Grading the Mariners Walk-Up Songs

6 of 16

Apr 6, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners designated hitter

Nelson Cruz

(23) and second baseman

Robinson Cano

(center) watch the player introduction ceremony before a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Safeco Field. Seattle defeated Los Angeles, 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

There are plenty of reasons to take in a baseball game at Safeco Field. Some come to get a first hand look at the players, others come because of the atmosphere, while others come to watch the hydro boat races or the hidden ball game. I love every aspect of watching a game at the corner of Edgar & Dave, but one of my favorite things is listening to the walk-up music each player selects.

Fans have an abundance of ways to learn more about their favorite players in the modern age. Most players are on some form of social media, and some will even converse with fans. FanGraphs There are hundreds websites devoted to dissecting a player’s stats in every way imaginable.

More from Mariners News

There are many ways to get to know the players now a days, but which song a player chooses as his walk-up song reveals far more than 140 characters on twitter. Thankfully, the Mariners’ are not short on personality, and their choices in music speak to that.

The entire list of Mariners’ music can be found here.

Today, I will discuss my favorite walk-up songs amongst the players currently on the Mariners’ opening day roster. There are many ways of ranking the quality of a song, but fun trumps all where walk-up music is concerned. The song also has to be catchy, and is preferably something that catches peoples’ attention.

Next: Mike Zunino

Feb 21, 2015; Peoria, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher Mike Zunino (3) catches bullpen during camp at Peoria Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

Mike Zunino – C – 24 years old – Cape Coral, FL

The Mariners’ backstop is a well-known country music fan, who consistently chooses a hit country song for his walkup song. Last season he was rocking the latest hit from Florida Georgia Line, and in 2015 he has picked “Just Gettin’ Started” by Jason Aldean.

C. Personally, I am not a huge country music guy, but this song does have a few redeeming qualities. It touches on all the typical “country” stereotypes; pickup trucks, beer, pretty ladies and beer again. It has a party feel to it, but I do not think it will be a big hit with the Mariners’ fan base. Zunino has stayed close to his southern roots, but this song ranks low on the list of M’s walkup tunes.. C. Seattle Mariners. MIKE ZUNINO

Next: LoMo

Sep 27, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners first baseman

Logan Morrison

(20) hits an RBI-double against the Los Angeles Angels during the seventh inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Logan Morrison – 1B – 27 years old – Slidell, LA

LoMo is a hustle guy on the 2015 Mariners’, and his choice in walkup music was a valiant effort. The M’s have a distinct hip-hop feel this season, and Morrison picked a rap song to stay relevant with his contemporaries. However, rather than picking a song from a well-known rapper, LoMo chose “You Can’t Stop Me” by Andy Mineo.

D. I must admit that I have never heard of Mr. Mineo, but when I listened to him, he gave off a distinct white rapper feel. I have nothing against white rappers like Eminem and Macklemore, but Andy Mineo grated on my nerves. I can appreciate the concept that LoMo cannot be stopped, but this song is a bust.. 1B. Seattle Mariners. LOGAN MORRISON

Next: Robby Cano

Apr 6, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners second baseman

Robinson Cano

(22) stands in the dugout before a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Safeco Field. Seattle Mariners manager

Lloyd McClendon

(23) sits behind Cano to the left. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Robinson Cano – 2B – 32 years old – San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic

Robby Cano is a famously a fan of rap music. His agent is Jay-Z for crying out loud. It goes without saying that Cano has selected a pair of hip-hop songs for his walkup tunes.

B. Robinson Cano went with one of the most prominent young rappers in the game for his first track. Cano selected “Blessings (feat. Drake)” by Big Sean. There is no denying that this song ranks high on the swag factor, but it does not score highly in the fun department. I like this song, I think it works pretty well as a walkup song, but I am not going to put it in the great category.. 2B. Seattle Mariners. ROBINSON CANO

2B. Seattle Mariners. ROBINSON CANO. C-. Robby’s next choice is a rap song by El Alfa entitled “El Baile del Dinero.” I do not pretend to know how to speak Spanish, but my hunch is that this song is basically about money and lady hind parts. This song has a party feel, but the MC has a voice I find off putting. Also, my guess is that not very many Mariners’ fans are huge El Alfa fans. In my opinion, this song choice was a rare error from the M’s star second baseman.

