BBTF's Newsblog Discussion :: SNY: Berg: Great non-traditional closer songs, Nos. 6-10

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Monday, January 05, 2009

SNY: Berg: Great non-traditional closer songs, Nos. 6-10

As Berg gulpours out…“All bourbon and no baseball make Ted drunk and bored.”

10. Spirit in the Sky - Norman Greenbaum: Not only does Greenbaum’s classic start with a recognizable, fuzzy guitar riff that would indistinguishably herald the coming of whichever reliever was shrewd enough to pick it, but its overtly religious lyrics would harness the Derrick Brooks factor.

Think about it: Bullpen doors open, guitar riff starts, fans get riled up. But by the time the pitcher is midway through his warm-up tosses, Greenbaum’s singing, “Gotta have a friend in Jesus!” And if that weren’t enough to mesmerize opposing batters, maybe the Jumbotron could note that Greenbaum is, to this day, a practicing Jew.

7. Everybody Hurts - R.E.M.: Say what you will about the merits of R.E.M.‘s catalog, but this is unquestionably the wimpiest song of all time. I’ll resist the urge to make a joke about how the song would fit the Mets’ 2008 bullpen.

The “everybody” hurting in this case wouldn’t be the pitcher or the fans, but the batters due up. The song is inextricably linked to getting kicked out of the house on Real World, not to mention just about every sad moment portrayed on MTV since it was recorded in 1992. Now you hurt, Jimmy Rollins, because you’re about to leave Citi Field with your tail between your legs. You shouldn’t have spiked that guy’s Kool-Aid or whatever. (Honorable mention for this spot goes to Miles Davis’ “Flamenco Sketches,” which might top “Everybody Hurts” in terms of pure sadness but loses by a wide margin due to its utter lack of hilarity.)

Repoz Posted: January 05, 2009 at 11:09 PM | 102 comment(s) | Login to Bookmark
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1. Orange & Blue Velvet Posted: January 05, 2009 at 11:36 PM (#3043964)

The Indigo Girls' Closer to Fine could make this list.

2. As foretold by the prophesy (JFSE) Posted: January 05, 2009 at 11:49 PM (#3043979)

Ooh, another of these threads?

Green Day - Wake Me Up When September Ends

3. Rough Carrigan

Posted: January 05, 2009 at 11:56 PM (#3043986)

If I was a closer who could throw very hard, like close to 100 hard (96 would probably be enough with the help of my team's diamondvision operator) I'd use the CCR cover of "Ninety Nine and a Half". It's got a great start once the drums kick in, a great Fogerty vocal and (along with lyrics speaking of insane jealousy), the line, "Ninety nine and a half just won't do".

4. philly Posted: January 05, 2009 at 11:58 PM (#3043990)

MC Hammer - U can't tough this

Lock the thread!

5. Guapo Posted: January 06, 2009 at 12:08 AM (#3043995)

The End, The Doors

Particularly good because it gives the pitcher an additional 12 minutes to warm up.

6. The importance of being Ernest Riles Posted: January 06, 2009 at 12:20 AM (#3044006)

I have always advocated the use of Elton John's Tiny Dancer for a closer.

7. Crispix Attacks Posted: January 06, 2009 at 12:25 AM (#3044007)

8 is an inspired choice. I'd go with that, and then switch it up every now and then, with other favorites like "Come On-a My House", "Pepino the Italian Mouse", "Mambo Italiano", "Tu Vuo Fa L'Americano", and "Shaddap You Face". Every now and then someone might ask me about why I choose to use this method of broadcasting my Italian roots, and I would look bewildered and ask why anyone thought I was Italian.

8. Frank McCourt's Gold Stars are in bankruptcy court Posted: January 06, 2009 at 12:25 AM (#3044008)

Ride of the Valkyries.

9. jwb Posted: January 06, 2009 at 12:26 AM (#3044009)

The End would be awesome if you could rerecord the vocals with "Batter, I've come to kill you. . ." I still like Search and Destroy, but I guess that would be traditional.

