In 2015, the baseball world was treated to a thrilling World Series showdown between the Kansas City Royals and the New York Mets. But beneath the crack of the bat and the roar of the crowd, there was an unexpected musical subplot. The musical prowess of the two iconic Billy Joel from New York and Burt Bacharach from Kansas brought their own unique style and cultural influences to the table. It was a rare moment when the world of baseball intersected with the world of music.

Sadly, Burt Bacharach is no longer with us. However, one can still remember and pay homage to his incredible talent. And when talking about Bacharach, the 2015 World Series will forever be remembered not just for the exciting play in the ballpark, but for the musical showdown between Billy Joel and Burt Bacharach as well.

The cultural face-off between Burt Bacharach and Billy Joel 

According to mlb.com, the 2015 World Series between the Kansas City Royals and the New York Mets was a spectacle, both on and off the field. Off the field, the cultural intangibles each city brought to the table made the series even more enthralling. 

From Kansas City was the iconic songwriter Burt Bacharach. A die-hard romantic, Bacharan blended the grandeur of classical music with pop orchestration. His compositions produced a beautiful melody that captivated audiences for decades. His six Grammy Awards and three Oscars are proof of his enduring legacy. 

READ MORE: College-Going Baseball Talent Sets an Example, Gives Up His Entire Earnings For a Noble Cause

Top Stories

Blue Jays in Real Trouble as Two AL Rivals Go All-In on $116M Trade Target Amid Bo Bichette Uncertainty

David Stearns’ Mets Job Hangs by a Thread as New York Calls End to “Love Affair,” Claims Insider

Alex Rodriguez Feels Anthony Volpe’s Struggles Are Result of Yankees’ “Broken” Hitting Philosophy

Kyle Tucker’s Controversial Call Draws Scrutiny as Grim Free Agency Update Emerges, Per Top Insider

Mets World Series Champion Turns On David Stearns After Team Snubs Pete Alonso in Major Offseason Misstep

On the other side, from New York, was the legendary pianist and songwriter Billy Joel. With five regular Grammy and various other accolades, Joel has been a cultural icon for decades. During the series, he made the Shea Stadium his musical home and played “Meet the Mets” for the enthusiastic crowds. He continues to thrill audiences with his residency at Madison Square Garden. 

Who won the World Series that year? 

As the World Series took place, the people couldn’t help but draw up a musical showdown between these two great artists. And when Kansas City Royals emerged victorious, it was like Bacharach’s musical prowess had paid off as well. 

This unlikely musical subplot weaved an extra layer of elation into the cultural competition between the two cities. This certainly was a unique moment that united music and sports at that point in time. 

WATCH THIS STORY: Ranking the top 5 best lineups in baseball