CD INSERT/LINER NOTES Baseball Songs Sports Heroes 2 Baseball Songs Sports Heroes 2 is the third CD Album of the team of Joe Pickering Jr. songwriter and Phil Coley music arranger, producer, musician, and singer. The first and second CD’s Baseball Songs Sports Heroes 1 and Sports Songs and Beyond were accepted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame Sound Library. Songs from these CD’s, played in an HBO movie, the Fox Network, and many other TV and radio stations and several of the songs lyrics have been reprinted in major sports books by noted sports authors Harvey Frommer and Frederic Frommer. Baseball Songs Sports Heroes 2 surpasses the other two in the number, variety and breath of the baseball or baseball related songs (16) and 3 other sports songs plus 2 bonus songs. Even before this CD was released noted authors, filmmakers, owners of popular website sports blogs, companies and others have made testimonials re: this CD and/or individual songs. Their quotes are included throughout this CD insert liner notes. This CD features songs about baseball and sports heroes past and present including Jackie Robinson, Roberto Clemente, Buck O’Neil America’s Ambassador to Baseball, Eddie Feigner the King of the King and his Court, Tony Conigliaro, Ichiro, Dice K and Okajima, Sadaharu Oh, Babe Ruth, Barry Bonds, Hank Aaron, Josh Gibson, and the largely unknown today but one of the greatest 19th Century ball players Ed Delahanty. There are also songs about major league sports teams, stadiums and baseball curses such as the Chicago Cubs and its very own cursed Wrigley Field, New York Mets, Yankee Stadium, and two songs about Philadelphia’s all pro sports curse! There’s even a song about Howlin’ Hilda the greatest Dodger fan and one of the greatest baseball fans ever plus a song about the bravest Boston Red Sox fans. Who can they be? I have also written two songs about the courage and commitment to youth of George Chuvalo Canada’s Heavyweight Champion. He fought all the great fighters of his era and was never knocked down. More importantly he doesn’t let life knock him down. Lumberjacking today is a sport but none of the current Champs faced the man in The Ballad of Paul Bunyan who clearly is the greatest all time lumberjack. There are three bonus songs the heart gripping Bartender Divine and two more songs that tell of the sacrifice, valor and the pain of those who serve our country in war. These songs are: If This Rifle Could Talk about one soldier in the Normandy Invasion and We Honor You which recounts the story of a returning Vietnam Veteran. I hope you come to treasure this CD. All of the song lyrics of the CD Baseball Songs Sports Heroes 2 are at www.kingoftheroadmusic.com and may be reprinted free. Click on The Music then click Lyrics under the CD title. All of the songs unless otherwise indicated have been written by Joe Pickering Jr. King of the Road Music BMI is the music publisher and copyright owner of all 21 of the songs. Phil Coley has wonderfully sung, produced and arranged 19 of the songs. Award winning Danny Mack has sung, produced and arranged one song. Ray Sanders former United Artist singer has sung, produced and arranged one song and is the co-writer also with Joe Pickering Jr. Joe Terry a fine songwriter co-wrote one of the songs with Joe Pickering Jr. Please review the songs on this CD. Please read what others are saying about the songs below. 1. BUCK O’NEIL 3:40 C 2007 The late Mr. John Buck O’Neil remains America’s Ambassador of Baseball. I was honored to receive a letter from Mr. Buck O’Neil expressing deep appreciation for my first CD Baseball Songs Sports Heroes 1. Mr. O’Neil, when he was Chairman of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, wrote in part, “The songs “Let’s Not Forget” and “Smokey Joe” were very inspirational. Through these songs, you honored the unsung heroes of the Negro Leagues.” Mr. O’Neil was too kind with his last sentence. Those ballplayers who played in the Negro Leagues honored me and all of us by their courage. Mr. O’Neil played with the best of them. He was one of the finest examples of a man overcoming hatred with love. I am honored to write a song about him. I do hope that one day he will be in our National Baseball Hall of Fame. Buck O’Neil would do honor to the Hall of Fame by his presence. 