My MLB Walk-up Songs

Zach Nading
Jul 20, 2017 · 3 min read

As amazing as I am at beer league softball, that talent never really translated to the big leagues. But a guy can still dream. So I threw together a short list of my hypothetical walk-up songs. Enjoy.

  1. Mark Morrison — “Return of the Mack”
More like “Return of the Zach,” am I right? — YouTube

A feel good song if there ever was one, “Return of the Mack” just reminds me of wearing cutoff jorts, and a fanny pack like I didn’t give a fuck. This song has one of the most baller 90’s claps in music history. Naturally this jam would amp me up for an at-bat, and I’m guessing the fans would enjoy it too. Thank you Mark Morrison.

2. Drake — “Pop Style”

“Pop Style” off Views. — Wikimedia Commons.

One of the later tracks off of his hit album Views, its intro alone is enough to send chills down a pitcher’s spine. The keys are incredible on this song and fun fact, according to FansEdge Drake is currently the number one artist in walk-up song usage in the MLB (not kidding, that’s a real stat.) This one is catchy and laid back, and apparently super popular among MLB players.

3. Brooks & Dunn — “Boot Scootin’ Boogie”

Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn. — Wikimedia Commons

Before you run away and never read anything else I ever write, let me at least stress to you that we were forced to learn how to line dance to this song…in gym class…IN HIGH SCHOOL. Not to mention that pitchers of the Caucasian persuasion tend to lean toward country music for “walk-out” songs. “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” will definitely get your drunk uncle dancing in those $15 bleacher seats.

4. Backstreet Boys — Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)

This was the first CD I ever bought with my own money. — Flickr

No offense to all you JT fans out there, but Backstreet Boys were my shit. I would play this album on repeat for days and days at a time. When it comes to walk-up music, this song’s got it all. It’s poppy, upbeat, and definitely a crowd-pleaser. BSB for life.

5. Third Eye Blind — “Semi-Charmed Life”

Third Eye Blind, aka my childhood. — Flickr

Third Eye Blind is one of my favorite bands of all time. I’ve seen them live 3 times and I own all of their albums. This song though, no matter how overplayed or popular, always makes me happy when I hear it. I just get pumped up. That’s what a good walk-up song is supposed to do, right?


***Honorable Mention

Rick Astley — “Never Gonna Give You Up”

Rick Astley just gettin’ it. — Flickr

I mean, who wouldn’t want to continue the greatest of traditions that is Rick-rolling thousands of people? Not to mention I bear a striking resemblance to the singer himself.

Me, as Rick Astley.

See you at the ballpark.

)
Zach Nading

Written by

Writer, actor, redheaded step-child.

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