Maxed-Out Hype! Popular Western Songs Used as Baseball Chants and Walk-Up Music

Song 2Blur

Blur – Song 2 (Official Music Video)

Blur is a band that epitomizes the UK alternative rock scene of the ’90s, and Song 2, featured here, is their biggest hit.

Struggling to gain traction in the United States, Blur broke through there thanks to this track.

Its sound is so intense it borders on violent, making you feel as if you’re standing in the middle of a storm.

Each time the song’s iconic shout rings out, the performance grows even more ferocious, and the energy of listeners—and crowds at baseball stadiums—hits a fever pitch.

Rock & Roll Part 2Gary Glitter

Joker Music Video | Rock & Roll Part 2 – Gary Glitter

A classic song used in many sports, “Rock & Roll Part 2.” This track was the debut single by Gary Glitter, a singer who epitomized glam rock, and because its only lyric is “Hey,” it’s also affectionately known as “The Hey Song.” It’s used in baseball as well, but it’s most commonly heard in the American International Hockey League.

While the tempo isn’t particularly fast, the melody is crafted to create excitement—fitting for its use in sporting events.

Crank ThatSoulja Boy

Soulja Boy Tell’em – Crank That (Soulja Boy) (Official Music Video)

The song Yu Darvish used as his walk-up music was “Crank That” by Soulja Boy.

Released in 2007, it was Soulja Boy’s debut single and was so popular that it ranked No.

1 on the U.

S.

Billboard chart for seven consecutive weeks.

The “Soulja Boy dance,” which involves bouncing with your weight on your heels, also went viral and helped make the track a massive hit.

When it comes to gangsta rap, this is a must-listen track!

CenterfieldJohn Fogerty

John Fogerty – Centerfield

“Centerfield” is a song released in 1985.

The song is themed around a baseball game, and its lyrics include the names of legendary players like Ty Cobb and Willie Mays.

You often hear it at Major League games.

And it’s still fresh in our memories that in 2020, John Fogerty performed the song at a stadium for children.

Incidentally, the spot where he sang was right in center field on the diamond.

Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him GoodbyeSteam

Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye

Steam is a pop-rock band from the United States that was hugely active in the 1970s.

Their song “Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye” is one of their signature works and helped energize the pop-rock scene of that era.

It also gained enduring popularity as a theme song and anthem for the Chicago White Sox after being played by the team’s organist, Nancy Faust.

There’s a White Sox version as well, so be sure to check that out.

ZanzibarBilly Joel

Billy Joel – Zanzibar (Audio)

Billy Joel’s sixth album, 52nd Street, was released in 1978.

“Zanzibar,” included on that album, expresses his love for his favorite sports.

The lyrics reference Pete Rose, who set remarkable records, and while they seem to praise him, the song is in fact an ode to the Yankees—making it irresistible for fans of the majors.

Bad to the BoneGeorge Thorogood and The Destroyers

George Thorogood & The Destroyers – Bad To The Bone

“Bad to the Bone” delivers a biting, aggressive guitar sound and a raspy voice that sticks in your ears after just one listen.

It’s a song released in 1982 by American singer-songwriter George Thorogood.

With slide guitar, it carries a distinctly country vibe, calling to mind a cowboy standing out on the open range.

Among fans, it’s well known as the walk-up song for Philadelphia Phillies player Bryce Harper!