Do the Vols Have Taste? Breaking Down Tennessee’s Walkup Songs

The Tennessee Vols baseball program has a lot to boast about. They’re the reigning College World Series Champions, they’ve only lost twice this season and they’ve been sitting at top-ranked in the nation for weeks. It’s a culture of winning over there in Knoxville Tennessee. Do these champions sound like winners though? Let’s break down one of the most important aspects of baseball, the walk-up song. Do the Vols have taste?

Tired and Overused: 

The Vols have a few songs in their lineup that just don’t wow a crowd like they used to. Right-handed pitcher Nate Sneed is a perfect example of this. Thunderstruck by ACDC has got to be on almost every single walk-up song lineup in the NCAA. Maybe a few years ago, it hit every time someone heard it when an athlete was walking up to bat. It just doesn’t have the same effect. Sick of it, next.

I’m Shipping Up to Boston by Dropkick Murphys has the same effect. I’m sure left-handed pitcher Liam Doyle thinks it gets the crowd excited to see him and maybe even intimidates the batter in front of him. Unfortunately, it probably doesn’t. Much like Thunderstruck, these guys have heard this song countless times before. Try again.

Just Boring:

Nonstop by Drake may be fun for a crowd the first time they hear it, after that, though, it’s nothing special. Brayden Krenzel is just a freshman, though; he’s got time to improve his taste. Drake songs are always hit or miss. Taking the TikTok and radio hits, though? That’s sure to be a miss.

Temperature by Sean Paul has the same energy. Though, maybe that’s why junior Dalton Bargo has a backup song. Temperature has a beat that will rock a stadium the first time fans hear it, and it’s energy sure as hell can get a batter fired up. It is, though, just slightly overused. So close, Dalton Bargo. Maybe senior season, you’ll get it right.

Interesting Pick:

Sophomore Hunter High’s pick stands out. Prop Me Up Beside the Jukebox by Joe Diffie is a choice. It’s hard to tell if it’s a good one. In Knoxville, a good ole country song can reach the appeal of the crowd, but is it exciting? Not really. The song itself isn’t a bad one, and it is probably one of High’s personal favorites. He sure knows his country music. This pick just isn’t checking all the boxes for a quality walk-up song.

Almost Good:

College baseball players love Gwen Stefani. Two separate athletes at UNC have The Sweet Escape as their walk-up song. It wouldn’t be shocking if over 50 athletes in the NCAA were using it. Tennessee’s Colby Backus is using it this year. It’s a fun song, a crowd-pleaser, but it’s not original anymore. I could live without hearing it at all next season, though I never complain anymore.

Turn My Swag On by Soulja Boy has a similar vibe. It’s fun, and it gets everyone excited, but at the end of the day, it’s unoriginal. Despite its unoriginality, it is hard to get tired of it, and I’m sure freshman Jay Abernathy feels cool as hell walking up to bat hearing that song. Unfortunately, it is such a freshman pick. Giving him some grace is not bad, but it could be better.

Now This Is a Walk-up Song:

This may be a crazy take, but Boot Scootin’ Boogie by Brooks & Dunn is such a fun pick from Redshirt freshman Bryson Thacker. Country songs are hard to do when picking out walk-up songs. There’s a lot that goes into a solid song. Does it get the crowd amped up? Do they know it? Does it show the personality of the athlete? Plus, lastly, is it original? Boot Scootin’ Boogie may not check the very last box, but it’s still near perfect.

TV Off by Kendrick Lamar is also a great pick. Normally, it’s best to stay away from current popular hits, but sophomore Dean Curley was strategic with his pick. It checks all the boxes. It’s exciting, it's original, and it gets the crowd into it. It’s a song that stands out to both the crowd but also to the pitcher in front of him. Great pick, Dean Curley, looking forward to seeing another solid pick next season.

Perfect. No Notes:

Normally, a freshman doesn’t yet understand the art of a walkup song in college ball, and that’s okay, they’ll get there. Freshman Tegan Kuhns knows what he’s doing, though. Poker Face by Lady Gaga is a perfect pick. It’s fun, it excites the crowd, it gets the team excited, and it’s not overused yet. Fantastic job by the young pitcher. No notes.

It’s hard to find a perfect walkup song. After a few years of college ball, though, redshirt junior Michael Sharman has finally found it. Alive by Kid Cudi is an excellent choice. It’s got great energy, it’s not overused at all, and it shows everyone the kind of pitcher Sharman is. The only flaw is that we don’t get to hear it every game. However, maybe that makes it that much better. Stunning job, Michael Sharman. Now, can a batter somewhere steal this pick next season? Hearing it at home plate would have insane energy.