Next: Seags

Apr 8, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners third baseman

Kyle Seager

(15) celebrates with teammates hitting a two-run homer against the Los Angeles Angels during the sixth inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Kyle Seager – 3B – 27 years old – Concord, NC

Seags is a country boy from the backwoods in North Carolina. He typically selects old-fashioned country songs. This season was no different as he selected “Love You Like That” by Canaan Smith.

KYLE SEAGER. C. I have nothing against this tune, but I feel it is too slow to whip up a crowd. Seattle is not a country music hotspot to begin with, and this romantic track is not likely to change that. My guess is that Seags is never going to have a great walkup song, but a faster paced song would be a better choice next season. Again, just like Zunino and Cano, it is nice that he has picked a song close to his roots, but it pales in comparison to some of the songs on this list.. 3B. Seattle Mariners

Next: Stirrup Power

Brad Miller – SS – 25 years old – Orlando, FL

Finally, we have arrived at a player who understands what to look for in a walkup song. Brad Miller has opted to blast “No Sleep Till Brooklyn” by The Beastie Boys as his walkup tune in 2015.

Seattle Mariners. BRAD MILLER. A. Now this is a walkup song. It is well known, it gets the crown excited, and the song has a distinct personality. This 1987 hit is beloved by music fans of all ages, and is considered a classic in the genre. The message of the song also appears to fit the Mariners’ shortstop well. Miller struggled last season in his first full season with the M’s, but he won’t rest until he gets where he wants to be.. SS

Next: The Bearded Beauty

Apr 6, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners left fielder

Dustin Ackley

(13) is greeted by third base coach Rich Donnelly (26) after hitting a solo home run during the fifth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Dustin Ackley – LF – 27 years old – Winston-Salem, NC

Predictably, the man who looks like a Duck Dynasty cast member opts to walk to the batters box with Creedence Clearwater Revisited blasting through the Safeco Field speakers. Dustin Ackley is a country boy, and he has picked two songs from one of the greatest country rock groups in music history.

LF. Seattle Mariners. DUSTIN ACKLEY. A-. The Ack-Attack’s first choice is CCR’s 1969 hit “Bad Moon Rising.” Rolling Stone Magazine ranked the song #364 in their list of the 500 greatest songs of all time. I would say this has to be considered one of the better selections in walkup music on the Mariners. It is catchy, well known and gives Safeco energy.

DUSTIN ACKLEY. A. The Mariners’ left fielder’s infatuation with CCR led him to choose the 1969 classic song, “Fortunate Son” as his alternate walkup song. Rolling Stone ranked “Fortunate Son” as the 99th best song in music history back in 2011, and it ranks much higher than that on the list of Mariners’ walkup songs. Ackley has some sound taste in music, and this song has to be in the top of 5 right now on the M’s. It infuses the crowd with an underdog mentality, and it is one of those songs that sounds like summer.. LF. Seattle Mariners

Next: AJ

Apr 7, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners center fielder

Austin Jackson

(16) catches a line drive for an out against the Los Angeles Angels during the fourth inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Austin Jackson – CF – 28 years old – Denton, TX

The Mariners may not have realized when they traded for Austin Jackson at last season’s trade deadline that they were adding one of the foremost rap coinsures in all of baseball. AJ rocked out to Jay-Z in 2014, but this season he went with “Me Ok” by (Formerly Young) Jeezy.

