Anthony Rizzo has always been more than just a Gold Glove-winning first baseman; he is a cultural icon in baseball, known for his leadership, charisma, and, most famously, his electric choice of walk-up music. As of the latest updates in 2025, the discussion around his plate entrance soundtrack continues to be a hot topic among fans of both the Chicago Cubs and the New York Yankees.
The perfect walk-up song is a player's personal anthem, a statement, and a rallying cry for the crowd. For Rizzo, his musical selections have been a dynamic reflection of his career—from the high-energy house track that became synonymous with a World Series-winning era to the surprising pop hit he credited with breaking one of his toughest slumps. Here is the definitive, updated look at Anthony Rizzo’s walk-up song history and the stories behind the music.
Anthony Rizzo: A Brief Biography and Career Profile
Anthony Vincent Rizzo, born on August 8, 1989, in Parkland, Florida, established himself as one of Major League Baseball's premier first basemen and a beloved figure in the sport. His career is characterized by both consistent defensive excellence and powerful left-handed hitting.
- Born: August 8, 1989 (Parkland, FL)
- Position: First Baseman
- Bats/Throws: Left/Left
- MLB Debut: 2011 (San Diego Padres)
- Iconic Teams: Chicago Cubs (2012–2021), New York Yankees (2021–Present)
- Key Achievements: 3x MLB All-Star, 4x Gold Glove Award winner, 2016 World Series Champion (Cubs), 2016 Platinum Glove Award winner.
- Legacy: Known for his leadership, community work through the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation, and his role as the heart of the Cubs' 2016 championship team.
The Signature Anthem: “Intoxicated” by Martin Solveig & GTA
If one song could be etched into the memory of a generation of baseball fans, it would be "Intoxicated" by Martin Solveig & GTA, Anthony Rizzo's undisputed signature walk-up track. This electronic house banger became inseparable from Rizzo's identity, particularly during his legendary tenure with the Chicago Cubs.
The song is a high-energy, infectious dance track, which might seem an unusual choice for a baseball player, but its driving beat and memorable synth hook proved to be the perfect soundtrack for the electric atmosphere at Wrigley Field.
The Meaning and Legacy
The song's impact was monumental. When fans hear the first few notes, they instantly think of Rizzo stepping up to the plate, often accompanied by a stadium-wide clap-along. After his trade to the New York Yankees, the song became a nostalgic touchstone for the Cubs faithful. In a touching moment during a 2024 return to Wrigley Field, the Cubs played "Intoxicated" for Rizzo's first at-bat, a tribute that underscored the song's enduring legacy and emotional connection to the city.
Even in the 2025 season, reports indicate that "Intoxicated" has made its triumphant return to Rizzo's rotation, a nod to his history and a clear signal that the classic track still provides the energy he needs at the plate.
The Slump-Buster: The Taylor Swift Era
Anthony Rizzo is not afraid to experiment, and his mid-career switch to a Taylor Swift song proved to be one of the most surprising and effective musical changes in recent MLB history. In 2023, while struggling through a prolonged slump, Rizzo made a drastic change to his walk-up music, selecting the hit pop track "...Ready for It?" by Taylor Swift.
The results were immediate and dramatic. Following the switch, Rizzo had one of his best games of the season, breaking his slump and hitting a home run. He quickly credited the pop superstar for his turnaround, embracing the viral moment with good humor.
Rizzo's Quote on the Pop Switch
When asked about the unexpected choice, Rizzo leaned into the cultural phenomenon, stating, "Taylor Swift... It's her summer, really. She's helping the economy in every city she goes." This quote instantly went viral, cementing the song as a legendary "slump-buster" and showcasing Rizzo’s fun-loving personality.
He would later incorporate other Taylor Swift tracks, including "Bad Blood," into his rotation, demonstrating that the power of pop music could indeed be a secret weapon for a professional athlete.
The Clutch Moment and Career Deep Cuts
Beyond the two major anthems, Rizzo has a history of strategically deploying other songs for specific emotional or high-stakes moments, adding layers to his musical persona. His willingness to change his music based on his mindset or the situation is a key reason why his walk-up song history is so fascinating.
The "Rocky" Theme: The Playoff Power-Up
In a crucial, season-on-the-line moment during a playoff series, Rizzo turned to a classic motivational track: the iconic theme from the movie Rocky. This choice signaled a no-nonsense, fighting spirit, perfectly matching the intensity of a do-or-die baseball game. It was a clear, universally understood message to the crowd and his opponents that he was ready to fight for a win.
A Full List of Anthony Rizzo's Notable Walk-Up Songs
Rizzo's musical taste spans genres, from EDM and pop to classic rock and country. The following is a list of other tracks that have been part of his walk-up repertoire throughout his career, showcasing his diverse musical palate:
- "The Stroke" by Billy Squier (Classic Rock)
- "Kickstart My Heart" by Mötley Crüe (Heavy Metal/Rock)
- "Ooh La La" by The Faces (Classic Rock)
- "Grapevine" (Artist not consistently confirmed, likely a variation of the classic)
- "Good Life (feat. T-Pain)" by Kanye West (Hip-Hop/Rap)
- "Drunk on Your Love" by Brett Eldredge (Country)
- "Right Where You Should Be" (feat. Ashe & Louis Futon) (Indie/Electronic)
- "Bad Blood" by Taylor Swift (Pop)
The Enduring Legacy of Rizzo's Playlist
Anthony Rizzo’s walk-up songs are more than just background noise; they are a living, breathing part of baseball history. His selections have served as a barometer for his performance—a fun pop song for a needed slump-breaker, a classic rock track for raw energy, and, of course, the signature house anthem that will forever echo in the minds of Chicago Cubs fans.
Whether he is stepping up to the plate with the driving beat of "Intoxicated" or surprising the crowd with a chart-topping pop hit, Rizzo uses his walk-up music to connect with the fans, psych himself up, and, ultimately, define his moment in the batter's box. The 2025 season continues to prove that his musical choices are just as compelling and memorable as his play on the field, making his walk-up song history a legendary chapter in modern baseball lore.
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