Sounds - ESPN Playbook: Stadium Songs
Stadium Songs: San Francisco Giants
August, 28, 2012
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By Andrew Pentis | ESPN The Magazine
Donald Kravitz/Getty ImagesJourney is played during the eighth inning of Giants games, whether they're winning or losing.We decided to find out the one song that each team relies on to get fans on their feet.
We've featured the music for every time over the last month on ESPN Playbook. This is the final installment. To see all entries, click here.

Song: “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” by Tony Bennett
Tradition: Played after wins in China Basin
Fun fact:
• Former marketing and entertainment director Bryan Srabian suggested the song, which Bennett recorded in 1962, after the club moved to its new stadium in 2000.
Bonus music:
• Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’” became a theme for the team’s 2010 World Series run. That song is now played in the eighth inning of games in which the Giants are tied or behind.
• If the team is winning, Journey’s “Lights” is heard instead.
Stadium Songs: San Diego Padres
August, 27, 2012
8/27/12
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By Andrew Pentis | ESPN The Magazine
Denis Poroy/Getty ImagesThe San Diego Padres honor the U.S. Military during the fourth inning of every home game.We decided to find out the one song that each team relies on to get fans on their feet.
We're featuring the music from one team per day here on ESPN Playbook. To see past entries, click here.

Song: “The Marine Hymn”
Tradition: Played in the fourth inning of Sunday games at Petco Park
Fun facts:
• The Padres established a Military Affairs Department in November 1995. Since then, uniformed recruits from the nearby Marine Corps Recruit Depot attend games en masse, often filling entire sections in the upper deck.
• During the song, fans stand up, clap along and cheer for the recruits.
• Even the umpires pay attention, interrupting their typical between-innings routine to look up at the recruits and remove their caps.
Bonus music:
• During closer Trevor Hoffman’s time, his walk-out song, AC/DC’s “Hells Bells,” was symbolic of San Diego.
Stadium Songs: Los Angeles Dodgers
August, 24, 2012
8/24/12
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By Andrew Pentis | ESPN The Magazine
Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagicKaty Perry's "California Gurls" is among the most popular songs played at Dodger Stadium.We decided to find out the one song that each team relies on to get fans on their feet.
We're featuring the music from one team per day here on ESPN Playbook. To see past entries, click here.

Song: “I Love L.A.” by Randy Newman
Tradition: Played after victories at Chavez Ravine
Fun facts:
• Recorded in 1983, Dodgers fans share the song with fans at other L.A. arenas.
• If it’s an especially exciting win, fans will stay in their seats a few minutes longer to sing along and soak in the win.
Bonus music:
• The Dodgers have what they call the Fans Choice Jukebox. Snippets of three songs are played during the sixth inning, and the song that receives the most raucous reaction is played in the eighth. Katy Perry’s “California Gurls” is among the consistent favorites.
• The organization also has a long-standing tradition of organ-playing. Nancy Bea Hefley has been at the keyboard for a quarter-century.
Stadium Songs: Colorado Rockies
August, 23, 2012
8/23/12
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By Andrew Pentis | ESPN The Magazine
Ezra Shaw/Getty ImagesThe Colorado Rockies, including shortstop Troy Tulowitzki, don't have much musical tradition.We decided to find out the one song that each team relies on to get fans on their feet.
We're featuring the music from one team per day here on ESPN Playbook. To see past entries, click here.

Song: “Hey Baby” by DJ Otzi
Tradition: Played during the seventh-inning stretch at Coors Field
Fun fact:
• The team chose the song for the 2007 season, in hopes of finding a tune the fan base would embrace.
Stadium Songs: Arizona Diamondbacks
August, 22, 2012
8/22/12
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By Andrew Pentis | ESPN The Magazine
oug Pensinger/Getty ImagesAfter victories, Diamondbacks fans celebrate with a song from a local music celebrity.We decided to find out the one song that each team relies on to get fans on their feet.
We're featuring the music from one team per day here on ESPN Playbook. To see past entries, click here.

Song: “D-backs Swing” by Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers
Tradition: Played after wins at Chase Field
Fun facts:
• “Roger is a big baseball fan and a big D-backs fan, and he asked if he could write a song for us,” president and CEO Derrick Hall said. “We decided after we heard it that we were going to play it anytime the team won.
• Clyne has performed concerts at the downtown ballpark and sang “D-backs Swing” on top of the home dugout at Games 3 and 4 of the 2011 NLDS—both victories.
Bonus music:
• The organization has experimented with seventh-inning songs but hasn’t yet settled on one.
• One unique tradition: Whenever the team opens the roof before a game, there is a brief ceremony. “That song doesn’t have a name,” Hall said, “but it [sounds] like parting the clouds. Very heavenly and angelic.”
Stadium Songs: St. Louis Cardinals
August, 21, 2012
8/21/12
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By Andrew Pentis | ESPN The Magazine
Joe Robbins/Getty ImagesBudweiser has a major influence on the St. Louis Cardinals, including the seventh-inning music.We decided to find out the one song that each team relies on to get fans on their feet.
We're featuring the music from one team per day here on ESPN Playbook. To see past entries, click here.

