This season, Gunnar Henderson has walked up to the plate to the tune of Sweet Escape by Gwen Stefani (ft. Akon). It's a happy, uplifting song, and even if Gwen Stefani is not your cup of tea, our favorite Rookie of the Year candidate makes it enjoyable, like when Gerardo Parra walked up to Baby Shark.

But did you know that when Gunnar was in the minor leagues, he went back several decades to a completely different genre of music for his walk-up music? Like Dwight Schrute before him, Gunnar pumped up himself (and the crowd) with "Kickstart My Heart," the stand-out cut from Mötley Crüe's fifth studio album, Dr. Feelgood, the band's magnum opus that closed out the hedonistic 1980s, just before the looming specter of grunge would seize the musical zeitgeist.

"Kickstart My Heart" is an aural cocaine rush, a sonic adrenaline shot that encapsulates the intoxication and euphoria of the decade. The lyrics, a visceral testament to the thrill of life on the edge, reverberate with an energy that's both captivating and disorienting. The guitar riffs, masterfully executed by Mick Mars, cut through the air like the cold steel of a blade, punctuating the recklessness of the times.

Imagine, if you will, a cool October night at Camden Yards. It's the first game of the Orioles 2023 playoff run. After a 1-2-3 top of the 1st inning, it's the Orioles' turn to bat. Playoff Gunnar, who in mid-September was moved to the top of the batting order, grabs his bat and begins to emerge from the dugout.

The lights go dim. The buzz saw that is the opening riff of Kickstart My Heart reverberates throughout Camden Yards. Gunnar walks out and soaks in the moment as the crowd goes insane.

As he steps to the plate, Gunnar points to the sky, not to a long-lost loved one, but to Tommy Lee, who is wearing nothing but a speedo, a pink flamingo floaty, and a snorkel. Tommy Lee points back to Gunnar, tears streaming down his face as the gravity of being Mr. Splash washes over him.

Gunnar's choice of "Sweet Escape" by Gwen Stefani, although an inspired option during the season, falls short of capturing the intensity and competitive spirit of the playoffs. We can all agree that playoff baseball, much like life, demands a soundtrack that mirrors the visceral energy and unbridled determination required to succeed.

Now that the Orioles have clinched a spot in the playoffs, it's time for Gunnar to trade in the sugary pop melodies for something with a bit more... bite. Let's bring it back to where it started. "Kickstart My Heart" by Mötley Crüe is the ideal musical accompaniment to Gunnar's entrance onto the diamond and Orioles playoff glory.