PGA stars spotted wearing MLB logo — here's the surprising reason behind the crossover moment
Why PGA Championship golfers are suddenly sporting the MLB logo on their outfits (Credit: Imagn Images)
If you've been watching the
PGA Championship
at Quail Hollow this weekend, you might've noticed something unexpected: a few golfers rocking the
Major League Baseball
(MLB) logo on their shirts. While it may seem like a wardrobe mix-up at first glance, there's actually a fascinating story behind this surprising crossover.
Why the MLB logo is making waves on the golf course
Jhonattan Vegas, for example, proudly sports the MLB logo on the left side of his polo. Others have it placed in various sponsor-like spots on their apparel. It looks like a branding choice—but for a completely unrelated sport? That's where curiosity kicks in.
Turns out, these aren't former baseball players or die-hard baseball fanatics trying to show love for America's pastime. Instead, it's a rather unique sponsorship deal that dates back to an idea pitched by agent Dave Parker in 2013. 'A GOLF.com article detailed the story years ago,' highlighting how Parker proposed the collaboration to Major League Baseball as a creative marketing opportunity.
Under this arrangement, golfers are paid to wear the MLB logo, giving the league some unexpected exposure on the golf course. But the deal doesn't just end with logo placement. Players often return the favor by attending MLB games and occasionally entertaining high-profile MLB clients during private golf outings. It's a win-win—a crossover of fan bases and an extension of MLB's reach into another elite sport.
Shawn Stefani was the first to sign the deal, and his perks included more than a paycheck. He reportedly had open access to Houston Astros games, enjoying the luxury of free tickets whenever he pleased. 'Peter Malnati later got a ticket hookup too, but with the Kansas City Royals.' Jhonattan Vegas has also been seen enjoying Astros games, possibly taking advantage of similar benefits.
So, while it may look out of place, the MLB logo on a golfer's shirt is actually the product of an innovative partnership—a subtle but strategic move that links two beloved American sports. For fans watching this weekend, it's more than just a logo; it's a clever blend of branding, cross-sport collaboration, and, for the players, a few fun perks along the way.
Also Read:
Aaron Judge crushes epic 444-foot homer to lift Yankees over Mariners in wild series finish
Get
IPL 2025
match
schedules
,
squads
,
points table
, and live scores for
CSK
,
MI
,
RCB
,
KKR
,
SRH
,
LSG
,
DC
,
GT
,
PBKS
, and
RR
. Check the latest
IPL Orange Cap
and
Purple Cap
standings.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
27 minutes ago
- The Hindu
MLC 2025 schedule: Dates, format, teams, venues and live streaming info
When is the MLC 2025 season scheduled to take place? The MLC 2025 season is scheduled to run from June 13 to July 14. What is the format of the MLC 2025 tournament? The MLC 2025 tournament will feature six teams competing in a double round-robin format, meaning each side will play 10 league matches. Following the league stage, the top four teams will advance to the playoffs, which include a Qualifier, an Eliminator, and a Challenger match, culminating in the final. Which international cricket stars are participating in MLC 2025? The MLC 2025 season will feature several prominent international cricketers, including Sunil Narine, Faf du Plessis, Andre Russell, and Trent Boult. Many of these players are joining the league fresh from their Indian Premier League (IPL) stints. Where will the MLC 2025 matches be played? The MLC 2025 matches will be hosted across three key venues in the USA: the Oakland Coliseum, Grand Prairie Stadium in Texas, and Broward County Stadium in Lauderhill, Florida. Grand Prairie Stadium will exclusively host the playoff stage of the tournament. How are IPL franchises involved with MLC teams? Four of the six MLC franchises have ownership ties to Indian Premier League (IPL) teams. These include MI New York (Mumbai Indians), Texas Super Kings (Chennai Super Kings), LA Knight Riders (Kolkata Knight Riders), and Seattle Orcas (Delhi Capitals). That's not the only Indian link in MLC. In fact, Washington Freedom is owned by Indian-born American entrepreneur Sanjay Govil, while Seattle Orcas is co-owned by the GMR Group and Satya Nadella, the Indian-born American business executive. Where can fans watch Major League Cricket 2025 live in India? For fans in India, live streaming of Major League Cricket 2025 will be available on the JioHotstar app and website. Which teams are playing in the opening match of MLC 2025? The MLC 2025 season will kick off with a highly anticipated rematch of the 2024 final between the defending champion Washington Freedom and last year's runner-up, the San Francisco Unicorns. Washington Freedom won its maiden MLC title against the Unicorns in 2024.
