The Evolution of Music in Major League Baseball Spring Training

In 2015, A.J. Preller, general manager of the San Diego Padres, visited the Seattle Seahawks' training camp, where he observed a unique practice environment filled with music. Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll emphasized the importance of music in enhancing focus and energy, stating, “The more accustomed we get to things going on all around us when we need to focus is really the idea.” Inspired by this approach, Preller sought to introduce a similar atmosphere to the Padres, believing that music could invigorate the often mundane routines of baseball training.

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The integration of music into Major League Baseball (MLB) spring training has become widespread, with teams installing permanent sound systems and speakers throughout their facilities. This shift has significantly altered the training environment, fostering a more energetic and engaging atmosphere. Padres manager Craig Stammen noted, “Music gives you energy, gives you an attitude of a smile on your face. Why not use it to make your day a little bit better?” Research supports this notion, indicating that music can enhance motivation and performance during physical exertion.

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Following Preller's initial implementation of music in the Padres' training regimen, the practice quickly gained traction across MLB. By 2016, the Padres had installed dedicated sound systems in various training areas, and other teams, such as the Seattle Mariners, soon followed suit. Padres facility manager Todd Stephenson described the evolution of their music setup, which now allows him to control playlists with ease. The music selection is carefully curated, taking into account player preferences and the surrounding community, with staff members actively managing requests and filtering explicit lyrics.

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Music has also become a personal passion for some players, such as Padres pitcher Jackson Wolf, who has taken up DJing to enhance team camaraderie. Wolf expressed the importance of creating a positive vibe in the clubhouse, stating, “If we can produce a vibe in the clubhouse and that spills over onto the field, that’s all you can ask for at the end of the day.” This cultural shift reflects a broader trend in baseball, moving away from its traditionally quiet atmosphere to one that embraces self-expression and energy.

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As the trend of incorporating music into training continues, questions arise about its necessity. Stammen pondered whether music is essential for energy or if players can generate their own. Nonetheless, he acknowledged that in the long season of baseball, an extra boost from music can be beneficial. Preller, while not claiming sole credit for this trend, recognized the profound change in training dynamics since his visit to Carroll’s Seahawks. He remarked, “It seems crazy because now it’s just part of everything.”

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• “It was loud, it was fun, it was fast.” — A.J. Preller, General Manager, San Diego Padres

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• “Music gives you energy, gives you an attitude of a smile on your face,” — Craig Stammen, Manager, San Diego Padres

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• “If we can produce a vibe in the clubhouse and that spills over onto the field,” — Jackson Wolf, Pitcher, San Diego Padres

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The integration of music into MLB spring training represents a significant cultural shift, enhancing the training experience and fostering a more vibrant atmosphere for players and staff alike.

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