2. FROM AN ORPHAN TO A KING 4:13 C 2005 From an Orphan To a King: Way back in 1952, I sat in Fraser Field in Lynn, Mass and watched the greatest pitcher I ever saw. He pitched from second base blind folded and struck out the batter. He also threw pitches behind his back and through his legs and still struck batters out. Plus, he was only played with three other players against a 9-man team. He is one of the greatest barnstormers of all time. Millions of fans have been privileged to see him. Just a few years ago the King, and his wife Anne Marie (known as the Queen as she is an outstanding softball player) and the King’s Court were barnstorming through Bangor, Maine where I now live with my family. I was honored that they both appreciated the song I wrote about him. From an Orphan to a King is my song tribute to the man who struck out Hall of Famers Willie Mays, Roberto Clemente and other Hall of Famers in a charity game. Anne Marie who also played for the King and his Court expressed her appreciation to me by writing, “Thank you so much for transplanting The King's life into an American folk song. We were honored to hear our lives told through music. It was incredible how you were able to put it all together. From An Orphan to A King lyrics is the short version of Eddie's autobiography. You told it so well! I am blessed to have a friend like you.” Unfortunately, the King Eddie Feigner passed away a short time ago but I have my memorable memories of meeting him and his queen. 3. YANKEE STADIUM 4:01 C 2007 It is so hard to believe! There will be a new stadium for the New York Yankees. I was going to say it replaces Yankee Stadium. That will never happen because of all those millions of memories of millions of fans. My late Mom was a Hall of Fame Red Sox fan admired the New York Yankees. One of her happiest moments was being in Yankee Stadium with my late father watching the Yankees play in the World Series in the 1940’s. The House that Ruth built is simply one of baseball’s and sports greatest shrines. I tried to capture the spirit that is Yankee Stadium. Did I succeed? You be the judge. Phil Speranza has already rendered his judgement. He is the webmaster and publisher of the longest running Yankee Fans sites on the Internet Behind the Bombers (http://www.behindthebombers.com / which has been featured by Sports Illustrated. This is what Phil had to say about the Yankee Stadium song: "Joe, your late mom, a truly devoted Red Sox fan is going to get you for writing such a song as Yankee Stadium. But, my late dad one of the greatest Yankee fans is smiling upon you! Man you can really put yourself in the place of another fan. (and without drugs! ), The song gave me chills. An Anthem for an Icon.” Thank you Phil! That is one impressive statement! An Anthem for an Icon! 4. GOD IS A METS FAN 3: 45 C 2007 I wrote the popular God’s NOT a Mets Fan song. I say popular based on the number of digital music downloads of this song. (maybe, it is only Yankee Fans who are downloading it). However, I researched more deeply the history of the New York Mets. I must now conclude indeed God IS a Mets Fan! What a thrilling history! What a loyal fan base the Mets have! 5. TONY C 4:51 C 2007 One of the most popular and determined players in Red Sox baseball history, Tony C would not be defeated. He came back from a devastating injury to play in the game of baseball and life! This is my tribute song to Tony C. 6. DICE K AND OKAJIMA 3:39 C 2007 These two sons from the Land of the Rising Sun are two pitching phenoms helping the Red Sox in their quest for another World Series Win. Mr. Okajima in his first year in the majors became an all star player. 7. THE BRAVEST RED SOX FANS 2:44 C 2007 Who are the bravest Red Sox Fans? Where do they live? Why are they the bravest? Read the quote by Mr. John Quinn of the Mighty Quinn Media Machine of below and listen to the tribute song: The Bravest Red Sox Fans. “As a Red Sox fan here in New York City, I really enjoyed Joe Pickering Jr.'s song, The Bravest Red Sox Fans. He captures the spirit of what it's like to be behind enemy lines here in Yankeeland. It's great to know we New York-area Red Sox fans inspired Joe to write this song, and I wish him all the best with the song, and his newest CD, Baseball Songs Sports Heroes 2.” John Quinn Brooklyn, NY The Mighty Quinn Media Machine www.quinnmedia.blogspot.com 8. JACKIE ROBINSON’S LEGACY 3:22 C 2007 Baseball’s declining in the inner city today. More and more black kids are picking up the football or the basketball. Why? What’s the reason? Is Jackie’s Robinson’s Legacy in jeopardy? Listen to this song please. 9. ROBERTO CLEMENTE 3:30 C 2007 He was not only one of the greatest right fielders in baseball history but Roberto Clemente was a great humanitarian. No one dimensional sports hero, Roberto was a Hero period 10. HOWLIN’ HILDA 4:25 C 2007 The Dodger Fans are among the best baseball fans in the world. Howlin’ Hilda was the greatest Dodger Fan of all time. Terry Cannon of the Baseball Reliquary has this to say about my song. "A warm-hearted tribute to the legendary First Lady of Flatbush, or as Leo Durocher called her, 'that crazy dame with the cowbell.' For years, Hilda Chester was a permanent fixture in the bleachers at Ebbets Field, inciting the crowd, rattling opposing pitchers, and stirring up rallies, all the while establishing herself as royalty among America's baseball fans. This song not only captures her spirit and unique involvement in the game, but it assures that the final bell has not yet rung for