There’s nothing like the roar of fans in a baseball stadium during a game. The stadium lights are glowing, the smell of hot dogs fills the air … it’s a vibe all its own. And nothing gets fans pumped up and ready to cheer on their favorite players quite like a good walkup song. There are some that are catchy, and then there are those that work so perfectly as a signifier of a super slugger or powerhouse pitcher that they become iconic.
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11. ‘Hip Hop Hooray’ by Naughty by Nature
Naughty by Nature’s 90s anthem is known for its iconic “Hey, ho! Hey, ho!” chorus, and when the song came over the speakers at the Seattle Mariner’s Kingdome during the early 90s, fans knew Ken Griffey Jr. was coming up to bat. The song was such a smash that the Yankees used it too, playing it over the loudspeaker when Yankees players hit home runs.
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10. ‘Big Poppa’ by The Notorious B.I.G.
Perhaps as a nod to the movie “Hardball” or maybe just because the song’s smooth beat and catchy hooks exuded the confidence and swagger needed to be a spot-on walkup song, both David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez used this The Notorius B.I.G. tune.
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9. ‘Crazy Train’ by Ozzy Osbourne
This 80s metal anthem, with its high energy and roaring instrumentation, became synonymous with Atlanta Braves’ legend Chipper Jones. Every time the opening guitar riff blasted through the stadium’s speakers, fans knew that Jones was about to take the field or step up to the plate.
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8. ‘Hell’s Bells’ by AC/DC
Marked by its haunting bell intro followed by a powerful, driving guitar riff, “Hell’s Bells” resounded impending doom to players on the opposing team visiting San Diego’s Petco Park. When that bell tolled over the speakers, fans knew it signified the entrance of Trevor Hoffman, one of the greatest closers in MLB history. Amplified by his walkup song, Hoffman turned his appearances into theatrical events, adding drama and anticipation throughout the stadium.
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7. ‘Flower’ by Moby
This obscure electronic song sets the perfect melody for Bryce Harper to saunter out to, shifting the mood. The song is so unique, fans know it signifies Bryce Harper immediately.
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6. ‘Wild Thing’ by X
Popularized by the hit baseball movie “Major League” and Charlie Sheen’s character Ricky “Wild Thing” Vaughn, X’s 1980s remake of The Troggs original song has been used by a few different MLB players, including Mitch Williams whose nickname is — you guessed it — Wild Thing.
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5. ‘Welcome to the Jungle’ by Guns ‘n Roses
Eric Gagne is one of many big-time MLB players who have used this hair metal anthem as their walkup song. Mark McGwire, Randy Johnson, Joakim Soria, Carlos Beltran, and Kerry Wood have all walked out to the song, too.
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4. ‘Kashmir’ by Led Zeppelin
“Kashmi” is a rock masterpiece, distinguished by its rhythmic, driving beat and the mesmerizing blend of orchestral arrangements with classic rock sounds. When this track becomes the backdrop for Scott Kazmir’s entrance, it amplifies the atmosphere,
Former All-Stars Chase Utley and Huston Street have both used the song, too.
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3. ‘Lose Yourself’ by Eminem
In a moment charged with emotion and nostalgia, Derek Jeter chose Eminem’s “Lose Yourself” as the backdrop to his final at-bat for the New York Yankees. The song, known for its powerful lyrics about seizing the moment and not missing opportunities, perfectly encapsulated the gravity of Jeter’s storied career coming to a close.
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2. ‘Narco’ by Blasterjaxx & Timmy Trumpet
Edwin Diaz is known as one of the best relief pitchers in the MLB, and he has one of the catchiest walkup songs of any closer to boot. The tune of the trumpets is spot-on for Diaz’s legendary performance on the field.
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1. Enter Sandman’ by Metallica
The haunting guitar riffs of Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” are instantly recognizable to any rock fan, but for followers of the New York Yankees, those chords signify something even more special: the entrance of Mariano Rivera. Widely regarded as the greatest closer in baseball history, Rivera’s choice of “Enter Sandman” as his walkup song became synonymous with “The Sandman’s” late-game dominance and is probably the most famous player-specific walkup song of all-time.
This article was produced and syndicated by MediaFeed.
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