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With the Red Sox set to face the Houston Astros later on this afternoon in Game 1 of the ALDS, we'd thought it'd be good to do an annual check in of the walk up music of your hometown Sox! The team had another 90+ win season with phenomenal pitching from new ace Chris Sale and Drew Pomeranz, and stellar offensive numbers from Mookie Betts and Andrew Benintendi along with the terrific defense of veteran Dustin Pedroia, this team seems locked and loaded for a long and deep run into the postseason. Each player's individual walk up song reflects the player's personality and character as they step into the batter's box or take their spot on the mound. Without further ado, here are the Sox's walk up song choices:
Andrew Benintendi - Locash "I Love This Life"
Starting things off is the studly outfielder nicknamed "Benny Biceps" by Jared Carrabis of Barstool Sports with this terrific country tune from Locash. Benny as he's affectionately named has been the talk of the town since being called up last year with his flowing locks, swooning good looks, and of course his ridiculously chiseled physique attracting women left and right, and even making some men question their own sexuality also. What's most important about Andrew is that he always contributes any way he can, and with his 20 HR's and 90 RBI's this year, Benny is most certainly the centerpiece of the team, and the cornerstone for the Sox for years to come.
Brandon Workman - Randy Houser "Running Outta Moonlight"
A member of the Sox bullpen since 2013, the Workman has this down home country tune from Randy Houser as his entrance song. The Arlington, TX native has made a habit of coming through for his team in tough spots, most notably during the 2013 postseason when the team won the World Series, and definitely has the makeup for being that hold down the fort guy who can get the team out of a pinch in a hurry. Having a guy like Brandon in your bullpen can make all the difference in the world, and can add to some bright spots during some sticky situations.
Chris Sale - Lil' Wayne "Fly In"
The newest addition to the Red Sox starting rotation is Chris Sale, who has this choice tune from Lil' Wayne to keep occupied on his jog out on the mound. Sale has pitched like a Cy Young contender for most of his career when he was with the Chicago White Sox, but never made it to the playoffs until this year. With a devastating arsenal of pitches and winning 18 games this year along with over 300 K's, Sale has made his presence known on the team and definitely has that leadership pedigree where he can take the whole team on his back if he wanted to. If you had a to look up the word 'man' in the dictionary, you'd definitely find a picture of Chris Sale there.
Craig Kimbrel - Ted Nugent "Stranglehold"
With the blasting classic rock of Ted Nugent comes our beloved closer Craig Kimbrel, who is definitely the silent killer in this magnificent bullpen. Craig spent most of his career with the Braves and Padres, but has really found his niche since being traded to the Red Sox. With pitches that sometimes touch 100 mph and a whole variety and vast catalog of pitches to keep hitters guessing, Craig has this closer role down pat. Along with his rustic and beyond handsome beard, he is also known for his unorthodox delivery that resembles a praying mantis or a wild turkey. Kimbrel definitely knows how to keep the fans on their toes each and every time.
Doug Fister - Luke Bryan - "Country Girl (Shake It For Me)"
Another member of the starting rotation making his presence known is Doug Fister, who has this hit country tune from Luke Bryan as his entrance music. Fister has had some ups and downs throughout his whole career, splitting time between the Tigers, Nationals, Astros before landing with the Sox. He's mostly been filling the spot usually held by David Price who has moved over to the bullpen for the time being. He has a solid pitch repertoire, but can be kind of shaky sometimes with some control issues along the way that need to be ironed out but when he's on, he's definitely got some pedigree and stamina that are much needed qualities in the playoffs.
Drew Pomeranz - The Chainsmokers & Coldplay "Something Just Like This"
One surprise emanating from the starting rotation this year is the emergence of Drew Pomeranz, who has this sweet new hit tune from The Chainsmokers & Coldplay as his walk out song. Drew was something of a big question mark coming into the season, and fans weren't sure if he could live up to the potential to the big contract he signed since coming over to the team from San Diego. He went 16-6 this year with a 3.32 ERA which demonstrates GM Dave Dombrowski's faith in signing him to that massive deal. When he gets out on the mound, he simply cannot be contained and since sporting that beautiful playoff beard, he's most certainly in the zone and gearing up for a long and fruitful run in the playoffs.
Heath Hembree - Creedence Clearwater Revival "Fortunate Son"
Heath has alot of fans from everyone (myself included) for his choice of this vintage tune from CCR as his entrance song. Hembree has some hills and valleys when it comes to his pitching career, some nights he has great ones others he has ones he'd rather forget. For the most part, Heath thrives on the adversity and not usually a clean inning. Having him come on with runners already on base increases his own confidence factor in the process, and allows him to get the job done and out of trouble right away so his offense can get back out on the field and do their thing.
Joe Kelly - DMX - "Party Up (Up In Here)"
Another hallmark of the bullpen is flamethrower Joe Kelly, who has this blazing hot tune from DMX as his walk out song. Since coming over from the Cardinals, Kelly has transitioned well from being a starter, into being a bona fide weapon in the back of the bullpen. With pitches routinely clocking in the low 100's, Kelly is just spewing fire left and right like a dragon whenever he jogs out, and makes opposing hitters shake in their shoes, wondering if they can get anything off this Grade A stud.
Rick Porcello - Jimi Hendrix "All Along The Watchtower"
Another vaunted member of the starting rotation is last year's reigning Cy Young winner Rick Porcello, who has this classic tune from Jimi Hendrix as his mound song. Coming off a year in which he went 22-4 en route to his first Cy Young award, Rick definitely had some trouble this year following up that stellar year, running into some trouble in a few of his starts and failing to pick up a win in many of his games. It's very hard to maintain that competitive edge coming off such a strong season, but Rick definitely has that mentality and drive to block out the noise, and focus on doing the best job he can do on the mound.