Country music icon Brad Paisley has performed at countless major events, but his accidental link to baseball history might be his strangest claim to fame. In an exclusive interview, Paisley shared his disbelief at singing the national anthem at the only two 18-inning games in World Series history—first in 2005 and again in 2018.
“I had no idea there would be major cosmic ramifications,” Paisley told NextMinuteNews. “At this point, I’m starting to think I might be cursed—or blessed, depending on how you look at it.”
The 2005 World Series: A Record-Breaking Marathon
Paisley’s first anthem performance at an 18-inning World Series game happened on October 25, 2005, during Game 3 between the Chicago White Sox and Houston Astros. The game, held at Minute Maid Park, was suspended due to rain after 14 innings and resumed later, stretching to 18 innings—a Fall Classic record at the time. The White Sox won 7-5.
“I remember thinking, ‘This is going to be a long night,’” Paisley recalled. “But I never imagined it would go that long. I sang the anthem, grabbed some nachos, and then… well, let’s just say I had time to write a song or two before it was over.”
2018 World Series: History Repeats Itself
Thirteen years later, Paisley found himself in an eerily similar situation at Game 3 of the 2018 World Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Boston Red Sox. This time, the game lasted 18 innings straight, setting a new record for the longest World Series game by time (7 hours, 20 minutes). The Dodgers won 3-2, but the spotlight turned to Paisley’s bizarre streak.
“I walked into Dodger Stadium, and someone said, ‘Hey, you’re the guy from 2005.’ I laughed it off,” Paisley said. “Then, around the 12th inning, I started getting texts like, ‘Dude, are you doing this on purpose?’”
Coincidence or Curse? The ‘Anthem Oracle’ Mystery
Fans and analysts have since dubbed Paisley the “Anthem Oracle of Extra Innings,” with jokes about his supposed power to summon marathon games. Some fans even pleaded with MLB to keep him away from future World Series games to spare players’ stamina.
“I don’t know if it’s a coincidence or some weird baseball voodoo,” Paisley admitted. “But if they invite me back, I’ll show up—just maybe with a sleeping bag next time.”
Legacy of the Longest Games
While Paisley’s anthem didn’t decide the outcomes, his accidental role in these historic games has cemented his place in World Series lore. Both games are remembered for their relentless drama, from clutch hits to exhausted pitchers.
“Baseball is about endurance, and so is singing the anthem before a game that never ends,” Paisley joked. “Maybe I should start charging by the hour.”
As for a future World Series gig? Paisley is game—with one condition: “If it goes 18 innings again, I’m demanding a cameo in the Field of Dreams sequel.”
Final Thoughts
Brad Paisley’s uncanny connection to the longest World Series games ever is a tale of sports, superstition, and sheer chance. Whether it’s luck or a cosmic joke, one thing’s clear: if Paisley’s singing the anthem, brace for extra innings.
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