NFL fans expected Drake Maye to represent New England anywhere he goes.
But during a trip to Japan, the Patriots star wore something that instantly triggered Boston fans online.

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Drake Maye Sparks Backlash After Wearing Dodgers Jersey at World Baseball Classic in Tokyo

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye may have been thousands of miles away from Boston, but that didn’t stop fans from reacting strongly to his latest appearance.

The NFL MVP runner-up attended a World Baseball Classic matchup in Tokyo with his wife Ann Michael, where Japan defeated Korea 8–6 in an electric group-stage game at the Tokyo Dome.

But the thrilling baseball showdown wasn’t what grabbed headlines.

Instead, it was Maye’s outfit.

Patriots Star Shows Up in a Dodgers Jersey

Photos shared by Major League Baseball showed Maye and his wife standing on the field before the game, with MLB referring to the quarterback as “New England royalty.”

However, Boston fans quickly noticed one glaring detail.

Maye was wearing a Los Angeles Dodgers jersey, reportedly featuring Shohei Ohtani’s iconic No. 17.

For Patriots fans and Red Sox loyalists, that choice immediately raised eyebrows.

The reaction online was swift.

“Gotta get that man a new jersey!” one fan joked under MLB’s social media post.

Another commenter added bluntly:
“New England royalty wearing a Dodgers jersey.”

Others were less amused.

“Dude. Drake man. NEVER wear a Dodger jersey again. It’s Red Sox only bro.”

In a sports city like Boston — where loyalty to local teams runs deep — the moment quickly turned into a viral talking point.

Ohtani Delivers Another Superstar Moment

Despite the social media chatter surrounding Maye’s wardrobe, the game itself delivered plenty of excitement.

Japan’s global superstar Shohei Ohtani once again stole the show.

The two-way phenom finished the night 2-for-2 with two walks and blasted a game-tying solo home run in the third inning.

That homer sparked a massive rally for Japan.

During the same inning, Seiya Suzuki launched his second home run of the game before Boston Red Sox outfielder Masataka Yoshida capped off the explosive frame with a towering shot to right field.

The three-home-run burst electrified the Tokyo Dome crowd and helped Japan secure the 8–6 victory.

Ann Michael Represented Boston

While Maye’s jersey choice stirred controversy, his wife made sure Boston had some representation.

Ann Michael posted an Instagram story showing herself wearing a Boston Red Sox cap during the couple’s trip.

That small detail didn’t go unnoticed by fans — many joking that she saved the couple’s Boston credibility.

Why Maye Was in Japan

The trip wasn’t just about baseball.

Maye’s older brother, Luke Maye, currently plays professional basketball in Japan for the Kobe Storks in the Japan Professional Basketball League.

The couple’s visit to Tokyo was partly an opportunity to spend time with family while also enjoying one of baseball’s biggest international events.

A Lesson in Boston Sports Culture

Even though Maye likely wore the Dodgers jersey simply to support Shohei Ohtani, the moment highlights just how passionate Boston sports culture can be.

In cities like Boston, wearing the colors of a rival franchise — even unintentionally — can spark intense reactions.

For Maye, it’s a small reminder that being a New England sports icon comes with certain expectations.

Next time he heads to the ballpark, fans might hope to see something a little more familiar.

Preferably red and navy.