Head down Yawkey Way in Boston, Massachusetts during the summer and you’ll be greeted by the joyful noise of fans taking in a baseball game at Fenway Park. Home to the Boston Red Sox, this iconic ballpark has been in operation since 1912 and and earned honors as “America’s Most Beloved Ballpark.”
Just because it’s a living piece of history doesn’t mean this stadium and its team haven’t kept up with the times. They’ve performed multiple updates to stay current with what the newest offerings from the latest and greatest ballparks; from high-definition video boards to seat renovations and even expanded concessions.
The Fenway Faithful also get to enjoy plenty of great music piped through the hallowed grounds as players for their team walk-up to the plate. Here’s the rundown of exactly what type of music genres are most popular amongst the team.
Fenway Favorites
Out of the 30 songs selected by Boston Red Sox players, almost half are rap and hip-hop. Boston is a rock and roll type of town, serving as the staging ground for several successful rock bands (Aerosmith, Boston, and The Cars), but that isn’t the players’ genre of choice. It is worth noting, even those that chose rock didn’t select a song by any of the hometown heroes.
Beats by Boston
Those making their walk to home plate with songs from the rap and hip-hop genre treat game day guests to songs both old and new. First baseman Hanley Ramirez, closing in on 20 home runs for the season, uses 2Pac’s “Hail Mary” to psyche himself up for his at-bats. Designated hitter and future Hall of Famer, David Ortiz, alternates between two different latin artists, Arcangel and De La Ghetto. Right fielder Markus Lynn Betts, better known as Mookie who lets Gucci Mane’s “Heavy” or Rocko’s “UOENO” announce his arrival at the plate.
Rock Your Sox Off
Offering to share some classic rock, the second genre in the lineup, with the fans are pitchers Craig Kimbrel (Guns N’ Roses “Welcome To The Jungle”), David Price (Jimi Hendrix “All Along The Watchtower”) and third baseman Aaron Hill (Led Zeppelin’s “When The Levee Breaks”). Opting for some more modern choices, pitcher Drew Pomeranz went with Volbeat’s “Still Counting” and left fielder Brock Holt chose Reckless Kelly’s “Ragged As The Road.”
Interestingly, Rihanna is the only artists to appear multiple times, three in fact, thanks to shortstop Xander Bogaerts and third baseman Travis Shaw.
The Players’ Playlist
In between the hooting and hollering, the footlong franks and the fun times, there’s still a ballgame taking place. Whether it’s hip-hop and rap or rock, Red Sox fans just want to see their team make a run for the World Series. Show your pride for the Red Sox by sporting the best officially licensed MLB apparel and merchandise at Fanatics.com.
Sources
- http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/bos/ballpark/
- http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/bos/history/improvements_intro.jsp
- http://archive.boston.com/ae/music/packages/topbostonacts/
- http://m.mlb.com/player/434670/hanley-ramirez
- http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/fan_forum/ballpark_music.jsp?c_id=bos
- https://public.tableau.com/profile/publish/BostonRedSoxWalk-UpSongs/Sheet1#!/publish-confirm
- http://archive.boston.com/ae/music/packages/topbostonacts/
- http://m.mlb.com/player/434670/hanley-ramirez
