There are not many things in the world of sports that can generate energy as much as a great walk-up song does. Whether it's a hard-hitting rock anthem, a timeless hip-hop track, or a classic country tune, the right track sets the tone for the player and the atmosphere of the crowd. There have been many legendary walk-up songs over the years, and there is no way to mention them all; so here are just some of the most iconic walkup songs.
Trevor Hoffman - "Hells Bells" (AC/DC)
When the deafening sound of bells rang through Petco Park, everyone knew what was coming: Trevor Hoffman jogging out of the bullpen to close the game.
Zack Greinke - "Careless Whisper" (George Michael)
It was a classic Grienke move for him to select the smooth sax of "Careless Whisper." Grienke used it as a walk-up song while batting. Josh Reddick also used the song during his time with the A's.
Mariano Rivera - "Enter Sandman" (Metallica)
The greatest closer of all time needed the greatest entrance in the game. In Yankee Stadium when the opening riff rang out, opposing teams knew their night was about to end in heartbreak.
Paul O'Neill - "Baba O'Riley" (The Who)
It wasn't just the legendary opening bars of The Who that made O’Neill’s walkout special: it was Bob Sheppard's just as legendary introduction: "Now batting, right fielder, number twenty-one… Paul… O'Neill." Chills every time, without fail.
Daniel Vogelbach - "Milkshake" (Kelis)
If you’ve never seen it, picture a 270-pound slugger walking up to the plate to "My milkshake brings all the boys to the yard." Comedic gold. Vogelbach owned it, and the fans loved it.
Shane Victorino - "Three Little Birds" (Bob Marley)
Bob Marley's "Don't worry about a thing, 'cause every little thing's gonna be alright" was the perfect pick for this guy. Phillies fans sang along every time.
Chipper Jones - "Crazy Train" (Ozzy Osbourne)
Mets fans weren't always Chipper's biggest supporters, but they could still appreciate his consistency and so did the crowd as "All aboard!" blasted through Turner Field.
Michael Morse - "Take On Me" (A-ha)
Morse's walk-up song became a Nationals Park anthem, with the crowd singing out loud "Take on meeeee!" each time he approached the plate.
Edwin Díaz - "Narco" (Blasterjaxx & Timmy Trumpet)
Arguably one of the best in the game as far as entrances go. When the trumpets sounded, it became electric at Citi Field. Props from even non-Mets fans for this one; it truly was art.
Francisco Lindor - "My Girl" (The Temptations)
"My Girl" brings a touch of charm to Lindor's at-bats. An after-the-factor normal routine of high-energy tracks is refreshing.
Matt Chapman - "Antidote" (Travis Scott) & "Not Like Us" (Kendrick Lamar)
Chapman has always had good walk-up songs, during his time with the Blue Jays he used "Antidote" which is a bit moodier but set a good tone. When he came to the Giants, he began using "Not Like Us", a song that is not only just a good song but also a cultural movement.
Mitch Williams - "Wild Thing" (The Troggs)
Fitting with Williams' unpredictable pitching style, "Wild Thing" was the perfect choice for him.
Paul Konerko - "Harvester of Sorrow" (Metallica)
Konerko was a pretty unassuming leader, but his walk-up song? Pure intimidation.
Dan Wilson -- "Whatta Man" (Salt-N-Pepa)
This pick is altogether fun and unexpected for a guy to step up in that position. It’s not the first song you’d expect for a 6’3 215 215-pound catcher to walk up to the plate to. Wilson was known as “Dan the Man” to the Seattle fans, which is why the song was chosen.
Jason Kubel - "Sabotage" (Beastie Boys)
The frenetic energy of "Sabotage" fit Kubel's style, and it was always a crowd favorite.
Mike Piazza - "Voodoo Child" (Jimi Hendrix)
One of the coolest players from his era had arguably one of the coolest walk-up songs.
Walk-up songs aren’t just music — they really set the tone and help hype up both the players and the crowd. Whether it’s the trumpets of "Narco" or the nostalgia of "Take On Me," the right song can turn a simple at-bat into something unforgettable.
Edited by Brittany Snow
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