10. TerpNats Posted: January 06, 2009 at 12:27 AM (#3044011)

How about "Emotional Rescue," to my mind the last great record the Rolling Stones ever made? (Don't give me the overrated "Start Me Up.") It's a wonderful homage to the Atlantic R & B sound Mick, Keith and the gang loved so much, right down to the King Curtis-style sax -- and I'm surprised no reliever I know of has ever used it.

Then again, if I had my way, at Nationals Park, they would replace "Sweet Caroline" with Cannibal & the Headhunters' "Land Of A Thousand Dances," which is far superior to Wilson Pickett's better-known version.

11. Gamingboy Posted: January 06, 2009 at 12:28 AM (#3044012)

Green Day - Wake Me Up When September Ends

That is near the top of my list of songs that have nothing to do with baseball that make me think of baseball.

...

Anyway, I think that symphony orchestras, movie scores and video game tunes are the three last untapped sources for Closer Songs. Hell, if I was a multimillionaire Closer, I'd commission some movie composer to make a theme for me.

12. Crispix Attacks Posted: January 06, 2009 at 12:29 AM (#3044013)

"Everybody Hurts" isn't all that sad, even among R.E.M. The whole "Up" album is soul-crushingly depressing. And then there's "The Flowers of Guatemala", "Old Man Kensey", "Wendell Gee", and several from the Out of Time/Automatic era.

The problem with the suggestion of "Let Me Clear My Throat" is that the reliever then has to resist the impulse to dance while walking over to the mound.

I would use this song, at least at first.

13. Thomas Richard Hamilton Nugent Posted: January 06, 2009 at 12:33 AM (#3044017)

Ride of the Valkyries.

I've advocated that as a closer song a few times. But only for Billy or Ryan Wagner.

14. Frank McCourt's Gold Stars are in bankruptcy court Posted: January 06, 2009 at 12:34 AM (#3044018)

Unwound's Nervous Energy (hope that link works) would be great - good intro and pertinent lyrics:

I sit here waiting, trying to kill my day
It's you I'm shaking for, my nervous energy.

15. aleskel

Posted: January 06, 2009 at 12:34 AM (#3044020)

the only important thing about closer music is that it fits the closer's style. So if I were a flame-throwing, Goose Gossage-type, I'd go with "Ace of Spades" by Motorhead (all about the bass-riff). If I was a cool, crafty, Huston Street-type, it would be "Tom Sawyer" by Rush (now THERE'S a "WTF?" song for you)

oh, and I would demand the dry-ice mist they use for wrestlers for when I come out of the bullpen doors

16. Crispix Attacks Posted: January 06, 2009 at 12:36 AM (#3044022)

If I was a cool, crafty, Huston Street-type, it would be "Tom Sawyer" by Rush (now THERE'S a "WTF?" song for you)

He should just use the "Of salesmen! SALESMEN! SALESMEN!" part from "The Spirit of Radio". That would get people fired up for capitalism.

17. Frank McCourt's Gold Stars are in bankruptcy court Posted: January 06, 2009 at 12:36 AM (#3044023)

There was a (bad) Giants closer of a few years back who had Tom Sawyer as his intro. He said the front office folks gave him a few choices, and he went with Rush.

18. Gamingboy Posted: January 06, 2009 at 12:39 AM (#3044025)

I've advocated that as a closer song a few times. But only for Billy or Ryan Wagner.

Didn't catch that the first time I read it. Nice.

19. Frank McCourt's Gold Stars are in bankruptcy court Posted: January 06, 2009 at 12:39 AM (#3044026)

If they bring back bullpen carts, I demand someone use "Jesus Built My Hotrod."

20. Crispix Attacks Posted: January 06, 2009 at 12:40 AM (#3044027)

If they bring back bullpen carts, I demand someone use "Jesus Built My Hot-Rod."

Sir Mix-A-Lot's "My Hoopty" is the obvious choice. And its tempo would fit the slow-moving car as it waddles out to the mound.

21. Frank McCourt's Gold Stars are in bankruptcy court Posted: January 06, 2009 at 12:40 AM (#3044028)

Sir Mix-A-Lot's "My Hoopty" is the obvious choice. And its tempo would fit the slow-moving car as it waddles out to the mound.
I was going for irony.
But yours is a good choice.

