How do players pick their walkup music?

Gamecock baseball is rich in tradition: 2001, the garnet pinstripes and much more. But there’s one tradition the players take about as seriously as the game itself: their walkup music.

It’s a time-honored tradition in the South Carolina clubhouse, with players trying to outdo the others with the song that plays before their at bat or when they come out of the bullpen.

Alex Destino, who had “Insomnia” by Tyler J and Kevin Gates last season, said his goal is to get excited before his plate appearance.

“You got to get hyped to it. Everybody thinks that because I’m from the mountains I like country music, which isn’t the case at all,” the junior outfielder said, laughing. “I feel like if you’re going up there, you got to get something you’re going to bang your head to and get excited to. You’re trying to hit something violent, so you have to be excited to do that.”

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Walkup music doesn’t go as planned sometimes, though. Last season, Destino didn’t have a song as Opening Day neared and head coach Chad Holbrook had to intervene.

“Last year he threatened to and gave me about 45 minutes to choose a walkup song,” Destino said. “I was lucky enough to scramble around and find that one.”

Each player has different criteria for their walkup song. Destino, like a lot of other players, like to get amped while walking to the plate.

“I just like to get pumped up before my at bat,” newcomer Justin Row said. “Other guys like to calm down and relax, but I feel ready to go like I’m going to war.”

For others, like shortstop Madison Stokes, it’s about calming down.

“For me, I’m not much of a hype guy. I like to stay chill, I guess. I chose a country song again this year,” Stokes said. “I like to choose a country song to get me in a good feel and get me locked in.”

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Players discuss and debate who has the best walkup songs, a debate that’s not usually settled.

These walkup songs are under lock-and-key and stay out of the public’s eye until it’s time to be revealed during the season. None of the players wanted to divulge the song they chose, chalking it up as a surprise for Opening Weekend.

It’s a process for players picking the song that will likely be attached to their offensive highs and lows all season, and a lot of times it’s trial and error. They will usually ask teammates and get advice from them before making an official decision.

“For me, I want something that gets me going a little, not too much before I step to the plate but nothing too slow,” Olson said. “It’s figuring out what works.”

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Destino said the songs are mostly for the players, although they do take into consideration the fans. While the walkup music is all in and set for the first pitch Friday, things can change with the first slump or bad outing.

“Oh no; don’t mess with anything while you’re hot,” Row said. “If you’re cold, maybe that change will do you some good.”

For now, the fans will get to enjoy their first taste of walkup music fun when the Gamecocks take on UNCG at 4 p.m.