How could the MLB play a key role in the outcome of the 2024 presidential election?

As the Los Angeles Dodgers lifted the World Series trophy under the bright lights of Dodger Stadium on Wednesday night, the victory wasn't just celebrated by baseball fans-it reignited an unexpected theory about sports and political destiny. The Dodgers' championship, their second in the past five years, brings echoes of 2020 when they also claimed the title just before former President Donald Trumplost to current President Joe Biden. For some, the timing of these wins suggests that the Dodgers' success could be a prelude to the incumbent party holding the White House once more.

But this idea of sports outcomes foreshadowing political results isn't isolated to baseball. The Redskins Rule, an unusual indicator, emerged in the 20th century, connecting the Washington NFL team's last home game before an election to the political party that would win the presidency. While the rule has seen a few revisions over the decades, it held relevance through various election cycles, keeping fans of both sports and politics intrigued. And now, the Dodgers, through their back-to-back World Series appearances, might have unknowingly stepped into the political forecast game.

Yet, baseball's link to U.S. politics goes beyond superstition or statistical oddities. Behind the scenes, MLB's top brass and team owners are significant financial players in the political arena, making donations that span both major parties. The Commissioner's PAC, fueled by contributions from MLB's wealthiest, has given nearly equal sums to Republican and Democratic causes this cycle, subtly weaving baseball's influence into the fabric of American politics. The political leanings of baseball owners-both publicly and privately-can't help but echo into the electoral narrative, especially as big names like the Ricketts family, owners of the Chicago Cubs, use their wealth to their preferred candidates.

MLB's political divide: How team owners' dual allegiances reflect a nation split

The Ricketts family exemplifies this dual allegiance, with siblings contributing millions to Republican causes while others the Democrats, including contributions to Kamala Harris's campaign. It's a mix of political views within a single ownership group that mirrors the nation's split. Other owners, like Giants' Charles B. Johnson and Guardians' Larry Dolan, have channeled vast resources to candidates and committees on both sides of the aisle, strategically placing MLB owners as both participants and influencers in the election cycle.

Take Astros owner Jim Crane, who recently donated to Biden and Harris's campaigns as well as the Democratic National Committee. Across the field, Texas Rangers owner Ray Davis gave substantial contributions to Trump and the Republican National Committee, casting his vote not just in the ballot box but in his financial endorsements. These moves highlight how MLB owners are investing in the country's political future through campaign donations, adding another layer to how sports leaders are shaping American democracy.

This convergence of baseball and politics is deeply rooted in America's identity, from sandlots to stadiums. While other industries also contribute to political campaigns, MLB is one of the rare institutions that transcends partisanship, attracting both Democrats and Republicans, and uniting fans across the nation. And in a country where sports and politics often intertwine, the influence of MLB owners could be a subtle but powerful force.

How MLB's political investments shape policies and society

However, MLB owners' deep pockets don't just sway campaigns-they shape policies that directly impact the sport. From tax breaks for stadiums to broadcasting rights and labor laws, the industry's political investments circle back to its own interests. This mutually beneficial relationship between MLB and government policies helps ensure that the sport remains a powerhouse in the American cultural and economic landscape.

As we inch closer to November 5, MLB's role in politics isn't just about which candidate their owners but also about the broader ways in which sports impact society. Whether or not the Dodgers' win signals another incumbent victory, baseball's influence on the election is undeniable, driven by the money, power, and fame that this uniquely American pastime holds. It's no longer just a game; for some, it's a barometer of the country's future.

In a few hours, the polls will decide who takes office, but the intersection of MLB and politics remains a fascinating subplot in the American story. After all, in baseball and in elections, timing can mean everything-and right now, MLB is playing its part in the high-stakes game of democracy.