The most 2019 thing possible happened on Monday night—and it’s only March.
When Texas Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus used an unlikely, viral, and oft-meme’d song as his walk-up music, “Baby shark doo doo doo do-do” belched out of the speakers. It’s a sound more at home at a toddler’s birthday party than on a baseball field. Indeed, the bizarre “Baby Shark” has become a song for any and all ages, as proven by Andrus’ bold choice.
🎶 Baby Shark doo doo do doo do doo 🎶
— FanDuel Sports Network Southwest (@FanDuelSN_SW) March 26, 2019
Yup – that’s what @Rangers SS Elvis Andrus is going with for his walk-up song. #TogetherWe | @Rangers | @EmilyJonesMcCoy pic.twitter.com/cVzJFIuEo1
“Baby Shark,” which we all remember from our crazed preteen days at sleepaway camp, entered the mainstream a few years ago. The version of the song that really carried it to fame is by Pinkfong, the same 2016 version played by Andrus. A colorful rendition of the popular tune on Pinkfong’s YouTube page has more than 2 billion views. Two. Billion.
Fox Sports broadcaster Emily Jones McCoy caught on to the song as Andrus was walking onto the field. Later, McCoy tracked Andrus down to ask him about his choice in music. “I got to the bottom of the biggest mystery of tonight, and that is the story behind the Elvis Andrus walk-up song,” McCoy said. “I talked to Elvis in the dugout just a minute ago, and I said Elvie what’s up with the walk-up song?”
Andrus’ answer, in all of its charming glory, deserves some kind of dad award. After McCoy asked him about his song, she said he got a giant smile on his face and asked if she liked it.
“It’s awesome,” Andrus said. “It’s my boy’s favorite song.” It turns out he was playing it for his infant son, Elvis Emilio.
If that’s not the cutest thing we’ve ever heard…
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