Howie Newman
MUSIC, COMEDY and MORE
Howie Newman penned his first baseball song in 1974 ("Traded," a lament of Tug McGraw's trade to the Philles) and he's still going at it.
Sports Illustrated recognized the unique quality of his baseball music with a piece in the magazine's Scorecard section in 1978 (right).
At the time, baseball songs were something of a rarity. This is no longer the case.
Suitably inspired, Howie released Baseball’s Greatest Hits, Volume 1, a vinyl EP, in 1979. It is believed to be the first album consisting solely of original baseball songs (well, at least he believes it).
For the most part, his baseball music is funny and satirical, yet it embraces an authentic understanding
of the sport.
Although many songwriters have since followed suit,
few have approached his wit and fond appreciation of the grand ol' game.
SPORTSWRITING CAREER
After all, the man was a sportswriter for 18 years, covering two World Series and numerous playoff
games as well as a myriad of other events.
He also provided color commentary for the Lowell Spinners, a Boston Red Sox farm team, on WCAP radio from 2009-11.
Howie followed up with Baseball's Greatest Hits, Volume 2 in 2008 and Baseball's Greatest Hits, Volume 3 in 2024.
BGH3 includes "The Ballad of Mike Hessman," a song about a player who set the minor league record for career home runs.
Click here for more information and to listen to the song.
Howie also wrote and recorded "Mustang Mania,"
the official fight song of the 1978 Southern Methodist University football team. MORE INFO
SPORTS ILLUSTRATED July 3, 1978
For libraries, senior centers and other groups, Howie offers a special baseball show, which includes baseball songs, baseball trivia and stories about his days as a sportswriter on the Red Sox beat. The show also includes a section about his Dump the DH campaign.
For additional information, click here.
Below is information about Baseball's Greatest Hits, Volumes 1, 2 and 3 which are available on CD and mp3.
Baseball's Greatest Hits, Volume 3
TRACKS
The Ballad of Mike Hessman (Minor League Home Run King)
Knuckleball
The Other Tony C
12 Perfect Innings
Wait Until Next Year
Released in March 2024, this new collection of funny baseball songs recalls some of the game’s memorable, and most quirky, moments, such as Tony Cloninger’s two grand slam game, Harvey Haddix’s 12-inning gem and Mike Hessman’s minor-league home run mark.
It also looks at baseball’s most unusual pitch and the long off-season of disappointment for teams that fell just short. The CD has been accepted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame Archive in Cooperstown, N.Y.
Baseball's Greatest Hits, Volume 2
Read the feature story on mlb.com.
Order this CD (scroll down)
TRACKS
Why Did You Go, Johnny Damon?
Weekend Warrior
Mendoza Line
It's the End of the Curse and We Know It (R.E.M. parody)
Doug Mientkiewicz
Blasted in the Bleachers (studio version)
Released in May 2008, this collection of funny baseball songs has received airplay in Boston,
Chicago, Detroit, Seattle, Kansas City, Miami and Philadelphia.
"Mendoza Line" is being hailed as one of the greatest baseball songs of all time. The CD has been accepted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame Archive in Cooperstown, N.Y.
Baseball's Greatest Hits, Volume 1
Order this CD (scroll down)
TRACKS
AstroTurf
Utility Infielder Blues
Wait Until Next Year
Traded
Blasted in the Bleachers (live version)
Baseball's Greatest Hits, Volume 1, originally released as a vinyl disc in 1979, is believed to be the very first album of funny original baseball songs.
It has received airplay on National Public Radio and the nationally syndicated Dr. Demento show as well as many radio and television stations across the country.
Reissued as a CD in 2001, BGH1 has also been accepted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame
Archive in Cooperstown, N.Y.
BASEBALL SONGS