(OMDQ is a Red Sox fan who apologizes for writing about his favorite team so much)

WBRS Sports Blog had a great post yesterday that listed a number of songs that should be considered by closers when choosing their entrance music. Some solid choices made the cut, including Bush's "Machinehead", U2's "Sunday Bloody Sunday" and the Who's "Baba O'Riley".

Also mentioned as someone who might want to consider changing his music was Boston's Jonathan Papelbon, who has never really settled into a single tune since becoming the team's closer at the start of last season.

As luck would have it, while the Red Sox were delayed today NESN did a segment on Dropkick Murphys, the Boston-based band best known for their cover of the old Royal Rooters song "Tessie" several years ago. During the story, it was mentioned that Papelbon has begun using the band's song "Shipping Up To Boston", which was also featured in "The Departed", as his entrance music.



Outstanding choice. Not only do you have the local connection with the band, but the opening is a little dangerous sounding, the lyrics are easy enough that the fans can sing along if they choose, and it brings to mind one of Jack Nicholson's best performances in recent memory. It could create quite an atmosphere for opposing hitters in the ninth inning at Fenway Park.