By David Tepera, September 28, 2022

Today’s article is inspired by my client Judi. She challenged me to come up with a personal “walk-up” song. I’m known to be quick-witted with a fast comeback, but Judi stumped me.

So, what am I referring to? Currently, in the game of baseball, players pick out a song that’s played while they are walking to the batter’s box. The song is supposed to be a reflection of their personality, plus fire up the crowd.

OK, how did this all start? Well, it became popular after the comedy film “Major League” (1989), in which relief pitcher Rick “Wild Thing” Vaughn entered the game to a cover of “Wild Thing” performed by X. It became so popular that now batters select songs as they come to the plate to get the fans cheering.

But really, most people don’t know the actual origin of walk-up began on the fingertips of an organ player Nancy Faust. She was the organist for the Chicago White Sox starting in the 1970s. Faust would play each player’s home state song when they walked up to the plate.

Then she would be creative. For example, if the player was dating Madonna, she would play “Like a Virgin.” Or if the player was a rookie, she would play the Who’s song “Who Are You.” I’m sure by now you get my point and understand its origin.

Now, let me ask you — when you walk into work, boosting with confidence and with all eyes on you, what is your walk-up song? Which music beat and lyrics reflects your personality?

Maybe you have a team meeting today and are expected to participate. What is going to hype you up to come to the plate, swinging for home runs? How can you stand out from the crowd of coworkers?

Some of you have regular chemo treatment. Next appointment, walk in with your head high and chest proud. There is no way cancer is going to take you down. From now on, you’re going to come out swinging and punch disease in the face. You have a long life ahead of you, so it’s time to start living it.

Starting today, for all of you, when you walk out your door to conquer the world, put your game face on and start shouting the old George Thorogood song “Bad to the Bone”.