Name: How the Blue Jays got a theme song
Uploaded: 2025-10-28T03:36:08.596Z
Duration: 2 min 10 s
Description: CBC’s Makda Ghebreslassie explains how OK Blue Jays became the team’s theme song in 1982, despite the songwriters knowing little about baseball.

CBC’s Makda Ghebreslassie explains how OK Blue Jays became the team’s theme song in 1982, despite the songwriters knowing little about baseball.

Toronto

The Toronto Blue Jays' well-known theme song, often heard during the seventh inning stretch, was created in 1982 by Jack Lenz and Tony Kozenik, who were primarily commercial jingle writers with little knowledge of baseball. Encouraged by Blue Jays executive Paul Beeston to keep expectations modest, the duo drew inspiration from the atmosphere of baseball games and quickly composed the catchy tune, with Keith Hampshire as the lead singer.

The song gained popularity, selling 50,000 copies and earning gold status in 1985. Its shorter version remains a fan favourite at games, and it continues to be updated by supporters, including musicians like Max Kerman of the Arkells, ensuring its enduring presence in Blue Jays culture.

How the Blue Jays got a theme song

It's that catchy baseball tune that revs up fans in bars, in schools, and in the seats at Blue Jays games during the 7th inning stretch. You may know the words, but did you know the tune got its start in 1982? Jack Lenz and business partner Tony Kozenik co-wrote commercials, but then they got called up to take a swing at a theme song for the Blue Jays. Thing is, neither Tony nor I had ever been to a baseball game. Sports was not our thing, so we were definitely music nerds. But they were up for the challenge. After coming up with a game plan, then Blue Jays executive Paul Beeston gave them a tip. I remember so clearly him saying, you know, we're only five years old, we can't promise too much, so just say they're okay. The pair tapped into the sights and sounds of baseball. You got a diamond, you got nine men. And within one afternoon, they had their tune, called to bat as lead singer was Keith Hampshire. Yeah, it was very catchy, very clever, very clever. Well, when I first heard the track, I thought, this sort of sounds like a Randy Newman song, and I love Randy Newman. Sold as a record, in 1985, the track went gold, reaching 50,000 sold. The shorter version, chanted at games, continues to delight. It's even getting updates from fans, like the Arkells' Max Kermit. We call him Vladdy, yes, he's a baddie. He's not the only one giving the song a new twist. We'll beat the Dodgers so bad, it'll make L.A. blue. No doubt, Jays fans are hoping that comes true. Makda Ghebreyesus, CBC News, Toronto.

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