C. I feel much the same way about this song as Cano’s selection of “Blessings.” It is a solid hip-hop song with a good rapper, but it is sorely missing the fun factor. The song has a nice bounce to it, and it has a thick stench of swag. Overall, it is a middle of the pack tune on this club.. CF. Seattle Mariners. AUSTIN JACKSON

Next: Smitty

Seth Smith – RF – 32 years old – Jackson, MS

Seth Smith is a southern boy, and his choice in walkup music speaks to that. Smith has elected to go with “Captured” by The Digital Age.

Seattle Mariners. SETH SMITH. D. I personally am not a big fan of players using gospel tracks as their walkup music, especially songs about how God has “captured” us. Seems like a creepy way to look at the whole thing to me. However, the song seems to be working for the M’s right fielder, as he went 3 for 3 with 2 RBI’s in his lone game this season.. RF

Next: Nelly

Apr 7, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners designated hitter

Nelson Cruz

(23) singles against the Los Angeles Angels during the second inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Nelson Cruz – DH – 34 years old – Monte Cristo, Dominican Republic

The signing of Nelson Cruz this winter provided the Mariners with a powerful right-handed bat, and another quality walkup song. Cruz has brought a Latin flavor to Safeco Field by picking “Soldado” by Juan Luis Guerra.

A-. Many of the Mariners’ have attempted to pick a song that gives fans a sense of where they grew up. No one has done this better than Nelson Cruz. He is from the Dominican, and he chose a song with the infectious Latin beat that we all love. Fans may not be familiar with the specific song, but it is hard not to get your groove on when you hear the rhythm. Cruz’s choice is full of fun, and thus he receives high marks.. DH. Seattle Mariners. NELSON CRUZ

Next: Best of the Bench

Mar 28, 2015; Peoria, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners infielder

Willie Bloomquist

(8) during a spring training game against the San Francisco Giants at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-USA TODAY Sports

Best of the Bench

Willie Bloomquist – UT – 37 years old – Port Orchard, WA

A. Willie has been a fan favorite since his arrival to Seattle in 2002, and he has always been good at selecting walkup music. This season he is going with a pair of Guns N’ Roses hits, in “Sweet Child of Mine” and “Paradise City.” Both of these selections are amongst the best on the team, and score highly in my books.. UT. Seattle Mariners. WILLIE BLOOMQUIST

Jesus Sucre – C – 26 years old – Cumana, Venezuela

A. Backup catchers have a reputation of being some of the shrewdest selectors of walkup music, and <strong><a href=. C. Seattle Mariners. JESUS SUCRE

Justin Ruggiano – OF – 32 years old – Austin, TX

OF. Seattle Mariners. JUSTIN RUGGIANO. A. Austin, TX has developed a reputation for a being a very cool city, and <strong><a href=

Next: King Felix

Apr 6, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners pitcher Felix Hernandez (34) throws against the Los Angeles Angels during the first inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Felix Hernandez – SP – 29 years old – Valencia, Venezuela

King Felix is very fond of his nickname, and his choices for walkup music support this statement. Hernandez has been allotted 3 walkup songs, all which have something to do with being the man in charge.

FELIX HERNANDEZ. B+. Not many people would peg Felix Hernandez as a metal head, but he selected “All Hail The King” by Avenged Sevenfold as his first Walkup song. This song has a presence and fits the King perfectly. It is powerful, and loud – just like Felix. Overall, this is a pretty strong choice.. SP. Seattle Mariners

A. This has to be one of the most apt song choices on the club. King Felix is undoubtedly the man, and his decision to blast “The Man” by Aloe Bloc is a very sound one. Felix has been phenomenal over the past decade, and Seattle is his city. This is one of the top walkup tracks on the Mariners right now.. SP. Seattle Mariners. FELIX HERNANDEZ

A. King Felix has selected “Down With The King” by RUN-DMC for his final walkup tune. This is another quality choice by the Mariners’ ace. Who doesn’t want to be down with the King? Hernandez has proven himself to be one of the best in the business at picking walkup songs. This song is thematic, fun and catchy – that’s a winner!. SP. Seattle Mariners. FELIX HERNANDEZ

Next: Kuma

Apr 8, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners pitcher Hisashi Iwakuma (18) throws against the Los Angeles Angels during the first inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Hisashi Iwakuma – SP – 33 years old – Tokyo, Japan

Hisashi Iwakuma may have struggled last night in his 2015 Mariners’ debut, but there is nothing bad about his choice in walkup music. Kuma has chosen Pitbull’s “Feel This Moment” as his entrance music.

