1964 classic serves as the walk-up music for New York shortstop Francisco Lindor
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The Temptations opened Game 5 of the National League Championship Series at sold-out Citi Field Friday with a rendition of “My Girl,” which this season has served as the walk-up music for New York Mets’ shortstop Francisco Lindor.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame-inducted R&B group — which still features founding member Otis Williams, the last surviving original Temptation — performed their classic, Smokey Robinson-co-written 1964 sing moments before first pitch, with the Mets faithful turning it into a stadium-wide singalong. The group also sang the National Anthem.
The performance perhaps helped power the Mets, who were facing elimination, to a 12-6 victory over the Dodgers, forcing a Game 6 and a return to Los Angeles.
Following an early season slump, Lindor started using the unlikely walk-up music — which became the fixture of his MVP-worthy 2024 season — as a tribute to his wife and two daughters.
“Last year I changed the song every single day,” Lindor told the Associated Press. “I changed it because it was the song I was vibing to at the moment and it took off. I don’t know if it’s because I started hitting or because we started winning or because the song is good.”
The shortstop, who went 2-for-4 Friday with an RBI and two runs, added, “Most players, they pick a walk-up song just because that’s how they feel in the moment but they also want the fans to vibe to the song. Whenever you see the whole crowd getting into it, I think it’s pretty cool.”
Ironically, in a pregame interview, Otis Williams admitted that he’s actually a Dodgers fan, despite the group’s Motown roots. “Tigers is flimflam,” the 83-year-old singer said. “I’m still a Detroiter at heart, even though I’m in LA.”
FAQs
Q: Why did Francisco Lindor choose “My Girl” as his walk-up music?
A: Lindor chose “My Girl” as a tribute to his wife and daughters, and it became a significant part of his successful 2024 season.
Q: How did The Temptations’ performance impact the Mets’ game against the Dodgers?
A: The performance energized the Mets, leading them to a decisive victory over the Dodgers and forcing a Game 6 in Los Angeles.
Q: What was Otis Williams’ connection to the Dodgers despite being a Motown artist?
A: Despite his Motown roots, Otis Williams revealed in an interview that he is a Dodgers fan at heart, showcasing his loyalty to his hometown team.
Credit: www.rollingstone.com
