Peter, Paul and Mary - Right Field (25th Anniversary Concert)

Peter, Paul and Mary perform "Right Field" live at their 25th anniversary concert in 1986. Now, two and a half decades later, in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the formation of the group in the famed Greenwich Village, this joyous yet deeply moving live concert is being first released on DVD by Shout! Factory.
Get the DVD here: www.shoutfactor...
Mary Travers has said she was influenced by Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, and the Weavers. In the documentary Peter, Paul & Mary: Carry It On - A Musical Legacy members of the Weavers discuss how Peter, Paul and Mary took over the torch of the social commentary of folk music in the 1960s.
Manager Albert Grossman created Peter, Paul and Mary in 1961, after auditioning several singers in the New York folk scene. After rehearsing them out of town in Boston and Miami, Grossman booked them into The Bitter End, a coffee house, nightclub and popular folk music venue in New York City's Greenwich Village.
They recorded their first self-titled debut album, Peter, Paul and Mary, the following year. It included "Lemon Tree", "500 Miles", and the Pete Seeger hit tunes "If I Had a Hammer" (subtitled "The Hammer Song") and "Where Have All the Flowers Gone?". The album was listed in the Billboard Magazine Top Ten for 10 months, including seven weeks in the #1 position. It remained a main catalog-seller for decades to come, eventually selling over two million copies, earning Double Platinum certification from the RIAA in the United States alone.
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Lyrics:
Saturday summers, when I was a kid
We'd run to the schoolyard and here's what we did
We'd pick out the captains and we'd choose up the teams
It was always a measure of my self esteem
Cuz the fastest, the strongest, played shortstop and first
The last ones they picked were the worst
I never needed to ask, it was sealed,
I just took up my place in right field.
Playing...
Chorus:
Right field, it's easy, you know.
You can be awkward and you can be slow
That's why I'm here in right field
Just watching the dandelions grow
Playing right field can be lonely and dull
Little Leagues never have lefties that pull
I'd dream of the day they'd hit one my way
They never did, but still I would pray
That I'd make a fantastic catch on the run
And not lose the ball in the sun
And then I'd awake from this long reverie
And pray that the ball never came out to me
Here in...
(chorus)
Off in the distance, the game's dragging on,
There's strikes on the batter, some runners are on.
I don't know the inning, I've forgotten the score.
The whole team is yelling and I don't know what for.
Then suddenly everyone's looking at me
My mind has been wandering; what could it be?
They point at the sky and I look up above
And a baseball falls into my glove!
Here in right field, it's important you know.
You gotta know how to catch, you gotta know how to throw,
That's why I'm here in right field, just watching the dandelions grow!

[@BigSirZebras]

When my dad laid down after his last meal, suffering from cancer, I asked if he wanted me to play him a song on the guitar not knowing at the time that he would never wake up. He said yeah. I named a few songs and as soon as i said, "right field" he said, "yeah, play right field". I did and he fell asleep and those were his last words.

[@robkeane]

BigSirZebras Wow. Very nice. My condolence.

[@frankcabanski9409]

BigSirZebras Thanks for the story. Rest in Peace to your dad.

[@crazykids431]

I'm sorry for your loss. My dad also died from cancer. Very sorry.

[@BigSirZebras]

Thanks everyone. It is kind of funny, I would always play the song and one time one of my friends said "that is the saddest song in the world" then I said it really wasnt sad and he replied, "it is just the way you play it, i've never heard anything sadder".

[@BigSirZebras]

***** Thank you.

[@terrystarr8936]

I love this song because it happened to me in seventh grade exactly as the song says. I was a lefty myself, a member of the third string, relegated to right field. I spent a lot of time "watching the dandelions grow." When that momentous pop fly came my way, and fell into my glove, I watched confused as the other team exited. "Why are they leaving?" It was the last out of the game. My teammates practically mobbed me, as the coach shook her head in disbelief. I cry when I hear this song. Great memories!

[@marcstevens3761]

As you said. I was there in Right Field in my minor league days, wondering what was going on on the actual game. Later graduated to First Base. Great song & it surely brings back memories. ⚾

[@Goallthewayaway]

I saw them at 5. I don't have tangible memories but listening to them brings me right back

[@TheNotbadphonedaddy]

I can't listen to this song without having tears in my eyes. It resonates with me on so many levels. Being the awkward, unathletic kid without any natural talent. The last one picked in P.E. Then having that moment of levity. That moment of importance. When suddenly you go from feeling worthless to suddenly knowing you're good at something. What a beautiful song, with such meaning and feeling. Thank you Peter, Paul and Mary.

