Take Me Out to the Ball Game: Lyrics, History, and Fun Facts
Introduction
"Take Me Out to the Ball Game" is one of the most iconic songs in American sports culture. Sung during the seventh-inning stretch at baseball games across the country, this beloved tune has been a fan favorite for over a century.
In this article, we’ll explore:
The complete "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" words (lyrics)
The fascinating history behind the song
Why it became baseball’s unofficial anthem
Fun facts and trivia about its legacy
How it’s performed today
Whether you're a baseball fan or just love classic American music, this guide will give you a deeper appreciation for this timeless song.
The Complete Lyrics: "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" Words
Here are the full, original lyrics written by Jack Norworth in 1908:
Verse 1 (Less Commonly Sung)
Katie Casey was baseball mad,
Had the fever and had it bad.
Just to root for the hometown crew,
Ev'ry sou, Katie blew.
On a Saturday, her young beau
Called to see if she'd like to go
To see a show, but Miss Kate said,
"No, I'll tell you what you can do:"
Chorus (The Famous Part Everyone Knows)
Take me out to the ball game,
Take me out with the crowd.
Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jack,
I don't care if I never get back.
Let me root, root, root for the home team,
If they don't win it's a shame.
For it's one, two, three strikes, you're out,
At the old ball game!
Verse 2 (Rarely Sung)
Katie Casey saw all the games,
Knew the players by their first names.
Told the umpire he was wrong,
All along, good and strong.
When the score was just two to two,
Katie Casey knew what to do.
Just to cheer up the boys she knew,
She made the gang sing this song:
(Chorus repeats)
Fun Fact: Most people only know the chorus—the verses were largely forgotten over time!
The History of "Take Me Out to the Ball Game"
Who Wrote It?
Lyrics: Jack Norworth (a vaudeville performer)
Music: Albert Von Tilzer (a Tin Pan Alley composer)
When Was It Written?
1908 – The song was penned in just 15 minutes after Norworth saw a subway ad for a baseball game.
How Did It Become Popular?
Originally a Tin Pan Alley hit, it was first performed in vaudeville shows.
By the 1930s, it became a staple at baseball stadiums.
Harry Caray, the legendary Chicago Cubs broadcaster, helped popularize the seventh-inning stretch tradition in the 1970s-80s.
Why Is It Sung During the Seventh-Inning Stretch?
The seventh-inning stretch is a baseball tradition where fans stand up, stretch, and sing. Here’s why "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" became the anthem:
Harry Caray’s Influence – His enthusiastic singing at Cubs games made it a national phenomenon.
A Perfect Fit – The lyrics celebrate baseball’s joy, peanuts, and cheering for the home team.
Fan Participation – Easy melody and lyrics make it a crowd favorite.
Did You Know? Some stadiums now replace it with other songs (like "God Bless America" on special occasions), but most keep the tradition alive!
Fun Facts & Trivia
1. The Songwriters Never Attended a Game Before Writing It
Neither Norworth nor Von Tilzer had been to a baseball game before writing the song!
2. There Are Two Versions of the Lyrics
The original 1908 version mentions "Katie Casey."
A 1927 rewrite changed the protagonist to "Nelly Kelly."
3. It’s One of the Most Recognizable Songs in America
Ranked #8 on the Songs of the Century list by the RIAA.
4. The Song Almost Faded Into Obscurity
It lost popularity in the 1920s before being revived by baseball fans.
5. Famous Singers Have Performed It
Frank Sinatra, Billy Joel, and even Ozzy Osbourne have sung it at games!
How the Song Is Performed Today
1. The Classic Crowd Sing-Along
Led by a stadium announcer or celebrity guest.
Fans shout "Home team!" and "You're out!" with extra enthusiasm.
2. Variations in Different Ballparks
Wrigley Field (Cubs): Still honors Harry Caray’s legacy.
Fenway Park (Red Sox): Sometimes mixes in "Sweet Caroline."
Yankee Stadium: Often replaces it with "God Bless America."
3. In Pop Culture
Featured in movies like The Natural and A League of Their Own.
Parodied in TV shows (The Simpsons, Family Guy).
Conclusion
"Take Me Out to the Ball Game" is more than just a song—it’s a cherished part of baseball tradition. From its surprising origins to its seventh-inning stretch fame, this tune has stood the test of time.
Now that you know the full "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" words, its history, and fun facts, you’ll never hear it the same way again. Next time you’re at a game, sing along with pride—and maybe even teach someone the forgotten verses.
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