NDTV
41 minutes ago
- NDTV
Weeks After Bengaluru Stampede, BCCI Likely To Hold Apex Council Meeting: Report
BCCI will hold an apex council meeting on June 14 to discuss IPL celebration norms. The stampede occurred during RCB's IPL victory celebration, resulting in eleven fatalities. Karnataka Police have filed an FIR against involved parties, including the Karnataka Cricket Board. In the wake of the tragic stampede in Bengaluru earlier this month, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is likely to hold an apex council meeting on June 14 in order to discuss the new norms for the celebrations for the teams following their title triumph in their respective competition. The incident occurred when thousands of fans gathered to catch a glimpse of their favourite players ahead of Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) IPL victory celebrations. "BCCI will call an apex council meeting on June 14 to discuss the IPL celebration and formulate new norms. The meeting could be held virtually," a BCCI Source told ANI. Eleven people were killed and dozens injured in a stampede outside Bengaluru's M Chinnaswamy stadium as a huge crowd of nearly 3 lakh people had gathered to witness the victory celebration of RCB for winning the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Wednesday. The Karnataka Police have also filed an FIR against the Karnataka Cricket Board Administrative Committee, RCB, among others, in connection with the stampede incident. CM Siddaramaiah also expressed his deep sorrow over the incident. "A major tragedy occurred during the victory celebrations. It happened near the Chinnaswamy Stadium. The government has announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the deceased. The government will provide free treatment to the injured. Eleven people died and 33 were injured in the stampede. This tragedy should not have happened. The government expresses deep sorrow over this incident." RCB finally ended an 18-year wait for the coveted IPL trophy, defeating Punjab Kings by six wickets in the finals of IPL 2025, held on Tuesday at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Indian Express
an hour ago
- Indian Express
‘We didn't need words': AB de Villiers pens heartfelt note of RCB, Virat Kohli and fans
Bonafide Royal Challengers Bengaluru and South Africa legend AB de Villiers played for the franchise for 11 years but never lifted the Indian Premier League trophy till the day he left them. But on June 3, he got the opportunity to get his hands on the coveted trophy after Virat Kohli invited him to take part in RCB's victory celebrations after the franchise finally won their maiden title after a long wait. The Protea icon on Thursday shared an emotional love letter to the fans and the franchise on his social media, detailing what it means for him, the team and Kohli to finally lift the elusive trophy. 'Dear RCB Family, last night was something words will never fully do justice to you. But I'll try because the heart deserves to speak when it's full. As I walked into the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the sun had already dipped below the skyline, but it felt like the red of RCB still lit up the horizon. A neutral venue, they said. But when I heard the roar, saw the jerseys, the flags, the faces painted with red and gold, I knew this was home,' he said. A Letter to the RCB Family 💌 Written on 4 June 2025 En-route from Ahmedabad to Johannesburg, SA ✈️ #RCB — AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) June 11, 2025 'Somehow, even in the West of India, it felt like we were back at the Chinnaswamy. What I witnessed was not just a cricket match but a culmination. A culmination of belief, heart breaks, near misses, miracles and an undying loyalty that no trophy until now had been able to reward.' 'But last night, it happened. RCB, the team that became family to me, are champions of the IPL. It feels good to say that it was a moment I had dreamed of. But even in these wildest dreams, I couldn't have imagined it. This perfect. The foundation of this franchise, the leadership, the passion, the people behind the scenes should never stop working. The fans should never stop believing all came together like never before. That's what made this so much more than just a victory. And then, as if the night hadn't already stirred every emotion, there was Virat standing at long-off right in front of me. Our eyes met for a brief moment, and that was all it took. We didn't need words. In that quiet exchange, everything was understood. The years, the near misses, the weight we both carried for this dream.' 'There were tears, yes, but more than that, there was a deep, unspoken knowing. We've shared countless innings, conversations and battles together. But the words he spoke after the game, the way he acknowledged our journey, contributions and shared memories, it touched a part of me that few things in this game ever have. That moment reminded me it's not about the numbers, it's about the connections. It's about what we leave behind in each other's stories. To see players like Rajat, Devdutt and even some of the newer faces who were just youngsters when I played, now stepping up on the biggest stage, it was surreal. I've seen their raw potential, their hunger in the nets, their excitement just to share a dressing room, and now they've turned that promise into history and I couldn't be prouder.' 'To the RCB management, to the coaching staff, to the ever-loyal fans, and to every single player who's worn this jersey, thank you for allowing me to be a part of this beautiful legacy. Even though I wasn't out there batting last night, a piece of my heart always will be. This title means more because of the journey that came before it, and for me, this will always be one of the greatest joys of my life – seeing the team I love finally lift that trophy with all my love, pride and gratitude, Your Mr. 360,'