[@neilroot5759]

right field is the greatest baseball song ever. everyone in America loves the underdog

[@superkaijuguy7728]

"as a proud sponsor of little league baseball, pizza hut welcomes all the kids who make it great."-pizza hut '90

[@robertkresko6338]

Spring of 1972, I had this true "right field" experience. The field where I made the catch is still on my jogging route. I stand at the very spot for a minute or so sometimes and hum this song!

[@philochristos]

I love this song. It's about me, you know.

[@Haroldbeavis1969]

It’s about all of us.

[@paulinerothstein8982]

I just love this song ❤️ It happened to me just like this!!!!!!!!!

[@susancohendestefano8342]

One of the very best baseball songs -- and Noel Paul Stookey was the perfect person to sing it.

[@kevinpeterson6468]

Making it great

[@KaiLindaova-dd3wz]

I re-visited this Song this-Morning! It was more to... Tell a Story! I'm in Supported Accommodation;- as I have had Bad Mental Health, this past Eight years! It was a Breath of Fresh Air;- to hear the last verse;- that even the: "Slow"/'Dyspracsic' can have luck come to them! I need more luck in my life! Still PP&M were always Classic!

[@泉健二-q8r]

私の生きている時代にPPMがいたことは恩恵そのものです！I always smile and cry listning to PPM. Having had them in my life is nothing but a blessing, so thank you!!

[@thearmyflyer4905]

In 1989 I was 6 playing T-ball in Left Field and at that age not too many kids could hit it to the outfield. Then came a day when I was kicking the dirt around and a ball was hit and everyone was screaming my name. I was lost in the sauce and felt a “Thump!” I looked down and the ball had landed in my glove. I tried to play it off like I knew what I was doing the entire time. The Umpire was laughing so hard we had to pause the game 5 minutes. I got the game ball that day and still have it. When I heard this song I smiled knowing that I am probably one of a handful who will ever have that happen in their lifetime. If we had that on video it would have won Americas Funniest Home videos. Always loved this song and hope kids today will appreciate music like this no matter how old it is.

[@davidlogansr8007]

My Late Lovely Wife and I saw PPM at Hershey Theatre several times, and when we heard this song we fell in Love with it! We were raising 2 Sons, and we’re Head Houseparents at The Milton Hershey School. Wonderful Times!

[@bethsmith2242]

I absolutely love this song and always have mainly because… I played shortstop… sorry about that… my best friend played right field… once in a while… he is one of the nicest and kindest people I know… I learned from him.

[@durvalis]

Being the one kid on my little league team who was awkward, shy and had ADD & and actually played Right Field this song resonated with me on levels not many would understand. I played right field, it's important you know? You gotta learn how to catch, you gotta learn how throw and that's why I played in right field, way out where the dandelions grow ❤️

[@teddywoods6463]

This song always manages to cheer me up

[@quinkelly1441]

I caught myself singing/Humming this song last time I was at pizza hut this was a memory pull.

[@SodaPopinski2014]

omg tmnt and pizza hut brought me here...mind completely blown

[@StoneyBrownTV]

I got a free Pizza Hut pizza and the vhs for TMNT. I remember the Pizza Hut commercial to this day. Didn't know it was a full song for a long time. Lol!

[@azeridave]

This is the theme song for myself. Its almost like this song was written for me! I was the worst player for my 6th grade softball team and the team knew I was so bad they put me deep in the outfield that no ball EVER came to me except the final important game when someone from another team hit a deep flyball to me and I was able to get the ball on a bounce, throw it in to the better team player on my team and he threw out the opposing player at the plate and we won the game!!! I was bombarded by the opposing team saying I never played in the game because I was too far out in the field but the coaches knew I was in the game. I got our 6th grade class in the championship game!!!! Only bad thing is during the championship game, my team decided not to have me play that game and had me be a benchwarmer. Oh well, I still helped my team win. I will always remember what happened to me till I die, every time this song is played. I always cry when I hear it.

[@lonnieeastin6401]

Me too! I spent two seasons trying to play baseball. I literally never hit the ball. And my defense in right field was more than a little suspect. :-)

[@bernardsoberg1953]

Little League Baseball When I was a young boy I played Little League Baseball. I wasn’t very good at baseball, yet I was excited to be a part of a larger social organization. The coach was very competitive, so I didn’t get much play time. One day, I was placed in right field. There wasn’t much to do there. To my surprise a hit came my way. I didn’t have to move much to catch it. I was the hero of the inning. The coach complimented me. I was proud of my accomplishment. After that incident, I sat on the bench as before. It appears that the competitive spirit leaves a lot of people behind as those in charge pursue the goal of winning. Winning may not be the ultimate objective. Rather, participation may be more important than winning. A society that places a premium on winning over participation may be accumulating a net loss in the creation of social value. A focus on participation generates more social value than a focus on winning. In the long term, participation may be the preferred social objective.

[@cody0126a]

This is great because it shows that there's always a spot for you no matter who you are.

