Katie Leb: Jimmy, now that NIU’s baseball and softball teams have played some games at home, it is time to judge them. Unlike other NIU sports, these players get the opportunity to choose a personalized song to be played when they walk up to the plate. So, how did they do in their selections?

Jimmy Johnson: Well for baseball, there’ve been mixed results. I’ve got to give props to Troy White for his selection of Bone Thugs-n-Harmony’s, “1st of Tha Month.” That’s a smooth track right there. I have to say the country music selection was a bit puzzling to me. I don’t hate all country music, but I don’t think it’s tasteful to have it as your walk-up music. But hey, I’m not a country boy at heart. How about the softball team, Katie?

KL: First off, I like older music, so I may not be the best judge. However, I did not find one song that was worth repeating. The cleverest song I found was for California’s Stephanie Tofft, who had Tupac’s “California Love.” Even that was not too impressive. I would have liked “California Girls,” by the Beach Boys a bit more, but I like oldies. Walk-up songs have the opportunity to mess with the other team. I think the more unfitting and awkward the song, the better. The pitcher may become distracted.

JJ: That’s a very interesting and strategic point there, Katie. For the baseball team, a few of their players have some strange songs. But I don’t think they’re looking to rattle the pitcher’s ears. I’ve heard Aqua’s “Barbie Girl” and even Justin Bieber’s “Baby.” Both songs were for Huskie outfielder Cory Krupp. I can assure you Krupp didn’t pick those atrocious tunes.

KL: Aqua brings back childhood memories which makes it acceptable, but the teeny-bopper Bieber needs to take a seat. I am not sure if the softball players picked their tunes either, but I hope not.

JJ: When a player has a questionable song for themselves, it falls on their shoulders. Whether they picked it or elected not to give one to the peeps in the press box, it’s their choice. On a few occasions, a player won’t have a song, which is what happened to Krupp. It’s something that doesn’t seem like a big deal, but a player should put some input into what song he or she wants.

KL: If either team would like suggestions I will gladly help them out. If I was able to pick a song it would be “You Should Be Dancing” by the Bee Gees. Now, you are probably thinking, ‘why didn’t I think of that?’ The song is upbeat, makes a pertinent statement, and if nothing else, will confuse everyone. Stellar choice, I must say.

JJ: For myself, I’d go with a different route: James Brown’s “I Feel Good.” Not your typical song to walk up to, but this could make the opposing pitcher start jigging on the mound. Plus, it’s just a feel-good tune. If that song doesn’t loosen anyone or put a little hip into their step, there’s something wrong with them.

KL: I think we can compromise and come up with a song that will be satisfying to both of us: “Home” by Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, featuring the one-and-only Phil Collins. Combining Collins’ melodic “Take Me Home” with some hip-hop lyrics “Home” has become the tune of perfection. After all, the offense’s objective is to get home.

JJ: Bone Thugs-n-Harmony all the way. I still like my choice with Brown, but you can’t go wrong with the boys from Cleveland. Troy White is definitely on the same page as we are.