Texas Rangers Rocked Their Way to a World Series Win in 2023

In the 2023 Major League Baseball season, the Texas Rangers found an unconventional source of inspiration that propelled them to their first-ever World Series title: the music of Creed. By integrating the band’s songs into their pre-game rituals, the Rangers harnessed the power of music to enhance team cohesion, focus, and energy—exemplifying the principles of mindfulness in sports.

The Role of Music in Achieving Peak Mindfulness

Mindfulness—the practice of being fully present and focused in the moment—is a cornerstone of peak performance in sports. It sharpens attention, reduces stress, and helps athletes manage high-pressure situations. While techniques like meditation and breathwork are common, music is a lesser-discussed but powerful tool that can instantly shift mental states.

Music stimulates emotion, regulates arousal levels, and reinforces routines. Athletes who are tuned in to the right music can trigger specific mental and physical responses, whether they need to calm down, lock in, or get hyped.

Creed’s “Higher”: The Rangers' Unlikely Anthem

During the second half of the 2023 season, the Rangers started blasting Creed's “Higher” in the clubhouse before games. At first, it was tongue-in-cheek. But soon, it became a bonding ritual—something that united players and signaled it was time to lock in.

The lyrics—“Can you take me higher?”—took on new meaning. The Rangers used the song as a way to emotionally sync up and step into a shared, elevated mindset. From the clubhouse to the field, the anthem gave them energy, confidence, and a sense of unity.

Facing Adversity as Underdogs

The Rangers didn’t coast into the postseason—they battled. After a hot start, they stumbled in the second half of the regular season and were counted out by many. They entered the playoffs as a Wild Card team, with doubters questioning whether they had enough pitching, chemistry, or postseason experience.

But adversity didn’t divide them—it fueled them.

Creed became more than a joke or a team song. It became a mental anchor. When tension ran high or their backs were against the wall, blasting “Higher” reminded them who they were and what they were capable of. The shared ritual helped them reset, refocus, and rise above the noise.

The band’s gritty, anthemic style matched the team’s underdog energy. It was raw. It was emotional. And it was real. Creed’s music gave the Rangers a rallying cry—and in those moments of pressure, that’s exactly what they needed.

From Ritual to Rally Cry: Fans Join In

By the playoffs, “Higher” wasn’t just a song—it was a vibe. Fans sang along at Globe Life Field. The stadium would erupt in harmony as thousands of voices joined the chorus. The result? A full-blown communal experience that amplified the energy and connected players with the crowd. That kind of environment is fertile ground for peak performance.

How Athletes Can Use Music to Reach Their Peak Mindset

The Rangers' use of Creed highlights how music can become a key part of a mindfulness and mental performance routine. Here's how any athlete can tap into that:

1. Create a Pre-Game Playlist

Build a setlist that energizes you, boosts confidence, or calms nerves depending on what you need. Use it consistently to train your brain to associate those songs with game mode.

2. Anchor Emotions with Specific Songs

Choose a few tracks that trigger desired emotional states—focus, intensity, joy, calm. Over time, your brain will start to associate those songs with those feelings.

3. Use Music in Visualization

Play your playlist while doing mental reps or visualization. Imagine yourself performing at your best. The music becomes a mental trigger for peak performance.

4. Build Team Rituals

Follow the Rangers' lead—use music to unify your team. Whether it’s a locker room song or a walk-up anthem, shared music can enhance chemistry and culture.

5. Change It Up with Purpose

Different phases of preparation may call for different vibes—calm for stretching, intense for warm-up, focused for just before game time. Curate accordingly.

Celebrating the Championship with Creed

After the final out of the World Series, the Rangers’ celebration included belting out “Higher” in the locker room, just like they had all season. It was a full-circle moment—a musical bookmark to the most successful chapter in franchise history.

Final Thought

The Texas Rangers showed that peak performance isn’t just about mechanics—it’s about mindset. And sometimes, mindset starts with a song. For athletes looking to level up their mental game, music isn't just background noise—it’s a powerful tool for focus, flow, and fire.

They were doubted, they were tested, and they rose. With Creed in their corner, the Rangers didn’t just go higher—they went all the way.

So next time you're gearing up to perform, ask yourself: What's your “Higher”?