Hey everyone, it's March, and spring is so close I can almost feel it.

No more heavy coats and dry skin and staticky hair and cold toes.

The flowers and birds are coming back.

And for many of us, it just wouldn't be spring without the start of baseball season.

And I know this year's looking a little different, but that's why we thought

we could help you get your baseball fix by bringing the baseball experience to your ears. We're

sharing a favorite story from the side door vault to learn the surprising story of one of America's

most popular songs. Take me out to the ballgame. However, I am compelled

to warn you, and this is an official disclaimer, that once you have finished listening to this story,

you may continue hearing the aforementioned song in your head for the next one to five to 25 days.

You may hum it as you wash your dishes,

wait in the checkout line,

walk from here to there, stare into space.

Your partner may even claim that you hum it in your sleep.

As such, Siderot officially waives responsibility

for any relationship damages that may result from the listening of this podcast.

But it's worth it.

Okay, here it is.

This is Side Door, a podcast from the Smithsonian with support from PRX. I'm Lizzie Peabody.

On July 16, 2008, Dan Piazza got up from his desk at the Smithsonian's National Postal Museum and left work early.

He hopped on the metro and set off across town, tucked in his bag, a personal invitation to an event at the White House.

Well, you had to be on a list and have an invitation.

...