Join in, you know the words

You may have missed the announcement, but Baby Ruth is backing a promotion by Major League Baseball in 2008 that will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the song, “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.”

Since the song mentions only Cracker Jack, we’re not sure of the connection, but no matter, it’s still a classic.

The song was written in 1908 by Jack Norworth, who, according to the old story, was riding a train and saw a sign that said “Ballgame Today at the Polo Grounds.”

So Norworth came up with the set of now-familiar lyrics and then put them together with music composed by Albert Von Tilzer.

Oddly enough, neither Norworth nor Tilzer had ever been to a baseball game when the song was written.

Good thing they knew how many strikes and you’re out.

Trivia time

How many verses are in “Take Me Out to the Ballgame?”

Costly split

It’s going to cost Michael Jordan $168 million in his divorce settlement with his ex-wife, Juanita, according to the London Times. The former Mrs. Jordan is expected to have custody of their three children and ownership of their seven-acre estate in suburban Chicago.

Next in line

Working his way through New York Yankees greats, author Richard Ben Cramer’s newest project is a book about free agent third baseman Alex Rodriguez.

Cramer is the author of “Joe DiMaggio: The Hero’s Life,” published in 2000.

It was a biography that DiMaggio knew about but didn’t embrace, said Cramer, who needed five years to complete the project.

Blogmania

It’s final, they’re the finalists: Gilbert Arenas of the Washington Wizards, Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban and Curt Schilling of the Boston Red Sox are the finalists in the 2007 Weblog Awards for the Best Celebrity Blog.

Two of the three are from the NBA, so we’re obviously thinking slogan here . . . The NBA, it’s Blogtastic!

Puck stops here

With the average NHL player salary this season approaching $2.2 million, teams are putting themselves in the thinking box and trying to figure out more ways to make money.

The solution for 20 of the 30 clubs, including the Ducks and Kings, is to sell the seats normally reserved for the goal judges behind the nets.

That’s four, maybe six extra seats. And, according to New Jersey Devils President Lou Lamoriello, they could bring in an extra $61,500 for the regular season alone.

Only one question: What kind of a player can you get for $61,500?

He’s back, back, back of the pack

Playboy.com has launched its “America’s Sexiest Sportscaster” poll. There are 12 candidates on the ballot and voting will continue through Nov. 26 with the winner announced Nov. 28.

ESPN has the most nominees with five: Erin Andrews, Colleen Dominguez, Jamie Little, Rachel Nichols and Sage Steele.

No, Chris Berman isn’t on the ballot.

Trivia answer

In the official 1927 version, there are four. Two are the familiar “Take me out” choruses, and the other two about Nelly Kelly’s love of baseball.

And finally

The company that owns 12 parking lots around Qwest Field in Seattle, the home of the Seahawks, is cracking down on public intoxication at pregame tailgates on their properties.

According to the Seattle Times, Joe Cahn calls himself the commissioner of tailgating and operates a website that supports tailgaters. Cahn said he attends about 40 games a year and seldom sees belligerent drunks. But he can identify certain culprits.

Said Cahn: “It’s normally young, stupid people who can’t hold their liquor.”

thomas.bonk@latimes.com