Traditional baseball sounds often emanate from Rocky MillerPark: the clink of the bat, the “Charge!” song, the umpire yelling”Strike!”
But the theme song from “Chariots of Fire”?
Every time Caleb Fields steps up to the plate, the melodramaticsong from the 1981 movie soars through the ballpark.
Though some of his teammates said they thought Fields’ themesong was less than intimidating, Fields said it holds specialsignificance for him.
“I always think of sports and stuff when I listen to it,” hesaid. “The character in (the movie), Eric Liddell, is a Christianathlete who takes a stand for his religion and won’t run onSundays.
“I admire that, and try to make those same strides.”
This is the first season in which music has accompanied the Catsas they approach the plate during home games.
Although music is common in Big Ten and major league ballparks,NU always had complied with neighbors’ requests to keep the noiselevel down.
Chris Boyer, assistant athletic director of marketing andsponsorship services, said he tries to play family-friendly musicat a considerate volume.
While NU wants to stay on good terms with the ballpark’sneighbors, Boyer said he also wants to create the best possibleatmosphere for both the players and the fans.
“Anything that is unique to a venue energizes the team andcreates momentum,” Boyer said. “All those little things add up towhat you consider the home team advantage.”
Before the season started, Boyer asked each player to pick asong he would want played when he approached either the plate orthe mound.
Doug Beatty said he chose the 80s ballad “What’s On Your Mind(Pure Energy)” because it represented his role on the team.
“I try to bring a lot of energy,” Beatty said. “My role on theteam is not to be the big power hitter. It’s to spark rallies, getpeople involved and get the offense moving. “
And, of course, any sporting event would be incomplete withoutinspirational music from “Rocky.” Anthony Wycklendt chose themovie’s theme song, and Mark Ori chose Survivor’s “Eye of theTiger.”
“All the ‘Rocky’ music is pump-up music,” Wycklendt said.
Then there are the songs that offer personalized encouragement.As Jon Mikrut steps up to bat, Chuck Berry’s “Johnny B. Goode” –including the chorus, “Go, Johnny, go!” — blasts over the loudspeakers.
Mikrut said he couldn’t think of another player who had a morefitting song than his own. He said the announcer used to play thesong for him during high school games.
Similarly, Chris Hayes chose Jimi Hendrix’s “Purple Haze”:purple for NU, haze for his last name.
“It works out well because the last part of it is when JimiHendrix says ‘Purple Haze,’ and then I step into the box,” Hayessaid. “It’s kind of neat.”
“Sweet Home Alabama” plays when Dan Brauer approaches thehill.
The song was playing during a preseason game in Alabama.
“I heard it right before I pitched,” Brauer said. “It just mademe enjoy the time I had out there. It was cool to be in Alabama andhear it.”
