Celebrity Highlights: The Biggest Stars Who Graced the MLB London Series
The MLB London Series has become a landmark event, bringing the excitement of Major League Baseball across the Atlantic to Europe. Since its inception in 2019, the series has attracted sports fans and a wide array of celebrities from different walks of life, including Hollywood stars, sports icons, and even British royalty.
Among the notable figures who graced the London Series are Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Rami Malek, Spike Lee, Raheem Sterling, Bill Murray, and Nick Offerman. Each of these celebrities brought their unique flair to the event, from leading the crowd in traditional baseball songs to mingling with players and fans. Let’s check them out here:
Bill Murray (2023)
Bill Murray, the iconic actor known for films like Ghostbusters and Caddyshack, brought his lifelong passion for the Chicago Cubs to the 2023 MLB London Series. As a self-described “baptized” Cubs fan, Murray has always been vocal about his love for baseball, a tradition passed down from his father.
His attendance at the London Series, where the Cubs faced off against the St. Louis Cardinals, was a highlight of the event. Murray’s enthusiasm was palpable as he mingled with fans and shared his experiences growing up as a die-hard Cubs supporter. Fans back home were just as engaged, following team performances and even checking out teams like the latest Diamondbacks Game Odds while enjoying the cross-Atlantic baseball excitement.
One of the standout moments of Murray’s visit was when he spontaneously took over the microphone during the game to lead the crowd in a rendition of “Sweet Caroline,” a song traditionally sung at baseball games.
In an interview broadcasted by BT Sport, he expressed his admiration for how the event was organized and how it successfully brought American baseball culture to London. He noted the excitement among the crowd, which consisted of both Americans and locals and praised the atmosphere in the stadium, commenting on how London had become much more vibrant than he remembered.
Nick Offerman (2023)
Nick Offerman, widely recognized for his role as Ron Swanson on Parks and Recreation, brought his unique blend of humour and fandom to the 2023 MLB London Series. Like Murray, he’s a devoted Chicago Cubs fan.
His participation in the London Series extended beyond the stadium as well. He took time to engage with fans and share his thoughts on the event, expressing his delight at how the MLB had successfully brought baseball to London.
One of the highlights of Offerman’s involvement in the London Series was his leading the traditional seventh-inning stretch, a key moment in any baseball game. Flanked by the mascots of both teams, he led the crowd in a rousing rendition of “Take Me Out to the Ballgame,” injecting his own charm and humour into the performance.
Rami Malek & Spike Lee (2019)
Rami Malek, fresh off his Oscar win for Bohemian Rhapsody, and acclaimed director Spike Lee, who also secured an Academy Award that year, made a notable appearance at the 2019 MLB London Series. The two enjoyed the first-ever MLB games held in Europe, where the New York Yankees defeated the Boston Red Sox in a dramatic 17-13 victory.
During the series, Malek and Lee were photographed in the stands, enthusiastically watching the high-scoring game. The presence of these two entertainment heavyweights emphasized the event’s cultural significance, marking it as more than just a sports competition but a gathering of influential figures from different spheres.
Raheem Sterling (2019)
Raheem Sterling, one of England’s most prominent football stars, made a memorable appearance at the 2019 MLB London Series. Sterling, who was playing for Manchester City then, visited the London Stadium to experience baseball up close for the first time. His attendance was particularly significant as it highlighted the growing appeal of baseball in the UK, a country where football reigns supreme.
During his visit, Sterling attended the New York Yankees’ and Boston Red Sox’ Workout Day. He interacted with players, including Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia, and posed for photos with fans.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle (2019)
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, also made a surprise appearance at the inaugural MLB London Series in 2019, where they were special guests at the game between the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees. This visit was particularly noteworthy as it was one of their first public outings following the birth of their son, Archie, who received a personalized team jersey from the Yankees.
The Duke and Duchess also participated in a ceremonial first pitch event, joined by members of the Invictus Games Foundation, which Prince Harry founded. This foundation supports wounded, injured, and sick servicemen and women, and the couple’s involvement in the event underscored their dedication to charitable causes, even in the context of a sports event.
Final Thoughts
The presence of these high-profile celebrities at the MLB London Series underscores the event’s success in bridging cultural and geographical gaps, making baseball a truly global sport. Their participation has not only drawn attention to the games but also highlighted the universal appeal of sports as a platform for connection, entertainment, and philanthropy.
