The Corner

The Corner
Words and music by Ben Hassenger © 2008
Admitted into the archives in the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY, January 2010.

On the corner stands a lady who's seen better days
90 years old she's peeling and grey
Her memories are of men she entertained
Cobb, Ruth, and Kaline are just a few of the names
Mandela came full of grace and charm
The last time the Lions roared was in her arms
Sparkled like the queen of diamonds in the summer sky
She could make a rookie smile or an old pro cry
Just blocks away from the new girl on the street
Rusty metal crumbling concrete

Ebbets Field
Polo Grounds
Comiskey Park
They're all torn down
Everything good
Comes to an end
I won't forget you Tiger Stadium

I remember when I first sat in those bleacher seats
Walked up that ramp a new world opened up to me
The sun shone bright on that emerald green
It was nothing like Id ever seen
Smelled of old hot dogs, cigars, and beer
Transistor radio was at my ear
We'd do the chicken dance stand up and wave
I made new friends who are still my friends today
After church on Sunday I'd be in the stands
Praying for my Tigers with all the other fans

Chorus

I was at that last game in 99
Gave her a big ol hug for the very last time
The players wore the numbers of the Tiger Greats
Fick hit that slam to seal the Royals fate
Didn't leave until long after they shut down the lights
Couldn't bear to tell the old gal goodnight
The new girl's sexy, but she ain't the same
I guess that's just the nature of the game
There's no longer any doubt
It's the last at bat the final out

Chorus

Category:

Music

Tags:

• folk
• indie
• unsigned
• detroit
• tigers
• tiger
• stadium
• ernie
• harwell
• ben
• hassenger
• blue
• jello
• baseball
• ballparks
• al
• kaline
• ty
• cobb
• robert
• fick
• michigan
• trumbull
• last
• game
• at

[bquietmusic]

I enjoyed talking to everyone and sharing memories at the visitation Thursday. Lots of tears and laughs too.

[MikulkaSP]

Wow, I saw you at Ernie Harwell's visitation at Comerica Park.

[brainworkz451z]

That's a great song, Ben! I look forward to seeing you soon in Greater LA.

[saalfrank]

Ben,

I was at that last game too. This last year has been a really sad one for us fans of the old girl. *sigh* PROGRESS SUCKS....and now she's gone.... but DEFINITELY NOT FORGOTTEN! :(

[jage750]

Thanks for the video. It was sad, but listening to your memories reminded me of fond memories of home openers when my friends and I would take the day off work. I also worked at the park every day for 2 weeks as an extra on Billy Crystal's 61*. Thanks, again.

[stevedeasy]

What are you saying, ResoNut? That isn't a love seat in the video?

[stevedeasy]

Ben,

Good song to commemorate the end of an era in Detroit. You could add Forbes Field to your list. All that is left of that is the home plate inside an academic building of the University of Pittsburgh. At least the Original Hot Dog is still there. Everything good really does seem to come to an end.

Best,

Steve Deasy

[lincman]

I get a lump in my throat every time I view this!!! Awesome job guys!!!

CB

[ResoNut]

Ben & Steve, Great Video.

You do the Olde English D Proud!

Hey Ben, Did the Seats in the video replace your Love Seat in the home?

[steveoatley]

Great Video Ben.

You are working hard to Save Tiger Stadium !!!

Keep up the good work !!