MLB Announces Fan Engagement Initiatives for Americas 250th Anniversary

Major League Baseball has announced a series of initiatives tied to America's Semiquincentennial, including a national marketing campaign, Fourth of July broadcast and event programming, original content, uniform elements, and volunteer efforts throughout the 2026 season.

Baseball has been part of the fabric of American life since the sport's creation, bringing people together through shared traditions, unforgettable moments and the simple joy of spending time at the ballpark with family and friends, says Uzma Rawn Dowler, Chief Marketing Officer and Senior Vice President, Global Corporate Partnerships, MLB. Baseball brings Americans together, so as the National Pastime, we are proud to celebrate this special anniversary and to provide even more opportunities for people nationwide to engage with our sport this year.

For the People Marketing Campaign

A new national marketing campaign launching today will air across broadcast, cable, digital, social, and streaming throughout the summer. The first spot features a new mix from the original multi-track tapes of American Girl by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, commemorating the 50th anniversary of its July 4, 1976 recording. A Hi-Res/Dolby Atmos release of the track is set for June.

Baseball in America Digital Content Series presented by Booking.com

A social-first content series launching today will spotlight a unique baseball story from each of the 50 states. The first video covers Alaska's Midnight Sun Game, available across MLB social platforms.

Ballpark Expedition presented by T-Mobile

Launching June 1 across MLB.com, the MLB app, and the MLB Ballpark app, the platform includes a Journey to 30 Sweepstakes with a grand prize of visits to all 30 MLB ballparks, digital Ballpark Guides, and the Journey to 30 Road Trip creator series featuring YouTuber Matthew Beem.

Fourth of July Broadcast Schedule

Friday, July 3: Apple TV streams Friday Night Baseball doubleheader (matchups TBD). A one-month free Apple TV trial is available from May 27 through July 5 for MLB fans.

Saturday, July 4: FOX Saturday Baseball will feature St. Louis Cardinals vs. Chicago Cubs and New York Mets vs. Atlanta Braves at 8 p.m. ET.

Sunday, July 5: All 15 scheduled MLB games will air live on NBC, Peacock, and NBCSN as part of Star-Spangled Sunday, headlined by New York Mets at Atlanta Braves at 12:30 p.m. ET and Sunday Night Baseball with San Diego Padres at Los Angeles Dodgers at 7:20 p.m. ET.

MLB Summer Drive-In presented by Ford

Four drive-in theaters in Vineland, N.J.; McHenry, Ill.; Blue Ridge, Ga.; and Paramount, Calif. will screen The Sandlot followed by their local MLB team's game on July 4. Each location will feature food trucks, PLAY BALL activities, and fireworks.

Uniforms

Teams will wear Nike jerseys with stars-and-stripes-themed numbers, New Era red, white, and blue caps, and Stance socks on July 4, along with an exclusive USA 250 patch developed by Fanatics. The patch will also appear during the T-Mobile Home Run Derby (July 13) and the All-Star Game presented by Mastercard (July 14). Fourth of July jerseys, caps, and socks go on sale June 15 at MLBShop.com, Fanatics.com, and the MLB Flagship Store in New York City.

All-Star Red Carpet Show

The All-Star Red Carpet Show will take place at Independence Mall in Philadelphia on Tuesday, July 14, airing nationally on MLB Network. The event is free and open to the public. The 2026 MLB All-Star Game presented by Mastercard will be hosted by the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park - the first time the venue has hosted the All-Star Game since its 2004 opening and 50 years since Philadelphia last hosted the event.

MLB Together Volunteer Campaign

MLB Together and the Boys and Girls Clubs of America will refurbish the Shane Victorino Club's facilities and ballfield during All-Star Week in Philadelphia, as part of a league-wide goal of 250,000 collective volunteer hours by the end of 2026. MLB is a partner of America250, the official organization established by Congress to lead the nation's 250th anniversary commemoration.

Museum

MLB has donated artifacts to the American Museum of Natural History in New York for the museum's For the Win exhibit, including a World Series trophy, Home Run Derby chains, and select trophies from former players including Yogi Berra's Babe Ruth Crown.

LINK:	https://www.sportsvideo.org/2026/05/27/mlb-announces-fan-engagement-in...
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