From walk-up songs to seventh-inning stretches, music and baseball are inextricably interwoven. The Spin Rate is a weekly look at the stories behind the bands and artists who share a love for the sport, and the songs that draw inspiration from the annals of baseball lore.
Blasterjaxx and Timmy Trumpet – “Narco”
It’s the top of the ninth at Citi Field. The Mets hold a one-run lead over their opponent. The Phillies, the Braves, the Marlins; this season, currently perched atop the NL East, it doesn’t feel like it particularly matters who is up to bat.
What matters is that there’s stirring in the bullpen, and an intimidating beat pulsing through the stadium to herald the impending entrance of the Mets’ closer. A roar from the crowd, and out rushes the nearly-untouchable Edwin Díaz (1.43 ERA, 28 saves, a dizzying 17.52 K/9).
The bass thumps, and then come the horns: Triumphant, foreboding, cinematic, all at once.
“Now pitching for your New York Mets: Number 39, Edwin Díaz!”
Sound 'em. 🎺🎺🎺 pic.twitter.com/g6mUR6NgbO
— SNY (@SNYtv) August 26, 2022
Diaz’s electric season speaks for itself, but the dominant reliever has captured lightning in a bottle with his entrance music from the bullpen: The booming “Narco” by Blasterjaxx (a Dutch duo of DJs) and Australian artist Timmy Trumpet, a classically-trained jazz musician whose career has spanned a wide array of genres and collaborations.
Timmy Trumpet’s arrangement of soaring horns in particular have captured the imagination of the Mets’ faithful, convincing mascots and fans alike to blare their imagined instruments along with the introduction.
Citi Field will have a chance to rock out to the real deal on August 30. Timmy Trumpet will be at the ballpark, bookending his visit with a ceremonial first pitch, and if the baseball gods are willing to bless the Mets with a three-or-fewer run lead, a live rendition of “Narco” should the superstar closer be called from the bullpen.
Pitcher List had a chance to catch up with Timmy Trumpet for an email Q&A about his newfound Mets fandom, the life “Narco” has found as a Citi Field anthem, and the wildness of Diaz’s walkout.
Q: Do you have any personal history with baseball? Was the sport in your life before the Mets’ Edwin Díaz started using the “Narco” horns as his entrance music?
A: I love sports, but I’ve never been to a game and I’ve only seen a few highlights on TV. Safe to say I’m now officially a Mets fan for life! I can’t wait to hear “Narco” when Diaz walks out to that mound to close out a World Series victory!
Q: How did you find out about the Mets’ use of “Narco?” What did you think about hearing and seeing your song amping up a ballpark?
A: The label originally mentioned that it was being used by a pitcher in New York. Then my tour manager Diego kept telling me about how good Diaz was playing. He’s a big fan and also Puerto Rican, and he’s been telling me about how crazy the fans are. The crowd just keeps getting wilder – it’s like a party when he walks out to that mound. Nothing makes me happier! That is exactly what this song was meant to do.
Q: Have you felt a ripple effect from a swell of baseball fans gravitating to the song?
A: “Narco” recently hit #1 on the Spotify Viral Charts in the U.S. The track came out in 2017, so that is definitely 100% all due to Diaz and the Mets. The streaming stats keep getting stronger and particularly in New York after games. I’m truly humbled that a world-class athlete like Diaz uses our creation to help prepare him for his best work, and the fact that New Yorkers are now adding it to their favourite playlists is the icing on top!
Q: What are you looking forward to most about your upcoming trip to Citi Field later this month? How did that collaboration with the Mets come to be?
A: Seeing the Mets crowd go absolutely mental when Diaz walks out gives me goosebumps. This is what we live for. To inspire others by making music. I can’t wait to see that in person. But most of all I can’t wait to meet Diaz in person. What a champion!
This interview has been lightly edited for clarity.
Photos by Keith Gillett/Icon Sportswire & Dorien Monnens on Unsplash | Adapted by Michael Packard (@artbyMikeP on Twitter & IG)