Bob Dylan & Baseball

As July 4th approaches, many Americans look to enjoy some good old fashioned Americana. Webster’s Dictionary defines Americana as “materials concerning or characteristic of America, its civilization, or its culture.” By that definition, a radio show about baseball hosted by Bob Dylan is pure and joyous Americana. The combination; a blend of the modernity of baseball and the post-modernity of Dylan’s poetic protests, creates an enjoyable dose of nostalgia, peppered by with Dylan’s witty repartee. 

The most surprising aspect of Dylan’s on-air personality may be the fact that he is undeniably funny; he keeps the show moving with humorous transitions and the occasional freestyle. As a host he’s clever, loose, and sometimes downright goofy. One of many sly jokes he makes is: “If girls love diamonds so much, then why do they get so mad when you take them to the ballpark?” Near the beginning of the show Dylan tells of an encounter with Charlie Sheen at the gas station, a surreal scene in itself; then follows it with a recorded interview with Sheen pontificating on the nature of baseball. Such is the charm of Dylan’s show, its structure allows for Dylan to wander, and often it’s the moments in-between the songs that are the most enjoyable. 

Songs such as Johnny Darling’s “Baseball Baby” suggest the golden age of baseball, back in the days when steroids weren’t even a consideration and baseball was still America’s favorite pastime, before football took over. And that’s part of the show’s appeal. That you can hear Bob Dylan introduce Lawrence Ferringhetti’s recitation of “Baseball Canto,” a poem about Ezra Pound watching an imagery-laden lyrical baseball game. It’s a string of artistic icons put together and introduced by an artistic icon, and that star power infuses the game of baseball with the power it had 50 years ago.