MLB Initiatives

Every year on April 15^th, Major League Baseball honors Jackie Robinson's legacy by celebrating his life, values, and accomplishments. The extensive and unified League-wide show of support has included retiring Jackie's number throughout the Majors in 1997, dedicating April 15^th as “Jackie Robinson Day” each year since 2004, and requesting that every player and all on-field personnel wear his No. 42 during games scheduled on Jackie Robinson Day since 2009.

Each year, Major League Baseball honors members of the United States Armed Forces and those who have given their lives while serving their country. MLB and all 30 Clubs support military programs for active personnel, veterans, and their families through countless efforts including fundraising and on-field recognition.

In recognition of Mother’s Day each season, Susan G. Komen®, the world’s leading breast cancer organization, and Major League Baseball team up to put moms first and raise awareness to help reduce rates of breast cancer.

ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis - otherwise known as Lou Gehrig's disease) is a disease that attacks nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Major League Baseball and all 30 Clubs are committed to finding a cure for this debilitating illness through raising awareness and funds. Every year, the League recognizes Lou Gehrig Day on June 2^nd in commemoration of the start of his record-breaking consecutive games played streak, as well as the day of his passing in 1941 from the progressive neurodegenerative disorder.

Play Ball Weekend is celebrated in every Major League and Minor League market in baseball from June 9-11, 2023, with events taking place in more than 150 communities throughout the country! For more information, visit angels.com/playball.

Major League Baseball and all 30 Clubs join the Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) to "Keep Dad In The Game" by dedicating Father's Day to the fight against prostate cancer, the most common non-skin cancer in America. MLB supports the Prostate Cancer Foundation's annual "Home Run Challenge" to benefit PCF's efforts to raise funds for prostate cancer research and awareness.

Each September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and the 2022 season marked the seventh consecutive year that MLB and its Clubs held league-wide awareness initiatives in home ballparks on a designated day. MLB, in collaboration with Stand Up To Cancer, combined visual and ceremonial demonstrations of support, including outreach to local hospitals treating young patients.

Roberto Clemente Day was established by Major League Baseball to honor the legacy of the Hall of Famer and 15-time All-Star, who died in a plane crash on New Year's Eve in 1972 while attempting to deliver supplies to earthquake victims in Nicaragua. In his honor, MLB annually presents the Roberto Clemente Award to recognize the player who best represents the game of baseball through sportsmanship, community involvement, and positive contributions, both on and off the field. Club nominees for this prestigious award are announced on Roberto Clemente Day each year.

Major League Baseball is taking a stand against bullying. The 30 Clubs continue to support Spirit Day -- a worldwide, largely social media-based anti-bullying effort targeting LGBTQ youth -- as part of National Bullying Prevention Month.

The Summer Slugger digital program provides students (ages 8-11) with baseball-themed math and literacy activities (CODE: angels)!