Caballo Pelotero
El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico
Swinging Hooves: The Tale of a Baseball-Playing Horse
The song "Caballo Pelotero" by El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico tells a whimsical and humorous story about a horse that plays baseball. The lyrics describe how news spread about a bay horse that could play the game and even hit the ball out of the park. The narrative unfolds with the New York Yankees, referred to humorously as 'mulos' (mules), in a tight spot during a game against the Chicago team. In a desperate move, they call upon the bay horse to bat, hoping it will drive in the runners on base.
The horse hits a massive shot, and while the runners score, the horse itself doesn't run the bases. When the manager urges the horse to run, it responds with a clever retort, saying that if it were meant to run, it would be at the racetrack, not playing baseball. This response plays on the dual nature of horses as both racing and working animals, and it humorously highlights the absurdity of a horse playing baseball. The song uses this absurdity to create a light-hearted and entertaining narrative, possibly as a metaphor for the unexpected and unconventional ways one can succeed.
El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico is known for its salsa music, and this song is a playful example of their style, which often includes storytelling with a humorous twist. The song's catchy rhythm and amusing lyrics have made it a memorable piece in their repertoire. The story of the baseball-playing horse serves as a metaphor for embracing one's unique talents and finding success in one's own way, even if it's unconventional or unexpected.