Howlin' Hilda." -- Terry Cannon, Executive Director, The Baseball Reliquary http://www.baseballreliquary.org/ 11. ED DELAHANTY 4:15 C 2007 If you want to read a great baseball book and biography then read the book about baseball great Ed Delahanty in the Emerald age of Baseball by Jerrold Casway. Ed who you might say? That’s what I thought until I did research on Ed Delahanty one of baseball’s greatest players in the 19th century. I was pleased to receive the following statement from Mr. Casway the author of the book. “The Delahanty Ballad belts winning notes about his life and legacy. It’s an extra base hit. All the best, JC.” 12. OUR CUBBIE CURSE 3:02 C. 2007 Cubbie fans stop believing Murphy the Goat and his owner cursed the Cubs. True the goat was barred from attending one of the Cubs World Series games in 1945. Please recall all your history! Wrigley Field was built many decades before. What were the Cubs doing during that time period? The answer is losing! So don’t blame Murphy the Goat Cubbie Fans! The Cubs have never won a World Series in beloved Wrigley Field. Listen to the song Our Cubbie Curse and you will learn all the gory details of the real Cubbie Curse! 13. THE CURSE OF WILLIAM PENN 3:30 C 2007 Have you every heard of the Curse of William Penn? Many haven’t but it’s truly one of sports most baffling “curses.” I know something about “curses” I have been a Red Sox fan all my life. And, I did write the songs Babe Ruth’s Curse 1 which played in the HBO film The Curse of the Bambino as well as Babe Ruth’s Curse 2. But, the Curse of William Penn is right up there with the Cubbie Curse! No doubt about it! There’s been a heart gripping film made about it. Do you want to learn more? Rob Marcolina, Mikaelyn Austin, Dan Borkson, Writers/Producers/Owners of Phrustrated Phan Films, created 'The Curse of William Penn'..." Please go to http://www.phrustratedphans.com/ to learn all about the wonderful film The Curse of William Penn which recounts the tales and the anguish of Philly Fans and the Pro Philadelphia Teams inability to win a championship ever since that dreadful year of 1984! After you do that read what these filmmakers said about my song lyric. "Joe Pickering displays an in depth comprehension of the only reason that can explain the unprecedented ongoing 24 year Sports Championship drought in Philadelphia - The Curse of Philly's founder - William Penn. Joe's lyrics in The Curse of William Penn show a great understanding of the futility of the Philadelphia sports teams and the frustration of Philly Fans." How Phrustrated Are You? - http://www.phrustratedphan.com/ 14. WHAT LIES UNDER WILLIAM PENN’S HAT? 3:42 C 2006 This is the companion song to The Curse of William Penn. I think it is every bit as good as the other song 15: ICHIRO 4:20 C 2007 A tribute song to one of the greatest baseball players in the majors today. Ichiro is one of the greatest players to ever come out of Japan. 16. THE GREATEST HOME RUN KING 3:11 C 2007 Who is the greatest Home Run King? Is it Barry, the Babe, Hank, the Mick, Josh Gibson or Sadaharu Oh or someone else? Listen to the song and come to your own conclusion! 17. I’M STILL STANDING 3:45 C 2006 George Chuvalo the long time Canadian Heavyweight Champion fought all of the great fighters of his era and was never knocked down. He faced everyone including Ali, George Foreman, Joe Frazier and more. But, he had even had bigger battles in life but Mr. George Chuvalo is still standing even after all these years and doing wonders for those in need. 18. BE A CHAMP LIKE GEORGE 2:45 C 2007 Here is another fine song about George Chuvalo and his value as a role model. 19. THE BALLAD OF PAUL BUNYAN 2:58 Singer Danny Mark Co Writers Joe Terry BMI and Joe Pickering Jr. BMI C 1996 Who is the greatest Lumberjack of all time? There is only one answer, Paul Bunyan! He is a legend that still lives in Americana. There are many intriguing questions that are solved by listening to the Ballad of Paul Bunyan. Do you know where Paul Bunyan and his Blue Ox were born? How and where did he live when he was young and what did he do? Why did he need to leave the place of his birth to go out West? These and many other questions are answered in The Ballad of Paul Bunyan. This song is the official Paul Bunyan song of the Bangor, Maine Regional Chamber of Commerce. Joe Pickering Jr. and Joe Terry co-wrote this song. It’s wonderfully sung by Danny Mack. It won the Country Music Association of America's Comedy Song of the Year Award in 1997 in Las Vegas, and was recommended for Grammy Award nomination. A big thank you for the voice, spirit and man known as Danny Mack! 20: WE HONOR YOU! 1:48 Ray Sanders Singer Co-Writers Ray Sanders BMI and Joe Pickering Jr. BMI C 1983 Former United Artist singer Ray Sanders has had over 14 chart hits. Ray sings this song with great feeling and compassion. Of all the veterans returning from wars the Vietnam Veterans had no grand parades or