With seven World Series Titles to their name, the Los Angeles Dodgers are one of the largest fanbases in the MLB. And when a top performer has a walkout song that rings out in the ballpark, there are bound to be some fond memories in the fanbase. The familiar tunes playing let the fans know when to feel safe and secure that a closer they trust is making it to the mound. And Kenley Jansen knew just that.
For 17 years, the Dodgers felt safe when they heard “California Dream” by Tupac Shakur. The walkout song for the franchise’s faithful closer, Kenley Jansen, who left the franchise in 2022. In a throwback to times when the trusty right-handed closer used to play for the franchise, the fans reminisced.
“California Dream” – A Familiar Tune for the Dodger Faithful
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Whenever “California Dream” played at the Dodger Stadium, fans sat back, knowing they were easier rested. With the 4x All-Star making his way to the mound, it was the opposition’s fans that had to be afraid.
Jansen has had an impressive career as a Dodger, recording 315 saves, which is the highest in franchise history and ranks 23rd in baseball history. Out of those saves, 161 were achieved at home. While he has experienced a decline in performance in later seasons, the pitcher remains a Dodger favorite.
And while he may be playing in Boston now, the Dodger fans will surely remember him for his time in LA and the familiar lyrics of the Tupac melody.
Fans React to Kenley Jansen’s Walkout Tunes
When Dodger Stadium heard the walkout music blasting from the speakers, they knew it was time to close the game. And most fans have positive memories of the pitcher from his time in LA. While some still remember him for his blown saves, that’s the nature of the sport.
However, Jansen’s recent performances even have some fans calling for his return. 2 years removed from his exit from the franchise and on the back of an All-Star Season, “California Dream” is itching to be played at Dodger Stadium again.
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On Instagram, one fan doubled down on how good Kenley used to be. A closer with several saves, the fan said, “Some of us were always there. Kenley was basically unhittable for 5 years.”
Another fan had fond memories of the song too. “To this day when I hear that song Kenley pops up in my head,” he wrote. And he wasn’t the only one, either. “Every time I heard that song you already knew who’s ready to close it out,” wrote another fan.
It wasn’t just the Dodger fans, either. Kenley’s walkout inspired fear in the opposition. As one fan said, “The anxiety of hearing that song and seeing him come outta the bullpen was off the charts“.
The Instagram post even features some Dodgers fans insisting that #74 make his way back to LA. Said one fan, “Haters hated and now everyone wants him back! I was a KJ stan to the damn end!”
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One Dodgers fan even took to Twitter to mark how much they missed him.
Dodgers fans missing Kenley Jansen
— Doug McKain (@DMAC_LA) August 17, 2022
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Jansen was a truly great closer. Granted, some of his saves happened on the greatest stage, but that doesn’t take away from the player’s stature. What do you think your walkout song would have been?
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