All is well in the world. Spring Training is over and teams are in their affiliated cities. The beginning of the season means jersey selection, locker organization, paperwork and…walkout songs. This decision can be spur of the moment or have months of thought put into it. The reasons for choosing a particular song are unique to each guy. There are a few popular ways I have seen players do this in the past.

Play on Words

Yesterday I was asking a few guys what they would be using for songs. Matt Summers told me he couldn’t think of anything so he went with “Summertime” by Kenny Chesney. This is clever for obvious reasons. A number of closers have used the song “Closing Time” in the past. Mitch Williams used the song “Wild Thing” to go along with his ‘style’ of pitching. I have had a tough time playing on a Scandinavian last name, so this one isn’t for me.

Funny/Crowd Pleaser

I really enjoy when I hear this style as a walkout. They are especially good if a pitcher uses one (they get a longer section of the song) or if they are played at the perfect point in the song. During batting practice yesterday all of the walkout songs were tested over the loud speaker. Among the popular hits played were a number of Justin Bieber ballads. These songs are usually picked as a joke, but often are a hit with the kids in the crowd. I am excited for the first time “One Less Lonely Girl” is blasted over the speakers at Pohlman Field. In college our 2B picked his song to be a joke, but little kids danced and sang every time “Party in the U.S.A.” by Miley Cyrus filled the Metrodome.

Good Beat/Lyrics

This is the most popular method and the one that I typically use to pick my songs. It has been used by guys like Derek Jeter (Square Dance-Eminem). His song is cued up to say the words, “It feels so good to be back.” I used this my freshman year of college with “Love Me or Hate Me” by Lil’ Wayne. Last year I knew our home games would be at Target Field. The state of the art sound system contributed to picking “Buzzin” by Mann for its catchy beat.

What Do You Like?

This year I went with “Paradise” by Coldplay. What walkout songs do you like the best? Do you notice each song when you go to a game?

Follow me this season! @apettersen1

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