Baseball is deeply embedded in the fabric of America, and Major League Baseball has joined the effort to celebrate the country’s 250th anniversary after signing a multiyear partnership with America250.

MLB is the first major professional sports league to partner with America250, a nationwide commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary in 2026 led by the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, which was established by Congress.

MLB will work with America250 to highlight the sport’s historic roots and cultural impact via several initiatives, including the America250 Time Capsule, a literary podcast that will explore America’s history through classic stories.

"As America’s favorite pastime, baseball has captured America's heart for hundreds of years,” said Daniel M. DiLella, chairman of the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission. “The impact of the game can be traced from the early colonies through the Civil War, the Great Depression, World War II, the civil rights movement, 9/11 and, of course, to modern day. What a joy it will be to partner with Major League Baseball and trace its influence and impact in honor of our nation's 250th.”

"Major League Baseball is proud to partner with America250 to celebrate an important milestone for our country,” said Chris Marinak, MLB chief operations and strategy officer. “The history of baseball and the United States are intertwined with the sport serving Americans as an ever-present form of joyful entertainment, a right of passage for young people playing the game, a way for generations of family members to bond and a source of diversion and recovery through difficult times. We are honored to be a part of this national celebration and look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead for this partnership and for the game in this country.”

Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr. will serve on the America250 sports and entertainment advisory council.

"When I heard that Major League Baseball was supporting a celebration of our nation's 250th birthday and is the first pro sports league to do so, I thought it was terrific and made perfect sense,” Ripken said. “Baseball is our nation's pastime and should play an integral role in this important anniversary. When MLB approached me about serving on the advisory council, it was a no-brainer. I am honored to play a small role in this initiative and excited for all that will be taking place in 2026."

Fittingly, the 2026 MLB All-Star Game will take place at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, the city where the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776. Philadelphia also hosted the All-Star Game in 1976, America’s bicentennial anniversary, and it will be one of the epicenters of activities commemorating the 250th.