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5 Pump Up Songs Athletes Use, And You Should Too (Part 1)

By: Adam Bloom

Our Pre-Game Playlist series, that can be found at CBSLocalSports.com, features athletes sharing the music they're currently listening to.  This includes songs they enjoy blasting in the car to music that relates to their mood.  A common ritual these athletes have shared is their pre-game pump up song.  Here are five athletes and their adrenaline pumping, mind focusing and motivating pre-game jams.

1. Jason Hammel, Pitcher for the Chicago Cubs - "Basket Case" by Green Day  

(Getty/Michael Buckner) (Photo Credit: Getty Images/Michael Buckner)

"Basket Case" by Green Day is the song Jason Hammel enters the game to.  He chose the song because it "has a good kick, a good bounce and good energy." You can buy this Green Day jam here.

2. Zach Johnson, PGA Tour Golfer- "Back in Black" by AC/DC

(Getty/Sebastian Willnow) (Photo Credit: Getty Images /Sebastian Willnow)

Zach Johson told Pre-Game Playlist that if there was music for when he walked up to the tee, his choice would be AC/DC's "Back in Black." He said, "I love rock.  I love AC/DC.  It just gets me going." You can buy "Back in Black" here.

3. T.Y. Hilton, Wide Receiver for the Indianapolis Colts- "I Was Here" by Beyoncé

(Getty/Scott Halleran) (Photo Credit: Getty Images/Scott Halleran)

T.Y. Hilton explained why "I Was Here" by Beyoncé is his pre-game pump up song.  He said, "When I am out there on the field, I want to have an impact on the game that the fans or my team can remember me by." Buy Beyoncé's song here.

4. Saul "Canelo" Alavarez, Boxer- "Beat It" by Michael Jackson

Pre-Game Playlist: Saul "Canelo" Alvarez by CBS Local Sports on YouTube

As seen in the video, pro boxer Saul "Canelo" Alvarez likes various types of music. "Beat It" by Michael Jackson can be heard playing in the gym as he trains for big fights. Buy "Beat It" here.

5. Swin Cash, Small Forward for the Chicago Sky- "Love on Top" by Beyoncé

 

(Getty/Ian Gavan) (Photo Credit: Getty Images /Ian Gavan)

Another victim of Beyoncé's flair, Swin Cash is known for blaring "Love on Top" and other songs by Beyoncé in the Chicago Sky locker room. Who can blame her, right? You can buy this Beyoncé jam here.

If you want to check out the full videos of these and other athletes shedding light into their music interests, you can find them here. 

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