The walkout song. Every ballplayer searches for the perfect one to encapsulate their most swaggerific qualities in 30 seconds or less. I’ve sat through many, many ballgames and many walkout songs. I also get to listen to about 50 hours of music a week of my own choosing at my gym. So, let’s explore some of what I think are pretty legit walkout choices. Understand, these songs are going to express my tastes in music, so if you like mainstream rap, be prepared to be disappointed.

One thing to note – most of these songs are clean through 60 seconds, but they all can’t be. So, you will probably have to search for clean versions. None of these are dirty songs, really, but swear words are found here and there (yes, I used “swear words” in a sarcastic manner).

The “HARD” Category

Calm Like a Bomb By Rage Against the Machine. If you dislike this song, or it doesn’t pump you up, quit all sports immediately. Also, if you don’t know who Rage is, because they’re somewhat older and you’re a child, GET WITH IT.

Clap For the Killers By Street Sweep Social Club. This was my walkout song in 2011. It’s basically the best ever.

The Clincher By Chevelle. Chevelle is my go-to for gym music when I need to make heavy things move.

Face To The Floor By Chevelle.

2×4 By Metallica. Really underrated, deeper cut of Metallica.

Sleep Apnea By Chevelle. I’m biased to Chevelle because their sounds just gets me fired up.

The “Rap or Sort Of Rap” Category

Dolla By Fort Minor. This was my college teammate’s song in 2008. It is awesome and combines my love of Fort Minor and Led Zeppelin (the music sampled is from Zeppelin’s “The Ocean.”)

The Arrival By Atmosphere. BALLER.

Wild International By One Day As A Lion. My personal favorite from this category (Rage’s Zach de la Roche singing)

Mastermind by Deltron 3030.

The Otherside By The Roots. This song is unbelievable.

None Shall Pass By Aesop Rock

Idlewild Blue By Outkast. This was my song from 2012. You can do a pimp walk out to the field with this playing. Also, my nickname is “Blew” or “Blue,” so it’s got some importance.

The “Over-Done Classics” Category

Enter Sandman By Metallica. *Note – You are a TOOL If you choose this song and don’t throw absolute GAS. This song is reserved for those who close, throw hard, and are physically scary.

Jesus Walks By Kanye West. Great song, but overdone for all those serious situations.

Hells Bells By AC/DC. Again – NO. You’re not good enough to use this song.

Voodoo Child (Slight Returns) By Jimi Hendrix. Love this song. More high schoolers need exposure to Jimi.

Remember The Name By Fort Minor

Ladies and Gentleman By Saliva (admittedly, I chose this in 2008 when I was named #1 starter for the first time. Yuck. I was so young and naive…)

The “I Know My Music” Category

Paint it Black By The Rolling Stones. Why? Because you’re in the bullpen and shut people down. Paint it black.

Ball and Biscuit By The White Stripes. The White Stripes get too little credit.

When The Levee Breaks By Led Zeppelin. My walkout from 2005 – Freshman year of college, baby! This song can only be done if your sound system BOOOOOOMS. Best for Closers. Notice Robert Plant’s massive amount of shirtless swag.

God’s Gonna Cut You Down By Johnny Cash. Shout out to Eric Massingham, closer from Eville in 2012 – this was a great choice. Western 6-shooter style.

Traveling Riverside Blues By Led Zeppelin. Full of Energy.

And Lastly…”Crowd Pleaser” Category

This category will make the crowd (and subsequently any cute ladies therein) smile and look upon you in an adoring fashion. You will be remembered for your song – guaranteed. If you’ve got the skills to back up a goofy song AND game with the girls, I’d say go with this category. There’s nothing better than your opposition laughing at you for the Ghostbusters theme song, and then you subsequently mowing them down (shoot a look into their dugout afterward). Then, after destroying their pride, you take their best women…that’s why it’s cool to be good at sports.

Papa Loves Mambo By Perry Como

Werewolves of London By Warren Zevon (My walkout song circa 2009). The crowd WILL howl along.

War By Edwin Starr. HUAH!!!!!!

Ghostbusters Theme Song (also mine from the second half of 2011)

You Never Can Tell By Chuck Berry. I love this song even more than I loved Pulp Fiction.

Jump in The Line By Harry Belafonte. Put on your banana hat and dance like the Chiquita mama.

There You Have It…

By no means exhaustive, but I tell you what – I had a great time making this list. For more walkout music theory, read Mound Music And Intimidation By Andrew Sacks.

This reminds me of just how fun baseball is, and how much I love music. What great songs did I leave out? Leave a comment! db