In 2008 Taylor Swift performed the national anthem at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia before Game 3 of the World Seri Via @MLB on X

What happened: In 2008, Taylor Swift performed the national anthem at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia before Game 3 of the World Series between the Tampa Bay Rays and Philadelphia Phillies. The performance came years before Swift's rise to global superstardom, making the moment a striking piece of baseball history.

Why it matters: Anthem performances have long been part of the sport's biggest stages, and a 2008 World Series stage shared by a future pop icon and two pennant winners has aged into a memorable crossover moment. It also puts a spotlight back on Citizens Bank Park, which just made news of its own when a banana ice cream sundae won MLB's All-Star food vote.

What to watch: The Rays, winners of nine straight at 52-33 this season, continue their road series against the Houston Astros on Saturday's Fourth of July slate.

Sources

  • @MLB