Song: “Here Comes The King,” the jingle from Budweiser commercials
Tradition: Played during the bottom of the seventh at Busch Stadium
Fun facts:
• The clap-along song stuck because of Anheuser-Busch’s ownership and sponsorship of the team.
• It’s been played on Opening Day with Clydesdales in tow.
• “One time a guy from a visiting team said to me, ‘That’s pretty amazing that your fans get up and rally around a beer commercial,' ” scoreboard operator Tony Simokaitis said.
Bonus music:
• “We’re always looking for that one song, and if we ever find it, we’ll stick with it as long as fans react to it,” he said. “We just haven’t found that staple yet.”
Stadium Songs: Pittsburgh Pirates
August, 20, 2012
8/20/12
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By Andrew Pentis | ESPN The Magazine
Justin K. Aller/Getty ImagesEven when the Pirates struggle on the field, their theme song brings hope and optimism.We decided to find out the one song that each team relies on to get fans on their feet.
We're featuring the music from one team per day here on ESPN Playbook. To see past entries, click here.

Song: “A New Pirates Generation” by Buzz Poets
Tradition: Played after home wins at PNC Park
Fun facts:
• The lyrics are hopeful for the future yet reminiscent of the past: “Cross the bridge, through the gate to the field of green / Young and old stories told from your childhood dream / Pops, Wagner, Traynor, Maz, and heroes yet to be named / Great catch, clutch hits like Clemente played”.
• The club stopped using the tune in 2008 but soon brought it back at fans’ incessant requests.
Stadium Songs: Milwaukee Brewers
August, 17, 2012
8/17/12
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By Andrew Pentis | ESPN The Magazine
Jerry Lai/USPresswireThe Brewers' seventh-inning tradition pays tribute to the area's Polish and German heritage.We decided to find out the one song that each team relies on to get fans on their feet.
We're featuring the music from one team per day here on ESPN Playbook. To see past entries, click here.

Song: “The Beer Barrel Polka,” also known as "Roll out the barrel"
Tradition: Played during the seventh-inning stretch at Miller Park
Fun facts:
• Since the Brewers' 1970 debut season in Milwaukee, every game at County Stadium and Miller Park has included either a live organist’s version or canned music of the song. "Piped in vocals? Not a chance," former publications director Mario Ziino said. "Brewers’ fans like to hear themselves sing the lyrics to their song."
• Why this song? It’s a tribute to the original barrel men. Plus, polka music is part of the Polish and German heritage in Milwaukee. "In 1970, the grounds crew wore lederhosen," Ziino said. "Fans used to polka dance on top of the dugouts when the song was played.”
Stadium Songs: Houston Astros
August, 16, 2012
8/16/12
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By Andrew Pentis | ESPN The Magazine
Aaron M. Sprecher/Icon SMIThe Houston Astros seventh-inning stretch is as traditional as having a beer at the game.We decided to find out the one song that each team relies on to get fans on their feet.
We're featuring the music from one team per day here on ESPN Playbook. To see past entries, click here.

Song: “Deep in the Heart of Texas” by Moe Bandy
Tradition: Played during the seventh-inning stretch at Minute Maid Park
Fun fact:
• An instrumental version of “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” is immediately followed by Bandy’s baritone, which is accompanied by video-board photos of the Texas landscape. “The seventh inning is very traditional,” said Kirby Kander, senior director of creative services and ballpark entertainment.
• The Texas Rangers play "Deep in the Heart of Texas" during the fifth inning.
Bonus music:
• The Who’s “Won’t Be Fooled Again” is played, with fireworks, after every long ball that lands in the seats.
• Typically, Astros pitchers have one walk-in song, but Astros batters usually choose four or five.
Stadium Songs: Cincinnati Reds
August, 14, 2012
8/14/12
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By Andrew Pentis | ESPN The Magazine
Johnny Nunez/WireImageDJ Khaled and T-Pain help Cincinnati Reds celebrate wins with their song, "All I Do Is Win."We decided to find out the one song that each team relies on to get fans on their feet.
We're featuring the music from one team per day here on ESPN Playbook. To see past entries, click here.

Song: “All I Do Is Win” by DJ Khaled
Tradition: Played after victories at Great American Ball Park
Fun facts:
• Many fans follow the instructions, “Everybody’s hands go up, and they stay there.”
• The team has played the song the past three seasons but says it doesn’t really serve as a connection between fans and team. “We just don’t have that song that translates with the Reds,” entertainment director Adam Lane said. “We play a very wide mix of classic rock, country, Top 40 -- a mix across genres.”
• The organization is planning to set up a bracket-style fan survey later in 2012 to choose a song to play after wins.
Stadium Songs: Chicago Cubs
August, 13, 2012
8/13/12
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By Andrew Pentis | ESPN The Magazine
Jonathan Daniel/Getty ImagesAs the Chicago Cubs' victory song plays on the speakers, fans hold up flags with the letter "W."We decided to find out the one song that each team relies on to get fans on their feet.
We're featuring the music from one team per day here on ESPN Playbook. To see past entries, click here.

