Country music superstar and devoted Los Angeles Dodgers fan, Brad Paisley, has inadvertently established a fascinating tradition at the World Series: every single game at which he performs the national anthem has extended into extra innings, a pattern solidified by the recent 18-inning marathon of Game 3 of the 2025 World Series.
The 2025 World Series Game 3 between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Toronto Blue Jays was a historic affair, stretching to an astounding 18 innings and lasting an epic six hours and 39 minutes. While fans were captivated by the on-field drama, a unique off-field correlation continued to gain traction: the undeniable link between country star Brad Paisley’s national anthem performances and remarkably lengthy games. This recent marathon marked the fourth time Paisley’s rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” has preceded a World Series game that required extra frames to decide a winner.
A Growing World Series Phenomenon
For devoted baseball fans, the presence of Brad Paisley at a World Series game has become less about the opening ceremony and more about setting an expectation for a long night. What started as a curious coincidence has now evolved into a firmly established pattern. As noted by J.J. Post of ESPN, an old James Bond novel quote about patterns—”Once is happenstance. Twice is coincidence. The third time it’s enemy action”—now begs the question: what about four times?
Paisley, a passionate Dodgers fan, has graced the Fall Classic with his voice on four occasions, and each has resulted in extended play, often pushing the boundaries of World Series history. His performances seem to be a harbinger of baseball endurance, a quirky tradition that adds an unexpected layer of superstition to America’s pastime.
Brad Paisley’s Extra-Inning Anthems: A Historical Look
The list of games featuring Brad Paisley’s national anthem that have gone into extra innings is compelling, showcasing his unique connection to these marathon matchups. These games often involve high stakes and dramatic finishes, further cementing the “Paisley Effect” in baseball lore:
- 2017 World Series Game 2: This marked Paisley’s first World Series anthem, preceding an 11-inning contest where the Houston Astros ultimately defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Astros would go on to win the series.
- 2018 World Series Game 3: In a truly historic matchup, Paisley sang before a game that tied the record for the longest World Series game in history, lasting an incredible 18 innings. The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Boston Red Sox with a walk-off home run.
- 2024 World Series Game 1: Paisley was back on the mound for the series opener between the Dodgers and the New York Yankees. The game extended to 10 innings before the Dodgers claimed victory. The Dodgers would eventually win this series, securing their eighth franchise title, as reported by USA TODAY Sports.
- 2025 World Series Game 3: The latest addition to the list, this game against the Toronto Blue Jays also soared to 18 innings, tying the previous record set in 2018. The Dodgers secured another walk-off victory, this time thanks to a Freddie Freeman home run, as detailed by Yahoo Sports.
The recurrence of these extended games after Paisley’s anthem has led to widespread discussion within the baseball community and among fans. It’s a testament to the unpredictable nature of the sport, spiced with a touch of celebrity charm.
The Dodgers’ Fortunes and Fan Reactions
Interestingly, the Los Angeles Dodgers have fared quite well in these prolonged contests, holding a 3-1 record in games opened by a Paisley national anthem. This suggests that while his performances might prolong the agony, they often lead to ultimate triumph for his favored team.
The “Paisley Effect” is not lost on his inner circle either. Following the 2025 Game 3 marathon, his wife, Kimberly Williams Paisley, humorously commented on his social media post: “Is it your fault it went 18 innings again? Nice of the @Dodgers to win for your birthday! ❤️🎉.” This lighthearted acknowledgment from within his own family further highlights how ingrained this unique tradition has become.
Looking Ahead: Will the Tradition Continue?
With no further anthem performances scheduled for Brad Paisley this fall, the baseball world will have to wait at least another year to see if this peculiar tradition extends to a fifth extra-inning thriller. However, with the pattern now undeniably established, one thing is clear: the next time Brad Paisley takes the microphone to sing “The Star-Spangled Banner” before a World Series game, fans should prepare to settle in for a truly long, and likely unforgettable, night of baseball.
