The Hit List; How To Choose a Walk Up Song

RVA- Originating in Chicago in 1970 with Nancy Faust, the White Sox organist for 41 years, walk up songs have evolved from playing the chords of players' state songs, to what is now seen as an integral part of a player's identity. A walk up song is what is played as each player walks up to the plate, or when a new pitcher takes the mound. They are an easy way to identify who is up to bat and can often tell a lot about a player. Some songs are chosen for the beat, others for the lyrics. Some players choose a song that will pump them up, while others just go with whatever is the current jam of the moment. Some are superstitious and will keep them for a whole season or even years, while others have no problem changing theirs if they are in a slump. (Continued Below)

***Spotify playlist with corresponding players for each song listed below. Note these are from the beginning of the season, some players and songs have changed***

1),Joe Biagini	5),Tyler Rogers	9),Josh Osich	13),Stephen Johnson	17),Eliezer Zambrano	21),Blake Miller	25) Jack Snodgrass
2),Joe Biagini (Hitti Song)	6),Tyler Rogers	10),Mac Williamson	14),Pedro Rodriguez	18),Elliot Blair	22),Blake miller	26) Jack Snodgrass
3),Jackson Williams	7),Tyler Rogers	11),Jeff Arnold	15),Pedro Rodriguez	19),Elliot Blair	23),Chris Stratton	27) Phil McCormick
4),Jackson Williams	8),Josh Osich (Hitting)	12),Daniel Carbonell	16),Eliezer Zambrano	20),Devin Harris	24) Matt Lujan

"Hello My Name Is" is a common line to hear at the Diamond as leadoff hitter Kelby Tomlinson has had the same walk up song by Matthew West since he arrived in Richmond. Originally his walk up during his time in San Jose, he heard the song on the radio and his wife mentioned it should be his walk up. As for why he has kept it so long, "She's been telling me I should change it, but I haven't," said Tomlinson. "To me, it doesn't really matter."

Infielder Blake Miller has had the same walk up since his playing days at Western Oregon. The song of choice, "Drink In My Hand" by Eric Church, "I chose it in college and had success so I've used it ever since," said Miller.

Mac Williamson arrived in Richmond this year with a new walk up, rock song "Come With Me Now" by Kongos. The Giants would play it for Brandon Crawford this past postseason in big situations instead of his normal walk up song. "[Matt] Duffy showed it to me this off season and I thought it was the perfect mix between not getting me too pumped up at the plate but at the same time kind of locking me in," said Williamson. In the past the North Carolina native has opted for country or hip-hop, "I kind of wanted to go in a new direction this year and thought it fit perfectly."

Self proclaimed "huge Beyoncé fan", Ricky Oropesa thinks of the fans when selecting a song. Currently alternating between Beyoncé's "7/11" and "Trap Queen" by Fetty Wap, the infielder said, "I get songs the crowds like, I can feed off the crowd." Not one to be superstitious, Oropesa hinted that he may be switching songs soon, "I usually change it, I might hit the new Taylor Swift song with Kendrick Lamar." Fans, keep your ears open, Bad Blood may be hitting the speakers of The Diamond soon. Heard from Oropesa himself, "It could be the future."

Walk up songs bring some personality to the game by allowing the players to collectively choose most of the music that fills the park. With a mix of different genres represented, don't worry fans, there is something for everyone.