Sixth Edition of League-Wide Event Sees Players Showcase Their Individuality Through Custom Bats and Cleats That Highlight the People, Passions and Causes That Inspire Them
MLB Network to air “Players’ Weekend Special” Saturday, August 22nd at 1 p.m. ET
MLB Players’ Weekend returns today and runs through this weekend, August 21st-23rd, to provide Major League players the opportunity to showcase the people, passions and causes that make them who they are on and off the field. After originally taking place from 2017-2019 and then re-imagined in 2024, this sixth edition of Players’ Weekend brings personal stories and self-expression to life through custom bats and cleats, and a wide breadth of storytelling across MLB platforms, Club outlets and media partner channels.
Players’ Weekend is about celebrating what makes each player one-of-a-kind and highlighting their unique personalities. This year, more than 400 players have submitted custom bat designs to use over the course of the weekend, a record for the six iterations of this league-wide event.
Throughout the weekend, players use their custom gear, including bats provided by Marucci, Victus, or another approved bat supplier, to highlight their hometowns, native countries, family members, alma maters, hobbies, passions, nicknames, favorite characters, foundations and other meaningful aspects of their lives. The weekend also provides players with a platform to recognize causes and charitable organizations that are important to them and to show appreciation for the people who helped them on their journeys to the Major Leagues. Adding to this year’s on-field look, players will sport a Players’ Weekend logo patch on the side of their New Era caps. Following Players’ Weekend, players have the opportunity to auction their custom bats and cleats through MLB Auctions, with proceeds benefiting charities of their choice. Fans can sign up for the MLB Auctions Newsletter to receive updates on custom gear from Players’ Weekend that will become available.
As part of MLB’s Latino cultural marketing platform “El Béisbol es Otra Cosa,” this year’s campaign – Flow Mayor – celebrates the powerful influence of Latino culture on and off the field. For Players’ Weekend, the Flow Mayor campaign will bring the language and energy of Latino culture to life through custom Franklin batting gloves worn by players around MLB.
MLB, its 30 Clubs and media partners bring these stories to fans through game presentation elements, broadcast features, interviews, social media content and other digital storytelling throughout the weekend. Fans have the opportunity to learn more about the inspirations behind players’ custom gear and get a closer look at the personalities and experiences that make the players they follow unique.
MLB social media channels have already begun to share players’ personal stories with fans across multiple platforms. One example is a sit-down interview with Boston Red Sox pitcher Payton Tolle who is honoring his late mother with a special tribute on his custom pitching glove. Another social media-specific video sees Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez discuss his new passion for DJing. Additional player-driven content will roll out across MLB’s social channels throughout the weekend.
MLB Network airs a “Players’ Weekend Special” Saturday, August 22nd at 1 p.m. ET, hosted by Siera Santos and Kevin Kiermaier. The special features three unique interviews:
- Cincinnati Reds rookie and Major League RBI leader Sal Stewart discusses his Miami roots and journey to the Major Leagues with MLB Network’s Yonder Alonso.
- Atlanta Braves star and 2021 World Series Champion Ozzie Albies welcomes Santos into his home for an “Ozzie’s Fishes Tour” which highlights his love of fish and passion for animal rescue through the Ozzie Albies Foundation.
- New York Yankees pitcher Cam Schlittler sits down with Tom Verducci to discuss his pitching mentality during his All-Star season.
Eight nationally broadcast games over the weekend provide additional opportunities to emphasize these player stories on Apple TV, FOX, FS1, FOX One, NBC, Peacock and ESPN.
Additional Players’ Weekend stories, photos, videos and content will be available throughout the weekend across MLB.com, MLB social media channels and Club platforms.