Biggest Celebrity Fan for Every MLB Team
Celebrities are just like us. They are human after all. Although they’re a little higher profile, they can be moved by sports the same way we are.
For some reason, baseball tends to resonate with A-listers most. Maybe it’s because we all grew up going to games with our parents as kids. Or maybe it’s that baseball is the only game in town during the summer.
Whatever the case, Major League Baseball has no shortage of famous fans. Here is the biggest for each MLB team.
Arizona Diamondbacks: Larry Fitzgerald
Day job: NFL wide receiver, best known for his lengthy tenure with the Arizona Cardinals
Fan since: 2004, when he joined the Cardinals
In his own words: "It was an honor and privilege to spend time with Torey Lovullo and the entire Arizona Diamondbacks squad. Can’t wait to see what lies ahead for this special group in 2019!" — Larry Fitzgerald, Facebook, March 2019
Bottom Line for Larry Fitzgerald
John McCain was the longtime top Arizona sports fan, but Larry Fitzgerald has earned the title since the longtime senator passed away in 2019.
Fitzgerald is a fixture in the desert, befriended Diamondbacks players and has thrown out the first pitch at several games — including Arizona’s 2016 home opener.
Atlanta Braves: Ludacris
Day job: Rapper
Fan since: Mid-1990s when he moved to Atlanta from Illinois
In his own words: "Congrats to my Atlanta Braves on Winning the National League Eastern Crown! First time since 2013!" — Ludacris, Instagram, September 2018
Bottom Line for Ludacris
Christopher Bridges, aka Ludacris, might be the most famous Atlanta sports fan.
He’s represented the Braves by wearing jerseys and hats in music videos and even led SunTrust Park in the tomahawk chop during a game in 2017.
Baltimore Orioles: Michael Phelps
Day job: Olympic swimmer
Fan since: Late 1980s
In his own words: "I am a diehard Baltimore fan, so obviously I’m always rooting for all the teams." — Michael Phelps, Baltimore Sun, 2016
Bottom Line for Michael Phelps
Phelps created an international uproar when he laughed on the medal podium at the Rio Olympics, but it was because he heard an "O!" cheered for his Orioles support.
He has taken batting practice at Baltimore spring training.
Boston Red Sox: Stephen King
Day job: Author
Fan since: Late 1940s
In his own words: "In my house, sadness reigns when the Red Sox are done for the year. You just get in a habit that you’re going to sit in front of the TV ... and it’s comfortable. It’s New England to me." — Stephen King, Bangor (Maine) Daily News, 2014
Bottom Line for Stephen King
Stephen King may be the most thrilling writer in the history of storytelling, and when he’s not authoring, he’s usually supporting the Red Sox.
His fandom is so intense that it inspired a rare nonfiction book, "Faithful," after the Red Sox won the championship in 2004.
Chicago Cubs: Bill Murray
Day job: Actor/comedian, best known for his roles in "Caddyshack" and "Ghostbusters"
Fan since: At least 1956
In his own words: "I knew I was going to cry. ... This is it. This is a long time coming. This is really great." — Bill Murray, to the Chicago Tribune, after the Cubs won the World Series in 2016
Bottom Line for Bill Murray
Bill Murray and Vince Vaughn are a veritable 1 and 1a fan-wise, but Murray has been around longer, therefore giving him the nod.
Murray has sung "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" during the seventh-inning stretch at Wrigley Field, thrown out ceremonial first pitches and essentially carried the “W” flag for decades.
Chicago White Sox: Barack Obama
Day job: Politician, best known as the 44th President of the United States
Fan since: Presumably the early 1960s
In his own words: "I am rooting for my hometown team, even though it is not MY team." — Barack Obama, on "Jimmy Kimmel Live," on supporting the Cubs in the 2016 World Series
Bottom Line for Barack Obama
Barack Obama is without a doubt the most famous White Sox fan.
He openly shilled for the team while in office and threw out the ceremonial first pitch on numerous occasions.
Cleveland Indians: Drew Carey
Day job: Comedian, actor, game show host, most famous for hosting "The Price is Right" and "The Drew Carey Show"
Fan since: Early 1960s
In his own words: "Bobblehead day, for me, is as big as getting a star in the Hollywood Walk of Fame." — Drew Carey, Indians website, on being named "Greatest Indians Fan Alive" in 2006
Cleveland Indians: Drew Carey
Drew Carey may be a Hollywood star, but he started as a guy from Cleveland, and the Indians have shown up in many walks in his life.
He and his co-stars donned Indians paraphernalia and attend a game in the intro for his former sitcom, and he was celebrated as the team’s greatest fan in 2006.
