Best baseball-related songs

There's nothing like being at the ballpark - any ballpark - hanging out before the game, eating a hot dog and drinking a beer, watching batting practice and listening to the songs come over the loudspeakers.

There are some songs that are staples at every sporting event. The ones that get you hyped up and ready to go, that make good walk-up songs. Those songs are played not just at baseball games, but at football and basketball games too. They're good at energizing the crowd. 

But there are certain songs that you only hear at baseball games. Mostly because the lyrics revolve around baseball in some fashion. They might be a little cheesy and they all have a similar cheery, upbeat sound, but that's part of their charm.

In my opinion, these are the best baseball-related songs you'll hear on any given day at the ballpark. 

4. "Go Cubs Go" by Steve Goodman

I had to include this song, but it has to be at No. 4 just because you'll only hear it at Cubs games. Steve Goodman wrote this song in 1984 and it has been a Cubs anthem ever since. It's been used officially by the Cubs at various times and is sang by Cubs fans after a victory at Wrigley Field. 

In 2016, after the Cubs won their first World Series since 1908, the song rose all the way to No. 3 on the Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart, showing just how much Cubs fans love this song. For that reason alone, it deserves a spot on this list. 

3. "Centerfield" by John Fogerty

A joyful song from the perspective of someone who wants nothing more than to play baseball, this one comes in at No. 3 on my list. You can hear this tune at practically every baseball field across the country, whether it's high school, college, Minor Leagues or Major League, it's almost a surefire bet this song will be played. 

John Fogerty became the first musician to be celebrated at the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown when the song was honored by the Hall in 2010, a sign of the impact it has had on the game of baseball. 

2. "Glory Days" by Bruce Springsteen

This classic from Bruce Springsteen only mentions baseball in the first verse when he sings "I had a friend was a big baseball player, back in high school." Despite the brief mention of the game, the video features Springsteen himself playing catch, and the song has cemented itself as another one of the best baseball tunes. 

While not as widespread as "Centerfield," this song has still become a go-to tune for ballparks across the country.

1. "The Cheap Seats" by Alabama

This song just about perfectly describes what Minor League Baseball is like. Not everybody is a fan of this one, but the upbeat way Alabama sings about hanging out at their local ball field, enjoying the game and socializing with friends is what being a baseball fan is all about.

Sometimes your team isn't doing so hot, the beer and food isn't that great and the umpire is making all the wrong calls, but you're just happy to have a day at the ballpark with your friends. That's the feeling this song captures, and it does a damn good job of it. 

If I left out a song that you think belongs on this list, leave a comment and let me know which baseball-related tune you think is the best one out there.