The Great Mississippi by Jordan A. Deutsch

Many great men and women have written entire books about every aspect of the game; however, other than "Casey At Bat," few know about some of the other great poems that have appeared honoring our national pastime. Listed below is the baseball poem: The Great Mississippi.

"To the Red Stockings from Cincinnati,The original Magnificent Machine." - Anonymous
The Great Mississippi

The Mississippi River

by Jordan A. Deutsch

Published: Sports Encyclopedia: Baseball (1932)

Up from the grasslands,
The plains, the cities,
Up from the vastness of the land itself:
Up Up Up
To the Great Mississippi.

Up to that First Field bathed in the sun,
Basking in the glory of its birth
Immersed in future time.

Further up slides the sun.

Up
To the Red Stockings from Cincinnati,
The original Magnificent Machine,
The dynasty without a future.
Up
To the National Association,
Swaying in its greatness.

Further up slides the sun.

Through the mouth of history slide provocative names
Once breathed on the lips of dreamers.

In what fine grave do the Elizabeth Resolutes
Troy Haymakers,
And Lord Baltimores now rest?

Up moving up
To expanding cities pocketed
In gray concrete.

(Can you hear the shrill and melodic chant of the
Train Conductor calling out his roll?)
:NewYawkHartfordBosstonPhilaDELphia
LouievilleCINCINnatiShecargo and Saint Louieeeeee.

Up up up
Up
To the Great Mississippi.

The Great Mississippi by Jordan A. Deutsch



Do you recall the towns / teams heard by the train conductor? Take a few moments and review some of the EARLY years in our year in review section.

Did you know that every team which was originally part of the American League in 1901 is still in existence to this day?

Baseball expansion is the theme. Is it a good thing? Is it a bad thing ? Put your opinion on our message boards today