In new closer Edwin Diaz, the Los Angeles Dodgers are getting one of the most electric walkouts in baseball, an entrance that is known to any baseball fan.
While the closer entrance is a modern development, some incredible songs have been played as the reliever, trusted to finish off the opponent, comes onto the field.
The Dodgers have been home to some of these walk-outs, as the bullpen door opens wide, and the closer marches his way down to take care of business.
Kenley Jansen – California Love
Kenley Jansen has one of the most notable walk-outs from the bullpen in recent times for the Dodgers.
It helps that he was the closer for years, but his song choice was perfect, capturing his essence and connecting with the city. He walked out to California Love by Tupac, a West Coast hit.
Eventually, during his walkout, the song became known as “Kenleyfornia Love.” The song will always be synonymous with the hip-hop legend, but Jansen earned the ability to put his own twist on it.
Edwin Diaz – Narcos
Coming soon to Dodger Stadium — the blaring of trumpets with the lights turned off as Edwin Diaz makes his walk to the mound.
The song “Narcos” pairs well with the drama of a save situation, matching the raised heart rates of fans anxiously awaiting the final outs of the game.
Throughout the season, it will be a treat for fans to witness Diaz’s dramatic entrance into the game, especially as a sense of doom descends on most opposing players as they prepare to meet their mythical maker.
Eric Gagne – Welcome to the Jungle
The opening of Welcome to the Jungle by Guns N’ Roses allows for hype and energy to build quickly before the lead guitar truly takes over.
One of the better relievers in Dodgers history, Eric Gagne, picked out a perfect song for his walkout, sending the message that an animal has been let out of his cage, and he is ready to feast on his opponents.
At night, the song helps really cut a menacing figure.
Craig Kimbrel – Let It Go
Kimbrel has gone through quite a few songs in his career as his walk-out themes, though during his stint for the Dodgers, he used “Let It Go,” a song from the children’s movie “Frozen.”
It is a movie-themed ballad meant to express freedom and encourage people to let loose.
While it gives off a different vibe than the other entrance songs, Kimbrel earns points for trying something unique and offering younger fans something more recognizable.
Jonathan Broxton – Iron Man
Broxton was one of the better players for the Dodgers in the 2000s, and his entrance music managed emphasize his imposing demeanor.
“Iron Man” sounds like it was made to play while a giant walks, and Broxton’s six-foot, four-inch frame certainly fits the mold.
The closer is meant to be the ace in the hole for a manager, someone who can just about automatically get three outs, or make the hitter think that they are facing a final boss of sorts.
Iron Maiden’s soundtrack helps create that sensation, and it is one of the more underrated walkout songs that a closer can employ.
Photo Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images