Walk Up Songs: they’re as integral to the rhythm of a baseball game as the crack of the bat and the roar of the crowd. In modern baseball, the walk up song is more than just background noise; it’s a player’s personal anthem, a carefully selected snippet of sound designed to energize both the athlete and the fans. For every at-bat, especially for those crucial starting position players who step up to the plate multiple times a game, their chosen music fills the stadium, setting the stage for their performance. At its best, a walk up song is an adrenaline shot, amplifying the excitement of the game. At its worst? It’s a jarring misstep, a momentary lapse in the game’s flow.
Let’s dive into some notable walk up song choices, dissecting what makes them work – or not.
Coco Crisp: DJ Kool – “Let Me Clear My Throat”
Coco Crisp’s selection of DJ Kool’s “Let Me Clear My Throat” is a masterclass in walk up song strategy. This track, while perhaps not “classic” in the traditional sense, is undeniably iconic in the realm of hype music. DJ Kool’s track is essentially a pure energy injection, designed to ignite a dance floor – or in this case, a baseball crowd. The relentless chants of “Here we go now!” at the song’s outset are an immediate call to action, perfectly suited for announcing the lead-off batter. Crisp, often batting first, uses this song to establish a fun, energetic atmosphere right from the game’s first pitch. The horn sample is instantly recognizable and infectiously upbeat, making it family-friendly fun that even the most cynical fans can begrudgingly appreciate. While last year’s choice of Eric B & Rakim’s “I Ain’t No Joke” had an old-school cool factor, “Let Me Clear My Throat” elevates the energy even further.
Walk-up Rating: 5/5. An excellent choice for setting the tone.
Jed Lowrie: Rush – “Tom Sawyer”
Jed Lowrie’s choice of Rush’s “Tom Sawyer” leans into classic rock territory. “Tom Sawyer” is undeniably a rock anthem, boasting a distinctive, spacey opening riff and Geddy Lee’s unmistakable vocals. Rush, a band with a vast catalog of hits, is a solid choice for a walk up song in terms of recognizability. However, the song’s complexity and somewhat unconventional structure – typical of Rush’s progressive rock style – make it a slightly less straightforward hype track compared to others. While a classic, it might not deliver the immediate, visceral punch some players aim for with their walk up music. The lyrical connection to a “modern day warrior” with a “mean, mean stride” could resonate with a batter stepping up to the plate, adding a layer of thematic relevance.
Walk-up Rating: 3/5. A respectable classic rock choice, but perhaps lacking some immediate impact for walk up purposes.
Josh Donaldson: Warren G – “Regulate”
Josh Donaldson’s selection of Warren G’s “Regulate” is a bold move that sparks debate, highlighting the regional nuances within music appreciation. While some might argue that this West Coast anthem is too geographically specific, rooted in Long Beach, California, “Regulate” transcends regional boundaries with its iconic G-funk sound. For those who remember the 90s hip-hop scene, “Regulate” evokes a unifying West Coast vibe, predating the later NorCal-SoCal divisions. Nate Dogg’s smooth vocals and the song’s funky groove create an undeniably feel-good atmosphere, even with lyrics that tell a story of unexpected trouble and retaliation. The opening line, “REGULAAATOOORRRS!! Mount up!” is an undeniably powerful and attention-grabbing introduction, perfect for announcing a batter’s arrival. The sheer coolness factor and the song’s ability to instantly transport listeners back to a specific era make it a compelling walk up choice.
Walk-up Rating: 5/5. A culturally resonant and undeniably cool choice.
Brandon Moss: AC/DC – “Whiskey on the Rocks”
Brandon Moss demonstrated a significant upgrade in his walk up music taste, moving from a generic country pop track to the hard rock power of AC/DC’s “Whiskey on the Rocks.” Choosing AC/DC is almost always a solid move for walk up music; their high-energy, riff-driven rock is practically designed for stadium environments. “Whiskey on the Rocks,” while perhaps not their most iconic hit, delivers that signature AC/DC punch. The song’s opening riff, often used as the entry point in stadiums, is instantly recognizable and sets a no-nonsense, rock-and-roll tone. It’s a blue-collar anthem, a solid drinking song, and a perfect way to inject some raw energy into the game. The move from pop-country to AC/DC signals a clear shift towards a more classic and impactful walk up song selection.
Walk-up Rating: 4/5. A strong rock choice that brings the energy.
