We really want to thank all of you who have been supporting us, whether you've been with us since the jump, or just found out about us yesterday. We're so appreciative that you've chosen to take the time to make a purchase, or let a friend know about us, or even like a social media post. We appreciate everything. It all matters. You guys are the walk-up song that gets us fired up. THANK YOU!
That said, we've already got a bunch of great stuff cookin' for 2024 and can't wait to share it with you all. Hope you all have a happy, safe, and memorable holiday season. We'll catch you on the flipside.
Peace,
Arthur & Riley
PLAYLIST LINKS
ARTHUR'S PICKS
RILEY'S PICKS
We are beyond thrilled to have another absolute legend join our Weekend Playlist party this time around. He’s truly a cut above. No run of the mill country, rock, or hip-hop on his playlist, no boilerplate baseball-speak in our Q&A. There’s never been anyone like him in the league, and there never will be.
He’s a World Series winner, a three-time All Star, the 2010 NL saves leader, and the custodian of the best beard the league has ever seen. Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Brian Wilson!
CLASSIC GRIT: It takes a special mindset to be a major league closer. Can you tell us how you’d flip the switch to enter a high leverage situation night in and night out? How’d you keep that blade sharp over a 162-game grind?
BRIAN WILSON: I turned that switch on freshman year of college and am learning now how to turn it off. It came on and there was no understanding of the notion that it did not need to constantly be on. My very first college outing as a freshman at LSU was me jogging onto the mound inheriting the bases loaded. I believe I threw eight straight in the dirt, walking two gents in, and topping out at 82 mph. (About 8-9mph slower than normal.) Legendary coach, Skip Bertman, came out. Made no eye contact. Grabbed the ball. Said, “We will try again next month. Get off my mound.”
I had a heart to heart that evening with myself in the bathroom mirror. I agreed that I would never allow that to happen again. I understood that adrenaline would be flying high when I took the mound, but I would not allow fear to swallow me whole like it did that day. Fear convinced me that I was no good and I deserved to fail. I didn’t pitch for a month. I watched everyone else get a shot. It ate at me. I didn’t beat myself up because I’d already made the covenant to never allow this again. This was the consequence for folding under pressure. It did not taste sweet. I wanted no part of that side of the game.
I don’t know if I kept the blade sharp for 162, but what I did not forget was that single moment that changed my baseball mindset freshman year forever. We all face fear at some point, but fear is a lie. It always was and always will be. I’m not partnering up with a lie on the mound. No thank you. I used it though. There are more healthy ways to deal with fear, but I used it as energy to get the job done. Those emotions and feelings that surged though my body were manifested in a physical way that allowed me to use it to fuel my attack. So, I guess in a way, I did partner with Fear. You can just say we were frenemies at that point. The unfortunate part of riding the fear train and using it for fuel is you don’t come down from it. You don’t get off that train. There are no stops. So was I successful at times? Sure. But at what cost? Fear can eat at you physically and mentally even if you don’t allow it to swallow you whole. Over a long period of time those tiny cuts become a thousand razor blade wounds. You will bleed out eventually.
CG: Baseball has traditionally been a fairly stuffy sport (for lack of a better term) — a lot of canned/cliched answers, and a lot of emphasis on being workmanlike over being your true self. You were one of the first players who managed to break through those tired baseball stereotypes and show the fans that baseball players don’t have to be boring. First of all, thank you for being yourself, and second, how difficult was it to take that leap given the game’s culture at the time?
BW: Well, being your true self can sometimes not even be your true self. It can be a mask to try and fit in or avoid being boring. I was always not only walking to the beat of my own drum, but tuning that drum in all sorts of fashions. My mind operates differently. There are already millions of personalities. No need to be someone else’s personality, because most of the time you will never be like that person. It was a game to me. Nothing was serious besides being in between the foul lines and on that mound. Let’s be honest, baseball is a game. It doesn’t change because we get older, our perception of responsibility does. From the time I was a toddler to professional baseball I had been on a playground. Taking your job serious is subjective as well. I like to have fun. I like to make my friends laugh. If that means getting people out of the pressure cooker then let’s go for a ride. Work and play mentality.
