An electronic artist named Dan Deacon delivered a polarizing, auto-tuned rendition of the national anthem at Camden Yards, and whether fans loved it or hated it, one thing is clear — the Baltimore Orioles won both games of their doubleheader against the New York Mets.
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Deacon, a Baltimore-based musician known for his experimental style, took the field wearing a Hawaiian Orioles shirt and a T-shirt featuring the team's mascot, The Oriole Bird. He stood behind a computer and what appeared to be a synthesizer just behind home plate, accompanied by the Bird itself. Together, they set the stage for a version of the "Star Spangled Banner" unlike any in recent memory.
The performance lasted just 75 seconds, with Deacon using sweeping arm movements and digital harmonies that took the anthem into new sonic territory. Opinions split immediately.
"Is this considered a disgrace to the National Anthem??" one user wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. Another said, "You can literally see people thinking 'what the f-k is this.'"
Still, others came to Deacon's defense.
"This is fire, and he pre-programmed a lot of the correct harmonies," one post read. "He really respected the original."
Another noted, "No cap, it gets good if you can make it through the first bit."
Deacon has released five studio albums and worked on multiple film scores, including Adam Sandler's basketball drama Hustle. His website identifies him as a fixture in Baltimore's art and music scene, making Thursday's performance something of a hometown showcase, if not a traditional one.
This National Anthem sung for the Orioles was something..pic.twitter.com/BZFmYQwO6L
— MaxumSportsBetting (@MaxumCigars) July 10, 2025
Despite sitting in last place in the MLB's AL East, the Orioles used the sweep to push their record to 42-50 and close the gap in the wild card race. Baltimore trails Boston by 6 1/2 games for the final playoff spot. Barely, but still.
The team also sent reliever Bryan Baker to the Tampa Bay Rays and is expected to face critical decisions ahead of the July 31 trade deadline. With three games left in the first half, all against the struggling Miami Marlins, the next few days may determine whether the Orioles become buyers or sellers.
Whether Deacon's unconventional anthem marked a turning point or simply a curious moment in a long season, it certainly got people talking. And, for one day at least, the Orioles winning.
