It’s Opening Day For The Phillies — Here Are 8 Songs And Artists For The Moment

Baseball season is officially underway here in Philadelphia (and elsewhere, but who’s keeping up with other cities and their teams). In honor of the Phillies 2026 season beginning, we’re highlighting eight songs and artists that have some connection to America’s pastime.

John Fogerty – “Centerfield”

The title track from Credence Clearwater Revival lead singer John Fogerty’s first solo album could be the quintessential baseball song. Released just in time for the 1985 MLB season, the iconic track is loaded with baseballisms, and mentions diamond legends such as Ty Cobb and Joe DiMaggio. And to put the proverbial cherry on top of the song, Fogerty even breaks out a baseball bat guitar when he performs the song.

Rilo Kiley – “It’s A Hit”

Rilo Kiley’s “It’s A Hit” was released as the lead single for their third album, More Adventurous. While the song isn’t about baseball, it’s partially about writing a hit, and what’s baseball offense without hits? When the re-formed Rilo Kiley came to The Met in September 2025, we reaffirmed the song as a “simple but infectious” banger.

The Baseball Project – “Ichiro Goes To The Moon”

The entire oeuvre of The Baseball Project focuses on the sport with a contested origin story. But we’re focusing on one track from the supergroup’s 2011 album Volume 2: High and Inside. “Ichiro Goes To The Moon” was written by guitarist and singer Scott McCaughey. McCaughey, a Seattle native, penned the track in honor of Mariners legend Ichiro Suzuki. The Japanese outfielder played a whopping 28 seasons between his time in the MLB and Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball league.

Elton John & Brandi Carlile – “Swing For The Fences”

2025 saw Elton John and Brandi Carlile release their collaborative album Who Believes in Angels? Among the track list is “Swing for the Fences.” The uptempo song features both powerhouses belting out “go on and swing for the fences,” encouraging their listeners to be themselves the the fullest. Despite not being directly about baseball, it does feature some guitar tones that remind us of the aforementioned “Centerfield.”

Belle and Sebastian – “Piazza, New York Catcher”

We debated featuring this song due to its connection to the New York Mets. But, if anything, Belle and Sebastian’s song that was inspired, partially, by former Mets catcher Mike Piazza may stoke the flames of Phillies fandom as the season gets going. It must be made clear, however, that Piazza grew up in Phoenixville as a Phillies fan. Do you think he listened to WXPN, though?

The Intruders – “(Love Is Like A) Baseball Game”

In 1968, Philadelphia’s own soul group The Intruders released the single “(Love Is Like A) Baseball Game” alongside “Friends No More,” both from their album Cowboys to Girls. While The Intruders’ lyrics of “Whether you win or lose / Love is just like a baseball game / Three strikes you’re out” filled the air that year, the Phillies ended their ’68 season with a rough 76–86 record.

Modern Baseball – “Apple Cider, I Don’t Mind”

Another Philly group, but much different from The Intruders. Modern Baseball came up in in Philly, and not too far from WXPN itself. The 2010s emo indie group had a short run, being active only from 2011 to 2017, but their local and national impact resonates to this day. Legend has it, the name “Modern Baseball” came from a book about baseball strategies found in guitarist and singer Jake Ewald’s childhood basement.

Buddy Johnson – “Did You See Jackie Robinson Hit That Ball?”

Jackie Robinson is one of the most influential and important sports figures in history: he broke the MLB’s color line in 1947, becoming the first Black player in the league. Buddy Johnson extolled Robinson’s baseball prowess in the 1949 song “Did You See Jackie Robinson Hit That Ball?” Johnson also shouts out Philadelphia native Roy Campanella, Satchel Paige, Don Newcombe, and Larry Doby, all prominent Black baseball players from that era, in the track.