Walk up music has become an integral part of the baseball experience, as essential to the game as heated rivalries and dramatic home runs. It’s hard to imagine a baseball game without the personalized soundtracks that accompany each batter to the plate. Just like a boxer’s entrance music sets the stage for a fight, a baseball player’s walk up song announces their arrival, not just to the crowd, but to the moment itself.
For fans, these snippets of songs, played multiple times throughout a home game, are more than just background noise. Ideally, walk up music is an auditory adrenaline shot, injecting energy into the stadium and psyching up both the player and the crowd. However, a poorly chosen song can deflate the atmosphere, becoming a jarring interruption, especially when a rally is building.
This exploration will focus on the walk up song selections of key starting position players, those who step up to the plate frequently – three to five times per game – meaning their musical choices become recurring themes throughout the baseball season.
A brief dive into music enthusiast territory is ahead.
Apologies in advance for any potential music snobbery.
Coco Crisp: DJ Kool – “Let Me Clear My Throat”
It’s almost painful to call “Let Me Clear My Throat” by DJ Kool a classic hip hop track, mostly because when it was released, the term ‘classic’ felt premature, ‘fresh’ might have been more accurate. That alone reveals its age, but the track’s energy remains timeless. While DJ Kool might be largely known for this single anthem, it’s undeniably a certified hype song. Any track essentially built around a hype man’s call to energize a dance floor – or, in this case, a baseball crowd – is practically tailor-made for entrance music. The song kicks off with the repeated, commanding yell, “Here we go now!” setting an immediate, infectious party atmosphere, amplified by the iconic horn sample. Coco Crisp, often leading off the game, perfectly leverages this track to establish a fun, upbeat vibe right from the first pitch. Its slightly nonsensical, yet universally appealing nature ensures fans of all ages can groove to it (while predictably, some might find its exuberance grating). While his previous choice, Eric B & Rakim’s “I Ain’t No Joke”, was a nod to old-school cool, “Let Me Clear My Throat” elevates his walk up game to another level.
In searching for this track, the fantastic remix video featuring Biz Markie and Doug E. Fresh surfaced, a must-watch for any hip-hop head.
Walk-up Rating: 5/5 (4/5 overall). An exceptional selection.
Jed Lowrie: Rush – “Tom Sawyer”
“Tom Sawyer” by Rush is undeniably a classic rock staple. Rush, a band with a substantial catalog of hits, has fueled countless air drum solos across the globe. However, there’s a certain inherent quirkiness to the track (and arguably, to many Rush songs). It begins with that ethereal, spacey riff, features Geddy Lee’s distinctive, high-pitched vocals, and, like much of Rush’s work, boasts a somewhat overproduced sound. Yet, it’s a strong song, making it hard to criticize too heavily. While it might have felt fresher initially, after two seasons, a change might be due. With a vast reservoir of classic rock anthems available, why stick solely with Canadian rock?
Perhaps Lowrie connected with the song’s opening verse, seeing a parallel with the baseball diamond:
A modern day warriorMean, mean strideToday’s Tom SawyerMean, mean pride
Walk-up Rating: 3/5 (4/5 overall). Time for an update, Jed. A new season is a fresh start.
Josh Donaldson: Warren G – “Regulate”
“Regulate” by Warren G, featuring Nate Dogg, might seem like an obvious home run choice for walk up music. However, it sparked debate, notably with mendelbob’s passionate fan post criticizing Josh Donaldson’s selection. Mendelbob’s argument centered on the song’s deep roots in Southern California culture, specifically Long Beach, and its narrative of Warren G facing trouble and seeking retribution through a drive-by. Mendelbob raises valid points.
Yet, “Regulate” embodies the G-funk essence, a sound that, in its heyday, bridged the gap between Northern and Southern California hip hop scenes. For those who remember the 90s, the unifying “Westside” spirit overshadowed any regional divisions. The real rivalry was East Coast versus West Coast. Furthermore, Nate Dogg (RIP) delivers a performance arguably at his peak. Lyrically, (1) the song tells a compelling story, which is always appealing, and (2) the blend of smooth, funky music and Nate Dogg’s signature gangsta crooning creates an unexpectedly feel-good vibe, despite the narrative’s darker undertones. Crucially, only the opening 30 seconds or so are typically heard as a walk up song, often before the lyrics even become prominent. This track resonated deeply across the West Coast during the 90s, particularly in gritty port cities like Oakland and Long Beach, offering a relatable connection for Oakland fans.
Adding to its walk up appeal, the song bursts open with “REGULAAATOOORRRS!! Mount up!” – an undeniably impactful and inspiring intro to a batter’s appearance. Apologies to Mendelbob, but this choice hits hard.
Walk-up Rating: 5/5 (5/5 overall). Warren G might be considered slightly cheesy, but a hit song is undeniable.
Brandon Moss: AC/DC – “Whiskey on the Rocks”
Brandon Moss represents perhaps the most significant improvement in walk up music selection. The contrast is stark. Previously, he used “Boys ‘Round Here” by Blake Shelton, the quintessential ‘trucks and beer’ country anthemg. While country music often thematically revolves around trucks, a song about talking about trucks felt a bit much. Moreover, Blake Shelton leans more towards pop-country, falling into the category of overly polished radio fodder.
The leap from that to AC/DC is a monumental stride in musical taste. At games, the track typically starts right at the opening riff, around the 0:24 mark in the video. While “Whiskey on the Rocks” might not be AC/DC’s most iconic track, it’s solid, driving rock and roll. And who hasn’t considered sneaking a flask into a game to enjoy their own “whiskey on the rocks”? Well played, Brandon. A truly commendable upgrade.
