Originally Odd Off-day Observation

What if at-bat songs were accurate descriptions of the players? What songs would best describe current Reds players? I gave it a shot – Reds at-bat music, if songs actually described the players.

Drew Stubbs
Song: “Steal Away”
Artist: Various, composed by Wallace Willis
Date: 1862
Reason/Description: “Steal Away” is an American Negro Spiritual which has been performed by various artist including Etta James and Sam Cooke. Drew Stubbs steals bases…

Listen to Sam Cooke – Steal Away (youtube)

Brandon Phillips
Song: “No One’s Gonna Love You”
Artist: Band of Horses
Date: 2007
Reason/Description: The chorus of the song , “No one’s gonna love you more than I do.” Phillips  is possibly the most fan-friendly player in the history of Cincinnati sports. He has made it clear he’d love to retire as a member of the Reds. Cincinnati fans, BP loves you and no one’s gonna love you more than he does.

Listen to “No One’s Gonna Love You” (youtube)

Joey Votto
Song: “Lean on Me”
Artist: Bill Withers
Date: 1972
Reason/Description: You know the song. “Lean on me, when you’re not strong, and I’ll be your friend. I’ll help you carry on.” Yeah, I’d say that describes Votto’s role on this team.

Listen to “Lean On Me” (youtube)

Jay Bruce
Song: “Prototype”
Artist: Outkast
Date: 2003
Reason/Description: “Prototype” is a love song where the subject of the song struggles with some uncertainty about the relationship. “I hope that you’re the one… If not, you are the prototype.” Much like the way many of us feel about our very own Jay Bruce.

Listen to “Prototype” (youtube)

Scott Rolen
Song: “I’m So Tired”
Artist: The Beatles
Date: 1968
Reason/Description: The title of this song was simply too perfect. I hate to pick on Rolen, but he has looked flat-out exhausted this year.

Listen to “I’m So Tired” (youtube)

Jonny Gomes
Song: “Black Hole Sun”
Artist: Sound Garden
Date: 1994
Reason/Description: Jonny Gomes has become a black hole in the Reds’ lineup. Most applicable lyric – “Hang my head, drown my fear, ‘til you all just disappear.”

Listen to “Black Hole Sun” (youtube)

Ramon Hernandez and Ryan Hanigan
Song: “It Takes Two”
Artist: Marvin Gaye and Kim Weston
Date: 1965
Reason/Description: Ramon Hernandez and Ryan Hanigan make for one terrific catcher. But neither one of them could do it alone, proving that, “it takes two, to make a dream come true.”

Listen to “It Takes Two” (youtube)

Edgar Renteria
Song: “The Great Pretender”
Artist: The Platters
Date: 1955
Reason/Description: Renteria was signed based on reputation. However, his talent disappeared long ago. “Oh yes, I’m the great pretender, adrift in a world of my own. I play the game but to my real shame, you’ve left me to dream all alone.”

Listen to “The Great Pretender” (youtube)

BONUS BENCH PLAYER

Miguel Cairo
Song: “Subsititute”
Artist: The Who
Date: 1966
Reason/Description: Obvious…

Listen to “Substitute” (youtube)

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