22. frannyzoo Posted: January 06, 2009 at 12:46 AM (#3044031)

"Hurt" - Johnny Cash version. They could play the video on the jumbotron and everybody would sing along to "I will let you down, I will make you hurt". Of course I say this as a M's fan now bereft of about the only thing we had going for us (assuming Morrow starts).

23. birdlives is one crazy ninja Posted: January 06, 2009 at 12:50 AM (#3044035)

The Indigo Girls' Closer to Fine could make this list.

Actually, this song is appropriate for any occasion.

24. cardsfanboy

Posted: January 06, 2009 at 12:50 AM (#3044037)

Tiki Barber is a future hofer? really, damn I am out of the football loop.

25. Sleepy supports unauthorized rambling Posted: January 06, 2009 at 12:51 AM (#3044038)

Ride of the Valkyries.

The progressive rock band "mastermind" did an inspired cover of "Ride of the Valkyries" on one of their earlier albums which would be perfect. Sadly, it does not exist on youtube at this time...

26. Pasta-diving Jeter (jmac66) Posted: January 06, 2009 at 12:55 AM (#3044042)

after the thread a couple years ago, when someone suggested "Yellow Submarine" for Byung-Hyun Kim, everything else is just window dressing

27. Downtown Bookie

Posted: January 06, 2009 at 01:02 AM (#3044048)

I've always had a fondness for The Beatles cover of Larry Williams' "Bab Boy" in any stadium setting:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQ4K6YLFtNc

But I think the following is more in the spirit of the article:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LxJMYeqgUQ

28. Roger Cedeno's Spleen Posted: January 06, 2009 at 01:03 AM (#3044050)

...and Clint Black's Killing Time while the manager and previous pitcher fidget around the mound until the closer gets a last few warmup tosses in...

29. The District Attorney Posted: January 06, 2009 at 01:13 AM (#3044058)

I've advocated that as a closer song a few times. But only for Billy or Ryan Wagner.

Yes, this was my answer to the "Enter Sandman" controversy.

The most awesome closer song would be "I Love" by Tom T. Hall, obv.

30. Chase Insteadman Wannabe Posted: January 06, 2009 at 01:29 AM (#3044068)

I've always been partial to the idea of a closer entering to Brian Eno's Baby's on Fire.

31. J. Michael Neal Posted: January 06, 2009 at 01:29 AM (#3044069)

Ride of the Valkyries

Lame and cliched. If you want intimidating, go with the Dies Irae from Verdi's Requiem. Nothing quite like the Horns of Armageddon to put everyone in the proper frame of mind.

32. Sexy Lizard Posted: January 06, 2009 at 01:34 AM (#3044075)

If I played for the Cardinals or the Orioles then I would choose the appropriate piece from Olivier Messiaen's birdsongs era. I would blow the hitters away with my high-60s heat while they mused to themselves, "Was that a lark bunting I just heard? Or perhaps a wood thrush? Wait! It's dawn in the forest!"

33. Darren

Posted: January 06, 2009 at 01:40 AM (#3044079)

This is easy. Ronnie James Dio's Last in Line. As the acoustic portion of the song plays, you skip out of the bullpen and into the outfield. When he hits "HHHHHOOOMMMMMEEEE!!!!!" you burst into a sprint to the mound.

34. Kyle S at work Posted: January 06, 2009 at 01:43 AM (#3044080)

Smoltz used to come out to 'Dancing Queen' by Abba. It was pretty strange.

35. Davo the Magnificent Posted: January 06, 2009 at 01:43 AM (#3044081)

The National's "Mr. November", but only for the 2009 World Series.

36. Gamingboy Posted: January 06, 2009 at 01:48 AM (#3044086)

Anyone seen that movie Cloverfield? Big giant monster? The only music that is ever played during the movie is during the end credits. It is called "Roar!" and its a tribute to Japanese (particularly Godzilla) movie scores. When I first heard it, I thought it would be a great Closer song, especially if the pitcher walked in slowly.