[@amygravelle5820]

This concert was such a huge part of my childhood. The VHS copy we got from PBS as a thank you gift was played constantly. Love PPM to this day.

[@BigSurJay]

We had this on VHS too! Got it from KQED’s annual drive. I watched it over and over. This, James Taylor live in Boston, and Simon and Garfunkel’s reunion concert. When I started playing guitar, these were my foundation.

[@nickferelli5220]

Grew up on that same tape.

[@elkabong6429]

I love this song so much! ⚾️👏

[@marshallvanstee4777]

What an absolute class act. I saw them perform live three different times and they were always the same wholesome best friends and the ultimate performers. They didn't have to scream or smash their guitars to make their point. It was always in their words and harmonies. I guess, in short you could say they were real. The world lost a truly great trio when Mary Travers died.

[@blessedvirginmaryisqueen8448]

Very endearing!

[@ashawalls6504]

I wanna have my wedding dance with this song lol like after I get married when I'm first married this song be perfect to dance to I believe

[@whattodoaboutme7129]

If this isn't played at my wedding I'm not going lol

[@CarlVolk]

Its so realatible it hurts

[@robertkresko6338]

I love baseball and I love this song. I was not very good and I literally had a "right field" experience similar to this at age 9 in 1972. Describing that catch years later my friend Steve who played first base on that team said, "I remember that catch!" It was about 40 years after that day that I made that catch and we were at a St. Louis Cardinals game together. So UNUSUAL was my catching the ball that he remembered it! A great memory nonetheless.

[@ashawalls6504]

This is my future wedding dance song

[@88cutty]

I want this played at my closing ceremony. I wasnt horrible at baseball but i was always the small guy. People underestimated me. In my early years i was behind most of of my friends. Eventually my skills overcame my size and then my size caught up to my skills. This song is perfect for a timid kid who found confidence. I thank God u grew up in the 80s. What a great time to be a kid.

[@jameschandler2776]

One of my all time favorite songs

[@kfodom]

I've never cared much for baseball, but I've always loved this song. :-)

[@marksleboda8325]

We sure miss you Mary.

[@sergiooo9003]

There's something in my eyes.

[@pannapaong-in8388]

I love this song.

[@brianshattuck3040]

great song

[@HobbesRH]

Playing shortstop an center as a young kid I love this song I caught a crazy pop fly to win it as a kid and this song just is amazing to me musically and nostalgia wise (edit: I’m lefty too😂)

[@JDshabbos]

being burdened with ADHD (which it turned out to be extremely common, yet stigmatized in the US) pretty much defined my childhood as a kid. I'm better now. but regardless this song will always bring me to tears personally❤

[@killer99whale]

This brings me back to when camp nuhop brought in a lady and she would always play us guitar and sing songs like this

[@mariag4677]

One of my favorites!!!!

[@EduardoNavarro-u7e]

Seguirán siendo únicos estilo divertido y muy agradable Estarán en el subconconsciente nuestro siemprr😂😂

[@PeglegSailor]

TMNT and Pizza Hut. Thank you.

[@mrsimpson2062]

This is the comment that I was looking for. I cannot hear this song without thinking about those 2 things.

[@kateealer7]

When I was a little girl, I played right field and second base. I was actually a very good hitter and good at second base, but it was well known by the mothers of the coed team that the head coach was a sexist. The moms would come up to me before I went to bat and tell me to hit it out of the park. I had a few inside home runs and distinctly remember making a tough pop-up catch at second. As an adult, I realized I was somehow a feminist icon for the mothers of the team. Not being a feminist myself, but a Strong Woman, this song always takes me back to those moments. I love baseball and this song.

[@DJPuzzles]

i got back into coed softball this summer, and my batting's got better, but my fielding's gotten worse. and i find myself allocated back to right field. and the song returns to me.

[@Naminski1a]

As a proud sponsor of Little League Baseball, Pizza Hut welcomes all the kids who make it great.

[@superstarreviews9937]

Teenage mutant ninja turtles bro!!!

[@ashawalls6504]

Say the names 3times fast Peter Paul Mary... lol it's cute I love this song I get married again this is my wedding dance song !!!!!!!!!!

[@CaptAmerica12]

Marvelous! i always played 1st base so the kid didn't have to worry. Love it.

[@TomParmenter]

This song was written by my friend Willy Welch. You'll find his version on KZbin.

[@turtleman2816]

tmnt brought me here

[@imhappyandyou.4003]

No!. It's the Pizza Hut commercial just before the movie starts on VHS is what actually brought you here!. LOL

[@dasn0tmyname117]

Yes!!! I still have the VHS

[@BuckFu]

You should check out Willy Welches video on KZbin, he originally wrote the song and has the same lyrics as the commercial.

[@Ringey247]

Absolutely .

