Blue Jays: Songs sung for the 2018 campaign
Opening Day is fast approaching and it’s time to put the crystal ball aside and start thinking about having some fun. Well, this disk jockey thinks we need to up the entertainment factor during games with more songs.
At this stage, many of you have had enough of ZiPS, PECOTA, aging curves, and yada yada. Let’s talk about songs and the 2018 Blue Jays.
What can music tell us about injuries?
Devon Travis has had very poor luck when it comes to injuries and “Born Under a Bad Sign” (Albert King) is a song that should be played when he gingerly takes the field. Another player with a history of stints on the disabled list is Troy Tulowitzki. Did R.E.M. have players like him in mind when they recorded “Everybody Hurts?” Lest we forget the 2017 blister woes of Aaron Sanchez, Shirley Bassey’s version of “Goldfinger” will remind us when he is introduced to the crowd.
Should we hear more in-game songs?
Mark Shapiro wants to improve the game experience for the fans. Would you like to hear music when a pitching change occurs? I do. I think we should listen to a medley of songs as the Manager, catcher, starter, and reliever convene on the mound. For example, as John Gibbons ambles from the dugout to remove Marcus Stroman, “Ramblin’ Man” by the Allman Brothers just seems so right. That tune will morph into Stroman lip-syncing the Mac Davis ditty, “It’s Hard to be Humble.” A forlorn Russell Martin will look at Marcus and cue the Sound Man to play U2’s “With or Without You.” As Stroman departs for the clubhouse, Roberto Osuna will arrive on the mound. However, before Gibbons can tell the closer how to pitch to the next hitter, Osuna shrugs him off and signals Stadium Operations to play the Blue Rodeo classic, “Hasn’t Hit Me Yet.”
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Can a song title pose the right question?
There are a number of questions to be answered this season. Will Josh Donaldson be playing for the Blue Jays in 2019? How about hearing “Should I Stay or Should I Go” (The Clash) every time the Bringer of Rain comes to the plate? Can Justin Smoak repeat his fine 2017? Joe Jackson’s “One More Time” should offer Smoakie encouragement. Kendrys, oh Kendrys. Will “Goin’ Down Slow” (Eric Clapton) describe both the base running of Kendrys Morales and his career arc in 2018? Will “Sunshine Superman” (Donovan) apply to 2018 Kevin Pillar or is his fielding prowess on the decline?
What about the fans?
Fans of the Toronto Blue Jays are not homogeneous. There is the Happy Fan and Tony Bennett crooning “Put on a Happy Face” will keep the smile on their visage. Of course, Doom-and-Gloom Fan will have their earphones inserted listening to “The End” by The Doors. Not to be outdone, Angry Fan will get old-timey and attempt to sing “Burning Down the House” (Talking Heads) during the seventh-inning stretch. A positive vibe will then be restored by Security and “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” (Israel “IZ” Kamakawiwo’ole) will fill the heart of Future-Looking Fan.
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The last word
A discussion of music just seems so appropriate as we enter the 2018 season. Wouldn’t more music make for a better fan experience? It may cost a little more to secure the rights to play the songs noted above but Rogers should be okay with the added expense, no?