37. Dag Nabbit and his imaginary friends Posted: January 06, 2009 at 01:49 AM (#3044087)

6. Quartet No. 59 in G Minor, Op. 74, No. 3 - Joseph Haydn:

If you're going for classical music, how 'bout Night on Bald Mountain?

38. Heinie Mantush (Krusty) Posted: January 06, 2009 at 01:53 AM (#3044090)

Pro wrestling is quite the source of potential closer themes. I'm surprised Motorhead's "The Game" (Triple H's theme) hasn't been taken up by some pitcher. If Joba had stayed in the pen, I think it would have suited him perfectly.

Jon Papelbon did briefly use the Ultimate Warrior's theme at the start of his closing career...

39. TerpNats Posted: January 06, 2009 at 02:12 AM (#3044096)

6. Quartet No. 59 in G Minor, Op. 74, No. 3 - Joseph Haydn:

If you're going for classical music, how 'bout Night on Bald Mountain?

Or Prokofiev's "Marche" from "The Love Of Three Oranges" (better known as the theme for the radio program "The FBI In Peace And War")?

40. jwb Posted: January 06, 2009 at 02:13 AM (#3044098)

I've always been partial to the idea of a closer entering to Brian Eno's Baby's on Fire.

Especially the 801 Live version!

41. sardonic Posted: January 06, 2009 at 02:14 AM (#3044100)

I always thought the song from the Second Coming Nike commercial would be a good song, emphasizing the team nature of the game.

"So glorious, victorious/the truth is coming, you should listen"

42. RB in NYC (Now with New Running Goal!) Posted: January 06, 2009 at 02:54 AM (#3044124)

Pro wrestling is quite the source of potential closer themes. I'm surprised Motorhead's "The Game" (Triple H's theme) hasn't been taken up by some pitcher. If Joba had stayed in the pen, I think it would have suited him perfectly.

I've always thought this too. Plus you could have a ton of "Game In...Game Over" kind of puns.

I also like "I'm Coming," I think that one would work.

43. Cabbage Posted: January 06, 2009 at 03:12 AM (#3044136)

Lame and cliched. If you want intimidating, go with the Dies Irae from Verdi's Requiem. Nothing quite like the Horns of Armageddon to put everyone in the proper frame of mind.

Gustav Holst frowns upon your shenanigans.

44. Matt Clement of Alexandria Posted: January 06, 2009 at 03:27 AM (#3044143)

Jon Papelbon did briefly use the Ultimate Warrior's theme at the start of his closing career...

As closer music, "Real American" would be made of awesome.

That, or "Papa Don't Preach".

45. Sox Machine Posted: January 06, 2009 at 04:13 AM (#3044162)

Lame and cliched. If you want intimidating, go with the Dies Irae from Verdi's Requiem. Nothing quite like the Horns of Armageddon to put everyone in the proper frame of mind.

My classical choice: Fifth movement from Berlioz's Symphonie Fantastique, when the tubas kick in.

I would go with "Who Knows," by Jimi Hendrix/Band of Gypsies, or James Brown's "Papa Don't Take No Mess."

If I wanted to throw everybody off, "Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" or "Sometimes When We Touch."

46. booond Posted: January 06, 2009 at 04:26 AM (#3044172)

Bad Religion's "F%#k Armageddon, this is Hell"

47. zonk Posted: January 06, 2009 at 04:31 AM (#3044174)

How about "Emotional Rescue," to my mind the last great record the Rolling Stones ever made?

You are henceforth banished from the kingdom of this thread.

48. booond Posted: January 06, 2009 at 04:38 AM (#3044181)

Jan and Dean's "Dead Man's Curve"

49. Dag Nabbit and his imaginary friends Posted: January 06, 2009 at 04:53 AM (#3044194)

A lot of Ennio Morricone's [sic] Spaghetti western scores would be great. In particular, I think "Ecstasy of Gold" and the main theme from "The Good, the Bad, the Ugly" would be effective.

