Major League Baseball is currently tracking a number that has nothing to do with the standings: 250,000.
In celebration of America’s upcoming 250th birthday, MLB committed to a quarter-million hours of volunteer service by the end of 2026. On Thursday, the MLB League Office moved the needle significantly toward that America 250 goal, as 60 employees packed 5,000 meals in a single afternoon for its long-term partner, Rise Against Hunger.
The event marked a historic milestone of 100,000 total meals packed through the partnership. For a league that operates as a central pillar of American culture, the achievement provides tangible evidence of a mission that currently stands at more than 35,000 hours served. For MLB senior vice president of social responsibility April Brown, the milestone provided a look at MLB’s institutional impact beyond the ballpark.
"It makes me feel so proud to work for Major League Baseball, because it truly is a heartfelt game," Brown said. "We have a passionate game on the field, but the heart is off the baseball diamond when we get to do things like this. I’m so always so overwhelmed with joy when our employees come together and do these types of activities and events that help others."
The partnership with Rise Against Hunger specifically targets global food insecurity, with each pack assembled on Thursday capable of feeding a family of four to five people. These sustainable meals are destined for front-line areas impacted by natural disasters or conflict.
These efforts are part of the MLB Together platform, a unified strategy across MLB's 150 professional clubs to impact the communities where they play, work, and live.
"When we looked at how we wanted to activate through our MLB Together platform to celebrate America’s 250th birthday, it made complete sense that we should give back to all of those fans and communities who’ve been supportive of us," Brown said.
"Baseball is wrapped in America's fabric."
In observance of National Volunteer Awareness Month, MLB is using the 100,000-meal milestone to invite fans to join the service roster. MLB is encouraging the public to share their own stories of service and log volunteer hours to be counted toward the 250,000-hour goal.
Whether it’s coaching a youth team, cleaning up a local park, or serving meals, every hour contributes to the larger commitment of the national pastime giving back to the country.
"That first step [of volunteering] is going to be the best step you ever made," Brown said. "You’re going to feel so good about the work you’re giving back, and you’re going to meet other incredible individuals while you’re doing it. And we can help you."
As the America 250 campaign continues, MLB is hoping that its most enduring legacy will be the impact made off the field.
"We love our game," Brown said. "We’ve got an amazing game, but we love our fans and we love our communities, and want to give back to those in need."
For fans looking to join the effort and get involved in their own communities, MLB has made it easy to contribute. Supporters can visit MLBTogether.com/A250 to log their service hours, find local volunteer opportunities or see the specific community work being done by their favorite club.