Rock You – Queen
1. Take Me Out To the Ball Game — Edward Meeker
The unofficial anthem of North American baseball and I’m sure 99.9% of Americans know the chorus by heart, considering how it’s the third most sung tune in the entire country! The song captures the most beautiful aspect of baseball – the joy and companionship of attending a game together. It even won the Songwriters Hall of Fame Towering Song Award in 2008.
2. New York, New York — Frank Sinatra
Did I have to include this obnoxious anthem at number 2? No. But what can I say, no matter how much the song may get on your nerves, it certainly makes a great anthem for Yankee wins. The official anthem of their home city and a larger-than-life celebration, the song invokes quite the spirit of solidarity when the entire stadium sings at once.
3. Centerfield — John Fogerty
A timeless classic with the most amazing guitar riffs, Centerfield has been a staple in all stadiums across the nation since its release in the 80s. Americans aren’t the only ones who enjoy this song though – despite not having a link to baseball, audiences worldwide loved the song upon its release, accounting for its chart-topping success.
4. Glory Days — Bruce Springsteen
When it’s Springsteen, you know the song’s going to have an emotional background and you know it’s gonna be good. Inspired by Springsteen’s encounter with his high school buddies, particularly Little League baseball teammate Joe DePugh, the song is a tale of nostalgia and reliving your “glory days”, making it a baseball fan-favorite.
5. Say Hey — the Treniers
A high-energy rock and roll number, the song was written as a tribute to baseball legend Willie Mays, one of the best centerfield players of all time. The song encapsulates the joy of being part of a crowd during a match, the chants and the cheers, capturing an essential element of baseball – being part of something larger than yourself.
6. All the Way — Eddie Vedder
A lifelong Chicago Cubs fan, Eddie Vedder particularly composed this melody for the club and its dedicated fans. The song is an ode to fans who stuck with the club through its highs and lows, and an appreciation for the ‘heroes’ making the city of Chicago proud.
7. Did You See Jackie Robinson Hit That Ball — Woodrow Buddy Johnson
There is hardly a name as famous as Jackie Robinson in the Little Leagues, partly because of the man’s insane talent, and more than that because he was the first African American to break the color barriers and play for a professional team, The Brooklyn Dodgers. Today this song is not only an integral part of baseball lore but also an anthem for the Civil Rights Movement.
8. Tessie — Dropkick Murphys
What a homage to the Boston team! Originally a Red Sox stadium chant in the early 1900s, this song was revived by the Dropkick Murphys in 2004 to “bring back the spirit of the Rooters and to put the Red Sox back on top.” It is the second of three songs played after every Red Sox win at Fenway Park.
9. Cheap Seats — Alabama
A banging country song and quite hilarious in its own right, from the music video to the concept of being such a baseball fanatic that your pocket only allows you ‘cheap seats’ at every ball game you choose to attend. It highlights the more humble dimension of the game.
10. Joltin’ Joe DiMaggio — the Les Brown Orchestra
Yet another classic baseball staple song about one of the biggest superstars of baseball – Joe DiMaggio, the Yankees clipper. Who hasn’t sung about the guy? From Simon & Garfunkel to Bily Joel and now this, everyone’s all praises about the guy. With its energetic tune and sentimental lyrics, the song perfectly depicts the fervor and admiration surrounding the player.
11. Right Field — Peter, Paul & Mary
Not everyone gets a chance to be the star of the show. Some kids are not so gifted and are often assigned ‘softer’ roles when playing team sports. The song is a throwback to the childhood days of such kids, full of yearning and hope, contrasting with the reality of how selective and competitive baseball can be.
12. The Greatest — Kenny Rogers
Another story about a little player with hopes to make it to the big leagues, this baseball ballad with Rogger’s soulful voice summarises ambition, determination, and the lesson to never give up. Just like “Right Field”, i thought the song was another sad story, only to be surprised by the plot twist in the last line!
13. Can’t Stop — Red Hot Chili Peppers
We’ve talked about team anthems and ballads, but come on, what about walk-up songs? I think they’re essential in getting the adrenaline going for both the crowd and players, and there is no way this list was complete without the Peppers. The band’s signature blend of funk and punk influences, guitar riffs, and energetic lyrics makes this quite the popular walk-up choice.
14. Subway — Jim Nuzzo
The Subway Series is a term used to describe baseball games played between the two teams; The Mets vs. the Yankees, and The Giants vs. The Dodgers – two of the oldest and most classic rivalries to exist in baseball (now only Met vs. Yankees since the Giants and Dodgers left New York). The song describes the excitement of seeing such a series coupled with the standard stadium experience.
15. Catfish — Bob Dylan
The song is named after Jim “Catfish” Hunter, the first modern major league player to cash in as a free agent, describing the player’s rise to fame and glory from humble beginnings as a farm boy. With a tune that makes you feel like you’re in an old-timey gangster film, and lyrics so suave, this song truly has to be one of my favorites.
16. Sweet Caroline — Neil Diamond
Though the song and lyrics have nothing to do with baseball, Sox fans still consider this an unofficial anthem for their team, which has been sung in the middle of the eighth inning at every game since 2002. Now this is a tradition I can get behind, and no that has nothing to do with my love for the song in general.