I was in Malibu sitting outside a coffee shop at Malibu Country Mart and I look to my left and it’s Jerry Seinfeld. Admittedly, I had never watched the show. Some people might question if I’m even human for not having seen it. Nonetheless, I knew who he was. I believe he was wearing a Mets hat but then again I could be imagining this entire scenario up somewhere in ethers of made-up-ville. We started chatting. He told me this. “You aren’t a baseball player. You are a comedian who plays baseball.” I thought it to be the most high praise at the time. I agreed obviously … in a non boastful way, perhaps. And my response to you thanking me will most indubitably be, You’re Welcome!
CG: Will the beard ever make a comeback, or is beardless Weezy the way forward now?
BW: When I grew the beard it was just a lazy road trip around All-Star break. I cleaned up the neck a little bit but kept the scruff. I had actually grown a full beard back in 2007 but didn’t make the team out of spring so I had to shave it per minor league rules at the time. Apparently having facial hair was a sports performance advantage back in the day I guess. I grow it out in winter times, but definitely always shave it. I can’t say it’s gone forever, but like Wyclef Jean would say “I’ll be Gone till November”.
CG: Your musical tastes are awfully diverse. We’re assuming that means you’re no stranger to the gig. Is there a particular concert you attended that blew your mind?
BW: My musical taste buds have changed and shifted over many years of listening. When I hear a song I can imagine in color what it would look like if it were to come to life. Then, I would state what hour of the day it should be playing. My song list sounds may differ when you hear them, but those who have ears let them hear. These specific songs sing about fear or a world that has brought on chaos and the solution for all of that is Christ the King. Some of the secular bands may not be leaning towards the Savior in their lyrics but they are sure harping on the never ending roller coaster of emotions that this lost world experiences day in and day out.
The first concert I ever attended was Jane’s Addiction at Brandeis University at 16 years of age. Live music sucked me in at that point. There was just something happening inside my body. Music will do that. But again, at what cost. The music I tend to stir up in my soul is worship. I can’t deny what it does to me. There’s something about the chords or lyrics or perhaps even the Holy Spirit that springs forth within me. Even Impending Doom speaks about the King. They aim their lyrics at Satan rather than team up with him.
CG: You’ve called some idyllic yards home (SF and LA specifically). Is there another park in the league that can compare to either of those? One that made you extra fired up to get out on the bump?
BW: Every single game I played I was fired up. I’m easily amped up to enter a sporting event. I always loved the road. Why? Everyone is booing you. Why are they booing you though? They probably hate you, want you to fail or it’s just the thing to do. But, one thing is for sure, they know who you are. And at that time of my life, that was the biggest thrill seeking adventure ride I could find. Chest was out and a little wider on the road. Veins were popping. Jaw grinding. Let’s get some. One particular park I really enjoyed was Milwaukee. I loved the slide in left field. It was a great park to do stadiums in. (Run up and down the steps). It was also a solid stadium to play aerobie golf. You have your frisbee. You state the par of the hole and object you’ll be playing to. Then you toss the frisbee and begin to run to your next shot. It was a way to get your running in but also have a little fun. Work and play.
CG: Let’s turn the clock back for a sec … How old were you when you got the baseball bug? Do you remember anything about the game in particular that pulled you in?
BW: Wiffle ball was the introduction to baseball. Wiffle ball rules. Plus you can chuck the ball at someone to get them out or just hit absolute dingers. I got the baseball bug when I was 9 I believe. Clearly it was much earlier in life that I enjoyed the game but this particular age was the first time I got to pitch. I came home. Dad asked me how was it? I said I stuck the first two guys out and walked the next 5. Settle down Frisco fans, perhaps that was the origin story of “Torture baseball”. Anyways, I loved it.
You are alone on the mound. The hitter has a plan. You have a plan. I guess we will see what happens. You are at the epicenter of all the action when you take the bump. The ultimate man versus man chess match. Doesn’t take physical strength but it does require a certain amount of resolve.
CG: The life of a big leaguer has gotta be all-consuming — from offseason prep, to in-season work/travel, to media obligations and public appearances, and more. It’s a ton of work, but it’s also gotta be awfully rewarding. A high that is tough to match once your career is over. What are you doing these days to keep yourself fulfilled. Any new passions/projects?