Other songs I can see:
House of the Rising Sun - Animals
Sledgehammer - Peter Gabriel
Sweet Dreams - Eurythmics
Rave On - Buddy Holly
Mama Said Knock You Out - LL Cool J
I Wanna Take You Higher - Sly and the Family Stone

50. JMM Posted: January 06, 2009 at 05:02 AM (#3044201)

Bauhaus "Double Dare" or Bjork "Army of Me"

Or, if you want to go along in this guy's vein, Erasure "Fingers & Thumbs"

51. Crispix Attacks Posted: January 06, 2009 at 05:05 AM (#3044204)

If I wanted to throw everybody off, "Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" or "Sometimes When We Touch."

In an earlier thread, some genius proposed Peabo Bryson's "Tonight, I Celebrate My Love" as the best choice for this purpose. I have never heard a better idea.

52. tyler Posted: January 06, 2009 at 05:09 AM (#3044207)

Traditional: Housin' (Rage Against the Machine version)

Non-Traditional: Jesus Saves, I Spend (St. Vincent)

Classical: new world symphony, mvmt 4 (Dvorak)

Family Friendly: Beelzeboss (Tenacious D)

Joe Borowski Edition: Take Me Out (Franz Ferdinand)

53. Flynn Posted: January 06, 2009 at 05:16 AM (#3044212)

I've advocated that as a closer song a few times. But only for Billy or Ryan Wagner.

And definitely not for Scott Schoeneweis.

54. Orange & Blue Velvet Posted: January 06, 2009 at 05:16 AM (#3044213)

In particular, I think "Ecstasy of Gold" and the main theme from "The Good, the Bad, the Ugly" would be effective.

"Duck, You Sucker"

55. mashimaro Posted: January 06, 2009 at 05:19 AM (#3044216)

If I was the closer, I would have no music. Just having the hush fall over the crowd would be better.

56. Crispix Attacks Posted: January 06, 2009 at 05:21 AM (#3044217)

I'm glad Mashimaro's idea is not the standard practice, because it easily could be.

"Now let's have an awed hush, please, for your new god: Braden Looper"

57. Lassus: Posted: January 06, 2009 at 05:36 AM (#3044227)

Classical: Ligeti - Requiem, but only if the closer walks at about half-pace to the mound. People would freak. The Verdi is a good suggestion too. "From the Field of the Dead" from Prokofiev's "Alexander Nevsky" would be pretty good, especially if it kept playing during the warmup, the mother lamenting her dead baseball player sons on the field of battle.

Rock: Muse - "Assassin" strikes me lately, although they have a whole catalog of songs that would work. Truthfully, "Hysteria" is a lot better, I'm just liking the title of the first one. For those of you whole haven't been exposed:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpZL8c1HIOY (Sorry, I can't do the link thing without the wiki's help, and whatever controls the wiki hates all of us.)

58. Ivan Grushenko of Hong Kong Posted: January 06, 2009 at 05:41 AM (#3044229)

"Emotional Rescue," to my mind the last great record the Rolling Stones ever made? (Don't give me the overrated "Start Me Up.")

This is the first time anyone's ever agreed with me on this, although in fairness "Start Me Up" was supposedly written in the mid-70s or something.

59. Jay Z Posted: January 06, 2009 at 06:00 AM (#3044239)

I'd use the song for high score on Pole Position. I don't believe there's an actual end to the song, I'd just let it play until the batter or umpire made me turn it off.

60. Swedish Chef Posted: January 06, 2009 at 06:06 AM (#3044240)

If I was the closer, I would have no music. Just having the hush fall over the crowd would be better

Just use John Cage's 4' 33'' as your entrance music.

61. Gonfalon Bubble Posted: January 06, 2009 at 07:10 AM (#3044249)

A lot of Ennio Morricone's [sic] Spaghetti western scores would be great.

Terry Funk's late-1980s WCW entrance music has never been bettered, and would be ideal for any reliever. For the full effect, start at around 1:05 and imagine the echo bouncing around a stadium. Just this intimidating song would have been worth -0.20 to the Mets' bullpen.

