Latin Hit “Báilalo Roki” Fuels Dodgers’ Postseason Run, becomes Unexpected Anthem for pitcher Roki Sasaki
LOS ANGELES – An unexpected Latin club banger is echoing through Dodger Stadium this postseason, becoming the signature tune for reliever Roki Sasaki adn surging in popularity alongside the team’s World Series bid. The track, “Báilalo Roki” by Roki, originally released in 2021, has experienced a dramatic resurgence thanks to sasaki’s adoption of it as his walkout music.
The incongruity of the modest Japanese pitcher emerging to the energetic Latin beat has captured attention, but Dodgers personnel believe the song’s vibe perfectly complements Sasaki’s performance. “It’s been special,” said Dodgers coach Dino Ebel, to press last week. “I feel like it just fits him really well.” the song’s newfound prominence extends beyond the ballpark, resonating with fans and artists alike.
Originally popular within Latin music circles, “Báilalo Roki” has become a source of inspiration for covers and remixes, including versions by corridos tumbados singer Tito Doble P and Lomiiel. The track has even entered the meme landscape, with Spanish soccer star Lamine Yamal featuring it in a TikTok video. Spotify and YouTube views have climbed into the tens of millions, with comments overwhelmingly referencing Sasaki.
The song’s creator, artist Arana, expressed her delight at the track’s revival, stating, “The Dodgers are my team.”
Sasaki’s embrace of the song coincides with a remarkable turnaround in his season. after an injury-plagued midseason, he has become a key contributor in the postseason, delivering clutch saves with notable velocity against teams like the Reds, Phillies, and Brewers. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts recently described Sasaki’s performance as “One of the great all-time appearances out of the ‘pen that I can remember.”
While Sasaki isn’t the only dodger with a Latin walkout song - Freddie Freeman uses Dayvi and Victor Cardenas’ “Baila Conmigo (ft. Kelly Ruiz)” – the connection between Sasaki and “Báilalo Roki” has become especially potent. Ebel hopes to see a full-fledged music video produced for Sasaki, complete with dramatic stadium lighting, should the Dodgers win the World series. ”I think he deserves a video and the lights go down and all that stuff,” he told MLB.com.