Cincinnati Reds: Nick Lachey
Day job: Musician, reality TV show star, best known as a member of the boy band 98 Degrees before he showed up as Jessica Simpson’s costar in “Newlyweds"
Fan since: 1973
In his own words: "I’ve been a fan of every single chapter of the Reds over the last 30 years and very excited for this next chapter." — Nick Lachey, Cut4, 2012
Bottom Line for Nick Lachey
Nick Lachey has championed his hometown Reds for decades, but especially in the early-2000s when he regularly sported a Cincinnati hat on "Newlyweds."
Lachey is less in the limelight than he used to be, but he’s no less a Reds fan.
Colorado Rockies: Peyton Manning
Day job: NFL quarterback, commercial actor, best known as a two-time Super Bowl winner
Fan since: 2011, though it could be earlier since former Tennessee Volunteer football teammate Todd Helton played for the Rockies
In his own words: "I love everything about baseball. It’s such a different mentality than football, so many more games, a different atmosphere. I’ve always been a fan of it. Having a connection through Todd has made it very special for me." — Peyton Manning, Fox Sports, 2012
Bottom Line for Peyton Manning
Peyton Manning started getting tight with members of the Rockies during the short NFL lockout in 2011 and has remained a fan right on through.
He’s fired up fans on the JumboTron and gotten close with manager Bud Black.
Detroit Tigers: Eminem
Day job: Rapper
Fan since: 1970s
In his own words: "Return of the classic!" — Eminem on Instagram, promoting his authentic Tigers home jersey
Bottom Line for Eminem
Eminem has incorporated his hometown in much of his music and has represented the Tigers — mostly via fashion — as well.
Marshall Mathers styled his own custom hat in 2012 with an E in the stylings of the team’s famous English D, is a regular at Comerica Park and even gifted first baseman Prince Fielder sneakers before the World Series in 2012.
Houston Astros: Dan Rather
Day job: Television newsman
Fan since: 1962, when the Astros were founded
In his own words: "I wasn’t sure I could still get emotional about baseball, but my eyes are misty at a happy conclusion. Houston. World Champions." — Dan Rather, Facebook, 2017
Bottom Line for Dan Rather
Dan Rather is a Houston boy, born and bred, who grew up going to Houston Buffaloes games as a child.
He shared about the bond between himself and baseball — and his excitement for the Astros' 2017 World Series win — in a lengthy Facebook post after Houston defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers in seven games for the city’s first pro sports title since 1995.
Kansas City Royals: Paul Rudd
Day job: Actor, comedian
Fan since: 1974, when he and his family moved to Kansas City
In his own words: "For 30 years to be a fan of this team, and become like a farm team to the rest of Major League Baseball, everyone leaves. This is incredible. I feel like I’m 15 years old again." Paul Rudd, on Sportsnet in 2014, after the Royals advanced to the World Series
Bottom Line for Paul Rudd
Paul Rudd is the face of Kansas City sports fandom, as a native of Kansas City himself.
He namedropped Patrick Mahomes in his now-famous "Hot Ones" interview and regularly is photographed in a University of Kansas hat.
That love spills over to the Royals as well.
Los Angeles Angels: Bill Engvall
Day job: Comedian
Fan since: Early 1970s
In his own words: "I’ve been an Angels fan my whole life, because the team was so bad that they were giving tickets away. Things have changed quite a bit since then." — Bill Engvall, on MLB.com, in 2007
Bottom Line for Bill Engvall
The Blue Comedy Comedy Tour star is one of the few Los Angeles locals who eschews the Dodgers for Angels fandom.
He's even maintained a blog on the team’s website for years.
Los Angeles Dodgers: Mary Hart
Day job: Talk show host, best known for hosting "Entertainment Tonight"
Fan since: 1979
In his own words: "I moved here in 1979 and met Tommy Lasorda, and he said, ‘Young lady, what is your dream?’ And I like to sing, and I said, '‘I’d like to be standing in center field singing the "Star-Spangled Banner," ' and I was 30 days later, so I’ve had a connection for a long time." — Mary Hart
Bottom Line for Mary Hart
Watch any Dodgers game at any point of the season, and you’ll inevitably see Mary Hart in the front row behind home plate — usually in a vintage blue sweater.
She and her movie-producer husband, Burt Sugarman, have been fixtures at games, and she threw out the ceremonial first pitch before Game 5 of the 2019 NLDS.
Miami Marlins: Scott Stapp
Day job: Musician, best known as the lead singer of Creed
Fan since: 1993
In his own words: "Take the field, hear the roar of the crowd. Come on Marlins, make us proud." — Scott Stapp from his 2010 song "Marlins Will Soar"
Bottom Line for Scott Stapp
Scott Stapp’s 2010 anthem "Marlins Will Soar" about the Marlins has been universally panned by the internet, but we’d still take his fandom over that of the self-proclaimed Marlins Man.
