After nearly a decade away from the spotlight, John Fogerty stepped back up to the plate in 1985 with Centerfield—and crushed it out of the park. His first solo album in nine years, Centerfield marked a fiery return for the Creedence Clearwater Revival legend. Fueled by swamp rock riffs, baseball lore, and a righteous sense of justice (musical and legal), the album proved Fogerty still had one of the most distinctive voices—and visions—in rock. But behind the crack of the bat and the top-10 hits are stories just as rich as the grooves. Here are 5 things you might not know about Centerfield.
1. Fogerty Played Every Single Instrument—Every Note
Drums? That’s John. Bass? John again. Guitar, keys, percussion? All Fogerty. In true garage hero fashion, he recorded the entire album himself using overdubs, holed up in solitude and determination. After years in legal limbo, this was Fogerty reasserting his independence—one track at a time.
2. “Centerfield” Was Named Before It Was Written
The title track, which became an American sports anthem, started as nothing more than an album title. Fogerty hadn’t even written the song yet, but the name stuck in his head like a rally chant. The famous opening riff came later—and when it did, the rest of the tune raced out like a runner stealing home.
3. “Zanz Kant Danz” Turned Into a Legal Firestorm
Originally titled “Zanz Kant Danz” as a jab at Fantasy Records head Saul Zaentz, the track featured a dancing pig who “can’t dance but he’ll steal your money.” After Zaentz threatened to sue, Fogerty changed it to “Vanz Kant Danz.” But the lawsuit saga didn’t stop there…
4. Fogerty Was Sued for Copying… Himself
In one of rock’s most surreal legal battles, Fogerty was sued for allegedly plagiarizing his own Creedence song, “Run Through the Jungle,” with Centerfield’s lead single “The Old Man Down the Road.” In court, Fogerty brought his guitar, played both songs live, and won. The case set a precedent: artists could win legal fees even without proving malicious intent.
5. The Album Is Dedicated to a Kid Who Dreamed of a Triangle
Ever heard of Gossamer Wump? He’s the fictional character Fogerty dedicated the album to—a kid who wanted to be a musician and chose to master the triangle. “After ten years of courage, determination, and hard work, Gossamer plays ‘tingle,’” Fogerty said. “No difference? Maybe not. But Gossamer could hear it.” Just like Fogerty could.
Centerfield is a big statement of musical freedom, of resilience, and of love for both rock & roll and the American spirit. From courtrooms to ballparks, Fogerty swung hard with this one—and nearly 40 years later, we’re still singing, “Put me in, coach—I’m ready to play.”