BLS Roundtable: What is your baseball entrance music?
Some players are known for their entrance music. Mariano Rivera came out to “Enter Sandman” for years. Trevor Hoffman chose “Hells Bells.”
For those guys, it’s tough to separate those songs from their performance. Every time you think about Mariano Rivera coming in to close a game, you think of his entrance music.
With that in mind, we’ve turned the question over to our experts. What song would you use as your walk-up or closer music?
A bit of a warning, some of the songs are NSFW due to language. You’ve been warned.
‘EYE OF THE TIGER,’ SURVIVOR
Back in Little League I always wished Survivor’s “Eye of the Tiger” could be my walk-up song. Thinking about it now, that hasn’t changed.
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As a major leaguer, this is a decision I would take very seriously because it’s your introduction and connection to the fans without having to say a word. That’s a big deal, and I’d want to be true to myself in my presentation. With that said, even in my wildest baseball dreams I could never envision myself as an intimidator or overpowering presence. I’d be an underdog and would have to go with something that pumps a little energy into the ballpark and inspires me at the same time. Eye of the Tiger still fits that bill.
Also, if we’re talking music it always has to be something from the 80s, because the 80s were awesome. Just like Rocky III, brother. (Mark Townsend)
If there was ever a song that was created to be a closer’s entrance song, it’s Eminem’s “Square Dance.” The song gets off to an ominous start with a twisting instrumental as the beat builds toward the opening lyric. Then, from Eminem’s proclamation that “it feels so good to be back,” most of the lyrics that follow detail why I’m about to dominate my opponent while the instrumental still carries strong in the background. By the time I’m warmed up and the inning begins, I’ll be ready to square dance with anyone who dares step into the batter’s box to face me. (Israel Fehr)
‘THE IMPERIAL MARCH,’ STAR WARS
Try to imagine this: Your team is up by one and the game is heading into the bottom of the ninth inning. The lights in the stadium go out. All of the sudden, you start hearing the “Imperial March” from Star Wars. The lights flash back on. There’s your closer. He’s marching out to the mound to finish this game off. The feeling in the air is menacing, yet organized, the way it should be for every closer. You want to finish your hot dog, but you’re too scared.
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Then, you remember this guy plays for your team. You relax, but only slightly, as you realize this dude is about to dominate the opposition for the save. The game ends and your team is victorious. You celebrate briefly before the “Imperial March” starts playing in your head. You won’t sleep well tonight, but at least your team won. (Chris Cwik)
‘ANTE UP,’ M.O.P.
There aren’t many instances in which “Ante Up” by M.O.P. isn’t the perfect entrance music. Perhaps it wouldn’t have gone over well at my wedding, but other than that? This hyped-up hip-hop anthem would most certainly be my go-to baseball jam. It would work as both a walk-up song and a closer’s entrance song. But I’m choosing it as a walk-up song because any pitcher who sees me coming up to the plate with “Ante Up” playing knows I’m gonna “hit him, hit him, hit him.” That’s word to Billy Danze and his baseball bat. (Mike Oz)
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