62. nick swisher hygiene Posted: January 06, 2009 at 07:23 AM (#3044252)

Neil Young's "For the Turnstiles": "all the bush league batters / left to die on the diamond"......they'd be too freaked/depressed to hit....

63. AJM Posted: January 06, 2009 at 07:29 AM (#3044253)

Lil' Wayne - A Millie

64. Cris E Posted: January 06, 2009 at 07:41 AM (#3044254)

I'd ask for Take Me Out To The Ballgame just to confuse everyone.

65. Chipper Jonestown Massacre Posted: January 06, 2009 at 08:02 AM (#3044260)

"You're no good" for when the other teams' relievers come out...

66. Not The Real Fausto Carmona (Dan Lee) Posted: January 06, 2009 at 09:37 AM (#3044266)

The theme from the Mos Eisley Cantina would be a pretty frickin' sweet choice.

67. Gamingboy Posted: January 06, 2009 at 11:29 AM (#3044271)

For those of you who have never heard "Roar!", here it is.

68. Jolly Old St. Neck Wound, Moral Idiot

Posted: January 06, 2009 at 11:49 AM (#3044275)

69. Jolly Old St. Neck Wound, Moral Idiot

Posted: January 06, 2009 at 11:54 AM (#3044276)

I've always had a fondness for The Beatles cover of Larry Williams' "Bad Boy" in any stadium setting:

The problem with most of these selections is that the psychology behind them is totally predictable, and the batter can easily adapt.

OTOH THIS version of "Bad Boy" would blow the entire stadium's mind. You'd have the batter cracking up so much that he'd never be able to get the bat off his shoulder. Seriously.

70. Sexy Lizard Posted: January 06, 2009 at 12:24 PM (#3044280)

I think it's wrong to criticize the choice of the Haydn quartet. The author put it in there so that the closer could come in and establish a civilized air, and there is NO piece of music in the entire history of the world that more screams "HIGH ENLIGHTENMENT CIVILIZATION!!!" than a Haydn quartet. Haydn puts one in the mind of wigs, cherubs painted on the ceiling, and Diderot writing his encyclopedia. It's absolutely the correct choice here.

71. Lassus: Posted: January 06, 2009 at 02:00 PM (#3044300)

Oooohhhh I thought of another classical piece that would work as far as striking fear, old school: The "Sind Blitzen, Sind Donner" (With Lightning, With Thunder) chorus from Bach's Matthaüs-Passion. I'd have to say Gardiner's version.

Also, to throw the batter a psychological curve, I'd suggest "I Don't Know how to be your Friend" by Redd Kross.

Lastly, I recommend the recorded version of "Son the Father" by ###### Up.

72. Heinie Mantush (Krusty) Posted: January 06, 2009 at 02:09 PM (#3044306)

As closer music, "Real American" would be made of awesome.

It's a close second to "Sexy Boy".

73. Big Train Posted: January 06, 2009 at 02:15 PM (#3044311)

Listen to this song..... It is perfect.

Bad ####### ass.

Johnny Cash, God's Gonna To Cut You Down

74. Good cripple hitter Posted: January 06, 2009 at 02:46 PM (#3044339)

Assuming no censorship, I'd go with "Wargasm" by L7 or a live version of Orbital's "Satan" with the "Daddy, what does regret mean?" intro.

Failing that, I'd go with "Insecurities" by The Gits, or if I was in the mood to screw around, either "The Fabulous Sequel" or "George Had a Hat" by Pere Ubu.

75. The Good Face Posted: January 06, 2009 at 02:48 PM (#3044342)

For a WTF choice, how about "Incense and Peppermint" from Strawberry Alarm Clock?

Good choice? The trumpet theme from "For a Fistfull of Dollars". Perfectly captures the awesomeness of a single badass against the world.

76. Mike Emeigh

Posted: January 06, 2009 at 02:55 PM (#3044346)

Johnny Cash, God's Gonna To Cut You Down

A couple of Carolina Mudcat hitters have used this as walkup music.

-- MWE

77. Old Man James Posted: January 06, 2009 at 03:07 PM (#3044356)

I'd probably go with any of the themes from Mega Man 2, probably Heat Man.