Yoenis Cespedes: Gente De Zona – “El Animal”
Yoenis Cespedes’s long-standing use of Gente De Zona’s “El Animal” highlights the power of personal branding through walk up music. This upbeat reggaeton track is undeniably catchy and injects a vibrant, Latin flavor into the stadium atmosphere. While the lyrics might be lost on non-Spanish speakers, the song’s infectious rhythm and happy horns are universally understood. “El Animal” creates an immediate sense of fun and energy, getting fans smiling as Cespedes approaches the plate. The song’s distinct sound within the reggaeton genre also helps Cespedes stand out, creating a unique auditory signature associated with his at-bats. While some might argue for a change after years of the same song, its consistent use has undeniably contributed to Cespedes’s personal brand and fan recognition.
Walk-up Rating: 3/5. A fun and distinctive choice, though perhaps due for a refresh.
John Jaso: Jimi Hendrix – “Crying Blue Rain”
John Jaso’s selection of Jimi Hendrix’s “Crying Blue Rain” illustrates a crucial lesson in walk up song selection: stadium acoustics matter. While Hendrix is a legendary guitarist and “Crying Blue Rain” is a perfectly fine blues track, it falls flat as walk up music. The song’s quiet, twangy guitar intro simply doesn’t translate well over stadium loudspeakers, especially older systems. The subtle nuances of Hendrix’s guitar work are lost, resulting in a weak and almost inaudible introduction. Walk up music needs to grab attention instantly, and “Crying Blue Rain” lacks the necessary sonic punch to do so in a stadium setting. While appreciating Jaso’s willingness to delve into Hendrix’s deeper cuts, a more stadium-friendly, electric guitar-driven Hendrix track would be far more effective.
Walk-up rating: 1/5. A well-intentioned but acoustically ineffective choice.
Josh Reddick: The Ultimate Warrior Theme Song
Josh Reddick’s adoption of The Ultimate Warrior’s theme song as a tribute is a perfect example of walk up music serving a dual purpose: personal meaning and fan engagement. Wrestling entrance music, by its very nature, is designed to generate excitement and hype an audience. The Ultimate Warrior’s theme is no exception, instantly recognizable to wrestling fans and brimming with high-octane energy. As a tribute to a beloved figure, it adds a layer of personal significance, while simultaneously leveraging a song designed for maximum impact. The choice proved effective, with some even jokingly attributing Reddick’s improved performance to the “Ultimate Warrior effect.” Even for those unfamiliar with wrestling, the song’s intensity and dramatic flair make it a compelling walk up choice.
Walk-up Rating: 5/5. Perfectly deployed for its intended use and impact.
Alberto Callaspo: Arcangel – “S.E.M.”
Alberto Callaspo’s use of Arcangel’s “S.E.M.” provides a glimpse into the global reach of reggaeton and its popularity among Latin American players. Arcangel, a major figure in Venezuelan and broader Latin music scenes, brings a different flavor to the walk up song landscape. “S.E.M.”, while sonically interesting, perhaps lacks the immediate punch and recognizability of other walk up choices for a general audience. Without understanding the lyrics, judging the song’s full impact is challenging, and its effectiveness as walk up music might be more dependent on personal preference and cultural context. While not a universally impactful choice, it reflects the diverse musical tastes within baseball and introduces fans to music beyond mainstream English-language hits.
Walk-up rating: 2/5. A culturally specific choice that might not resonate broadly.
Eric Sogard: Guns N’ Roses – “Welcome to the Jungle”
Eric Sogard’s ironic and brilliant use of Guns N’ Roses’ “Welcome to the Jungle” is a masterclass in subverting expectations and embracing humor. Sogard, known for his unassuming demeanor and “nerdy” persona, juxtaposes his image perfectly with the aggressive, iconic rock anthem. “Welcome to the Jungle” is a stadium-rock staple, instantly recognizable and packed with energy. The song’s legendary guitar intro and iconic lyrics (“You know where you are? You’re in the Jungle baby!”) are tailor-made for a dramatic entrance. The humor lies in the unexpected pairing of the song with Sogard’s persona, creating an endearing and memorable walk up experience. It’s a choice that showcases personality, self-awareness, and a great sense of humor.
Walk-up Rating: 5/5. A perfect blend of iconic music and player personality.
In conclusion, walk up songs are a vital, often overlooked element of the baseball experience. They are more than just background music; they are carefully curated soundtracks that reflect player personalities, energize fans, and contribute to the overall game atmosphere. From hype anthems to classic rock staples and culturally specific tracks, the choices are as diverse as the players themselves, creating a rich and dynamic soundscape at the ballpark. The best walk up songs understand their purpose: to amplify the moment, connect with the crowd, and set the stage for baseball action.