Walk-up Rating: 4/5 (3/5 overall). A solid, drinking-song appropriate choice.
Yoenis Cespedes: Gente De Zona – “El Animal”
Yoenis Cespedes has consistently used “El Animal” by Gente De Zona since the beginning of his MLB career. There was a brief period in 2013 when he switched to Clyde Carson’s “Slow Down,” a local Bay Area track, which was a cool nod to his location. However, a subsequent slump seemingly prompted a return to his original song. “El Animal” is an undeniably upbeat and joyful song, though for non-Spanish speakers, the lyrical content remains a mystery – hopefully not about anything too sinister!
The live performance video is quite dramatic, opening intensely before exploding into vibrant, horn-driven reggaeton rhythms. The song distinguishes itself from typical reggaeton, possessing a unique flavor. It consistently brings smiles to faces as Cespedes approaches the plate. While a change might be refreshing, the song’s undeniable catchiness is evident, having drawn listeners back repeatedly over the years. It’s become a signature, effectively “branding” his at-bat.
Walk-up Rating: 3/5 (3/5 overall). A fun and catchy tune, but perhaps time for a change-up.
John Jaso: Jimi Hendrix – “Crying Blue Rain”
Here we encounter a walk up music misstep. Hating on Hendrix? It seems almost sacrilegious.
However, stadium attendees likely understand the issue. What translates through the stadium speakers are a few faint, almost inaudible guitar twangs. Slow, quiet, and underwhelming, and then Jaso is at the plate. Jimi Hendrix is legendary, and “Crying Blue Rain” is a decent song, a more laid-back blues track that doesn’t fully showcase Hendrix’s electrifying genius, but still a respectable tune. However, a cardinal sin for walk up music is a weak, quiet intro dominated by a few guitar strums. It simply doesn’t translate effectively over loudspeakers, especially older stadium sound systems. While Jaso deserves credit for digging into Hendrix’s deeper cuts, something more sonically impactful and undeniably “Jimi” is needed.
Walk-up rating: 1/5 (3/5 overall). Come on, John. Give the fans something to latch onto. Hendrix has a few songs known for amped-up electric guitar, or so the legend goes.
Josh Reddick: The Ultimate Warrior Theme Song
Following the untimely passing of WWE icon The Ultimate Warrior, Josh Reddick switched his walk up music to honor him. Wrestling entrance music, by its very nature, is often excellent walk up material. While not a wrestling aficionado, a tribute to a beloved figure, combined with a song designed to ignite wrestling crowds, is a winning formula for walk up success. Interestingly, since this change, Reddick’s performance seemed to improve. Coincidence? Perhaps. Astros conspiracy?? Unlikely. But maybe it’s the Ultimate Warrior smiling down from wrestling heaven.
Walk-up Rating: 5/5 (2/5 Overall). Not necessarily a song for casual listening, but perfectly executed for its intended purpose.
Alberto Callaspo: Arcangel – “S.E.M.”
Arcangel appears to be immensely popular within the Venezuelan baseball community, judging by two examples (Fernando Abad and Alberto Callaspo). Upon first hearing “S.E.M.,” it was initially mistaken for a female vocalist. In fact, it’s sung by a male artist who transitioned from New York City to Puerto Rico to achieve Reggaeton stardom. And successful he became.
“S.E.M.” is reportedly the title track from his album Sentimiento, Elegancia & Maldad (Sentiment, Elegance & Malice). Lyric comprehension would enhance a full assessment. Judging purely by sound, it’s somewhat unremarkable. Other tracks on the album might be better suited for walk up music, such as Dios te Bendiga, which Abad uses. The A’s website lists two alternative songs for Callaspo, though they haven’t been heard at games yet.
Walk-up rating: 2/5. Underwhelming.
Eric Sogard: Guns N’ Roses – “Welcome to the Jungle”
There’s an undeniable charm in the “Harry Potter”/ “Keebs”/ “#Nerdpower”/ “FaceofMLB” persona of Eric Sogard choosing “Welcome to the Jungle” by Guns N’ Roses as his walk up music. It’s an iconic song, and famously performed at the Coliseum during the Metallica/Guns N’ Roses tour in the past. Recalling grainy YouTube footage of that tour, the legendary speaker stacks come to mind.
The song itself is a masterpiece. Are there arguably “better” GNR tracks? Perhaps. But musically, the tempo, widespread familiarity, and iconic lyrical moments (“You know where you are? You’re in the Jungle baby!”) are ideally suited for walk up music. The song’s explosive guitar intro and subsequent build-up to the verse are perfect for creating anticipation. Given Sogard’s unassuming demeanor, the choice also demonstrates a great sense of humor.
Walk-up Rating: 5/5 (Overall 5/5). A home run choice, Sogie. Your eyesight might be questionable, but your hearing is spot on.
Overall, the Oakland A’s curated a strong lineup of walk up music choices. A diverse mix, free of generic slow country tracks, forgettable trendy rap, or overly aggressive “active rock” (rock that strains to sound heavy without being metal, surprisingly popular among baseball players). Another reason to appreciate being an A’s fan.
If a suggestion were to be made, it would be to encourage more A’s players to tap into the rich Bay Area music legacy and select local tracks. Jonny Gomes’ use of Too $hort was a great example. Rancid and Green Day offer a wealth of potential walk up anthems as well. Just, please, no Third Eye Blind.
For a comprehensive list including backup players and relief pitchers (accuracy unverified), check here!