78. The District Attorney Posted: January 06, 2009 at 03:39 PM (#3044385)

The problem with most of these selections is that the psychology behind them is totally predictable, and the batter can easily adapt.

I dispute that. How can you adapt to your opponent proclaiming that he loves little baby ducks? There's no way.

79. pmo Posted: January 06, 2009 at 04:15 PM (#3044429)

A couple that haven't been mentioned

Good- Ted Nugent Stranglehold- Great kick to the into

Good but Odd http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlRVXaqUZMg 1st Theme is Kaze Ni Nare- I like this one for the "I have to be a lonely Warrior tonight"

80. Crispix Attacks Posted: January 06, 2009 at 04:18 PM (#3044433)

I'd probably go with any of the themes from Mega Man 2, probably Heat Man.

It would be good if it could play throughout the pitching appearance...so your actual "entrance music" would just be the music that appears when the enemy's picture is on the screen, just before the level begins.

Dee dee.dee dee.
Dee dee.dee dee.
Dee.dee.dee dee dee dee deeeeeee

81. Lassus: Posted: January 06, 2009 at 04:30 PM (#3044451)

Failing that, I'd go with "Insecurities" by The Gits

This would work for them if I was batting, as I've never gotten over the Zapata thing.

82. Sheer Tim Foli

Posted: January 06, 2009 at 04:37 PM (#3044460)

Carpenter's theme from the movie Halloween

83. Heinie Mantush (Krusty) Posted: January 06, 2009 at 04:44 PM (#3044466)

I'd probably go with any of the themes from Mega Man 2, probably Heat Man.

If we're going video games, I think it has to be the dungeon theme from Super Mario World.

Totally unrelated : Max Kellerman used the term "three true outcomes" and then used DiPS to analyze Andy Pettitte. The crux of the argument was that Pettitte was the 2nd best lefty SP in the game in 2008 if looked at through that prism.

Is this commonplace for Kellerman?

84. Old Man James Posted: January 06, 2009 at 04:53 PM (#3044474)

It would be good if it could play throughout the pitching appearance...so your actual "entrance music" would just be the music that appears when the enemy's picture is on the screen, just before the level begins.

Dee dee.dee dee.
Dee dee.dee dee.
Dee.dee.dee dee dee dee deeeeeee

And instead of running in from the pen the pitcher could just appear as a flash of blue light right onto the mound.

85. Ball Point Pen Guy (Will Young) Posted: January 06, 2009 at 05:15 PM (#3044501)

Here are my choices (I'm a little weird):
recent rock: "Starlight" by Muse, the opening riff gets me pumped up more than "Assassin"
confidence/arrogance combined with WTF for the batters: "Have a Little Faith" by Michael Franti
ironic: "I am Trying to Break Your Heart" by Wilco
oldie, but a goodie: "Foreplay/Long Time" by Boston (if I warmed up at super-Trachsel speed)

86. ess eff Posted: January 06, 2009 at 05:18 PM (#3044507)

I've thought the orchestral fanfare in the Strawbs' "Down by the Sea" would be a good choice. But I doubt anyone will know what I'm talking about ('salright, most the time I don't know either).

For classical: Mendelssohn's "War March of the Priests"

87. Harmon "Thread Killer" Microbrew Posted: January 06, 2009 at 05:27 PM (#3044521)

Mad World - Gary Jules

88. Heinie Mantush (Krusty) Posted: January 06, 2009 at 05:28 PM (#3044523)

oldie, but a goodie: "Foreplay/Long Time" by Boston (if I warmed up at super-Trachsel speed)

I misread this as "For the Longest Time" and thought of Billy Joel. Somebody needs to use this. John Franco would have been perfect. But who in today's game?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Smeyf8nhM5Q Best. Song. Ever.

89. Jolly Old St. Neck Wound, Moral Idiot

Posted: January 06, 2009 at 05:29 PM (#3044524)

The problem with most of these selections is that the psychology behind them is totally predictable, and the batter can easily adapt.

