BITTERSWEET, Ky. — It may be the middle of football season for some, but for me, it is the most exciting time of year to be a baseball fan: The World Series.

Now, what does baseball and country music have in common? Well, likely not much, except I am sure legions of country fans are also baseball fans. After all, it is America’s favorite pastime.

And when I think about it, many country stars did have connections to baseball. The first that comes to mind is Tim McGraw, whose dad was the famous Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Tug McGraw.

Charley Pride was also a pro player many years ago, while Scotty McCreery and Jason Aldean both shone as high school baseball standouts.

Musically speaking, many country singers have lent their talents to baseball, performing our National Anthem before games. And let‘s face it, one of the most popular songs ever written in this country is performed at nearly every professional baseball game during the famous seventh inning stretch – “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.”

Admit it, almost everyone you know learned at least a part of this song. It is like “Happy Birthday” or “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.”

The song actually dates back to 1908 when it was written by Jack Norworth, with musical composition by Albert Von Tilzer. The chorus we all know and love is actually a part of a multi-verse song in which Norworth describes a young lady named Katie Casey, who agreed to a date with her only if he took her to a baseball game.

There was a 1927 version very similar, and the chorus of this American treasure was first performed at a ballgame in 1934. Harry Caray of Chicago Cubs fame is likely the person who made it a staple at professional baseball games beginning in 1971.

However it got there, a baseball game just wouldn’t be the same without this wonderful song so many of us learned as a child. While Norworth is hardly a name we relate to as a well-known songwriter, in his time he was quite famous, having also penned “Shine on Harvest Moon” among others.

Ironically, Norworth did not see a professional baseball game until 1940.

I believe the game of baseball is as much of an American tradition as country music, and during the autumn, it is a time when all of us become fans. So – let’s play ball!

Bluegrass Johnson comes from a long line of country music performers and enjoys a passion for the rhythm and melody. From the hills of Kentucky, he will offer his opinions on a variety of new country music each week. Readers with questions or comments may write to Johnson in care of this publication.