HISASHI IWAKUMA. A-. This is yet another example of a player understanding how to select a great walkup track. Pitbull is so catchy, that even a Japanese man who cannot speak English cannot help but bob his head. This song is fun, well-known and enthusiastic. Nice job Hisashi (and your interpreter!). SP. Seattle Mariners

Next: J.A. Happ

Mar 24, 2015; Peoria, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners pitcher J.A. Happ (33) on the mound during a spring training game against the San Diego Padres at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-USA TODAY Sports

J.A. Happ – SP – 32 years old – Peru, IL

The Mariners acquired veteran southpaw J.A. Happ from the Toronto Blue Jays this winter. Happ has above-average stuff, and an above-average entrance song. He has picked “Hysteria” by Muse to be his walkup song in 2015.

J.A. HAPP. B. This is a pretty solid choice by Happ. I prefer my pitchers to enter to rock songs; it shows they have an edge to them. While this song may lack some fun, it is clear in stating that J.A. Happ wants it now.. SP. Seattle Mariners

Next: Best of the Bullpen

Sep 26, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners relief pitcher Fernando Rodney (56) celebrates after the Seattle Mariners defeated the Los Angeles Angels at Safeco Field. Seattle defeated Los Angeles 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

Best of the Bullpen

Fernando Rodney – CP – 38 years old – Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

FERNANDO RODNEY. A. The M’s flamboyant closer is a fan favorite, and rightfully so. He is an archery enthusiast, and apparently an EDM hound. Rodney’s selection of “Animals” by Martin Garrix is a perfect match. Rodney is a character, and the fact that he would pick an EDM song for his entrance music is the perfect amount of random. This song may not have many words, but it is strangely catchy. I think it is fun, and thus I have awarded it with a high mark.. CP. Seattle Mariners

Danny Farquhar – RP – 28 years old – Pembroke Pines, FL

A. Danny Farquhar had a breakthrough campaign for the Mariners’ in 2014, and don’t overlook the importance of his stellar entrance song. The hard throwing right-hander walks out to Rudimental’s hit track “Feel the Love.” This is a very underrated song that has not received much air-time in North America, but good on Danny for hunting it down. This song is infectious, and is undeniably catchy. Lord Farquhar must have been a successful radio DJ in a past life.. RP. Seattle Mariners. DANNY FARQUHAR

Next: Funky Cold Medina

Jul 8, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners relief pitcher Yoervis Medina (31) pitches to the Minnesota Twins during the eighth inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

The Best of the Bunch – Yoervis Medina – RP – 26 years old – Cabello, Venezuela

It is impossible to top Yoervis Medina’s walk up jam. The flame-throwing right-hander enters to Tone Loc’s 1989 hit “Funky Cold Medina.” This arguably the greatest walkup song choice in the Major Leagues right now.

The song is a classic, and Medina’s grade is the highest on the M’s. Sometimes when I cannot sleep on cold winter nights, I pretend I am sitting in the Mariners’ bullpen to bear witness to the conversation that allowed this miracle to happen. I imagine that “Funky Cold Medina” did not get much play in Medina’s homeland, so someone must have suggested he use this track along the way. I would personally like to thank that man, whoever you are.. RP. Seattle Mariners. YOERVIS MEDINA. A+

Next: Mariners Drop Game and Series – 3 Observations

More from SoDo Mojo

Home / Mariners News

More from SoDo Mojo

Schedule