Album Notes

Twenty-nine years after the release of “Baseball's Greatest Hits, Volume 1,” the long awaited sequel is finally here.

“Baseball’s Greatest Hits, Volume 2” is a rockin’ collection of diamond delights that are funny, charming and musically intriguing. You’ll not only find yourself amused by the witty lyrics but also tapping your feet to some of the best music ever produced on an indie album. The CD includes a lyric booklet with classic ballparks etched into the background.

Here’s what’s on the CD:

Why Did You Go, Johnny, Damon? – All of New England was in a state of shock when this Red Sox hero defected to the Yankees. Not any more, though.

Weekend Warrior – Dedicated to the once-a-week ballplayer, this tune features the searing electric slide guitar of Duke Levine (Aimee Mann, Mary Chapin Carpenter).

Mendoza Line – The man, the myth and the .200 batting average. Listen carefully and you’ll learn a few things you never knew about Mario Mendoza.

It’s the End of the Curse and We Know It – A parody of the similarly-titled R.E.M. hit, this song celebrates the Red Sox first World Series title in 86 years. It's safe to say that this is he only musicial piece ever written that contans the word "Leskanic."

Doug Mientkiewicz – It’s a fun name to say, even more fun to sing. And in less than two minutes, you can learn to say, spell and sing Mientkiewicz.

Blasted in the Bleachers (studio version) – How ’bout a good ol’ fashioned Fenway Park drinking song? This is a remake of the original live version, featuring fiddle, pedal steel and piano.

ABOUT HOWIE NEWMAN
“Baseball’s Greatest Hits, Volume 1” is believed to be the first album of original baseball songs by one artist. It was originally released in 1979 as a vinyl extended play record (a limited number of copies are still available in this format) and was remastered into a CD in 2001.

In 2002, “Baseball's Greatest Hits, Volume 1” was accepted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame Archive.

After ending an 18-year hiatus from the folk music circuit in 2001, Howie Newman has been delighting audiences all over New England with his unique combination of music and humor. Accompanying himself on guitar and harmonica, his concerts always include a few baseball songs along with satires and parodies of everyday life (and beyond).

In August 2003, Howie and Chuck Brodsky put on an "all baseball" show at the Mozaic Room Coffeehouse in Avon, Mass.