Mixtape Rewind: The Ultimate Countdown of Baseball Closer Anthems

This week's Mixtape Rewind goes to our most downloaded episode of all-time.  Our countdown of bullpen closer entrance songs.

The bullpen door swings open, and suddenly the energy in the stadium shifts. A familiar song begins to play, and everyone knows what comes next – the closer is about to take the mound. Baseball's most pressure-packed moments have their own soundtrack, and in this episode, Matt and Samer break down the most iconic entrance songs in baseball closer history.

From unexpected choices that became superstition-fueled traditions to deliberately intimidating anthems designed to strike fear into opposing batters, these musical selections reveal the psychology behind baseball's specialized relief pitchers. 

The episode takes listeners through surprising stories – like Craig Kimbrell adopting "Let It Go" from Frozen after his wife swapped his walk-up music on Women's Day, or John Smoltz strategically using ABBA's "Dancing Queen" to throw off opponents. You'll discover how Kenley Jansen's commitment to geography-based entrance music follows him from team to team, and why Edwin Diaz's entrance set to "Narco" suddenly exploded in popularity.

As Matt and Samer approach their top picks, they analyze what makes certain songs particularly effective for the closer role – from instantly recognizable intros to lyrics that perfectly complement the situation. The tolling bells that announced Trevor Hoffman's arrival, the Irish rhythms that energized Fenway Park for Jonathan Papelbon, and of course, the definitive closer anthem that accompanied the greatest reliever of all time, Mariano Rivera.

Whether you're a baseball fanatic or just appreciate the perfect marriage of music and sports, this countdown reveals how these carefully chosen songs transform ordinary pitching changes into theatrical moments that energize fans and intimidate opponents. Listen now and discover which iconic closer entrance claims the top spot!

 The playlist:
 https://open.spotify.com/playlist/239CiybVVYuw2q1olpiJe5?si=1bj8MKd3ROy54nDdnoUFjA

Edwin Diaz:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BYSp2pzP0Y

Aroldis Chapman:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHTp-j1j7GU

Craig Kimbrel:
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/APIFsi9BcXc

1. Let It Go by Idina Menzel
2. Bad to the bone by George Thorogood & The Destroyers
3. Dancing Queen by ABBA
4. California Love by 2Pac, Roger, Dr. Dre
5. Jump Around by House Of Pain
6. Wild Thing by The Troggs
7. Wake Up by Rage Against the Machine
8. Welcome To The Jungle by Guns N’ Roses
9. I’m Shipping Up To Boston by Dropkick Murphys
10. Hells Bells by AC/DC
11. Narco by Blasterjaxx, Timmy Trumpet
12. Enter Sandman by Metallica

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

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