17. It’s a Beautiful Day for a Ball Game — The Harry Simeone Songsters
Capturing the infectious energy of the crowd and the sheer joy of being part of the game, this song is a timeless hit in baseball music lists. Many major-league teams played at their ballparks or used to open their radio/TV broadcasts and the song is on one of the Baseball’s Greatest Hits CDs.
18. Jump Around – House of Pain
Another iconic choice for walk-ups but that’s not all. The infectious beat and energy of this song have made this a staple anthem across many sports for ages. This chart-topping single has been the walk-up choice for players like Brian Wilson and Manny Parra.
19. Night Game — Paul Simon
With its reflective lyrics and Paul Simon’s signature songwriting style, the song captures the atmosphere, emotions, and memories associated with nighttime baseball under the lights. Though if you want to get into semantics, the song can also be seen as a deeper analogy for mortality and life.
20. Lose Yourself — Eminem
Though not directly related to baseball, this Eminem banger contains a powerful message of seizing opportunities and giving your all, which along with its fast pace and crazy-infectious beat makes it the ideal hype song for a walk-up. It will certainly get the audience’s blood pumping too!
21. Seven Nation Army — The White Stripes
Stephen Strasburg, Derek Jeter, and many other players choose this hype-beat for their walk-up. And who can blame them? This song is used in sports competitions worldwide for a reason. The drum beats and guitar riffs along with the simple lyrics catalyze energy and vigor.
22. Swing — Trace Adkins
This country song is hilarious and true to Adkins’s signature style. It compares wooing a girl to a baseball game, describing all the anecdotes of the various guys giving their best – only to be struck out (none of them know how to talk to women!).
23. The Natural — Randy Newman
Although this song has no lyrics, the rich orchestral music is recognized by baseball fans worldwide as the song is the title score for the Robert Redford movie of the same title. One of the best films about baseball, it describes the story of a talented baseball player’s journey to success, with the musical score reflecting the feeling of the journey.
24. My Oh My — Macklemore and Ryan Lewis
The song is a tribute to sportscaster Dave Niehaus, who was the leading play-by-play announcer of the Seattle Mariners from their inaugural year (1977) until his death. The song describes the story of a boy and his father bonding over their shared love of baseball, listening to the 1995 Seattle Mariners match on the radio.
25. Sweet Emotion — Aerosmith
Both Austin Romine and Kyle Hendriks chose this rock anthem as their walk-up song for a reason. Aerosmith is a beloved band, guaranteed to get the crowd hyped. The song is 3 times Platinum certified by the RIAA.
26. Your Love — The Outfield
The number is a typical ’80s rock song with a catchy melody, upbeat rhythm and seriously amazing guitar riffs, ensuring a crowd full of energy in the stadium. Perhaps this is why it’s such a popular choice as a walk-up. Players including Gordon Beckham, Josh Willingham, Charlie Blackmon, Jesus Flores, Nick Punto, and Grant Green have all used this to get the crowd going at one point.
27. Meet the Mets — Yo La Tengo
Ah! Finally, the Mets’ official anthem. With multiple versions across a long period, a true New Yorker will have the lyrics memorized by heart. Funnily enough, the title of the band comes from an accident – players kept colliding with one another due to language barriers until the entire team adopted the phrase “La tengo” which is “I’ve got it” in Spanish.
28. D-backs Swing — Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers
The song has a cool bass section and catchy lyrics, I’ll give it that. In 2007, the Arizona Diamondbacks reached out to Roger Clyne and The Peacemakers to write a song for the team, resulting in the “D-Backs Swing,” which is played in the stadium after every home game win.
29. Iron Man — Black Sabbath
A powerhouse of beats and quite the successful intimidation tactic if you ask me, Iron Man is easily one of Black Sabbath’s most badass songs. This could be the reason for its popularity in stadiums during matches and for famous walk-ups including those of all-star Jonathan Broxton and Collin Cowgill
30. Baseball (Willie, Mickey & The Duke) — Terry Cashman
A throwback song to the ‘golden days’ of baseball. Only older fans can tell you the feeling of seeing the greatest trio – Willie Mays, Mickey Mantle, and Duke Snider in action, vividly described in the song. A heartfelt tribute full of appreciation, this song has earned its place on lists of baseball classics.
31. God’s Gonna Cut You Down — Johnny Cash
When it comes to walk-ups, players need to make sure they not only get the crowd pumped up but also intimidate the other team and leave a lasting impression. This is why Lance Berkman, Andrew Miller, Drew Storen, Joe Beimel, Stephen Drew, and Nathan Eovaldi are just a few players amongst many who have used the Johnny Cash song.
32. Thunder — Imagine Dragons
Ever since its release in 2017, I’ve heard this song playing in stadiums across the country. With its foot-stomping beat, it’s a crowd favorite. The resilience and refusal to conform to the crowd, along with the underdog story in the second verse has many parallels to stories of baseball players along with the qualities they pride themselves for.
33. America’s Favorite Pastime — Todd Snider
Well, there seems to be nothing more Americans love than going to the all-park and supporting their favorite teams, thus, the Snider song. It couldn’t get simpler.
