Walk-up songs have become a vibrant part of baseball culture, adding personality and energy to the game. Recently, Major League Baseball players and their families have embraced this tradition, using music to express individuality and connect with fans. At Dodger Stadium’s Women’s Night, the Dodgers’ wives, girlfriends, and sometimes mothers took charge of selecting the walk-up songs for players. This fresh approach created a diverse playlist that ranged from pop hits and Latin tunes to Japanese music and dance tracks, reflecting the broad cultural backgrounds of the team and its supporters.
For example, Sammy Call chose Carly Rae Jepsen’s catchy “Call Me Maybe” for Alex Call, while Maddie Scott picked Blondie’s “One Way or Another” for Tanner Scott. Britney Spears’ “Piece of Me” was selected by Kayla Vesia for Alex Vesia, blending mainstream pop with ballpark excitement. Other selections included Justin Bieber’s “Baby,” Ariana Grande’s “7 rings,” and Vanessa Carlton’s “A Thousand Miles,” all chosen by players’ significant others to add a personal touch. Latin pop was well represented as well, with Chelsea Freeman opting for KAROL G’s “BICHOTA” for Freddie Freeman and Mariana Rojas picking Beyoncé and Nicki Minaj’s “Flawless Remix” for Miguel Rojas.
The event also highlighted the international reach of baseball with Japanese songs featured prominently. Shohei Ohtani’s walk-up songs were selected by his wife Mamiko Ohtani, who chose “Ultra Seven no Uta ’99” by Isao Sasaki for batting and “Canzoni Preferite” by Yugo Kanno for pitching entrances. Similarly, Roki Sasaki’s walk-up music was Aimyon’s “Let the Night,” selected by his wife. These choices not only celebrate the players’ heritage but also introduce fans to diverse musical styles.
The women’s selections ranged from playful anthems like GloRilla featuring Sexyy Red’s “WHATCHU KNO ABOUT ME” for Dalton Rushing to soulful tracks such as The Cranberries’ “Linger” for Ben Casparius. Some picks were designed to pump up the crowd, while others carried sentimental value or showcased star power, like Kanye West’s “Champions” chosen for Justin Wrobleski.
Beyond Dodger Stadium, walk-up songs also serve as a way for players to connect with their roots. Australian baseball star Travis Bazzana made headlines during his Major League Baseball debut with the Cleveland Guardians by walking out to Men at Work’s iconic Australian anthem “Down Under.” The choice resonated deeply with both Bazzana and fans alike, marking a proud moment that blended national identity with the excitement of professional baseball. Bazzana reflected on the significance of this choice, calling it a special start to his career that linked his childhood dreams with his present achievement.
Walk-up songs in baseball are much more than just background music; they are a form of personal expression that enhances the game-day experience for players and fans. They create memorable moments that celebrate culture, personality, and the joy of sport. Whether through family-selected playlists at Dodger Stadium or individual player choices like Bazzana’s tribute to Australia, these songs add color and character to America’s pastime.
