Spring is in the air, and that means one thing for baseball fans: Spring Training is here! It’s the perfect time to get excited about the upcoming season and what better way to do that than with some fun Baseball Songs? Whether you’re heading to a game, practicing in the backyard, or just want to bring the spirit of the ballpark home, music is a fantastic way to engage kids with America’s favorite pastime. So, step up to the plate and check out this updated list of baseball songs that are perfect for kids of all ages. From classic anthems to catchy tunes about the game, you’re sure to find some new favorites to add to your family’s playlist.
Classic Baseball Anthems
No baseball song playlist would be complete without the quintessential “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.” This timeless classic is a must-sing at any game, and there are some wonderful kid-friendly versions available.
- “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” – You can find great renditions on Wiggleworms Love You from the Old Town School of Folk Music, which playfully cheers for both Chicago teams, the Cubs and White Sox. For a slightly different take, check out The Hold Steady’s version.
Fun and Energetic Baseball Songs
Get ready to move and groove with these upbeat baseball songs that capture the excitement of the game.
- “Baseball Dreams” – Ralph’s World brings us this catchy tune from the album At the Bottom of the Sea. This one is definitely for Cubs fans!
- “Pop Fly” – Justin Roberts’ album of the same name features this song about a daydreaming boy in the outfield. It perfectly captures the imaginative side of baseball for kids.
- “Roll Around” – Peter Himmelman’s song from My Lemonade Stand tells a fun story about a baseball who tries retirement but can’t resist coming back to the game. It’s a rollicking and engaging track.
- “Baseball” – Milkshake, from the album Play!, features a special guest appearance by baseball legend Cal Ripken, Jr., making it a real treat for young fans.
- “Baseball, Baseball” – Stephen Cohen’s song from Here Comes the Band is another great option for getting kids excited about the game.
- “Hey! Batter!” – Hank Cooper, from Playground Fortune Teller, dives into the unique language of baseball, making it both fun and educational.
- “High Five” – While perhaps not solely a baseball song, They Might Be Giants’ “High Five” video features baseball players and the band even sponsored a Little League team, giving it a definite baseball connection.
Storytelling Baseball Songs
These songs tell stories and bring different aspects of baseball to life through music.
- “Big Train” – From the Rock-a-Teens’ album Turn It Up Mommy!, this song is about the legendary pitcher Walter “Big Train” Johnson. It’s a fun way to introduce kids to baseball history, even if you might debate who the best pitcher really is!
- “Right Field” – Peter, Paul and Mary’s classic “Right Field” tells a relatable story from the perspective of a child playing right field, often feeling left out of the action.
- “Cryin’ in the Dugout” – Daddy-A-Go-Go’s humorous song from Eat Every Bean and Pea on Your Plate takes a funny look at “Baseball Dreams,” playing for laughs instead of nostalgia.
- “Tommy Got in Trouble Today” – The Bazillions, from Rock ‘n’ Roll Recess, offer a song that might resonate with kids about the ups and downs of a day, possibly including some baseball mishaps.
- “Not So Good at Baseball” – Barry Louis Polisar’s song from Old Enough to Know Better is perfect for kids who might not be sports stars, offering a humorous and relatable perspective.
- “Baseball Tips with Professor Buckley” – Another gem from Peter Himmelman, this spoken-word piece from My Green Kite offers amusing baseball tips in a unique format.
- “Centerfield” – While John Fogerty’s Centerfield album isn’t specifically kids’ music, the title track is a classic baseball anthem that’s often enjoyed by families. Visqueen’s version on the Play! compilation is also worth checking out.
- “Talkin’ Baseball” – Terry Cashman’s “Talkin’ Baseball,” updated and re-recorded over the years, is a mini-history lesson in a song, perfect for older kids interested in the game’s past.
- “Joe DiMaggio’s Done it Again” – Wilco and Billy Bragg’s song from Mermaid Ave Vol. 2 (though not strictly “kids music”) is a great tune that’s perfectly family-friendly and celebrates baseball legends.
- “A Dying Cubs Fan’s Last Request” – Steve Goodman’s song, similar to “Talkin’ Baseball,” tells a story that resonates with passionate baseball fans, particularly those who root for teams with long championship droughts.
- “Home Run Ronnie” – Debbie and Friends’ song from More Story Songs and Sing-Alongs likely tells an exciting tale of hitting it out of the park!
- “Lullabye with Baseball and Trains” – Peter Himmelman’s gentle song from My Trampoline could be a sweet way to wind down after a day at the ballpark.
Songs with a Message
These songs highlight important aspects of baseball beyond just the game itself.
- “The Challenger Baseball Song” – Ben Rudnick and Friends created this song specifically for the Challenger Division of Little League, which provides opportunities for children with mental and physical disabilities to play baseball. It’s a heartwarming and inclusive song.
- “Jackie Robinson” – Ellis Paul’s song from The Hero in You celebrates the courage and impact of Jackie Robinson, offering a musical history lesson about breaking barriers in baseball.
- “Did You See Jackie Robinson Hit That Ball” – Kathy Kallick offers a “brilliant refashioning” of Count Basie’s song, bringing this historical baseball moment to a new generation.
- “Jackie” – Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band, from Lishy Lou and Lucky Too, also celebrate Jackie Robinson in their own engaging style.
Bonus Tracks for the Whole Family
These songs might be enjoyed by the grown-ups as much as the kids, adding to the family baseball spirit.
- “Centerfield” – John Fogerty (mentioned above but worth repeating as it’s such a classic).
- “Talkin’ Baseball” – Terry Cashman (also mentioned, but again, a great one for the family).
- “Joe DiMaggio’s Done it Again” – Wilco and Billy Bragg (another repeat-worthy track for its broad appeal).
- “Bruce Springstone’s” version of “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.” – A fun, unique take on the classic.
- “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” – Brave Combo. You can always count on Brave Combo to make any song fun and danceable!
- “Cool Papa Bell” – The Deedle Deedle Dees, from Strange Dees Indeed, celebrate another baseball legend, Cool Papa Bell. (You can find an early Lloyd Miller rendition here).
- “Catfish” – Even Bob Dylan has a baseball song! “Catfish” from his Bootleg Series is a bit of a deeper cut for the more musically adventurous family.
- “Opening Day” – Brady Rymer and the Little Band That Could have a single called “Opening Day” that perfectly captures the excitement of the start of the baseball season (listen here).
- “Monster League Baseball” – Eric Herman from The Incredibly Spaced-Out Adventures of Jupiter Jackson offers a fun, quirky baseball song, likely with his signature imaginative style.
- “It’s Time for Baseball” – Robert Talmage rounds out our list with another song to get everyone in the baseball mood.
- “Bring ‘Em In” – The Deedle Deedle Dees, from American History + Rock ‘n’ Roll = The Deedle Deedle Dees, bring their educational and rocking style to baseball.
- “I Love Baseball” – Jim Cosgrove, from Ooey Gooey, offers a simple and heartfelt ode to the game.
- “My Baseball Bat” – The Boogers, from Let’s Go, bring a playful, kid-friendly rock sound to baseball.
This list is just a starting point, and there are many more fantastic baseball songs out there waiting to be discovered. What are your favorite baseball songs for kids? Let us know in the comments below – we’d love to add to our playlist!