In this weeks edition of the Birthsong Project, we celebrate nine birthdays of players on Florida's professional sport franchises. There's a Dolphin, a Jag, two Bucs, a Ray, a Marlin, a Panther, and two Bolts. What was the number one song the week your favorite player was born? Follow the link to find out. Sami Salo - defenseman - Tampa Bay Lightning - 9/2/74
(You're) Having My Baby - Paul Anka & Odia Coates
The need inside you
I see it showin'
Salo doesn't have a need inside him to prove anything. A veteran of 761 NHL contests, he recently signed a two-year, $7,500,000 contract to remain a Bolt through 2013-14.
Marco Sturm - left winger - Florida Panthers - 9/8/78
Grease- Frankie Valli
This is a life of illusion
Wrapped up in trouble laced with confusion
What are we doing here?
What is Sturm doing here? His contract expired, and the season is probably going to be postponed (or cancelled). The veteran of six NHL teams scored three goals for Florida over 42 games last season.
Wade Davis - pitcher - Tampa Bay Rays - 9/7/85
Teddy Purcell - right winger - Tampa Bay Lightning - 9/8/85
St. Elmo's Fire - John Parr
Play the game
You know you can't quit until it's won
Soldier on
Only you can do what must be done
A starting pitcher for his first three seasons with the Rays, Davis was moved to the bullpen for the 2012 season. His numbers as a reliever are greatly improved, with a 2.43 ERA and a WHIP of 1.150 far outshining his career averages. He's shown that he knows how to play the game. Purcell also enjoyed a career year with highs in goals (24) and points (65).
Kai Forbath - kicker - Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 9/2/87
Marlon Moore - wide receiver - Miami Dolphins - 9/3/87
Gorkys Hernandez - center fielder - Miami Marlins - 9/7/87
La Bamba - Los Lobos
Para bailar La Bamba
Para bailar La Bamba
Se necessita una poca de gracia
Una poca de gracia
Para mi, para ti, ay arriba, ay arriba
Ay, arriba arriba
Por ti sere, por ti sere, por ti sere
Forbath hasn't played a down of NFL football yet, and I don't know if he can dance, but the winner of the 2009 Lou Groza Award (annually given to the top collegiate kicker) surely knows how to kick. Moore has been mostly a special teams contributor for his first two NFL seasons, but hopes to make an impact on Miami's unproven receiving corps. Hernandez is new to the South Florida area, recently arrived via trade with the Pittsburgh Pirates. He's the only of the three players listed under this song who can understand it without google translate.
Arrelious Benn - wide receiver - Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 9/8/88
Monkey - George Michael
If I keep on askin' baby, maybe
I'll get what I'm askin' for
Benn has been a solid number two receiver for both of his seasons with the Bucs. I'm sure the only thing he asks for is the ball as he looks to increase his yardage from his first two campaigns (395 in 2011, 441 in 2012).
Julian Stanford - linebacker - Jacksonville Jaguars - 9/2/90
If Wishes Came True - Sweet Sensation
if wishes came true,
then I would be that someone
Always special in your heart
Stanford, a rookie, would like to find a place in Jaguars fans' hearts. He'll have every opportunity as the Jags open next week against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday at 1PM.