Song: “Go Cubs Go” by Steve Goodman
Tradition: Played after every home win at Wrigley Field
Fun facts:
• The Cubbies played the song during a 2006 “’80s night” game. Soon after, with the team seeking a post-victory song, an employee suggested the tune to fill the void.
• The die-hards bring a white “W” flag to games and hoist it while singing along.
• While most stadiums exclusively pipe in music through the speakers, the Cubs still employ Gary Pressy, who has spent 25 years as the Wrigley Field organist.
Stadium Songs: Washington Nationals
August, 10, 2012
8/10/12
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By Andrew Pentis | ESPN The Magazine
In seventh innings around the country every day of the season, fans stand and sing lyrics that were written way back in 1908. The shelf life of "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" proves that America’s pastime has long been intertwined with its tunes. But for a more unique connection between city and club, teams rely on their own traditions -- some newer, some older.
We decided to find out the one song that each team relies on to get fans on their feet.
We're featuring the music from one team per day here on ESPN Playbook. To see past entries, click here.
Washington Nationals
Song: “Thunderstruck” by ACDC
Tradition: Played as the players emerge from the home dugout in the top of the first inning.
Fun fact:
• The team uses it as a psych-up song. “We call that 'Nattitude,'" VP of marketing and broadcasting John Guagliano said. “It’s about building momentum into the game.”
Bonus music:
• In a stadium splashed in red, white and blue, patriotism reigns supreme. The club plays the theme from the show “John Adams” as a lead-in to the national anthem.
• Beyond that, the team is experimenting with its music collection. “We sent out surveys asking what people want to hear for a win or for a home run,” Guagliano said. “We’re seeing what our fans react to, and then we’ll take it from there.”
We decided to find out the one song that each team relies on to get fans on their feet.
We're featuring the music from one team per day here on ESPN Playbook. To see past entries, click here.

Song: “Thunderstruck” by ACDC
Tradition: Played as the players emerge from the home dugout in the top of the first inning.
Fun fact:
• The team uses it as a psych-up song. “We call that 'Nattitude,'" VP of marketing and broadcasting John Guagliano said. “It’s about building momentum into the game.”
Bonus music:
• In a stadium splashed in red, white and blue, patriotism reigns supreme. The club plays the theme from the show “John Adams” as a lead-in to the national anthem.
• Beyond that, the team is experimenting with its music collection. “We sent out surveys asking what people want to hear for a win or for a home run,” Guagliano said. “We’re seeing what our fans react to, and then we’ll take it from there.”
Stadium Songs: Philadelphia Phillies
August, 9, 2012
8/09/12
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By Andrew Pentis | ESPN The Magazine
Miles Kennedy/Getty ImagesThe Philadelphia Phillies' victory song now pays tribute to their longtime broadcaster.We decided to find out the one song that each team relies on to get fans on their feet.
We're featuring the music from one team per day here on ESPN Playbook. To see past entries, click here.

Song: “High Hopes,” by late Hall of Fame broadcaster Harry Kalas
Tradition: Played after wins
Fun facts:
• Since 2009, the team has played a video of Kalas singing the Frank Sinatra song during his 2002 Hall of Fame acceptance speech.
• Kalas made the song famous among Phillies fans after he sang it in Pittsburgh’s visitors clubhouse during the 1993 NL East Division Championship celebration -- and the Phillies' videographer caught it on tape. Kalas then performed the song on the field at Citizens Bank Park after the team clinched the 2007 and 2008 division titles.
Stadium Songs: New York Mets
August, 8, 2012
8/08/12
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By Andrew Pentis | ESPN The Magazine
Icon SMIThe Citi Field speakers still play "Meet the Mets" at various times during games.We decided to find out the one song that each team relies on to get fans on their feet.
We're featuring the music from one team per day here on ESPN Playbook. To see past entries, click here.

Song: “Lazy Mary” by Lou Monte
Tradition: Played in the seventh inning at Citi Field
Fun fact:
• The song was chosen by a fan survey, and the organization started playing it consistently in the mid-1990s.
Bonus music:
• “Meet The Mets,” which was written in 1961, is still played at the park.
AP Photo/Dick DruckmanMiami Marlins manager Ozzie Guillen hears a song with a Latin feel before every home game.We decided to find out the one song that each team relies on to get fans on their feet.
We're featuring the music from one team per day here on ESPN Playbook. To see past entries, click here.
Miami Marlins
Song: “Marlins Tonight” by Emilio Estefan
Tradition: Played before the first pitch at Marlins Park
Fun facts:
• “We wanted the Latin feel and the Latin beat, and Emilio is Mr. Miami,” said Larry Blocker, director of game presentation and events.
• “It’s all based on the market,” Blocker said. “Kansas City is going to have different music than Miami. It depends on the demographics, and you always try to play music from every generation, so you have hit every genre and every decade at least once or twice in the course of the night.”
Bonus music:
• Each of the past four years, the Marlins have made a new song for the new season: Pitbull produced the customized song “Time to Represent” in 2009; Scott Stapp, the lead singer of Creed and a Marlins fan, adapted “You Will Soar” to “Marlins Will Soar” in 2010; Nonpoint released “Fear The Fish” for the team in 2011.

