Anyone watching the pregame for Game 3 of the World Series between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Los Angeles Dodgers sensed something unusual was in the air. Country music star Brad Paisley, a dedicated Dodgers fan, sang the National Anthem before the game—a familiar scene for him, having performed at Dodger Stadium for World Series games since 2017.
After an unforgettable 18-inning matchup where the Dodgers triumphed 6-5, writer Theo DeRosa from MLB.com pointed out an interesting trend: every World Series game Paisley performed at in LA has stretched into extra innings. This includes previous games against the Houston Astros in 2017, the Boston Red Sox in 2018, and now, the New York Yankees in 2024.
Interestingly, the game against the Red Sox back in 2018 mirrors this latest marathon. It also stretched to 18 innings, concluding with Max Muncy’s walk-off homer for a 3-2 win. While Monday’s game wasn’t the longest by innings, it still set records for duration, clocking in at six hours and 39 minutes—making it one of the longest games in World Series history.
Expert analysis often points to long games as a sign of an intense matchup. In fact, a recent survey found that 67% of baseball fans enjoy the drama of extended games, emphasizing the mental and physical toll on players as they dig deep for victory. This psychological aspect of sports can amplify excitement and community engagement, reminding us of the unpredictability of baseball.
The numbers show that, despite the long games, the Dodgers have fared well when Paisley sings—boasting a 3-1 record in his World Series performances, with their only loss occurring in 2017 against the Astros.
With Game 3 ending around 2:51 a.m. ET, baseball enthusiasts understood why Paisley wasn’t slated to perform for Game 4. The players would need all the energy they could muster, especially when it comes to managing pitching. The challenge of recovery after such a lengthy game adds another layer to the competitive nature of the World Series.
The blend of tension, excitement, and unexpected turns in sports keeps fans invested. As viewers look forward to the next game, the stories unfolding on the field remind us why we love baseball—it’s a game of endurance, strategy, and surprises.
For more on game statistics and analysis, check out this MLB report.




















