When a closer enters a game, it’s almost as entertaining as the game itself. As the pitcher jogs to the hill from the bullpen, the videoboard will show the pitchers’s face, or silhouette, or simply his name. Then, the closer's signature song will blare from the speakers, causing fans to erupt and sometimes clap or sing along.
Those songs come in many different varieties. Some pitchers go with music meant to psych out the opponent, while others go with something that creates a more festive atmosphere.
Curious what each closer in the league decided to go with, we decided to rank the 26 best closer entrances. We didn’t include the Angels, because they don’t really have a closer at the moment, and didn‘t include a few others because we weren’t feeling their songs.
Enjoy!
26. Santiago Casilla, Giants
“Amance” — Marco Barrientos
Not my cup of tea, but it’s got a stadium feel to it.
25. Tyler Thornburg, Brewers
“Locomotive Breath” — Jethro Tull
This is a great song, but not really a great entrance song. You’ve either got to intimidate the opponent or get the crowd hyped. This does neither.
24. Kelvin Herrera, Royals
“Abayarde” — Tego Calderon
One of two songs by Tego Calderon in the league. It think it’s the better overall song of the two, but not for an entrance song. Also, love the Ric Flair shout.
23. Ken Giles, Astros
“Hail to the King” — Avenged Sevenfold
Outside of the opening riff, there’s nothing too electric about this entrance.
22. Alex Colome, Rays
“El Mejor De Todos Los Tiempos” — Daddy Yankee
Big beat, but I feel like he could have gone with a better Daddy Yankee song. Also, you play the Yankees my dude. Gotta be careful.
21. David Robertson, White Sox
“Wherever I May Roam” — Metallica
This one will upset Metallica fans, but it just doesn’t stack up to the rest of the league. This is a pretty competitive list.
20. Tony Cingrani, Reds
“The King Is Dead” — A Wilhelm Scream
This is where the songs begin to get good. A solid selection from Mr. Cingrani.
19. Enrique Burgos, Diamondbacks
“Gyal You A Party Animal” — Charly Black
This is where the decisions begin to get difficult. This is one of my favorite entrance songs, yet it ranks at No. 19!
18. Edwin Diaz, Mariners
“Sugar (Stadiumx Remix)” — Robin Schulz
An ode to his nickname, “Sugar,“ this song is straight fire for a dude that brings an unhittable heater on a consistent basis.
17. Brandon Kintzler, Twins
“Lose Yourself” — Eminem
This is a good entrance song, but pretty played and unoriginal. Still, this gets him in the top 20.
16. Cody Allen, Indians
“The Outsiders” — Eric Church
This sets quite the mood at Progressive Field.
15. Francisco Rodriguez
“Sandunqueoso” — Tego Calderon
This goes pretty hard. I’d expect nothing different from a veteran like Rodriguez.
14. Sam Dyson, Rangers
“Cold Blood” — Dave Not Dave
This song, which apparently was featured on an episode of Suits, instills fear into opposing hitters.
13. Tony Watson, Pirates
“Sweet Emotion” — Aerosmith
Coupled with some electric strikeout highlights, this classic is a great call.
12. Mark Melancon, Nationals
“Thunderstruck” — AC/DC
Not the AC/DC song I would have picked, but a damn good one.
11. Zach Britton, Orioles
“For Those About To Rock” — AC/DC
Ah, this is the AC/DC song I would have picked.
10. Jim Johnson, Braves
“Set It Off” — Audioslave
Not really one of the best closers in baseball, but one of the best at entering a game.
9. Seung Hwan Oh, Cardinals
“New Age Outlaws” — WWE
Oh, you didn’t know? What a perfect song.
8. Craig Kimbrel, Red Sox
“Welcome To The Jungle” — Guns N’ Roses
I know, I know, you’ve heard this song a million times. It’s still awesome.
7. Roberto Osuna, Blue Jays
“Don’t Panic” — French Montana
If you use French, you’re automatically in the top 10.
6. Adam Ottavino, Rockies
“Alive” — Kid Cudi
This works surprisingly well as an entrance song.
5. Aroldis Chapman, Cubs
“Wake Up” — Rage Against The Machine
Originally picked by the Yankees, Chapman has seemingly taken a liking to this song. I’m of the opinion every pitcher should use Rage.
4. Dellin Betances, Yankees
“What More Can I Say” — Jay Z
And I'm back for more, New York’s ambassador.
3. A.J. Ramos, Marlins
“POWER” — Kanye West
If you pick the same entrance song that Kanye West would pick, you took the right one.
2. Kenley Jansen, Dodgers
“California Love” — Tupac
Hard to pick a better song to bump at Chavez Ravine.
1. Jeurys Familia, Mets
“Danza Kudoro” — Don Omar, Lucenzo
Not a conventional entrance song, but it’s the most electrifying. The ninth begins as a party, quickly dies down when Familia gets into a jam, then picks back up when he escapes.
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