BW: Jesus is my life now. I had a concept of who God was when I played but I wasn’t ready to give my life and plans over to Him. I lived a very self-centered lifestyle most of which revolved around training or preparing myself for the game. No matter what I ate, did or thought about it all had to eventually come back to how am I getting better at my job? Once baseball ended, there was a giant gap in my heart. I search my whole life for truth. Didn’t matter the accolade or accomplishment, once my head hit the pillow there was no satisfaction with that day. I had an encounter with God one evening and I said to him, “You have been the truth my entire life. I admit I didn’t trust, but now that I know it’s you I need you to teach me how to live.” From that day, I’ve been discipled in the way of living for God and serving Him and his children. I volunteer at Pepperdine where we have Bible studies and chapel. I love to attend their games because I know what support can do for an individual. Not even game 5 of the World Series can move me as much as the Holy Spirit can when he’s in the room. My satisfaction and the gap in my heart has been filled by the Lord. And if you are willing to take the most freeing step of your life, He will also fill that gap in your heart. God bless you guys and to anyone that read this, I sincerely thank you.
PLAYLIST LINKS
BRIAN WILSON’S PICKS
ARTHUR’S PICKS
RILEY’S PICKS
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photo credit: Jarrod Anthonee
It's been a while! We know we're long overdue for a new installment of our Weekend Playlist series, so we're super excited to finally dust this thing off and share some recent faves with you. We're even more excited to have the legendary David Hidalgo of Social Distortion as our guest this time around! David was born and raised a Dodgers fan, he's a phenomenal presence behind the drum kit, and he's been a huge supporter of Classic Grit since the very beginning. We appreciate the hell outta him, and we're stoked to be able to share his music picks and a short Q&A we did with him. Enjoy!
CLASSIC GRIT: You’re a diehard Dodgers fan. At what age did that obsession start, and was there a particular player or team (’88 maybe?) that roped you in?
DAVID HIDALGO: As long as I can remember, I’ve always been a Dodgers fan. It definitely became more of an obsession after the ’88 World Series. I started really paying attention to the game after that series. He’s not a dodger but my favorite player growing up was Roberto Alomar. I played second base and wanted to hit and defend just like him! I went as far as modeling my stance and swing after him.
CG: Let’s talk Dodgers — they’re pretty clearly not as stacked as they were last season, the injury bug has hit them HARD, and the division looks stronger than its been in recent years. Do they have a shot? Is the division still theirs to lose?
DH: I had a very long answer for this question before the All-Star break when they were four games behind AZ., but I lagged on getting this back to you so now things are a bit different. They are four games up on the Giants. The Diamondbacks are 9 games back and easily handled the Padres this weekend who are 11 back. No big trades, but they made impactful ones. Help is coming back from injuries. We’re looking good. The division is definitely theirs to lose! Those pesky Giants just find ways to win. The playoffs are gonna be wild!
CG: You’ve been a touring musician for over twenty years. We’re sure you’ve seen your fair share of ballparks. Any of them hold a candle to Dodger Stadium on a pleasant summer night?
DH: I’ve been to 20 parks. That doesn’t include a couple that aren’t around anymore. My goal is to visit all of them at some point in my life. As soon as I get routing for a tour, I check the schedule and see if any games line up. There’s nothing better than baseball on a day off but I also love going between soundcheck and showtime. I’ll hit up minor league games too. I can’t get enough! I think other than Dodger Stadium, it’s a tie between PNC Park and Fenway.
CG: You’ve got a little bit of an obsession with baseball gloves, right? Which is your favorite at the moment? How big is the collection right now? Do you own more baseball gloves or drum kits these days?
DH: My glove collection is still very small. I have four. My favorite is my Rawlings Heart of the Hide ProNP7, size 12 1/4. My daughter started playing softball and I only had a small infielders glove so I needed something a little bigger to catch those softballs. Luckily she has a cannon for an arm so it broke in rather quickly. I definitely have more drums than gloves. At least I can justify to my wife that the drums actually pay for themselves.
CG: You’re like a utility player behind the kit, you can do it all. Whether it’s ripping with The Bronx or Suicidal Tendencies, or keeping things locked in the pocket with Social D or Chuck Ragan, you’ve got it in the bag. How did you develop that diverse skillset?
DH: Thank you for the kind words! I learned by playing along to my favorite records. Everything from the Beatles to Black Flag. I definitely think that helped in molding me as a utility player.
CG: Last one … You hang up the sticks and sign with the Dodgers in the offseason, you break camp with the big club, and you get the opening day nod at 2B. What’s your walkup song, and does it still get you hyped even though the pitch clock cuts it short.
