The official theme song for the
Toronto Blue Jays is one of my oldest memories of baseball. Anyone who has
followed the Jays for any length of time is familiar with the “Ok, Ok, Blue
Jays” seventh-inning stretch routine. Over the years, there have been various
attempts to re-do the song. Compared with the original, they’re all horrible.
But the fact that the Blue Jays
have been using this song, in one variation or another, for more than 30 years
is testament to how popular—along with the actions—this seventh inning
tradition is. And what’s more, it provides a refreshing alternative to the
standard, “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” at other parks around the Major
Leagues.
Don’t get me wrong, “Take Me
Out” is also a great baseball tune, but it’s always been nice to have a unique
tradition at Exhibition Stadium and SkyDome (Rogers Centre) that’s truly
Toronto’s.
But believe it or not, “Ok, Ok,
Blue Jays” was not the first theme song for the club. I actually discovered
this song while doing research on the “Ok, Ok” and am pretty sorry I did. It’s
quite bad and typical 70s pop music. Have a listen here, and I hope you can
make it to the end—I didn’t.
Now, as for “Ok, Ok”, that song
was written in 1982 by Jack Lenz and Tony Kosinec, and preformed by Keith
Hampshire and The Bat Boys. It was released in 1983 and charted as high as 47
on RPM Magazine’s Singles List. (RPM was a Canadian Music Magazine that was
published from 1964 until 2000). By 1985, the single had sold 50,000 copies and
was certified Gold.
While the theme and chorus are
catchy and will make any fan try out the actions at a Jays’ game, there’s also
a few stories to the lyrics in the verses. Blue Jays’ president, Paul Beeston,
wanted something that drove up enthusiasm for the team, but didn’t promise too
much considering the team had never finished out of the basement since its
inception in 1977. It basically outlines what to expect at a baseball game,
most likely for the benefit of younger kids just getting into the game.
There are references that are
perfect for 1982 and 1983. The seagull “coming in from the Lake, just to catch
the game” is one hundred percent Exhibition Stadium. The old Ex was always
swarming with the birds (not too many drop into the Rogers Centre) and while at
times they were a nuisance, they could also provide some entertainment if the
game got a little one-sided.
Another reference is to the
Jays’ ace pitcher, Dave Stieb. Although still young, Stieb was rounding into
form and was showing signs of being a dominant pitcher for years to come. The
line “Dave’s put down a smoker, a strike, and you’ve got no doubt” is in
reference to him.
Billy Martin, the long time on-again, off-again manager of the New York
Yankees is even mentioned. In 1982, Martin was managing the Oakland Athletics
and is mentioned in the line “We’ll beat the A’s so bad, gonna make Billy blue.”
Unfortunately, by the time the song was released in 1983, Martin had been let
go by Oakland and was back with the Yankees.
All things considered, “Ok, Ok, Blue Jays” has been an important part
of the history of the Blue Jays. Please click here to listen to the original
version of the song. And below are the complete lyrics.
You’ve got a diamond.
You’ve got nine men.
You’ve got a hat, and a bat, and that’s not all.
You got the bleachers, got ’em from spring ’til fall.
You got a dog, and a drink, and an umpire’s call.
What do you want?
Let’s play ball.
Is that a fly ball, or is it a seagull?
Coming in, from the lake, just to catch the game.
It’s the last inning, our guys are winning.
Dave’s put down a smoker, a strike and you got no doubt. You’re out.
What do you want?
Let’s play ball.
OK, OK Blue Jays, Blue Jays!
Let’s, Let’s Play, Play Ball!
It’s a beautiful evening, fans.
At the ballpark, when the game starts.
Warm summer breezes, sun’s going down.
It’s all dark at the ballpark.
That’s OK, it’s a night game.
OK, OK Blue Jays, Blue Jays!
Let’s, Let’s Play, Play Ball!
OK, OK Blue Jays, Blue Jays!
Let’s, Let’s Play, Play Ball!
Bring on the White Sox.
Bring on the BoSox.
Bring on the Angels, the Rangers, and the Yankees too.
We’ll beat the Indians.
We’ll beat the Tigers.
We’ll beat the A’s so bad it’ll make Billy Blue.
What do you want?
Let’s play ball.
OK, OK Blue Jays, Blue Jays!
Let’s, Let’s Play, Play Ball!
OK, OK Blue Jays, Blue Jays!
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