Reviving the Art of Baseball Doggerel
You may think you’ve traded me,
For some prospect at Pulaski,
But call my agent–he knows laws.
I have myself a no-trade clause!
I will not go to this new town,
I will not go by air or ground!
You should have asked before you dealt,
Before you tried to swap my pelt,
If I would play for Greeber City,
Feembertown,
Or Veedenvelt.
1BÂ Lefty Herring
2BÂ Rabbit Maranville
SSÂ Oyster Burns
3BÂ Joe Bean
LFÂ Buttercup Dickerson
CFÂ Milky Cabrera
RFÂ Ice Box Chamberlain
CÂ Â Yam Yaryan
LHPÂ William Peppers, Chick Smith
RHPÂ Sweetbread Bailey, Pete Hamm
MGRÂ Rawmeat Rogers
Each year, before the first spring training game, the late Tigers broadcaster Ernie Harwell would read from the Song of Solomon (2:11-12).
Now that we’ve grown up
You are the one we want to be
Always steady under pressure
Famous for coming through
Quoted by senators and presidents
Comfortable in your celebrity,
Wearing it like an old shoe.
From the collection The Yogi Poems and Other Celebrations of Local Baseball, which can be purchased here.