Milwaukee Brewers: Kato Kaelin
Day job: Actor, best known as O.J. Simpson’s former roommate
Fan since: About 1969, when the team moved to Milwaukee
In his own words: "I don’t like the word insane, but I’d have to say I’m an insane fan." — Kato Kaelin, USA Today, 2018
Bottom Line for Kato Kaelin
Kato Kaelin entered the public eye during the O.J. Simpson trial in 1995, but he has had resurfaced as the most ardent Brewers fan on Twitter, regularly second-guessing manager Craig Counsell and much of the team.
Minnesota Twins: Jesse Ventura
Day job: Politician, wrestler, actor, activist, best known as the former governor of Minnesota
Fan since: 1960s
In his own words: "It would be a pretty sad day and a black eye to baseball to lose a team like the Minnesota Twins." — Jesse Ventura, to The Associated Press in 2001, after contraction of the team was broached
Bottom Line for Jesse Ventura
As a native of Minnesota, Jesse Ventura has been an avid Twins supporter.
He asked legendary first baseman Kent Hrbek to be his gubernatorial running mate and even had a Donruss baseball card made in his honor in 2005.
New York Mets: Jerry Seinfeld
Day job: Comedian, actor, best known for his sitcom "Seinfeld"
Fan since: 1964
In his own words: "I fell in love with them instantly. I never liked the American League. The Yankees weren’t my kind of team. I loved the Mets. … I still love them." — Jerry Seinfeld, ESPN, 2014
Bottom Line for Jerry Seinfeld
Jerry Seinfeld admitted to SNY he still watches the Mets most nights and has his three kids into the team, too.
The Mets love him back, as they held "Seinfeld Night" during a home game in 2019.
New York Yankees: Billy Crystal
Day job: Comedian/actor
Fan since: 1956
In his own words: "Saying goodbye to [Yankee Stadium] is saying goodbye to a huge part of my life." — Billy Crystal, New York Times op-ed, 2008
Bottom Line for Billy Crystal
Billy Crystal has snuck the Yankees into his art as subtly as a Yankees fan gloating about the team’s rings.
His directorial debut was "61," a made-for-TV movie about Roger Maris and the chase to break Babe Ruth’s home run record.
In March 2008, he signed a one-day contract with the Yankees and got one at-bat in spring training.
Oakland Athletics: Tom Hanks
Day job: Actor, best known for several Academy Award-winning roles, including Forrest Gump
Fan since: Late 1960s, when the team moved from Kansas City
In his own words: "I was a vendor at A’s games. I was 14 years old and sold peanuts and soda and thinking it’d be from a TV show where everybody helps out the young kid trying to make a thing. I got robbed twice … so tear [the Oakland Coliseum] down." Tom Hanks on "Jimmy Kimmel Live" in 2019
Bottom Line for Tom Hanks
Tom Hanks is an avid Oakland sports fan, with recollections of attending games at both the Coliseum and Arena growing up.
He carries the flag for long-suffering A’s fans everywhere.
Philadelphia Phillies: Tina Fey
Day job: Writer, actress, comedian, best known as Liz Lemon on "30 Rock"
Fan since: Early 1970s
In her own words: "Not one thing about this story surprises me. It’s good we don't know exactly when he’s going to pitch again, because he’s asking for it now. … It’s going to be a crotch wave. It’s going to be the wave but with crotches." — Tina Fey to Seth Meyers about Jonathan Papelbon when the closer was suspended seven games for a lewd gesture in 2014
Bottom Line for Tina Fey
Tina Fey is perhaps Philadelphia’s pride and joy, but the Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, native grew up wanting to be a Phillies ball girl.
She also posited, controversially, that mascot Phillie Phanatic was a woman during a "30 Rock" scene.
Pittsburgh Pirates: Michael Keaton
Day job: Actor
Fan since: Presumably the 1950s
In their own words: "I fear [the Pirates] will take advantage of the goodwill of the people who continue to show up. For my money, that’s disrespectful,” to The AP in 2006.
Bottom Line for Michael Keaton
Michael Keaton negotiated a break in his "Batman" contract if the Pirates made the playoffs.
He also went viral when he shut down a Braves fan who was heckling former Pittsburgh center fielder Andrew McCutchen.
Keaton is a diehard who has been through thick, thin and even thinner.
San Diego Padres: Kendra Wilkinson
Day job: Model, reality show star, best known as one of the stars of "The Girls Next Door"
Fan since: Late 1980s
In her own words: "I was born [in San Diego] and grew into the Chargers. … I was actually more of a baseball and Padres fan when I was younger." — Kendra Wilkinson, TV Guide, 2008
Bottom Line for Kendra Wilkinson
Kendra Wilkinson may have shunned the celebrity lifestyle in recent years, but she stumped for San Diego sports and has thrown out the first pitch at Padres games.
