May 20, 2010

By Josh Bowe for utamavs.com

ARLINGTON, Texas - For whatever reason, music in baseball is different. Sure in other sports there is plenty of music to be played. Pump up jams, intro music and timeout crowd pleasers. That's all very well and good but baseball is different.

Players in the lineup get their own song. Picking that song has become something of a ritual for players, another part of the game. Baseball is very superstitious and routines are as much a part of the game as fielding ground balls.

With that in mind UTAMAVS.com asked regular players in the Mavericks lineup and pitching staff what their walk up song is and why they picked it. Think of it as a chance to get to know your players just a little bit better.

Preston Beck, freshman, plays both infield and outfield

Walk up song: Up Around the Bend

Artist: Creedence Clearwater Revival

Why he picked it: "I chose this song because CCR is the best band I have ever heard."

Jesse Payne, junior, shortstop

Walk up song: My Savior, My God

Artist: Aaron Shust

Why he picked it: "It's a quick reminder to me to play the game for God everytime I step up to the plate. Hopefully, it impacts some fans for Christ as well."

Brian Nephew, junior, third baseman

Walk up song: Down and Out

Artist: Tantric

Why he picked it: "It's Evan Longoria's walk out (All-Star third baseman for the Tampa Bay Rays). That's my favorite player."

Michael Choice, junior, centerfielder

Walk up song: 3 a.m. and Ok You're Right (They alternate)

Artist: Eminem and 50 Cent

Why he picked it: "I chose these because I felt like they put me in a good mood to compete."

Jason Mitchell, senior, right-handed starting pitcher

Walk up song: Return of the Mack

Artist: Mark Morrison

Why he picked it: "Just listen to it. You can't not dance to it and it gets people going. My buddy in Alaska over the summer had it and I decided then it was going to be mine for this year."

Rett Varner, junior, right-handed starting pitcher

Walk up song: Superstar

Artist: Lupe Fiasco

Why he picked it: "I like the way it starts out."

Logan Bawcom, junior, right-handed starting pitcher

Walk up song: Souled out and Crank Dat Holy Ghost

Artist: Lecrae and Lunie380

Why he picked it: "I chose these songs because they share the good news of Jesus Christ and He's changed my life so I like to share some good Christian rap to everyone. The song isn't only to pump me up but to share my faith with everyone on the field and in the stands."