I dispute that. How can you adapt to your opponent proclaiming that he loves little baby ducks? There's no way.

Well, I did say "most of" them. But I still defy any batter to figure out the one I linked to in # 70. "I'm taking the trouble / to blow my bubbles away"---???

90. An Athletic in Powderhorn Posted: January 06, 2009 at 05:30 PM (#3044526)

For normal popular music: "Telstar" by The Tornadoes, the Doctor Who Series 3 theme music, or "Problem" by Brazilian Girls.

For classical music: "Erlkönig," which I think is by Schubert, but I've youtube'd a couple recordings of the Schubert arrangement, and they don't sound like the version I've heard. "In the Hall of the Mountain King" by Grieg would be good too.

To make the next batter collapse laughing: "Gay Bar" by Electric Six or "Party Hard" by Andrew W. K. Preferably with Carl from Aqua Teen Hunger Force headbanging on the Jumbotron.

91. The District Attorney Posted: January 06, 2009 at 05:31 PM (#3044528)

Carpenter's theme from the movie Halloween

This has in fact been used for Mike Myers.

Is this commonplace for Kellerman?

I think it pretty much is, yeah.

92. wjones Posted: January 06, 2009 at 05:36 PM (#3044536)

Once I was watching a Braves-Cubs game in the 80's, and Terry Forster was throwing the ball as if he had no clue. When the manager came to put him out of his misery, the organist started playing, "Please Release Me".

93. Lassus: Posted: January 06, 2009 at 05:44 PM (#3044546)

"Erlkönig," which I think is by Schubert

Indeed. A pretty bleak piece, with a rollicking nearly impossible-to-play triplet accompaniment, too:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2eS7XRXAGtw&feature=related

Although this transcription by Hillary Hahn is a little more intimidating and scary, I think:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xWNXR23dOE&feature=related

And, on an only tangentially-related note, I think I'm in love:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAeq0b3ErSI&feature=related

94. Gazizza, my Dilznoofuses! Posted: January 06, 2009 at 05:48 PM (#3044555)

I misread this as "For the Longest Time" and thought of Billy Joel. Somebody needs to use this. John Franco would have been perfect. But who in today's game?

Jamie Moyer making a spot relief appearance?

For sheer irony, "I Feel Pretty"?

95. NetOwl Posted: January 06, 2009 at 08:16 PM (#3044739)

Although this transcription by Hillary Hahn is a little more intimidating and scary, I think:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xWNXR23dOE&feature=related

I would quite possibly kill for a recording of Hahn playing that piece.

Fourth best violinist today, I think, behind Perlman and Shaham (obviously) and Vengerov.

Speaking of Hilary Hahn, her version of Vaughan Williams's "The Lark Ascending" would make good closer music for the purpose of confusing the batter or possibly lulling him into a lapse in concentration. I recommend her recording of that, with Elgar as the first piece, even though I normally skip the Elgar.

It might also work as a comedic note on pitchers who bean a lot of batters. You know, causing them to see cartoon birds and whatnot.

96. RoyalsRetro (AG#1F) Posted: January 06, 2009 at 08:19 PM (#3044745)

Is this commonplace for Kellerman?

Yea, he used to work with Brian Kenny a lot, and I can't help but think Kenny rubbed off on him.

97. Lassus: Posted: January 06, 2009 at 10:05 PM (#3044881)

Impressive, Dan, I didn't know you were an accompanist. If your triplets were as regular on the last page as they were on the first, you get a lifetime Rand pass.

98. bigbart Posted: February 06, 2009 at 04:22 PM (#3069377)

PERSONAL JESUS by Depeche Mode

Perfect! Epic Arena Rock. God. Savior. Nothing better.

99. Dan Szymborski

Posted: February 06, 2009 at 05:35 PM (#3069491)

Impressive, Dan, I didn't know you were an accompanist. If your triplets were as regular on the last page as they were on the first, you get a lifetime Rand pass.

I said I could do it, not that I was Gerald Moore!

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Monday, January 05, 2009

SNY: Berg: Great non-traditional closer songs, Nos. 6-10

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