It’s Summer of 2024: baseball is in full swing and music from some of the biggest names in the industry is gracing streaming platforms and TikTok For You Pages. With some teams exceeding expectations along with albums topping the charts, it’s easy to associate our favorite music with our favorite baseball teams. To commemorate how enjoyable these album releases have been this year, here are some of the biggest albums compared to MLB teams.
Los Angeles Dodgers – Taylor Swift’s “The Tortured Poets Department”
When Swift was getting ready to debut her 11th studio album, fans were bracing for a groundbreaking album. Even those who are not the biggest fans of her music came together and listened to an album that was sure to break records. While the Dodgers might not be the most well-liked among MLB fans, everyone could agree on one thing about the team: their 2024 season would be one to watch.
With the addition of Shohei Ohtani to an already stacked lineup, the team was destined to be a World Series favorite before the season started. While fans on social media are quick to root against the Dodgers and Swift alike, their contributions to their fields are enough to make them a heavy favorite to win it all, whether that is a Grammy or a World Series title.
Philadelphia Phillies – Billie Eilish’s “Hit Me Hard and Soft”
While many believed that Eilish’s new album would be a hit among fans, no one predicted it would be as groundbreaking as it turned out to be. Even though Eilish has won many Grammys over the years, music fans believed it would be hard for her to win Album of the Year at the 2025 awards since she was up against some of the biggest names. Very similar are the Phillies, who were almost counted out of the National League because they competed with the Dodgers.
So far this season, the Phillies have shattered any expectations that were set and proved that they can hold their own in the league. While only time can tell if they can match up against the Dodgers in the playoffs, the Phillies have more than proved that they can handle the chaos of the regular season with their eight game lead on the Braves in the National League East.
Cleveland Guardians – Taylor Swift’s “The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology”
An addition to the original album that Swift put out, the special second edition of “The Tortured Poets Department” was a positive surprise. Fans didn’t see “The Anthology” coming, yet welcomed the album with open arms when Swift dropped it. Over the years, fans have become accustomed to seeing the American League Central as one of the weakest in the entire league.
The Guardians have flipped this expectation upside down, proving to be one of the best teams in the league two months into the season. Not only are the Guardians winning against teams in their division, but they are also beating some of the best teams in the league. While fans didn’t exactly expect this kind of success from the Guardians, the story is too positive and fun to root against.
New York Yankees – Beyonce's “Cowboy Carter”
Beyonce’s newest album was different from anything she has done so far. While dabbling in country was daring, it wasn’t a risk for someone as accomplished as Beyonce. For the Yankees, trading for Juan Soto in the offseason was a daring move, especially when it involved trading starter Michael King and highly-ranked prospect Drew Thorpe. The trade was never a risk for the Yankees since they knew from the start that Soto would fit right in.
The American League East is one of the most competitive divisions in baseball, and the Yankees currently lead with a three-and-a-half-game lead on the Baltimore Orioles. The team is off to one of their best starts in recent history and is finally clicking after a few rough seasons. While it remains unclear whether Beyonce or the Yankees will be able to win it all in the end, the critical acclaim and success of it all currently is enough for fans to want more.
Houston Astros – Dua Lipa’s “Radical Optimism”
Lipa’s album release proved to be one of the biggest so far this year. Fans and casual listeners alike were captivated by some of the lead singles, just like any MLB fan was excited to see some of the Astros players in action this season. However, Lipa’s album didn’t spend much time at the top of the charts although many believed that it would be one of the most successful albums by a female artist this year.
After a trip to the ALCS last season, many believed that the Astros would be able to win the American League West this season, but at this point in the season, they remain seven-and-a-half games out of first place and have endured injuries causing them to lose players for extended periods. While both the team and the album look great on paper, they just didn’t have the success that most would have thought they would have.
Milwaukee Brewers – Ariana Grande’s “Eternal Sunshine”
Grande’s album this year focused on moving on after a loss. While it may take time, the hit album displayed that it is truly possible to thrive after something major happens in someone’s life. The Brewers experienced some of the biggest losses of the offseason, even including their manager leaving to go to a division rival. They also lost their ace starting pitcher Corbin Burnes in a trade with the Orioles and were without star left fielder Christian Yelich for most of this season.
Despite all this, the Brewers have one of the best records in baseball and are leading the National League Central by six games. While the rest of the season will be a test to see how strong their lineup and rotation are, the strong start proves that they have been able to successfully move on after major losses.
Edited By: Emma Habel