Most valuable tunes

BY NATALIE FALLS, STAFF WRITER

Whether they are stepping up to the batter’s box or taking on the pitcher’s mound, varsity baseball players hear their walk-up song blaring through the speakers of the field as they get ready to play. Walk-up songs are more than motivational lyrics and high energy beats, they represent important people and experiences that drive and inspire the athletes to play baseball. Although some players see their walk-up song as a mere “hype song” or a way to get that last-minute energy boost before taking on the game, these songs highlight the player’s individuality and help them focus. In this pre-season, highlights explores the meaning behind the walk-up songs of varsity athletes: sophomore pitcher and first baseman Justin Bohanan, junior third baseman Justin Moriña and senior catcher Andrés Arzola.

Justin Bohanan

Sophomore pitcher and first baseman Justin Bohanan #22 enjoys the thrill of the game and adrenaline that accompanies walking up to the pitcher’s mound or home plate. Bohanan stays motivated to be energized and confidently take on his opponents as the song “Crazy Train” by Ozzy Osborne plays in the background for all those on the field to hear. He views his walk-up song as the perfect energy boost right before taking on the full nine-innings of the game. As he steps up to bat, Bohanan’s walk-up song calms his nerves and gives him a quick boost of confidence before taking on the opposing team.

“Crazy Train from Ozzy Osbourne was a song I picked because the song is out of the ordinary and nobody really chooses those types of songs. Crazy Train also gets my blood pumping and gets me ready to go before the games,” Bohanan said.

Justin Morina

When stepping up to the plate, junior third baseman Justin Moriña #3 uses his walk-up song to both mentally and physically prepare for the nine-inning game he has ahead of him. Striving to keep his head in the game, Moriña’s walk-up song, “Centuries” by the Fall Out Boy, helps him focus on the ball and get motivated to do well.

Moriña sees the concept of walk-up songs as a way to express himself to his teammates and opponents alike, because some may prefer an up-beat and playful song while others lean more towards a song that instills motivation.

“It’s also just a fun unique thing they allow the players to do which we have a great time doing. A lot of thought goes into the walk-up songs,” Moriña said. “I chose this song because when choosing your walk-up song, you want something that’s going to get you in a certain mood or focused enough to be ready for your at-bat.”

Andres Arzola

Facing the stress of a new game, hearing his walk-up song inspires senior catcher Andrés Arzola #23 to play in honor of his family. Hoping to stay in line with his familial roots, Arzola’s walk-up song, “Juana La Sin Goma” by Fernando Lavoy was composed by his grandfather, a musician in the orchestra that conducted it. Arzola views the song as motivation to play the game with passion and connect to his grandfather while playing on the field.

“My grandfather plays the bongos in that song and hearing it before I step up to the plate to hit makes me feel so motivated and prepares me to play through him and through my God to ensure success on the field. He makes me proud and I just genuinely think it is very cool to hear my own grandfather’s music out loud,” Arzola said.