2023 MLB AL All-Stars Walk-Up Songs
Part 1 featured the Walk-Up songs for the NL All-Star starters. Now it’s time to get funky and release the 2023 AL starters’ list of tunes.
Catcher: Jonah Heim, Texas Rangers – Russell Dickerson, “Home Sweet”
Russell Dickerson’s “Sweet Home” adds a touch of country charm to our list, becoming the first country song to make its mark. The song serves as the perfect backdrop for Heim, whose graceful swing is a thing of beauty. At 28 years old, Heim is having a standout season, displaying his skills both behind the plate and at bat. He’s on track to surpass his career highs in home runs and hits and has already exceeded his largest total of RBIs.
First Baseman: Yandy Diaz, Tampa Bay Rays – Lenier, “Un Millon”
The Rays slide into the 2023 All-Star Break with the best record in baseball, and Diaz deserves his share of the credit for the team’s success. There are Un Millon attributes that make the Cuban slugger special. His ability to get on base is just one — leading the league in on-base percentage.
Second Baseman: Marcus Semien, Texas Rangers – KB and Brandon Lake, “Graves”
The Rangers boast a league-high four All-Star starters. That includes Semien, who’s appearing in the AL’s starting lineup for the second time in his career. Only two other Rangers have started an All-Star Game at second base: Julio Franco in 1989 and Alfonso Soriano in 2004. A pretty nice VIP section, if I do say so myself.
PS: Graves is one of the more wholesome songs to make this list.
Third Base: Josh Jung, Texas Rangers – Red Hot Chili Peppers, “Can’t Stop”
When the Red Hot Chili Peppers dropped Can’t Stop, Jung was four. What can we say? Obviously, as a kid, he had an impeccable ear for music. Here’s a fun fact. The leader among AL rookies in homers, RBIs, and runs scored is also the first Rangers rookie to start the All-Star game since the team’s inception in 1972. What a feat for the Texas native.
Shortstop: Corey Seager, Texas Rangers – Luke Combs, “Cold as You”
Woooohweee!! Another Ranger, Seager, and a second country song made the list. There are no AL shortstops colder than Seager – he has ice in his veins, and his starting spot in the All-Star Game proves it. Texas’ front office put on a show during the 2022 offseason, landing a middle infield, Seager and Semien, manning this year’s All-Star Game as the starters. You have to tip your cap.
Designated Hitter: Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Angeles – Ghost Machines, “Can’t Get Enough”
Quick question? Is there a better player in baseball than Ohtani? The two-way star and arguably the hottest ticket in the game is more than deserving of his third consecutive selection as the AL Starter. The world can’t get enough of Ohtani. His Topps Project 70 card is pretty cool, too.
Outfield: Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angeles – Young Jeezy, “I Luv It”
Death, Taxes, and Mike Trout in the starting lineup for the AL All-Stars are three things one can expect, no matter what. Trout throws it back to ’06 for his choice of walk-up songs with I Luv It. Once upon a time, Jeezy was also my favorite rapper. Shoutout to Alex Pardee on the design of this Topps Project 70 Mike Trout.
PS: Trout won’t be playing in this year’s extravaganza due to injury. But salute to a G.O.A.T of his generation.
Outfield: Randy Arozarena, Tampa Bay Rays – Trinix feat Rushawn and Jermaine Edwards, “Beautiful Day (Thank You For Sunshine)”
Rays fans are thankful they have Arozarena in the lineup. The 2021 AL Rookie of the Year is making his first All-Star appearance and is one of baseball’s most dangerous hitters. With his first selection, Arozarena joins Evan Longoria, Carl Crawford, Corey Dickerson, and Yandy Diaz as the only Rays position players to be named All-Star starters.
Outfield: Aaron Judge, New York Yankees – Pop Smoke & A-Boogie Wit da Hoodie, “Hello”
Isn’t it fitting for the King of New York to walk up to a song featuring lyrics referencing being the King of New York? Judge knew what he was doing here.
PS: He won’t be suiting up in this year’s All-Star Game, but this is his fifth time winning the fan vote.
