The Cubs are making their way to the playoffs this year.
Walk-Up Song Synergy
Anyone with an ounce of superstition tends to believe that the right walk-up songs produce good karma for their favorite teams. The music plays, the player gets pumped, the crowd goes wild.
In perhaps the best-known example, Cubs shortstop Starlin Castro made headlines earlier this year for his catchy walk-up song choice: “Ando En La Versace” by Omega. Not only did the fans go wild, but the whole team clapped along, from the bullpen catcher to the relievers. Even a player from the opposing team admitted he’d had a hard time not clapping along.
While you wait to see what the series brings next, we’ve compiled a Chicago Cubs playlist for you, featuring players’ favorite walk-up songs.
Songs of the Cubs
When it comes to genres, hip-hop/rap and Latin music are top choices for Cubs players. Next comes metal, and country, electronic, and punk/emo music tie for least popular.
How does that play out? Upbeat, catchy tunes rule the field… Yoervis Medina and David Ross walk up – and fans get down – to “Funky Cold Medina” by Tone Loc. Jake Arrieta rocks out to Ronald Jenkees’s “Disorganized Fun.” Songs by Green Day, Linkin Park, and Quiet Riot also make the cut.
Let’s Walk
Our research of the league overall uncovered some interesting stats when it comes to walk-up songs. Players who walked up to electronic music average the highest batting averages, while players who walked up to rock averaged the lowest. Players who opted for alternative/indie music batted the most home runs, and batters who favor hip-hop/rap hit the fewest.
When it comes to pitching, players who favor rock had the best average and the most strikeouts. Pitchers who chose metal or country walk-up songs had the lowest performance.
Whether or not you believe there’s a correlation, one thing is certain: The Cubs can use all the help they can get. So crank up the tunes!
Update: find other MLB teams’ player walk up songs at the MLB Walk Up Songs application at Fanatics
Sources:
- http://mlb.mlb.com/fan_forum/ballpark_music.jsp?c_id=mlb
- http://ftw.usatoday.com/2015/10/dont-count-out-the-chicago-cubs-just-yet
- http://www.chicagomag.com/city-life/October-2015/Do-Not-Panic/
- http://m.mlb.com/cutfour/2015/09/28/152047168
- http://www.redeyechicago.com/music/redeye-starlin-castro-cubs-walk-up-music-wrigley-omega-20151012-htmlstory.html