DH: “Thunderstruck” by AC/DC. That guitar riff instantly pumps everyone up by itself. No pitch clock can take that away! “Breathe and Stop” by Q-Tip is my back up. I also think I’d choose between the two depending on the situation of the at-bat. This is my dream, right? 😂
PLAYLIST LINKS
DAVID’S PICKS
ARTHUR’S PICKS
RILEY’S PICKS
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We're back with our first Classic Grit Weekend Playlist in a while, and we're super psyched! Joining us for this edition is our friend Jeremy Fullerton, a lifelong card collector and Brand Team Leader for roughly 50% of Topps' MLB releases (including the OG Topps Flagship Baseball, Allen and Ginter Baseball, Stadium Club, and many other high-end releases) as well as some of the brand's other sports releases like US Olympic Team, Athletes Unlimited, Premiere Lacrosse League, and more.
Jeremy's an amazing person with an unbelievably cool job, and he's a huge baseball and music fan to boot. Below is a quick chat with him about all things baseball cards, Mets, music, and more, as well as links to stream a playlist featuring a handful of Jeremy's favorite jams of late.
A Q&A WITH JEREMY FULLERTON OF TOPPS
1. Has baseball always had a presence in your life, or was it something you picked up down the road a bit? What about it drew you in? Have you always been a Mets guy?
My mother was born and raised in the suburbs of Baltimore in the 1950s-60s and grew up going to Orioles games with her dad. She was a HUGE O’s fan, and a big fan of Brooks Robinson, in particular. She and my father moved up to the NYC area in the 70’s and once I started showing an interest in baseball she started pushing me towards the Mets and following them as well, because in her words “I wasn’t going to raise a f**king Yankees fan.” Luckily for me I was 10 in 1986 and got to witness the greatness that was The Amazin’ Mets and their World Series run. After that, I was hooked on baseball and the Mets.
2. You live just outside NYC. Do you have a favorite music venue in the city? What’s the best gig you’ve ever attended?
There are so many great venues in NYC, from the smaller ones like The Bowery Ballroom to the greatness that is MSG, and everything in-between, but my favorite is Irving Plaza. It’s in a great location, the perfect size, and has a great balcony with perfect view of the stage and out of the fray (which has become more important as I have gotten older).
Picking one is tough, but if I need to pick JUST ONE, it has to be seeing Ben Harper and the Relentless 7 at Kenny’s Castaway in Greenwich Village in NYC. I had seen Ben Harper and his other band, The Innocent Criminals, several times before and in much larger venues, but here he was debuting some all-new tunes with a new band in a tiny bar . We were one of the few lucky people that day.
3. You’ve had the opportunity to meet some amazing current and retired ball players at the events that Topps hosts. Can you give us an experience with a player that has always stood out to you?
It’s top of mind because it was very recent, but in July 2022, I had the opportunity to sit down with Darryl Strawberry and interview him for the Topps YouTube page while opening packs of cards. This was my childhood baseball hero! I had his poster on my bedroom wall and pages of his cards in my album, and I was going to get to sit down with him for 20 minutes, talk baseball, and open packs of cards. He was great. He signed my 1984 Topps Strawberry card, and even better, spent a few minutes talking with my kids about baseball and the Mets. I told them “This guy was like my Pete Alonso. I think he was better.” Darryl didn’t disagree. ;) (pic attached)
4. Baseball cards — Do you have a favorite year? If so, what’s your favorite card from it? I assume the perks of the job are that you’ve opened a TON of packs, what’s the best pull you’re ever reeled in?
This one is easy. The 1987 Topps Baseball Bo Jackson Future Stars card. I had started collecting pretty seriously late in 1986 as my love for the Mets and all things baseball was really growing. The 1987 set was one I remember saving money up to go and buy packs of whenever there was an opportunity to do so. The Bo card was the key card out of the set for me and my group of friends. That design still resonates for so many collectors of that era.
Opening packs of cards is just part of the job here at Topps, but rarely does it feel like work. 15 years of “professionally” opening packs of cards it gets hard to narrow down. The COOLEST baseball card I have ever pulled out of a pack of cards is a 2018 Topps Triple Threads Bat Nameplate card from Cal Ripken, Jr. The card has 2 pieces of a game-worn uniform and the bat nameplate from one of his game-used bats. These cards are so unique and to get one from a legend like Cal is pretty special.
5. Last one — You’re batting leadoff for the Mets, it’s the Subway Series, and you want to send a message to all the fans in attendance who aren’t repping the blue and orange. What song is blaring over the Citi Field speakers as you walk to the plate and why?
