[ON THIS DAY] July 22, 1969 — Neil Diamond Releases “Sweet Caroline” and Forever Changes Baseball Culture
On July 22, 1969, a song was released that would go on to become not just a pop classic, but a cultural anthem that transcended generations. Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline”, inspired by a photo of President John F. Kennedy’s daughter Caroline, was initially just a catchy tune with a memorable hook. But something about the “ba ba ba” and “so good, so good” chants made it stick — and eventually, transform into an unofficial anthem of American sports.
Though the song never directly mentions baseball, it found its true home in stadiums. The most iconic of all is Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox. Since 1997, “Sweet Caroline” has been played during the 8th inning of every home game, and fans—regardless of the score—belt out the lyrics like a shared prayer of joy, nostalgia, and unity.
What’s even more remarkable is how the song took on deeper meaning after tragedies, such as the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013. It became a rallying cry, a healing chant. Neil Diamond himself showed up at Fenway Park shortly after the attack to sing it live — no auto-tune, no perfection — just raw emotion and solidarity.
Over 50 years later, “Sweet Caroline” remains one of the most universally beloved sing-alongs ever created. Not just for its melody, but for the way it brings strangers together in moments of triumph, heartbreak, and celebration.