'Take Me Out to the Ball Game' turns 100

CLEVELAND — It’s the third most frequently sung song in the United States, yet few know all its lyrics. It’s been recorded by more than 400 artists, from Frank Sinatra to Frank Zappa. It’s been performed live by Mike Ditka and Ozzy Osbourne — with varying skill levels. Six-year-olds and 96-year-olds know its chorus by heart, and it rises into the summer air each night at ballparks around the country, as thousands of joyous voices sing as one. Hastily written on a New York subway 100 years ago — or so the story goes — “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” has made it from Tin Pan Alley to YouTube.com, and with help from Harry Caray, baseball’s anthem has never been more popular. “I like the song. It’s about baseball, so what’s not to like?” said Hall of Famer Bob Feller. A sign advertising a game at the Polo Grounds inspired singer... [read full story]