22 Comments
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Gary Trujillo's avatar

He wasn't quite as popular in Oakland as he was nearing the bitter end and couldn't hit water if he fell out of a boat. I believe his struggles were the reason why the A's acquired Carney Lansford from Boston.

Dan Epstein's avatar

I’d actually forgotten that he was ever on the A’s - probably because I didn’t really pay close attention to baseball from about 1985 to 1996.

Al Melchior's avatar

I didn't pay much attention from '85 to '93. I wonder if that's a stage-of-life thing? A specific disinterest in Rickey Henderson and Wade Boggs?

Dan Epstein's avatar

I actually loved Rickey… but music (and girls, and weed) had far surpassed my interest in baseball at that point.

David Perlmutter's avatar

"Alvin Cash" Twine Time!

Jonathan Singer's avatar

Rumor has it Goose Gossage hated this song so much, it's the reason he beaned Cey on the head in 81...

This song wouldn't be out of place on Ween's 12 Golden Country Greats...

Dan Epstein's avatar

Ha! You’re not wrong!

Gary Trujillo's avatar

Too be fair, Gossage pretty much hates everything due to having a tiny penis.

Phil Plencner's avatar

Ron Cey was also with the Cubs for their magical 1984 season. If I remember right, he hit more home runs that year for the Cubs than any other player on the team...even more than MVP Ryne Sandberg.

I was a big fan of him then and i had no idea he made music! Thanks for this post!!

Dan Epstein's avatar

Good memory — he led that Cubs squad with 25 HRs and 97 RBI!

Epstein Irwin's avatar

🐧Every record needs a baseline and who doesn’t love penguins? Maybe geese? 🪿

Matt Thompson's avatar

I have no recollection of either of those songs, although I didn't start listening to Dr. Demento until circa '79. They are not without some charm! I did see Ron Cey during spring training 1975 along with the Yomiuri Giants in Vero Beach, FL.

Dan Epstein's avatar

Yeah, I think this single had long faded from the good Doctor’s playlists by then.

Mickey McMahan's avatar

If Strawberry were playing, he would be looking for that bag at third base.

Dan Epstein's avatar

If the '86 Mets were involved, there would be no bags left at all.

Steve Goldberg's avatar

I grew up more of a Davey Lopes fan during my youth as a Dodgers fan. But Ron Cey would make the top three. I had completely forgotten about this song. It’s better than it has any right to be. Or maybe that’s mostly nostalgia talking. Great piece.

Dan Epstein's avatar

Thanks, Steve. I loved Lopes, too. He was so exciting on the base paths; I can still vividly remember him stealing second base against Johnny Bench in that first Dodger game I ever attended.

Hugh Jones's avatar

Wow, with a picture sleeve & everything! Perfect tracks for Dr. Demento's show.

Jeff Babko's avatar

this is amazing. I assume you’ve done a story about The Big Blue Wrecking Crew

Dan Epstein's avatar

I haven't, actually! The Fox Sports column ended before I could get to them!

Jay Wade Edwards's avatar

Great write up! I love the deep dive into baseball and music crossovers. Cey's pop culture footprint extended beyond his 7" single. He was a guest star on Columbo, Simon & Simon, Murder She Wrote, Hardcastle & McCormick, and... Q: The Winged Serpent (as a machine gun blasting cop)! Here's my writeup with link to clips: https://tinkertaylorsolerspiezio.substack.com/p/baseball-songs-on-vinyl-ron-cey?r=fjz4v&utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web

Dan Epstein's avatar

I love Q — I wish there were more of Ron in there!