Playing professional baseball is often deemed as an occupation filled with plenty of glitz and glamor, but it’s not that way for everyone, especially young players trying to work their way up to the big leagues. Unlike players in the Major Leagues, most Minor Leaguers make their way across the country to their games by bus, rather than plane and have to carry their own bags.
During these long journeys, most minor leaguers develop an intimate relationship with their I-Pods, listening to their favorite tracks to not only pass the time, but to get them ready for work.
Former Mets prospect Jason Jacobs is no different. As a matter of fact, judging by the music that played every time he stepped up to the plate in 2007, which ranged from songs by Queens of the Stone Age, Audioslave and Red Hot Chili Peppers, music plays a huge part in his life and his career. At times during that season it was hard to figure out what was more entertaining, listening to the music that played when Jacobs approached the plate or watching him hit, as he slugged 12 home runs and 46 RBI with the Cyclones.
In an interview done in summer 2007, Jacobs, who now plays for the Camden Riversharks of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball , talks about his musical tastes and discusses the music that inspires him while on the job in addition to some of his all-time favorites.
Review Fix: You have four great songs that accompany you to the plate and they really get a reaction from the fans. Did you pick all of them and are you a fan of theirs?
Jason Jacobs: I actually only picked two of those songs, the Red Hot Chili Peppers one [Californication] and the Audioslave track [Show me how to Live]. The other ones the PA announcers picked for me. I really love the Chili Peppers, I always have and that Audioslave song is really good.
RF: How long have you liked the Chili Peppers?
Jacobs: Oh man, since like forever. I’ve been listening to them since “Blood, Sugar, Sex, Magik.†It’s one of my all-time favorite CDs. They got pretty complex lyrics, they’re not just stupid rhymes or anything. I really like what they have to say in their songs. The bass is really good, the guitars are great and so are the vocals. They have everything.
RF: What about Audioslave? Are you a big Chris Cornell fan?
Jacobs: Yeah, I love his stuff, I also like the guitarist in the band, even though I can’t remember his name at the moment [Tom Morello]. I like their lyrics too and it’s really fun to just relax and jam to their stuff.
RF: Do you play any instruments?
Jacobs: I played piano when I was younger and my sister Jaime taught me a few songs, but I never really got into it.
RF: What do you listen to out on the road?
Jacobs: Most of the time, I’ll throw on some Led Zeppelin and just cruise to that. As far as what I listen to from them, it depends on what mood I’m in. Kashmir is a great song and Tangerine is a good one, kind of reminds me of going to California. Again, like the other artists I’ve mentioned, I love their lyrics and how they go about their business.
RF: If you could chill out with any musician for a night, who would it be and why?
Jacobs: Considering the way I was raised, with my parents playing a lot of older music, I think it would have to be John Lennon. I really like his stuff. I’d love to hang out with him for a night and just talk music. Jimmy Buffett would be my second choice just because I think he would be a fun guy to hang out with and you can tell he knows how to have a good time.
RF: You go through any musical phrases growing up that you’re not too fond of now?
Jacobs: I used to listen to listen to a lot of rap, stuff like Master P, but it doesn’t really hold up for me anymore. I listen to Tupac [Shakur] from time to time; he’s still good. But I still look back sometimes and say, “What the heck was I thinking?†It’s totally different from what I listen to now.
RF: Can you name five songs you have on your I-pod right now?
Jacobs: Drive-By Truckers “Outfit,†Red Hot Chili Peppers “Hard to Concentrate,†“Can’t Stop,†Dani California†and “Other Side.†I also have plenty of Audioslave, Sublime and Rage against the Machine. I think I’m definitely a rocker.
RF: After a long, hard day of playing baseball, if you had a chance to listen to one song to relax to, what would it be?
Jacobs: Definitely “Outfit†by the Drive-By Truckers. I love that song.
Photo by Conroy Walker.
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