By Ethan Merrill
Baseball is in the midst of some serious changes. Home runs are down, strikeouts are up, and MLB managers can now reverse the mistakes made by umpires. Instant replay is the talk of the sport and for good reason.
But you’ve heard enough about that. Another rule change passed by MLB executives has bearing on what we hear, rather than what we may or may not have seen.
Player walk-up music is now limited to 15 seconds, per a new mandate approved this past off-season. In previous seasons, the typical song lasted around 20 seconds – heard over the ballpark’s speakers while the home team player digs in at home plate.
This is a disappointing development for many players and fans. Getting a chance to hear what’s stored in your favorite player’s iPod is an exciting connection. It’s also a chance for players to relax as they stroll to the plate hearing familiar tunes. The MLB’s decision to limit external noises from the game is confusing to many of us that attend ballparks and have no problem with the music that can often keep you upbeat during a especially slow moving game.
In light of the new rule, I have chosen to select my favorite walk-up songs for players this season. Picked from all 30 MLB teams, I believe these songs do a good job of displaying the eclectic listening choices of pro baseball players.
I also must give credit to MLBPlateMusic.com for their awesome site, where I was able to find listings of walk-up music.
Victor Martinez, Tigers – “I Can” by Nas
Let’s get the homer pick out of the way first. This is the perfect song for a clutch hitter like V-mart, as Nasty Nas’ inspirational lyrics remind Victor that – yes, he can indeed hit a baseball very far.
Shane Victorino, Red Sox – “Buffalo Solider” by Bob Marley
The Flyin’ Hawaiian is at ease when he comes to the plate. This type of coolness served Victorino well in the 2013 playoffs. He also happens to be one of the most outspoken about the new walk-up limitation:
“Everybody has their own rhythm and way they go about an at-bat,” Victorino said. “If over the course of a season there’s a problem then Major League Baseball should tell Mr. So-and-So they’re taking way too long between pitches and this needs to stop or fines will come your way. I just don’t think everybody across the board has to [punished].” (WEEI FM)
Buster Posey, Giants – “Me, Myself and I” by De La Soul
The Giants catcher goes with some soulful, golden era hip-hop for his entrance. Even the Bay Area fans can appreciate this Brooklyn-based group.
BJ Upton, Braves – “Ghostwriter” by RJD2
This upbeat, sample based song is one of RJD2’s grooviest productions. The beautiful sounding horns that burst in around 1:30 signal the arrival of all the hits that Upton won’t get.
Jimmy Rollins, Phillies – “On My Block” by Scarface
A Southern hip-hop gem, and a perfect choice for Rollins. Scarface’s territorial lyrics mesh well when the longest-tenured Phillie steps to the plate. After all, Rollins is one of eight current MLB players who have been with their team for 10 seasons or longer.
John Lannan, Nationals – “My Own Summer (Shove It)” by Deftones
Yes, even pitchers get walk-up music. Lannan has a more aggressive sounding choice than most others, which happens to be one of my favorite Deftones songs. That uniqueness is enough to get noticed by this former pitcher.
Dustin Pedroia, Red Sox – “Gettin’ It” by Too $hort
I have now idea how often D-Ped uses this song with the Dr. Dre song he alternates in – but it’s too awesome to imagine the diminutive Pedroia strutting to the plate, with swagger, to this West Coast classic.
Tanner Scheppers, Rangers – “Intro” by The xx
Scheppers, he of zero career plate appearances, still gets the nod for the last spot on the list. His choice of one of my favorite songs ever was too hard to ignore. It’s also a fitting “intro” should he ever step in the batter’s box.
Brickslap 