How Filipina American DJ Umami brings Bay Area ‘flavor’ to SF Giants games at Oracle Park
Oracle Park, like any ballpark, features its share of old-school sonic sensibilities. There’s “Bye-Bye Baby” after home runs, “Take Me Out to The Ball Game” during the seventh-inning stretch and Steve Hogan on the organ during day games. They’re traditional. They’re familiar. They’re nostalgic. But when Ieanna Cruz gets behind the turntables, tradition takes a backseat. She provides a vibe that’s new. That’s fresh. That’s hyphy. A Filipina American hailing from East Side San Jose, Cruz, otherwise known as DJ Umami, serves as the Giants’ resident DJ, not only providing a flavor that remains unique to baseball but paving the way for the next generation of women of color. “For the longest time, it seemed like we played the same music,” said Brandon Crawford, the former Giants shortstop who served as the team’s clubhouse DJ, going by DJ BC Raw. “Nothing against that, but it seemed a little bit boring in between innings sometimes before DJ Umami got there. She definitely brought more energy to the park.” “She mixes it up and has that flavor — the San Francisco flavor,” said LaMonte Wade Jr. “She