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The walkout song. An essential part of the baseball game experience for both players and fans alike. Whether it’s to amp themselves up before their time to shine, energize the crowd, or maybe just to give everyone a little chuckle -- each individual player’s signature anthem adds a fun and playful touch to the soundtrack of America’s favorite game. From gangster rap to Game of Thrones, here are 9 innings’ worth of notable walkout songs that capture the essence of what baseball is all about.

1. "Big Poppa” by Notorious B.I.G. – David Ortiz, Boston Red Sox

Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz, also known as “Big Papi,” uses this hip-hop classic as his walkout song - for obvious reasons.
 

2. "Gangster’s Paradise” by Coolio – David Hernandez, Arizona Diamondbacks

Another rap classic, the haunting string intro of Coolio’s “Gangster’s Paradise” allows for an equally haunting entrance for this Diamondback’s reliever. And, with a 3.42 ERA over the 2011-2013 seasons, we think the song may be workin’ for him.

3. “Your Love” by The Outfield – Gordon Beckham, Chicago White Sox

Some may argue that this is one of the worst choices made for a walkout song, but how can you argue against a song that probably has at least half the stadium singing along?  Plus, the irony of using a cheesy 80’s ballad by a band whose own name evokes visions of a baseball field is just too perfect not to mention.

4. “Game of Thrones Theme” by Ramin Djawadi – Noah Syndergaard, New York Mets

With a name like that, it’s hard to believe he’s not a character on the show himself. This unconventional walkout song is bound to elicit a few smiles and laughs, which is much needed after last season’s GOT finale (warning, if you click - there are spoilers!). 
 

5. “Ready or Not” by the Fugees – Tyler Clippard, Oakland Athletics

The lyrics and title say it all. Oakland Athletics’ relief pitcher Tyler Clippard (who has 17 saves on the year) uses this Fugees’ hit to warn everyone that this reliever is comin’ in hot.

6. “Low Rider” by War – Mark Loretta [Retired]

War’s timeless hit “Low Rider” is a nice change up from the typical rock and rap hits often used as walkout songs, but during his time with the Houston Astros, Loretta chose this funky number mainly because of the title’s similarity to his last name.  

7. "I’m Shipping up to Boston” by Dropkick Murphys –Jonathan Papelbon, Philadelphia Phillies

Although he no longer has the blessing from Dropkick Murphy’s front man, Ken Casey, to use this song for his entrance after moving to the Phillies, former Boston Red Sox closer Jon Papelbon used this legendary east coast anthem for years as an homage to the city and team that took him in when he joined the majors in 2005. 
 

8. “Jump Around” by House of Pain – Brian Wilson, [Unsigned]

Here we have a very high energy song for a very high energy, and well-bearded, closer (he was named This Year in Baseball Closer of the year in 2010, after all). During his time with the San Francisco Giants, Brian Wilson came on to the field to House of Pain’s “Jump Around”.

9. “Enter Sandman” by Metallica – Mariano Rivera, [Retired]

And finally, it’s only fitting to close with the MLB’s most notorious closer. That’s right, we’re talking about the New York Yankees’ Mariano “Sandman” Rivera and his infamous walkout song, Metallica’s “Enter Sandman.” With a record 652 saves in his MLB career, it’s easy to understand the nightmarish effect this pitcher has on the opposite team. 

Be sure to download this playlist to pump yourself up before it’s your turn to step up to the plate. What would your baseball walkout song be? Tweet us to let us know!