Imagine this: you’re soaking up the sun at Dodger Stadium, the crack of the bat, the roar of the crowd—it’s the quintessential American pastime. But as you snap a selfie with the action in the background, there’s something that feels a bit off. Towering above the iconic Dodger blue are these massive signs for 76, the gas station giant owned by Phillips 66. And let me tell you, they’re pretty hard to miss.
It’s an odd sight, especially in a city like Los Angeles, which is practically on the frontline of climate action. The Golden State is leading the charge with some groundbreaking climate policies, all aimed at tackling the growing threats of climate change. Wildfires, heatwaves, droughts—you name it, California is on a mission to fight it.
California’s Legal Standoff with Big Oil
But here’s the kicker: California is currently in a legal battle with Phillips 66 and other fossil fuel behemoths. The state’s not pulling any punches, accusing these companies of misleading the public about the damage their products are causing to the environment. And the price tag for this damage? It’s in the billions, with the state and taxpayers footing the bill for the escalating costs of dealing with disasters.
So, the million-dollar question is: why are the Dodgers, an iconic baseball team, cozying up to big oil? This isn’t just a fling; we’re talking about a long-term relationship that dates back to when the Dodgers first set up shop in Los Angeles.
The Historical Bond Between the Dodgers and 76
Back in 2019, the Dodgers and MLB sent out a press release that took us down memory lane, reminiscing about the time when 76 stepped up to the plate to help Walter O’Malley build Dodger Stadium. It was a partnership that became a fixture at the ballpark, with 76 being the sole brand visible in those early days.
Fast forward to today, and 76 is still playing the field with the Dodgers, boasting about the PR boost they get from this alliance. Rod Palmer, a marketing guru at Phillips 66, was over the moon when the latest signs were unveiled, talking about “fueling Dodger baseball” and educating fans on the history between the two.
But let’s get real: a lot has changed since the ’60s. We’re now acutely aware of the damage fossil fuels are doing to our planet.
The Global Call to Action Against Fossil Fuel Sponsorship
Just this month, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres didn’t mince words. He stood in New York and called out governments, asking them to put an end to fossil fuel advertising. He also threw down the gauntlet to creative agencies and media, urging them to cut the greenwashing. His message was clear: it’s time to stop the “Mad Men” from fueling the madness.
And let’s not forget, sports events are a major playing field for fossil fuel companies looking to score some positive attention.
Dodgers and MLB’s Green Game
On their end, the Dodgers and MLB aren’t blind to the climate crisis. They’ve made some noise about their green initiatives and their efforts to combat climate change. But here’s an interesting curveball: the heat from climate change is actually making baseball less fair. It turns out that extreme temperatures can throw off umpires’ accuracy. So, even the most skeptical fans have a reason to care about this.
Yet, despite all this, the Dodgers are still sending 76 out to bat, giving them a legitimacy that many would argue they haven’t earned. If you ask me, it’s time to call strike three on this partnership.
When it comes to the intersection of sports, climate change, and corporate sponsorship, the Dodgers’ relationship with 76 is a fascinating case study. It’s a reminder that the fight against climate change isn’t just about policies and protests—it’s also about the choices we make in our communities, including the sports teams we support and the companies they partner with.
Did you miss our previous article…
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