She also regularly appeared in Padres and Chargers apparel when she was in the public space even during photo shoots for Playboy.
San Francisco Giants: Steve Perry
Day job: Musician, best known as the frontman for Journey
Fan since: 1958
In his own words: "I can’t put into words what the Giants have done for me emotionally. It’s beyond words." Steve Perry, MLB.com, 2010
Bottom Line for Steve Perry
Steve Perry does more than just regularly attend Giants games at AT&T Park.
He’s even led singalongs to Journey’s iconic "Don’t Stop Believin'" and "Lights" during playoff games.
Seattle Mariners: Macklemore
Day job: Rapper
Fan since: 1995
In his own words: "I used to sit with my dad in the garage … we’d huddle around the radio twist with the broken knob, 710 AM, Dave Niehaus’ voice would echo throughout the yard. Couldn’t have been older than 10, but to me and my friends the voice on the other end might as well have been God’s." — Macklemore, lyrics from his 2011 song "My Oh My"
Bottom Line for Macklemore
Bottom line: The grunge circuit didn’t rally around the Mariners, but Macklemore did.
The Seattle native created a custom version of "Can’t Hold Us" for the Mariners, then, he wrote a song called "My Oh My," as a tribute to longtime broadcaster Dave Niehaus, performing it at Safeco Field in 2011.
In 2014, he participated in an anti-bullying campaign with the team called "Change the Game."
St. Louis Cardinals: Jon Hamm
Day job: Actor, best known for his role in the TV drama “Mad Men.”
Fan since: 1971
In their own words: "I was with my dad. We won the World Series. It was the greatest feeling in the world." — Jon Hamm on "Jimmy Kimmel Live" in 2018
Bottom Line for Jon Hamm
Bottom line: Jon Hamm is the most famous diehard St. Louis sports fan, and his passion for the Cardinals runs deep.
Aside from attending games and throwing out first pitches, he’s regularly caught by paparazzi wearing a Cardinals hat and is an avid supporter.
Tampa Bay Rays: Dick Vitale
Day job: Basketball coach/analyst
Fan since: 1998
In his own words: "Thnx @RaysBaseball for this ABSURD CONCEPT / 50/ 50 /I’m no 50 / 50 fan / I have spentv hundreds of thousands with my buddy for 20yrs / NO WAY I ‘M CHEERING for a team that will split the season / open air stadium means rain delays! The whole CONCEPT SUCKS! @TBTimes_Rays" — Dick Vitale on Twitter in June 2019, on a proposed idea from Rays owner Stu Sternberg to split Rays home games in St. Petersburg and Montreal
Bottom Line for Dick Vitale
Bottom line: Hulk Hogan may be more famous, but there is no bigger Rays fan than Dick Vitale.
He’s been a season-ticket holder since Day 1 and regularly attends games.
He’s also carried the flag for them on ESPN, where he’s worked since 1979.
Texas Rangers: George W. Bush
Day job: Politician, best known as the 43rd president of the United States, though he also owned the Rangers from 1988 to 1994
Fan since: 1988, when he invested more than $600,000 in the team
In their own words: "I’m a fan, first and foremost." — George W. Bush at Abilene Christian University in 1990)
Bottom Line for George W. Bush
His dad was an Astros fan, but the former owner of the Rangers has been known to sit next to the visiting team dugout in Arlington.
We’ll see if that carries over to Texas’ new ballpark that’s set to open in 2020.
Toronto Blue Jays: Geddy Lee
Day job: Musician, best known as lead vocalist, bassist and keyboardist for Rush
Fan since: 1977 (since Blue Jays were established)
In his own words: "I think it would be the greatest thing on earth to have your own baseball team for real." — Geddy Lee, during an ESPN News interview in 2007, on the possibility of owning a baseball team
Bottom Line for Geddy Lee
Geddy Lee isn't just one of the greatest bassists of all time. He's also a big baseball fan.
The Canadian native grew from Ontario grew up rooting for the Detroit Tigers, but he's been a Blue Jays fan ever since they were fou
Lee has talked baseball on "The Dan Patrick Show," appeared in an ESPN Baseball commercial and often can be seen behind home plate at Blue Jays game, keeping score. He's the real deal.
Washington Nationals: Wale
Day job: Rapper
Fan since: 2005, when they moved from Montreal
In his own words: "This how u know the impact is real." — Wale, on Twitter in October 2019, on the Nationals making the World Series
Bottom Line for Wale
Wale is a Washington, D.C., native who is a huge fan of each area team, including the Nationals.
He has thrown out the first pitch in Washington, celebrated with the team after it won the World Series and once wrote a song "MVP" for ex-Nationals star Bryce Harper.