Brad Paisley Stuns Fans With Anthem Before Record 18-Inning World Series Game

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Country icon Brad Paisley opened Game 3 of the 2025 World Series with a stirring rendition of the national anthem on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium, setting the tone for what would become an unforgettable evening in Major League Baseball history.

The contest between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Toronto Blue Jays turned into an epic marathon, stretching an incredible 18 innings and tying the record for the longest World Series game ever played. Nearly seven hours after Paisley took the field, Freddie Freeman sent fans home with a dramatic walk-off home run, lifting the Dodgers to a 6–5 victory. For Paisley, who has now performed before multiple record-length World Series games, the night added another chapter to his growing reputation as “Mr. More Baseball.”

Brad Paisley’s World Series Tradition Continues

This isn’t the first time Brad Paisley’s anthem has preceded a baseball marathon. The three-time Grammy Award winner performed before another 18-inning Game 3 in 2018, when the Dodgers faced the Boston Red Sox, a game that also went down in history books.

His track record of extended games doesn’t stop there. Paisley sang before an 11-inning Game 2 in 2017 and a 10-inning Game 1 in 2024, both at Dodger Stadium. For many fans, his appearances seem to come with extra innings attached.

Speaking to the Associated Press after Tuesday’s record-tying thriller, Paisley reflected on his enduring connection to Los Angeles baseball:

“I’ve been invested out here since marrying my wife in 2003. We lived in Santa Monica and later in the Palisades, and that’s where my love for the Dodgers really grew,” he said. “I got to know people like Clayton Kershaw and Justin Turner — they’re great people. It’s easy to get addicted to something like that.”

“Mr. More Baseball” and His Dodger Connection

Paisley’s newfound nickname, “Mr. More Baseball,” emerged among fans and commentators after his uncanny streak of singing before marathon matchups. Even the country star has embraced the title with humor.

“I fully thought this one would be done in nine,” he laughed. “But around the 16th inning, I started thinking, ‘There’s no way this is happening again.’ And then, here we go.”

Paisley admitted that he might be a lucky charm for the Dodgers — though one that comes with longer nights.

“It’s great to be part of something unique,” he told reporters. “It’s weird but kind of wonderful to know I sang the anthem before the two longest games ever. I told Johnny Bench I might have him beat in one record book at least.”

The singer’s good-natured personality and connection to the Dodgers have made him a fixture in L.A. sports culture. His recurring presence before iconic games has cemented his status as more than just a spectator — he’s now part of World Series folklore.

The Romance of Baseball and Music

As the Dodgers’ victory celebration continued into the early hours, Paisley summed up the emotion of the night by quoting a famous line from Moneyball:

“How can you not be romantic about baseball?”

Those words captured the sentiment of millions who watched the game unfold deep into the night — a mix of determination, endurance, and joy that defines October baseball.

From his anthem to Freeman’s heroics, the evening showcased why the World Series remains one of the most dramatic events in sports. For Paisley, the performance was another reminder of how music and baseball share the same heart — storytelling, emotion, and community.

What’s Next

The Dodgers now hold a 2–1 series lead over the Blue Jays, with Game 4 set for Wednesday night, again at Dodger Stadium. Fans online are already joking about inviting Brad Paisley back for the anthem — though they might prefer a shorter game this time.

Regardless of the final series outcome, Brad Paisley’s anthem and presence have become woven into the fabric of World Series history, turning a musical moment into an enduring piece of sports legend.