celebrations. Unfortunately, too often there was scorn. Thank heaven that has changed over the decades. The song We Honor You tells one tale of one Vietnam Veteran returning home from that long ago war. 21. IF THIS RIFLE COULD TALK 3:54 C 2006 Back in 1961, when I was in the Air Force during the Berlin Crisis I was walking along a Normandy Beach when I found part of a rifle partly buried in the sand. I was sure that it came from the Normandy Invasion. Overlooking the beach on the bluffs were still existing German Gun bunkers. I have wondered whatever happened to that man who carried that rifle? What has emerged is my song: If this Rifle Could Talk Mr. Francois Gauthier the Consul General of France in Boston wrote in a letter to me, “Listening to If this Rifle Could Talk is a moving experience and your song a beautiful tribute to those who liberated my country from tyranny. France will never forget the sacrifices of those American heroes.” I was deeply touched by Mr. Gauthier’s remarks. MORE TESTIMONIALS Sean Holtz of Baseball Almanac (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/) whose comprehensive baseball history site receives more than 40 million hits per month says: “Honestly Joe, you are to baseball music, what Elvis Presley was to rock and roll. A true pioneer in a field full of controversy staying miles above the rest and creating a path all your own – a path many will try to follow and few will even come close.” Joe Connor, Baseball Freelance Writer, " Joe Pickering has hit another Home Run with Baseball Songs Sports Heroes 2 celebrating baseball's past while making a statement about today's game and future regarding the infusion of foreign-born talent. This is all summed up on the great, catchy but meaningful dedication song to the late Roberto Clemente who led by example in first opening the many doors Latino baseball players can walk through today. The blunt message of the Clemente song should also stir debate. The much lighter Ichiro song is sure to go No. 1 in Japan and at every corner block coffee shop in Seattle, and Red Sox Nation will no doubt enjoy the dedications to Dice-K and Okajima and the late Tony C. A history lesson of baseball's global past, present, future - it's all hear to hear!" www.modernerabaseball.com Ernie Paicopolos, Editor-In-Chief of the famous Fenway Nation Website at _www.fenwaynation.com_ (http://www.fenwaynation.com) made this quote. "Joe Pickering, Jr.s great new compilation of sports songs will fill your heart with memories—whether it's making you recall the time you saw the Great King (Eddie Feigner) and His Court or (for Red Sox fans at least) the sad day that the great Tony Conigliaro went down in the prime of his youth. Sox fans will also love the tribute to our new stars—Dice-K and Okajima!" www.fenwaynation.com (http://www.fenwaynation.com) has had more than 10,100,000 hits since 2004 About Joe Pickering Jr: "Baseball wasn't a religion in my Mother’s and Father’s house but my brother and I were only allowed to pray for one Major League baseball team: THE BOSTON RED SOX." -- Joe Pickering, Songwriter I wrote my first song lyric at 12 and have been writing since then. During the past several years I’ve concentrated on baseball and sports songs. Two CD’s have been accepted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame Sound Library. I hope this CD Baseball Songs Sports Heroes 2 will soon join the others in the Hall! I appreciate the marvelous singing and fine creative work of Phil Coley. I hope all will enjoy it. About Phil Coley Trained at the world-renowned Berklee College of Music, Phil is a full time singer and musician. He has appeared with his Band in a made for TV Movie and has made numerous TV appearances. Phil has arranged, produced, and sang most of the songs on the last two CD’s as well as this one Baseball Songs Sports Heroes 2. Phil Coley has immense talent. Thank you so much for teaming with me Phil over the years. World's Greatest Promoters of Independent Music A big thank you to Steve and Bobbie Sands for playing my songs and others. Their radio program Tomorrow's Dreams at web page www.LoveOurMusic.com strongly promotes independent music from the New England area. Keep up the great work! In Memorium: To America’s Ambassador to Baseball Buck O’Neil who belongs in the National Baseball Hall of Fame and to the greatest barnstormer of all time Eddie Feigner of the King and his Court. It was an honor to meet both he and his Queen Anne Marie. Anyone who ever met or been in contact with Buck O’Neil and/or Eddie Feigner will never forget them. All songs are published by King of the Road Music BMI. Joe Pickering Jr. President of King of the Road Music owns all the copyrights on all the songs. Come visit www.kingoftheroadmusic.com Download the song lyrics to Baseball Songs Sports Heroes 2 for free! All songs and CD’s at King of the Road Music are available as digital music downloads or physical copies.