In our opening-game match-up of at-bat intro songs for the starting pitchers for the Phillies and Dodgers, the clear rockin’ advantage supplied by Phils’ starter Cole Hamels‘ theme song, AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck”, was a key factor in the Phils’ 3-2 win. As could have been expected in this historic rate-a-record showdown of NL division champs’ intro songs, despite a strong opening, Dodgers’ starter Derek Lowe was undermined by his theme song, the incredibly wimpy “Sometimes When We Touch”, or whatever that Cascada song is called.
Today, as we prepare for Game 2, let’s start going around the horn, beginning with catchers Carlos Ruiz (Phillies) and Russell Martin (Dodgers). Without giving away the owner of each catcher’s song, listen to the following and consider how these tunes might impact the outcome of today’s game and this series. I’ve got to warn you, in full, unedited form, some of these players’ at-bat intro songs have lyrics fit for the locker room and dugout. Beware if analyzing the musicoathletic content of these tunes in work or around the kids!
Now, let’s move onto the first basemen, Ryan Howard (Phillies) and James Loney (Dodgers). These guys are counted on to provide the power from the left side. Are you feeling it?
50 Cent and Akon, “Still Will”
Tomorrow we’ll continue our NLCS Rate-a-Record, as we move around the horn. Dodgers fans in the know might as well concede the second base battle now!
NOTE: Rock Town Hall is not responsible for occasional inaccuracies that might occur in the cases of players whose at-bat intro songs change frequently.
I had no idea the Geico caveman was the dude who sang “Sometimes When We Touch”!
Mod, what’s gone wrong with you? “Thunderstruck” is a lousy song! You draw a pass on “Problem Child” and “Whole Lotta Rosie,” but have a soft spot for *that*?! Pee-you!
Concerned,
HVB
Well, at least that Kanye West song samples Move On Up, which implies that the batter can hit behind the runner.
Hey, baseball fans —
I thought it was bad form to mention an ongoing no-hitter in TV or radio commentary. I remember listening to an old-school Orioles broadcast back in the day that was downright heartwarming, because of the verbal flips and twists the (pre-Jon Miller) announcer was going through to avoid actually *saying* “no-hitter.” This TBS dude can’t shut up about it! Am I living in another era? Does this kind of baseball announcing etiquette no longer realy exist? Am I, once again, living in the past?
HVB
Yes, you are, hvb. They don’t talk about it in the dugout, but in the broadcast booth they talk a LOT about how the players don’t talk about it.
Tomorrow I’ll do a postgame analysis of some more intro songs. I immediately noticed one key change in the Dodgers’ sound today: Garciaparra’s “Low Rider” was a distinct advantage to Ryan Howard’s Nas tune.
Don’t forget which Dodgers pitcher’s theme song you’ll be hearing tomorrow night!