Twins Replace Fake Fan Noise with Chumbawamba’s ‘Tubthumping’

Major League Baseball sent iPads to every team, including Minnesota, pre-programmed with ambient ballpark noise, from cheers to claps to walk-up music. The Twins, while grateful for the gesture, are following their own path as they prepare to play ball in an empty Target Field.

“Man oh man, do I love Chumbawamba,” said Derek Falvey, the team’s President of Baseball Operations, referencing the British band behind the hit 1997 single “Tubthumping.”

Multiple team sources confirm that the song will replace applause, boos, chants, and organ sounds. Batters can still use their preferred walk-up music, provided that the song’s creator has covered “Tubthumping” and they use that cover. “It defaults back to the original otherwise,” noted Falvey.

Players were confused, but said they’d adjust.

“What’s a Chumbawamba,” asked catcher Mitch Garver. “I honestly don’t know.”

“The ‘I get knocked down’ song, oh yeah, I remember that,” said prize free agent acquisition Josh Donaldson. “I’ve played at Tropicana Field in September, this will only be stranger on the margins.”

Falvey says the 7^th inning stretch will also sound different.

“Obviously, there won’t be fans around to stand up and sing ‘Take Me Out To The Ballgame’ so we won’t be playing it,” said Falvey. “However, we will be playing ‘Tubthumping’ by Chumbawamba.”

As for the National Anthem, the Twins will continue rising to salute America prior to the first pitch.

“That is one tradition we don’t mess around with,” said Falvey. “We’ll continue to stand, remove our caps, and honor America every night. However, instead of ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ we’ll be singing ‘Tubthumping’ by Chumbawamba.”

Falvey, who joined the Twins in 2016, said he’s hopeful that the team can reach the playoffs in this shortened season.

“We have about two months to gel as a team and get to the ultimate prize,” said Falvey. “The Fall Classic, with Chumbawamba throwing out the first pitch then playing their hit song ‘Tubthumping’ on the outfield grass. It’s what every player and every fan dreams of.”

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