I had a funny conversation after Thursday night’s game with second baseman Brenan Herrera, who recently changed his walkup music from the Rolling Stones’ “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” to some song I don’t really know. I went down and told him that I was going to get on him for changing his song from a classic, but he has like 35 hits in the 5 games since he changed it, so I can’t really say anything.
I told him I didn’t originally have him pegged as a Stones guy, but he told me he likes “all that old classic rock stuff.” I asked him if he likes the Eagles, and of course he does. He’s done karaoke twice since he’s been in Wichita and he sang “Take it Easy” both times. He’s from Oklahoma, so I told him I’m seeing the Eagles in Tulsa on Sept. 6, and now he wants to go. It’s sold out, but I told him I’ll be on the lookout in case they put up any more tickets for sale.
The reason “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” was so well-liked by me and press box compadre Joel Lomurno is that every time somebody new came up in the press box, we’d ask where Herrera was born and naturally they’d say Oklahoma. We’d correct them — “Nope. Crossfire hurricane.” Stupid, but it’s tradition.
That got me thinking about which Wingnuts players have the best walkup music. There are some new songs that I don’t know, so I’ll rank the top 10 with some of the old songs and even a released player.
10. Stephen Pearson — “Superstar” by Lupe Fiasco. Probably the worst walkup song in the history of baseball. Nobody who has come in the press box likes it at all. We’ve pleaded with Pearson to change it, but he’s not budging. I’m not recommending this for download.
9. Michael Thompson — Some sort of Irish dance song by somebody. I wasn’t really familiar with any of the walkup songs, so I google the lyrics to find out what they are. This one doesn’t play long enough when Thompson comes up to get to the lyrics, so I just don’t know what it is. Not a bad song, but not one of the best.
8. Chris Colton — “Lollipop” by Lil’ Wayne. This is one of those songs that was really popular at the beginning of the season but has worn off slightly. If anyone is in need of a change, it’s Colton — just to keep it fresh. Still, it’s kind of fun to sing “lick” about 12 times in a row quickly.
7. Blake Gailen — Some siren song by Master P. We asked the name of this song a while back, but I can’t remember what it’s called — just that it’s by Master P. The running joke on this bass-heavy song is that it sounds like a song that should be used by a big-time home run hitter. Instead it’s Gailen’s — he’s about 5-foot-8 and has three homers this season.
6. Kevin Hooper — “Ooh Ahh” by Grits. This is a Christian rock song that was also used by Wichita State player Tyler Hill during the spring. It’s got a great beginning, is perfect for a mostly laid-back Hooper and, of course, features the hard-to-miss snare drum.
5. Byron Embry — “Rest in Peace” by World Wrestling Entertainment. Of course, it’s the Undertaker’s theme song. I guess you can call it a song — it’s just an amped-up version of that organ rift usually played at funerals. But if you use a WWE song, you’re going to get a top-five ranking from me. It’s just that simple.
4. Brenan Herrera — “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” by Rolling Stones. I told you I just don’t know the name of his new song. But this one still counts since he used it for the better part of three months. It was the only classic rock song used by a Wingnut, so he gets points for originality and for not falling into the trap of using hip-hop. I love hip-hop, but it’s not original.
3. Brad Davis — “Country Man” by Luke Bryan. This is one of those songs that will be in your head for the rest of the day after you hear it. Favorite lyric: I can hot-wire your tractor or plow up your land; hey, baby, I’m a country man. Davis is a pitcher so we get to hear more of his song. That’s a good thing.
2. Felipe Del Rosario — “Fuego” by Pitbull. Del Rosario was released in an injury settlement after dislocating his hip in a collision at home plate on Monday, but his walkup music lives on. Honestly, I have no idea how this song is ranked this high. Really, the only redeeming part of it is “Ten Cuidado con el fuego.” It’s pretty catchy, though. Possibly worth a 99-cent iTunes download.
1. Dustan Mohr — “Lean Like a Cholo” by Kilo. I have no idea what a Cholo is, but if this is the song that inspires his lean, I’ve got to believe a Cholo leans pretty darn well. Everything about the first 30 seconds of this song is good. The “Elbows up, side to side” part and the “I like you but I really want her.” lyric. It’s just all good. Major props to D-Mo for winning this contest.