This would need to be a “radio edit” of Devil in Jersey City, from Coheed and Cambria. Been a huge fan of theirs for years and a resident of Jersey City for just about as long.
6- Bonus question (this is written as of 12-22-22)- This has been a wild offseason for the Mets. First DeGrom leaves, so Steve Cohen (Mets GM) replaces him with the three-headed monster of Verlander/ Senga /Quintana. And then, in the wildest of 3AM moves, Correa (apparently) inks a deal after he blows a physical for the Giants. The Mets have spent a literal BILLION dollars this offseason. Where’s your head at amidst this absolute madness?
I am writing this at 2:35pm EST on 1/3/23, just hours after a cryptic IG story from Correa’s team has set Mets fans hearts racing and heads spinning once again. When we lost deGrom, I was really bummed at the loss of what could have been. When he was healthy there was not a better pitcher in the game today (if not ever). I was chatting with several baseball fans (Arthur included) and mentioned, “well if we can get Verlander for 2 years I’d be thrilled” and that is exactly what happened. In “replacing” deGrom with Verlander and adding Senga and Quintana, plus resigning Nimmo and Diaz, I have never been more hopeful for a Mets season in my entire life. Being a Mets fan for my entire life, I am also acutely aware of what is possible come April through October.
#LFGM
JEREMY'S PICKS
Phoebe Bridgers - “So Much Wine”
I have a special place in my heart for Xmas music, especially the more non-traditional types. Bridgers is an amazing artist and has been putting out Xmas themed covers for several years now. This year’s is a cover of The Handsome Family’s tune and has been in my December rotation (and added to my annual Xmas playlist).
Mercy Union - “Prussian Blue”
This song hit me while seeing them live in 2019 and have been waiting for them to release it ever since. I finally got my wish when it made it on to their latest album, White Tiger (one of my top albums of 2022). Just a great rock song and love the dual vocal leads here between Jared Hart and Rocky Catanese.
Vandoliers - “Every Saturday Night”
They refer to themselves as “Your Favorite Punk Band’s Favorite Country Band” and I would say that is quite accurate. Great tune reminiscing about nights out with friends.
The Menzingers - “The Obituaries”
I recently saw them at LPR in NYC with some fellow Topps employees and the aforementioned Mr. Hart where they performed the entire “On The Impossible Pass” album. This song was always one of my favs from the album and creeped back into my regular rotation.
TROOKO’s Version” Run The Jewels - “yankee y el valiente"
I have loved every RTJ album and this one is no exception. They took all the songs from their 2020 album “RTJ 4” and remixed them with various Latin artists. These songs get a new life with all new beats and some reimagined lyrics translated to Spanish. This song kicks off the album and it doesn’t let up.
The Wonder Years - “You’re the Reason I Don’t want the World to End”
This is “Emo Kids singing about having kids of their own”, and damn it if it didn’t wreck me while I walked down Hudson Street one recent morning while walking to my office.
First Aid Kit - “Out of My Head”
This sister duo out of Sweden came across my radar from Matt Besser’s (Upright Citizens Brigade Founder, improv4humans podcast host) best of 2022 playlist. I would have sworn it was a new song from Fleetwood Mac.
The World Is a Beautiful Place & I Am No Longer Afraid to Die - “January 10th, 2014 – Live”
This song just has sprawling sounds and the dueling singers are even more emotional here on this live recording. This is by far my favorite song of all time inspired by a real-life vigilante.
Hardcore Superstar - “You Can’t Kill My Rock ‘n Roll”
I binged Peacemaker on HBOMax while laid up in bed with covid in November and it is filled with “glam rock” tunes from the 80s and some new modern ones. This song is one of many from the “Peacemaker Official Playlist” on Spotify that has made it into my regular rotation.
various TikTok contributors - Bonus – “A Scorpion Fell On My Head”
I need a full version of this song in the worst way.
RILEY'S PICKS
ARTHUR'S PICKS
It's Year-End List season and you know we're here for it. Those of you who've been with us for a while are well-aware that the only thing that really holds a candle to baseball for us is music. It's what brought us together, what inspired us to start Classic Grit, and what fuels our collective fire on the daily. It's the best ... especially during the offseason.
Check out our favorites below, give the playlist a spin, and please support the artists you love by seeing them on tour, buying merch, and/or vinyl. Peace!
Riley’s Top 10
Arthur’s Top 10