Baseball and Country Music

In his book of the early days of baseball, The Glory of Their Times, Lawrence S. Ritter quotes the notable Columbia University philospher Jacques Barzum, "whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." In Nashville, as Country Music flourished in the 1940s and 1950s, so did interest in the local baseball scene. The Nashville Vols games in the Southern Association gave fans an opportunity to pull for the home team at the same time the Grand Ole Opry’s rise in popularity brought folks from all parts of the United States to Music City. The two became entertainment opportunities that paralleled each other’s success.

Country Music became popular as stories and ballads were sung that went right to the heart of America’s conscience. A working man’s troubles, the delight of love, and the purity of down-home life were told through simple music that was pleasing to the ear. And as baseball is a worthy subject, it is a storyteller’s delight, just like that music. Think about it: No one will say anything foolish about baseball. In the early days, no one was singing foolish music, either.

Both baseball and music cross generations, cultures, races, and social groups. Music may have the upper hand today, but there are still millions of fans whose love for the National Game transcends most barriers. Segregation is no longer a problem for lovers of baseball or music, as it certainly was in years gone by. People from all walks of life find a home team to cheer for. Baseball has become internationally popular, and young and old pursue their favorite passions.

Sounds like a perfect combination, doesn’t it?