Kool & The Gang?!

As a child of the 1980s, I was happy to hear 80s Night at Tropicana Field would include a postgame concert.

Who would it be? Would they got the hair metal route? The British pop route? The all-out cheese route?

Nope. Instead, we get Kool & The Gang.

No offense to the folks who have made "Celebration" an essential part of any wedding, anniversary party, etc. - but they are not at an 80s band.

They made music in the 80s, sure. But so did Bob Dylan and The Grateful Dead. Do you consider them 80s artists?

80s music is a genre, not a chronological classification. And Kool & The Gang, who fused jazz, funk, rock and pop, are all 70s.

Of course, I don't know the whole story here. I have no idea who was available, and I am sure the Rays were going for a wholesome, family-friendly atmosphere. And face it, most of the hair bands who ruled the 1980s weren't exactly G-rated.

But how about someone like Howard Jones, whose synth-laden classic, "No One Is To Blame," is perfect 80s pop? How about The Outfield? Great baseball name, plus they penned a satchel full of catchy tunes such as "Your Love," "For You" and "Say It Isn't So."

One listen to The Outfield, and you'll be reaching for acid-washed jeans and lacing up your L.A. Gears.

Ah, well. All the grousing in the world won't get Kool & The Gang off the bill. But since they're playing, all I ask is they do "Misled," the one Kool song that rocks - and fits nicely into the 80s groove.

Tarp is still on the field here at Al Lang. Fans are coming in, and some of the Rays are playing catch in right field.

First pitch - if the rain stays away - is about two hours away.