All About Baseball
Nothing is More Red, White, and Blue than the Fourth of July and Baseball
Baseball has been part of the fabric of America and Independence Day since 1871. This game brings people from all walks of life, countries, cultures, etc. together through its shared history and traditions.
Nothing is more red, white, and blue than the Fourth of July and baseball. The games always seem to have a special place in MLB (Major League Baseball) history. We have seen spectacular performances before, during, and after the game. What will fans see this year?
Before and After the Game
Before and after the game, the Fourth of July baseball traditions combine America’s pastime with Independence Day celebrations, from the patriotic ceremonies to the flyovers during the National Anthem to special and unique military member recognitions at ballparks. There are even performances of “God Bless America” during the seventh inning stretch. Let’s not forget the fans dressed in patriotic attire for the postgame fireworks and concerts.
MLB is Going All Out
MLB is going all out this year as the nation celebrates its 250 birthday. They announced new fan engagement initiatives to celebrate America’s semi quincentennial, baseball, and the July 4 tradition. MLB fields will have special stencil outlines, and the bases will show a July 4 logo. Drone shows will be going on throughout the games and after.
Players Attire
Nothing is more red, white, and blue than the Fourth of July and baseball. Even the players and umpires will be wearing unique attire. Teams will have newly designed jerseys featuring stars-and-stripes-themed numbers, as well as sporting a USA 250 sleeve patch. Red, white, and blue New Era caps with stars-and-stripes-colored team logo have been created for each team. Even the socks visually represent and pay tribute to the nation’s founding. Official MLB Stars & Stripes Gear, MLB 4th of July Hats, USA Tees, Jerseys | MLBshop.com
The only exception to the stars-and-stripes theming is the Toronto Blue Jays. The Canadian team will pair their special-edition red-and-white cap with their standard jerseys. The logos on their caps will not feature the stars-and-stripes coloring, but their uniforms will feature the USA 250 patch.
Umpires and Managers Apparel
Umpires’ gear and on-field apparel will show distinct, limited-edition designs with patriotic caps commemorate the USA’s 250th anniversary. Team Managers will also wear special stars and stripes uniforms. This year’s Independence Day is a major national milestone, and MLB made it bold.
TV Viewing
MLB wants Independence Day to be a national baseball day. All 30 teams play on July 4 this year. The NBC Family of Sports channels have a Star-Spangled Sunday and will show all 15 games for the first time in MLB history. Also, over the Fourth of July weekend—Friday, July 3 through Sunday, July 5—MLB will feature nationally televised games on FOX and NBC as well as the streaming services AppleTV and Peacock. All 30 clubs will be represented at least once throughout the weekend.
Big Celebrations
Nothing is more red, white, and blue than the Fourth of July and baseball. It is more than just a game; it’s a celebration. It’s patriotism, huge crowds, enthusiastic fans, and exciting games. It reminds us of America past and present and the ideals we carry into the future.
The Fabric of America
Baseball has been part of the fabric of America and Independence Day since 1871. This game brings people from all walks of life, countries, cultures, etc. together through its shared history and traditions. Let’s also remember the unforgettable moments before, during, and after the game. Baseball once again is reinforcing Independence Day with the simple joy of spending time at the ballpark with family and friends.
Jim Marshall
Jim Marshall has been writing about sports for over 10 years. He started his sports career in radio, co-hosting and producing several sports-talk radio programs in Phoenix. He has covered local, college, and national sports, but specializes in MLB. His articles have appeared in several sports-reporting sites, including our own Legends On Deck. Jim is also a member of the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America (IBWAA).
