Song of the Day 7/11: John Fogerty, “Centerfield”
Phillies centerfielder Odúbel Herrera is lost for the season to a suspension for domestic violence, and his replacement, Andrew McCutchen, tore up his knee. With the team fading fast in the standings, it might be time to give this Fogerty kid a shot.
This was the title song and B-side to the second single from Fogerty’s 1985 comeback album after a decade-long hiatus, but it’s had a long afterlife in every ballpark in America, from Little League to the majors. Even the signature hand-clap pattern is used to spur crowd noise on Jumbotrons from sea to shining sea.
McCutchen, an MVP centerfielder with the Pirates before he came to Philadelphia, is no fan of the song. Years ago a Pittsburgh newspaper polled players on several lifestyle questions. One was, “The song I never want to hear again at the ballpark is…” McCutchen’s response: “Put me in coach.”
I’ve just always had a visceral dislike for Fogerty and Creedence.
Sorry about that. I think you’re too young to have heard him the first time around. It was roots rock before that was even a thing.
I like Fogerty and Creedence. But I got so sick of this song, perhaps b/c I used to have a Phils’ 16-game package, and there was no escaping it.
My favorite Opening Day tune. El Som, your problem might have something to do with too many weeknights behind the plate at Chester-Bethel.
Y’know, I really enjoyed umpiring. To me, it was never me vs. coaches, players, or parents. It was always me vs. a standard that I tried to, but only occasionally, met.
Seriously, you were the best.
It’s hard to hear it with fresh ears. But the video is still top-notch.