Photo: Eric Christian Smith / Stringer(Getty Images)
Part of the fun of going to a baseball game is jamming out the music, mostly of which is played before each home at-bat.
What some people don’t realize is that those jams are specifically picked by the player, a way of hopefully pumping them up before they face a whizzing 96 mph fastball go past their face.
Walk-up music was started in the 70s by former Chicago White Sox organist Nancy Faust, who thought it would be neat to play each home player’s state songs before they came to the plate to bat. So, we essentially have Nancy to thank for what we hear today, which is mostly a lot of Drake and AC/DC.
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But, here are the best songs throughout Major League Baseball which get the biggest reaction from fans. Songs that either have people jumping up and down wanting more, or, songs that have people laughing, saying to themselves, ‘What the *&^%?”
Note that some players have the ability to change their walk-up diddys often. But the following songs have been noted to have appeared for each player at least once this season.
Top 10 Best Player Walk-up Songs In Baseball:
Honorable mention:
Prince Fielder – Texas Rangers: A siren.
Yup. The dude simply plays an air raid siren before going up to bat. It’s certainly one way to get everyone’s attention!
I’ve missed you, Prince Fielder, but your walk up music is literally just a siren. pic.twitter.com/bxg4Pljs0S
— kerissa (@wornwhite) April 12, 2015
Chris Sale – Chicago White Sox: “Come Sail Away” by Styx.
Only real fans will even notice the cleverness this pitcher uses before his at-bat during inter-league games. But just the piano intro alone might get some ample attention. Well done Chris. Great song for a great pitcher.
R.A. Dickey – Toronto Blue Jays / Noah Syndergaard – New York Mets: “Game of Thrones”
Both players use a part of the hit TV show’s theme song/orchestra before their at-bat. For Dickey, in the American League, this comes just a few times a year during inter-league play. Is there really any substitute for a song that makes you feel like an ancient soldier going into battle?
Cervelli jams to “That’s Amore” by Martin while mo-hawk wearing, beard-blazing Bryce Harper gets amped to “The Best Is Yet To Come” by Sinatra.
Who knew classic post WWII lounge music could help you hit a home run outside the bedroom?
Jimenez is back in the minors, but earlier this year played a classic dance tune sure to get everyone moving in the stands.
90’s sing-along-heaven with that instantly-noticeable intro.
MJ for MT? Yes, please. One of the all-time greatest songs really is a thrill to hear at the ballpark.
Charlie Blackmon – Colorado Rockies (with 5 other players): “Your Love” by the Outfield.
It’s impossible not get a stadium full of people singing this 80s one-hit-wonder every third inning before an at-bat. I’ve witnessed it. And it’s glorious.
Although Tony Sanchez was likely first, Walters was caught using this Disney favorite. Not only is it great for the kids, but even if you’re an adult, you have to admit that this song is amazing. Hell, any of the “Frozen” songs are fantastic. Don’t agree? Just leave. Now.
Hunter Pence – San Francisco Giants: “Circle of Life” by Elton John
Go ahead. Hold up imaginary baby Simba while you make your kid hold your glove. Or, you know, just make your kid Simba.
Greinke wasn’t the first to use this song, but the pitcher has certainly carried on the tradition to what started in Oakland as a joke. And it was one that went viral instantly.
Adrian Gonzalez – “El Mariachi Loco” by Mariachi Vargas De Tecalitlan.
A Mexican favorite played in Dodger Stadium, this tune will always get loads of people dancing in the stands, including myself. It even got a mention in an ESPN Sunday Night Baseball commercial for heaven’s sake. A-Gon is turning into a local folk-hero, especially with the use of this song.
Josh Helmuth is the editor of CraveOnline Sports.