34. The Boys of Fall — Kenny Chesney
Though the music video and general context allude to football, this song perfectly encapsulates the spirit of baseball as well! With themes of camaraderie, hard work, and the need to make your fans and nation proud, this song peaked at number 1 on both U.S. and Canadian country music charts.
35. Go Get em Tigers — Detroit Tigers
Short, sweet, and catchy, this is one of the better team anthems. The newer version with the kid’s orchestra has earned a soft spot in fans’ hearts, reviving the team spirit.
36. Thunderstruck —AC/DC
Whether it’s a Marvel fight scene or another battle in the form of a baseball game, you can’t go wrong with a classic AC/DC song, especially Thunderstruck. The intro alone is enough to send a wave of energy through the crowd.
37. Knock It out of the Park — Sam & Dave
A true pleasure for soul music enthusiasts and a greater metaphor for life, this song uses baseball references to convey a message of motivation and hope.
38. A Dying Cub Fans Last Request — Steve Goodman
This song is a bittersweet one, narrating the tale of an old Chicago Cubs fan disappointed in the team’s losing streak, but even on his deathbed, holding out hope. If that’s not loyalty I don’t know what is.
39. Brewer Fever — Milwaukee Brewers
Okay, I’m trying not to be biased but this team anthem is beyond corny. Repeatedly played at the Milwaukee County Stadium during the 1982 season. At the time their catchphrase, “Brewer Fever- Catch It!” was also pretty viral.
40. Go, Cubs, Go — Steve Goodman
Steve Goodman was a loyal Cubs fan until his last day, always holding out hope for the team’s win despite their record. The song made a resurgence during the Cub’s 2007-2008 wins, but unfortunately, Goodman wasn’t around to witness it.
41. Let’s Go, Go-Go White Sox — Chicago White Sox
I consider this one of the best team anthems. With the right mix of catchy, and energetic, this White Soc fight anthem is one of the songs that definitely deserves its resurgence in stadiums.
42. OK Blue Jays — Keith Hampshire
Unlike most of the songs on this list, this song is a reference to a team based in Canada. Played during the seventh-inning stretch of home games of the Toronto Blue, after the horn at the Rogers Centre blows, the song was certified gold by 1986.
43. Nolan Ryan (He’s a Hero to Us All) — Jerry Jeff Walke
Another tribute to a legend in the field, Walke, using his lyrics and country charm, immortalizes Ryan’s achievements, highlighting the admiration and respect that fans and fellow athletes had for Nolan Ryan.
44. Load Up the Bases (The Baseball Song) — Whiskey Falls
Another classic appreciates the energy of the sports, the motivation of the players, and the essential presence of an enthusiastic crowd. It’s definitely a crowd-pleaser and the beat reminds me of the clap-clap-stamp form “We Will Rock You.”
45. The Hitter — Mark Erelli
Baseball isn’t just a competitive sport, it’s an experience that creates lasting bonds and memories. Such an instance is described in this heartfelt song, narrating the tale of a father and son playing the game, with wonderful advice hidden in the lyrics.
46. 3rd Base, Dodger Stadium — Ry Cooder
I’m sure we all agree when I say there is no game as tense and loaded with energy as a Dodgers match. The song paints a vivid picture of the proceedings, highlighting the diversity of fans and activities taking place alongside the main game.
47. Enter Sandman — Metallica
Rock songs seem to be a staple in baseball stadiums and walk-up segments. What can I say? Americans love a good drum beat and guitar riff. No walk-up, however, will compare to Mariano Rivera and Billy Wagner’s entry on this song in my opinion.
48. Humble — Kendrick Lamar
Did you seriously think we’d end a list without at least one rap number? Humle has been a staple in stadiums across the country recently, driving up the crowds and also serving as a walk-in anthem for stars like Joey Votto, Manny Machado, and Cody Bellinger.
49. Welcome to the Jungle – Guns N Roses
Mark McGwire, Randy Johnson, and Eric Gagne are some of the players who chose this song as their entrance anthem. After all, it’s hard to go wrong with a classic rock-metal fusion.
50. We Will Rock You – Queen
Ending the list with what I consider the greatest, most infectious hype song ever, no matter the sport. The clap-clap-stamp, the crowd screaming the chorus and lyrics reflecting a baseball player, journey from scratch, in my opinion, no song will ever compare to the spirit of this one.
FAQs
What is the most famous song about baseball?
This list is filled with award-winning, chart-topping numbers, but “Take Me Out To the Ball Game” by Edward Meeker is considered the unofficial anthem of North American baseball and is the third most-sung tune in the entire country!
What is a walk-up song?
It is the song played in the stadium as a player walks from the on-deck circle to home plate, preparing for batting. It not only serves as a way for the player to leave a memorable mark on the audience but also energizes them and rejuvenates the crowd’s energy.
Where can I stream these songs?
While most of these songs are easily available on Spotify and Apple Music, we’ve included links to YouTube for each one of them. Fear not, even if you can’t find the song or it doesn’t stream in your country, you can always head to YouTube for music in the gold old 2000s manner.