Major League Baseball announced that it will recognize America’s Semiquincentennial throughout the 2026 season to celebrate the nation’s founding 250 years ago and baseball’s distinct place in the country.
As its first program, MLB introduced a new initiative through MLB Together by pledging 250,000 volunteer hours to support charitable organizations and local communities nationwide.
This will combine the efforts of the Commissioner’s Office, all 30 MLB Clubs, all 120 Minor League Clubs, players of all levels, and the league’s charitable partners to celebrate the country through community service.
With Foster Love serving as the inaugural volunteer event partner, more than 60 MLB staff members assembled “Sweet Cases” for children in the foster care system at MLB’s headquarters.
By providing children with hand-decorated duffle bags and essential comfort items, the MLB community is providing support to vulnerable youth, marking the first of many nationwide efforts to reach their quarter-million-hour commitment.
MLB’s year-long celebration efforts will cut across numerous areas of league operations, including content, social responsibility, marketing, media, partnerships, baseball and softball development, as well as Minor League operations, consumer products and special events.
MLB unveiled a new logo, which will be used across the league’s commemorations during the 2026 season, symbolizing the deep-rooted connection between the United States and the national pastime.
“As America’s pastime with a history of more than 150 years, baseball has provided our country with decades of entertainment and enjoyment, an important form of intergenerational and familial connection, and a source of strength and consistency during difficult times,” commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement.
“MLB will proudly celebrate our country’s 250th birthday throughout 2026 as the sport builds on its current momentum and continues to entertain our fans of all ages.”
One of the biggest celebrations is going to take place during MLB All-Star Week, which will be hosted by the Philadelphia Phillies this summer.
The Midsummer Classic is returning to the city where the Declaration of Independence was signed 250 years ago, marking the first time Citizens Bank Park will host the event and 50 years since Philadelphia last hosted the All-Star Game in 1976.
Throughout All-Star Week, the city will serve as the hub for MLB’s national celebration and its service efforts, featuring community-led legacy projects and volunteer activations.
Additional ways MLB will celebrate America’s 250th will be announced throughout the season. For more information on MLB Together’s season-long initiative and to find volunteer opportunities in your area, visit MLBTogether.com/A250.
MLB partnering with America250
MLB is a partner of America250, the official nonpartisan organization established by Congress to lead the nation’s 250th anniversary commemoration. The MLB Together volunteer commitment aligns with America250’s initiative called ‘America Gives,’ which is designed to make 2026 the largest year of volunteerism in U.S. history.
In addition, 80 elite high school athletes at the MLB DREAM SERIES, an amateur baseball development experience designed to help diversify the talent pool of minority pitchers and catchers, will join the initiative on January 17th by decorating and assembling duffle bags with everyday essentials for local foster children in the greater Tempe, Ariz., area.
“Baseball and our country share the attributes of teamwork, resilience and community, and we plan to consistently bring those values to life through volunteerism,” said April Brown, MLB Senior Vice President, Social Responsibility.
“By offering 250,000 hours of service, the baseball family is coming together to pay tribute and give back to the communities that have supported the game for over a century.”
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