[@wiidlbeetle3857]

Tmnt also brought me here

[@jenniferschillig3768]

There was a neat picture book with the lyrics to this. I've got it in the library where I work. I like to read it (or rather, sing it) at storytime. Right before the last verse, where the bridge would normally go, it's got a new short verse: "Sometimes I'd dream I was Mathews or Mays, Hitting home runs and making great plays...But they were so graceful and they were so fast, They never batted last..."

[@misterwilly52]

LOL That's actually the original bridge as I wrote it; Noel learned it from a friend of mine without the bridge. I've teased him about it.

[@LLewis-vu9qf]

​@@misterwilly52-- This is a wonderful song. Thank you for composing it. Noel and company 😊 really did it proud, even without the extra bridge. 👏👏

[@bluemaas2973]

missing i) our lovely, .p.e.r.f.e.c.t. singers & ii) our AAA club's ball already ! Yes - Iowa Cubs - and AllWeAll NEED back the honor and the leadership of these singers and their songs. SOOOO miss You, Mary, Paul and Peter ... ... -- Blue

[@nbenefiel]

I only see out of one eye, no stereoscopic vision. I couldn’t catch a ball if my life depended on it. It made my childhood a nightmare.

[@rsoulburnz]

TMNT VHS brought me here

[@glovesnsuch1221]

This guy could be the voice of kermit

[@jimmaculate5]

Was a comedian prior to the group and did their funny tunes.

[@crazykids431]

Can't wait for show choir now!! We have a baseball theme.

[@mikesable6221]

Fabulous. Does anyone know what brand of guitar Paul Stookey plays? Is it steel or nylon strung?

[@misterwilly52]

It's nylon.

[@George-jn7qm]

The coach had to put the worst player somewhere. Never forgot how it felt. So lonely, so out of your element, so disengaged from the game at age age. no hits to the outfield. Avoided baseball afterwards but Never forget the feeling Never thought a song would express the thexperience and emotions so exactly. To my amazement my six year old son had talent and "redeemed" me!!

[@lordavzul666]

It's 1990 and you pop in your Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle vhs.

[@paolomongon6616]

Ninja Turtles brought me here.

[@illwill1991]

Pizza hut, makin it great! (New line cinema logo) We open on the new york city skyline April O'Neal on a TV: "much more than just a series of small isolated incidents, it's now apparent that an organized criminal element is at work."

[@swvacollings290]

My favorite song by the wonderful Patrick Alger, writer of hits later for Nanci Griffith and Garth Brooks.

[@misterwilly52]

Pat Alger is a wonderful songwriter, but he didn't write this song. I know that because I did. LOL

[@swvacollings290]

A thousand apologies !!!! I'd read an interview about the writing of the song and totally messed up the name. I'd been listening to a lot of Pat's songs and have seen him a few times. Must've had the name stuck in my head. Thanks for this gem of a song.

[@shudderbug]

Hi Willy, I was wondering if you knew why P,P,&M filled in one of parts of the song with whistling. Was it because they didn't like your lyrics for that part? Just curious. Anyways, I really, really love this song, as it brings back many memories, which were unpleasant at the time, but are treasured now. Thank you.

[@vgrof2315]

Mary's expression when Paul messes up the whistling is worth watching it over and over. A classic!

[@misterwilly52]

@@shudderbug Sorry - I just saw this post. They didn't do my bridge because they learned the song from a friend of mine, who forgot about it when he taught it to Noel. By the time I met them they had already cemented their version, and decided to keep it that way.

[@maryannhenke8942]

😊😊😊

[@kreyes8605]

I saw this in 3rd grade ^^ but it says this was uploaded this year 0-0

[@nextfeelingfreeagain]

This isn't playing well on my computer I don't know why It would be easier to appreciate if it played well.

[@markcicotello3657]

Robert Main i

[@kennethmatthew9638]

PIZZA HUT IS. A PROUD SPONSORE OF LITTLE LEAGUE

[@SavageBunnyGetMoney]

🍕🐢

[@duffmanGbone]

Boy they sure can grow hair out back

[@andrewdarbyshire9108]

Who’s here from TikTok

[@truenorthcanadian5628]

Dodgerfilms brought me here

[@vgrof2315]

Just an absolute favorite, especially for an old baseball fan remembering my boyhood sandlot days. Thanks, P, P and M. RIP, Mary. How we boys loved you.

[@lonnieeastin6401]

That's only the cutest song ever in the world! I want to show my grandson this!

[@annseven7166]

Find their version of The Marvelous Toy, also. It's very cute, as well!

[@brentthompson570]

when I was younger I always played right field

[@steinfranken1108]

Wonderful song, wonderful presentation. All of us who played right field can relate, even if we didn't all have happy endings (chagrin)🥴🤭