San Diego Padres closer Mason Miller has taken the baseball world by storm with his new entrance song, and it's not your typical player selection. The buzz around this choice has gone viral, and it all started with a little clubhouse creativity.
As spring training winds down, players often find themselves with some extra downtime, leading to unexpected moments of inspiration. For the Padres, this led to a unique entrance song for their new closer, Mason Miller.
The track? Korn’s “Blind,” which made its debut during a game against the Detroit Tigers, electrifying both the crowd and the internet.
The mastermind behind this viral sensation is Padres clubhouse attendant TJ Laidlaw. It all began with what he describes as a "friendly tussle over a Bluetooth speaker." Starter Randy Vasquez had taken control of the clubhouse sound system, prompting Laidlaw to find a track that would reclaim the atmosphere.
Laidlaw had stumbled upon a Woodstock version of the song over the winter and was captivated by its energy. He played it repeatedly, and soon it became a staple in the Padres' clubhouse. While handling the team's laundry duties, the idea struck him: this could be the perfect song for Miller's entrance.
Unbeknownst to Laidlaw, Miller had been on the hunt for a unique entrance song, one that wasn’t already associated with another closer. Though not initially a Korn fan, Miller was drawn to the song’s intense opening and the iconic line, “Are you ready?” The ominous vibe fit perfectly with his entrance onto the mound.
Laidlaw learned of Miller's decision to use the song just days before its debut, and the anticipation was palpable. "I was definitely worried about it," Laidlaw admitted.
"But I’m glad he got the save. That was the biggest thing, obviously."
Miller has embraced the reaction, enjoying the widespread attention the song has garnered. “It’s been cool to see how much it’s kind of been blasted everywhere,” he said. “You know, you always want to have people enjoy the song.”
In the end, this musical choice has not only set the tone for Miller’s appearances but also created a memorable moment for fans and players alike.