The GRAMMY Museum in Los Angeles has a baseball flavor to it, thanks to a new exhibit. Take Me Out To The Ball Game: Popular Music And The National Pastime will run through baseball season.
In addition to insight and historical reference for the history of music in baseball, the exhibit includes baseball memorabilia.
Former pitcher Barry Zito, now a songwriter and recording artist, recently loaned a World Series ring, game-used glove, spikes and jersey to the exhibit, which chronicles baseball’s connection to music throughout the years, starting with early sheet music centered on a baseball theme. Baseball fans Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen each contributed items, which includes all forms of music.
“The Base Ball Polka” by JR Blodgett, is the earliest known published baseball song. pic.twitter.com/EmMoAoIyXD
— Adrian Garro (@adriangarro) March 15, 2019
Other highlights include:
- Collectible sheet music from the game’s early years, including “Take Me Out To The Ball Game”
- Jerseys and caps associated with moments that incorporated baseball and music
- Handwritten lyrics to baseball classics, such as James Taylor’s “Angels Of Fenway”
- Special edition Fender guitars, including the brand new Jackie Robinson Telecaster
- Harry Caray microphone used to sing ‘Take Me Out to the Ballgame.”
- Limited edition posters, vinyl records, and photographs
There’s a functional jukebox with “60 of Baseball’s Greatest Songs” and I want this for my home. #GrammyMuseum pic.twitter.com/5HKh8CDCmC
— Adrian Garro (@adriangarro) March 15, 2019
“Baseball and popular music have been practically inseparable for the past century and a half,” said Santelli. “Hundreds of songs have been written about the national pastime. And today, with ballplayers personally selecting walk-up-to-the-batter’s-box-music and with retired players like Barry Zito and Bernie Williams actually launching music careers, the baseball-music connection is stronger than ever.”
Edward Meeker and The Edison Orchestra’s original 1908 recording of “Take Me Out To The Ball Game” was inducted into the GRAMMY Hall Of Fame this year.
Tickets to the museum are available at www.grammymuseum.org.
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