Some natural anthems for national pastimes

For years, broadcaster Harry Caray waved his microphone out of the booth to lead White Sox and Cubs fans in the singing of “Take Me Out to the Ball Game,” a tradition still carried on at Wrigley Field with celebrity conductors. This year, the song turns 100, but it’s just one of many that have become a part of the American sports soundtrack. Here are some others that are required listening, whether fans like it or not.

The power of Queen

Freddie Mercury’s soaring voice will live on in arenas and stadiums the world over thanks to these anthems.

“We Are the Champions” -- No championship is complete without listening to this song ad nauseum.

“We Will Rock You” -- At first, the “Bang-Bang, Clap” associated with this song was voluntary. But years of conditioning has made it a natural reflex.

“Another One Bites the Dust” -- The Dodgers and Clippers wish they could play this one more.

Intimidation factor

If screaming fans and intense pressure aren’t enough to scare an opponent, these songs could do the trick:

Guns N’ Roses: “Welcome to the Jungle” -- The desert of Arizona? The snow-covered terrain of New England? The inside of an arena? Doesn’t matter. For five minutes every home game, they’re all jungles.

AC/DC: “Hell’s Bells” and Metallica: “Enter Sandman” -- San Diego closer Trevor Hoffman uses AC/DC while Yankees closer Mariano Rivera likes Metallica to play while he walks from the bullpen to the mound. If these songs weren’t frightening enough, try listening to them knowing you have to face a 95-mph fastball afterward.

Getting pumped

Some songs provide that extra boost of motivation needed to win a tough game.

Theme from “Rocky”: “Gonna Fly Now” -- and Survivor: “Eye of the Tiger” -- No songs ever left you so inspired -- and with a craving to punch raw meat -- quite like these two.

Europe: “The Final Countdown” -- If it works for Gob Bluth and his magic show, it works for me.

Black Eyed Peas: “Let’s Get It Started” -- In 2003, this song came along and verbalized the complaints of fans everywhere bored by pregame festivities.

Eminem: Lose Yourself -- One of the few Oscar winners you’ll hear at a sports event, unless the person in charge of the music is a Henry Mancini fan.

Other notables

John Fogerty: “Centerfield” -- This song can summon the urge to play baseball even in January.

Gary Glitter: “Rock and Roll” (Part 2) -- Who knew there were so many different ways to say “hey?”

Steam: “Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye” -- Ask the Lakers how many times Celtics fans can sing the chorus to this before getting tired.

Todd Rundgren: “Bang the Drum All Day” -- The lyrics to this one start with “I don’t want to work.” But if the athletes didn’t want to work, then how would there be a game?

Tag Team: “Whoomp! (There It Is)” -- This song spent seven weeks at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and never made it to No. 1. Who kept it from reaching the top? UB40’s remake of Elvis’ “Can’t Help Falling in Love” and Mariah Carey’s “Dreamlover.”

The Village People: “YMCA” -- The “dance” associated with this song helped bridge the gap between classics like “The Chicken Dance” and “The Electric Slide.”

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chris.hine@latimes.com