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Ready for this Hjelle: Giants reliever Sean Hjelle explains why he chose “Bootylicious” for the walk-up song

Posted on by angelo
Ready for this Hjelle: Giants reliever Sean Hjelle explains why he chose “Bootylicious” for the walk-up song

Opposing hitters are not ready for this Hjelle.

Pitchers and hitters have background music when they take the mound or walk up to home plate in their ballpark. Giants reliever Sean Hjelle chose the Destiny’s Child song “Bootylicious.”

The 2001 success, which has since led to the word “bootylicious” being added to the Oxford English Dictionary, was always meant for him, Hjelle said Friday.

“I think, whether they know it or not, I think Destiny’s Child made that song so I could get in the game,” Hjelle told NBC Sports Bay Area’s Laura Britt. “So I’m really, really grateful to these wonderful ladies for doing this for me. And all I can do is just groove to the song and honor them in that way. I grew up with it , so I have to honor some of the greats.

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When Hjelle enters the game, a specific lyric causes her to appear: “I don’t think you’re ready for this jelly.” This starts the main chorus of the song, but the 27-year-old pitcher chose it for a specific reason.

Pronunciation of Sean Hjelle’s name

Why does it make sense for Hjelle to have “Bootylicious” as her walk-on song? He’s not the one bragging about his ass. Rather, it has everything to do with its name.

Hjelle is pronounced “jelly”. When he enters the game, one could interpret the 2001 Billboard chart as saying, “I don’t think you’re ready for this Hjelle.”

Origin of the name Sean Hjelle

The name Hjelle has Norwegian roots. Family Search says the name comes from the Old Norse words hjallr or hjalli, meaning ledge or terrace.

Hjelle’s father has German-Norwegian roots, while her mother is of Italian-Polish descent, according to her team bio.

Sean Hjelle Height

Hjelle gives opposing hitters a unique look from the mound. He is 6-11, making him not only the tallest player in the majors in 2024, but also tied for the tallest player in baseball history.

Only former major league reliever Jon Rauch, also 6-11, prevents Hjelle from single-handedly holding the record for tallest player in baseball history, according to the Lahman database.

The greatest players in MLB history

Player Position Years Height
Sean Hjelle P. 2022-present 6-11
Jon Rauch P. 2002-13 6-11
Andrew Brackman P. 2011 6-10
Eric Hillman P. 1992-94 6-10
Randy Johnson P. 1988-2009 6-10
Andy Sisco P. 2005-07 6-10
Aaron Slegers P. 2017-21 6-10
Chris Young P. 2004-17 6-10