Dodger pitcher Roki Sasaki’s walkout music, “Báilalo Rocky,” is the Latin hit of the fall

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Throughout the Dodgers’ playoff run, whenever fans heard the song “Báilalo Rocky,” they knew a couple of things were about to happen: pitcher Roki Sasaki would come in and throw some tough split-finger pitches, and the Dodgers were probably close to winning the game.

Okay, let me tell you, Shohei Sasaki’s entrance music has become a total phenomenon! It’s this incredibly cool thing happening with a Japanese pitching superstar walking out to a Latin club banger – only in L.A., right? It’s really resonated with the Dodgers’ Latino fans, and honestly, it’s given the song a massive boost in popularity as they head into the World Series. It’s become a real cultural moment, and you can feel the energy every time he takes the mound.

This explains how Sasaki gained popularity with his unique sound, and why it’s become the most talked-about song in Los Angeles this autumn.

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So who wrote “Báilalo Rocky?”

Sasaki enters the arena to a song created by DJs Roderick and Jose Gonzalez, featuring vocals by Ariadne Arana. Another well-known version of the track also includes Dominican MC Yoan Retro and GMBeats Degranalo.

This incredibly catchy song blends dembow and house music, and its Spanish chorus – “¡Báilalo, Rocky! / Ta, ta, ta, ta / Suéltale, suéltale” – is a playful challenge to start dancing. In this case, it’s used to psych up young pitcher Sasaki as he enters the game, aiming to disrupt opposing hitters. Singer Arana’s delivery of the chorus sounds like she’s singing directly to Dodgers player Roki.

Choosing that seems like an unusual move for a 23-year-old pitcher from Japan, especially in his first season playing in Los Angeles. I wonder how Sasaki came up with the idea?

Dodgers second baseman Miguel Rojas introduced pitcher Shohei Sasaki to the song during spring training, and it quickly became popular with the whole team, who often drum on the dugout railing when it plays. Sasaki began using the song as a personal anthem in April, shortly before he had to take four months off to recover from a shoulder injury.

Sasaki revealed last week that the theme song was originally MiggyRo’s suggestion. He also expressed his happiness that fans are enjoying it.

It’s a bit unexpected to see the quiet, dedicated young pitcher walk onto the field to such a lively, energetic Latin song. But after overcoming some injuries earlier in the season, Sasaki has become a dominant reliever for the Dodgers in the playoffs, and manager Dave Roberts feels it’s a perfect match. “It’s been special,” Roberts said to reporters last week. “I feel like it just fits him really well.”

Honestly, it’s just awesome to see that song become the Dodgers’ theme! As a lifelong fan, I’m telling you, it’s perfect. Arana, the artist, feels the same way – she’s a huge Dodgers fan herself, and she’s said it’s a dream come true.

Has Sasaki’s blessing boosted the track?

I’ve noticed this song was already well-known within Latin music, and now so many artists are covering it or using it as inspiration – people like Tito Doble P and Lomiiel, who perform corridos tumbados. It’s even blown up beyond music! I saw that even Lamine Yamal, the soccer player, started using it as a meme. It’s seriously everywhere – the Spotify and YouTube numbers are huge, and if you look at the comments, almost everyone is talking about Sasaki!

But naturally, the only place to really hear it is under a cotton candy sky in Elysian Park.

Has it helped Sasaki’s pitching?

Just a couple of months ago, Sasaki was playing in the minor leagues and didn’t seem likely to rejoin the Dodgers. But after delivering impressive saves with high-speed pitches against tough teams like the Reds, Phillies, and Brewers during the journey to the World Series, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts called his performance one of the best relief appearances he’s ever seen.

Sasaki isn’t the only Dodger who walks up to a Latin song – last year’s World Series star Freddie Freeman uses ‘Baila Conmigo’ by Dayvi and Victor Cardenas featuring Kelly Ruiz.

If the Dodgers win the championship with key saves from Sasaki, manager Dave Roberts hopes Sasaki will get a special video tribute, complete with dimmed lights and a full production, similar to the popular ‘Báilalo Roki’ videos. He believes Sasaki has earned that level of recognition.

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2025-10-25 03:01