In an unexpected crossover from the NFL to Major League Baseball (MLB), global pop sensation Taylor Swift has found herself at the center of a new sports controversy. The issue? Her image was used to showcase a score between the Baltimore Orioles and the Tampa Bay Rays by FOX Sports: MLB. Unsurprisingly, this decision has left MLB fans puzzled and even outraged.
A Bizarre Mix of Music and Baseball
The occurrence took center stage when the official account for FOX Sports: MLB made a post on X featuring Taylor Swift’s image alongside the game score, 8-22. Such a combination has stunned fans, leading to a flood of reactions, largely negative, across social media platforms.
Fans Cry “Foul!”
Fans’ reactions poured in, many questioning why Swift, predominantly associated with the NFL due to her publicized link with the Kansas City Chiefs’ tight end, was appearing on a baseball-related post. Critics accused the MLB of resorting to engagement-baiting by exploiting Swift’s massive popularity for attention rather than focusing on the sport itself.
Engagement-Baiting and Swift’s ‘22’ Connection
It turns out the reference was due to Swift’s song titled “22”, which aligned with the 22 runs scored by the Orioles. Despite this thematic connection, the public backlash was immense. Comments ranged from querying why “every professional sports franchise” seemed to feature her to questioning the rationale behind such marketing strategies.
From Grumpy to Furious - Fans’ Reactions Explode Online
Across social media, the backlash spread like wildfire. One fan voiced, “Why is Taylor Swift on this…?” while another expressed, “Never. EVER. use this background again.” The strong sentiments continued with expressions of outright disbelief and threats to mute or unfollow the account responsible.
Baltimore Orioles Take a Lyrical Swing
In a further twist, the Orioles themselves joined in the fun, tweeting lyrics from Swift’s popular song, “22”. Their message was clear – the upbeat reference was a nod to their triumphant comeback in the game. Nevertheless, for lovers of America’s pastime, Swift’s unexpected MLB presence remains a contentious topic.
In essence, the use of Taylor Swift’s image has sparked debate regarding modern sports marketing tactics. As stated in Times of India, this incident is another reminder of how deeply celebrity culture has penetrated various spheres, including sports.
