Baseball's Greatest Hits

Many versions of Jack Norworth's classic "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" have appeared since its debut in 1908, and this compilation of baseball music videos leads off with a rockin' version by musical parodist Bruce Springstone--which conveys the Boss's drawling gusto set to clips of old baseball games. Warner Fusselle is the host for this collection of 10 musical pieces of baseball memorabilia, ranging from the classic 1970 Dave Frishberg tune "Van Lingle Mungo" (with lyrics comprised almost entirely of names taken from The Baseball Encyclopedia) to the more recent clubhouse hit "The Cubbies are Rockin'" celebrating the Chicago Cubs 1989 season. Songwriter Terry Cashman is featured with his hit "Willie, Mickey & the Duke (Talkin' Baseball)" and his current release "Play-By-Play (I Saw It on the Radio)." And the tape carries a few star turns, such as Les Brown's "Joltin' Joe DiMaggio," The Treniers' "Say Hey (The Willie Mays Song)," and Teresa Brewer's "I Love Mickey." There's also an offbeat rap song "Baseball Dreams," featuring Mel Allen, the voice of the New York Yankees. Baseball buffs will enjoy this musical paean to the great American national pastime. Recommended. (Available from most distributors.)