The few weeks ago my Sweet Baboo and I went on a double date to a minor league baseball game. We were noticing that certain batters got “theme music” when they came up to bat. This led to a discussion of what theme music we would want to have for ourselves.
So I thought it would be fun open up the question for y’all. So, part one: When you go to bat, what’s your theme music?
Part two: If you played baseball, what position would you play? I’m really looking for which position fits your personality, more than your experience.
For the uninitiated, here’s my extremely unofficial and incomplete list of the qualities typical of fielding positions:
Pitcher: loves to be the center of attention; loves pressure. (Note that baseball is the only game where the defense has the ball). There are two basic types of pitchers: the super confident, cocky kind that is going to try to simply throw the ball so hard you can’t hit it, and the wily trickster who tries to get the batter to swing at pitches he can’t hit (often because they aren’t actually in the strike zone).
Catcher: The field general. This person seems quiet and behind the scene, but in reality is controlling everything, including what pitches are thrown when and to whom (fastball, curve, slider…etc.), and positioning of the defense. Also has the responsibility of throwing out runners trying to steal, as well as being the last line of defense against would-be scorers.
First Base and Third Base: Typically positions held by power hitters (meaning they are home run hitters, but potentially defensive liabilities). Third baseman is typically the best fielder of the two (often a well rounded player), but the first baseman has to have quick reflexes (although sometimes a position for a below average fielder). Oh, typically these players are big and slow.
Second Base and Shortstop: The two best fielders (defenders) on the infield. Shortstop usually slightly better. These two have to really work as a unit, so personality-wise they can’t be loners. Typically not great hitters, but have great speed.
Center field: Not the field general, but the lieutenant. Responsible for positioning of the outfielders, and for most everything hit out there (see right field). Must be SUPER FAST (typically the best base stealer on the team as well).
Left Field: Typically the most well-rounded player. Good speed, good defense, and good hitting.
Right Field: As the old saying suggests, this is where you can hide a defensive liability. Suffice it to say, Vladamir Guerrero, one of the most dangerous hitters in the big leagues, who couldn’t catch a ball in a trash can, plays right field.
Oh yeah, my answers:
“And now, batting for The Whippets, your first baseman, Mo-Coffee” (intro to Earth, Wind and Fire’s Shining Star playing in the background)
Tags to Lainey, Toni, Megan, Rahcypooster, and J Go
Please play along (That means you, too, TK)
Filed under: Day to Day, meme
Seems to me that this kind of theme music has only a small generic range. Has to be good, short, energetic. I mean, I LIKE lots of other songs besides my current choice, but I think I’d have to go for Springsteen’s “Born in the USA” for sheer, raw power. Which of course is me at the plate. But in the field, I’m totally second base. Which base of course also brings back fantastic dating metaphors from my youth.
Sounds like a fun bit of introspection. I’ll be glad to play along. I’m playing meme catchup this Friday.
[...] a different note, Mo’Coffee wants to know a couple of things. 1) If I were batting at a baseball game what would be my [...]
Well, I’m late to the party since I already said at the game that my theme music would be “Got to get ya into my life” by Earth, Wind, and Fire. I think from the descriptions of the positions above, I’m just gonna HAVE to say right field. I am SO not sporty. If my EWF pick is just too weird for the sport of baseball, I think Sir Duke by Stevie would be fun. I really don’t have a reason for either of these beyond the presence of some good ole blarin’ horns to get me FIRED UP!