Apr 10, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Jonathan Bowlan (52) throws a pitch against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the sixth inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
PHILADELPHIA — When the Phillies acquired Jonathan Bowlan in the December 2025 trade that sent Matt Strahm to the Kansas City Royals, they swapped out one memorable entrance song for another.
Granted, Strahm's was much more traditional, as he trotted into Tim McGraw's 2004 hit "How Bad Do You Want It," a song you couldn't help but sing to even if you don't like country music.
Bowlan's song is ... more off the beaten path, but the deeper you dig into it, you start to understand why it's the perfect anthem for the 29-year-old to have playing as he works his way towards the mound at Citizens Bank Park.
Jimmy Dean's "Big Bad John," — a 1961 track with a Johnny Cash feel to it — is Bowlan's entrance song. In a conversation with OnPattison Friday, Bowlan explained how he landed on his unique entrance song.
"When I was at the University of Memphis, there was a volunteer coach that brought the song to my attention," Bowlan recalled. "So then, I listened to it, and I was like 'Yeah, that literally describes me.' But I didn't really use it in college.
"Once pro ball hit, that's when I started using it more. And being here was actually the first time I've heard it in the stadium. It actually sounded pretty decent. I've gotten a lot of compliments on it and everything. And so, I think that's just what it's going to be from here on out."
The song opens up with lyrics that feel like they were written by someone in the clubhouse describing Bowlan getting ready to pitch.
"Ev'ry mornin' at the mine you could see him arrive
He stood six foot six and weighed 245
Kinda broad at the shoulder and narrow at the hip
And everybody knew, ya didn't give no lip to Big John"
The similarities aren't lost on Bowlan.
"Yeah, it's kinda crazy how that came about," Bowlan said with a laugh. "Yeah, 6-foot-6, 245 [pounds]. I'm a little heavier than 245 now, I'm about 250. But I've been 245 in my career. And then it says, a towering right hand as well, so I just had to roll with it."
Most relievers want a loud, intense song as they enter the game to try to get themselves, and the crowd, amped up. Orion Kerkering's entrance song — Travis Scott and Playboi Carti's "FE!N" — is more in like with the type of banger that most relievers have playing when they take the mound during the game's highest-leverage moments.
"Big Bad John" is much more laid back, almost spoken word. It may not be the song that the crowd is most excited to sing, but Bowlan loves the vibe it sets before he takes the mound.
"So, I used to be where I'd want to be more pumped up, but with this song, I feel like there's an intimidation type factor to it," Bowlan said. "You kind of just listen to it, it's nice and slow and the build up and everything. Coming in, I'm just focused on what I need to do to help this team win. And so, listening to the song, it does something, but not as much as you would think."
