MLB observes Armed Forces Day and Memorial Day

Throughout the rest of the month of May, Major League Baseball will be making a special effort to support our troops.

Through the MLB Together platform, MLB, along with its teams and players, proudly supports and recognizes those who serve our country. MLB pays tribute to our service members, veterans and military families through a fully integrated platform that includes community initiatives, gameday activations and philanthropic support, allowing for greater connection and commitment year-round.

More specifically, on Armed Forces Day (Saturday) and throughout the entire weekend, MLB will honor active service members, veterans and military families. On Memorial Day (Monday, May 27), MLB will join the nation in remembering and honoring those who have died in service to our country.

To start, MLB plans to honor military members and their families throughout the weekend of Armed Forces Day, which was established by President Harry S. Truman in 1949 and is traditionally celebrated each year on the third Saturday of May. On this day, when citizens unite and honor military heroes for their patriotic service in support of the U.S., MLB players and club personnel will wear military-inspired New Era caps with their uniforms, as well as optional camo-themed Stance socks.

Furthermore, MLB donates 100% of its licensed royalties from the sale of Armed Forces Day On-Field Authentic Collection apparel to MLB Charities to support military programs. League donations for 2024 benefit Blue Star Families, Code of Support Foundation, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (a national nonprofit providing compassionate care and comprehensive resources for all those grieving the death of a military or veteran loved one), The Mission Continues, USA Patriots Amputee Softball Team and Wounded Warrior Project.

For any club-related auction of Armed Forces Day team-issued or game-used apparel and equipment, it is strongly encouraged that all club proceeds support military-focused charities and/or veteran-service organizations. Additionally, the Armed Forces Day logo will appear on the bases at each ballpark and on team lineup cards.

As for Memorial Day, the game will observe a solemn pause -- through the league-wide participation in the National Moment of Remembrance -- to honor the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in losing their lives in service to our country.

In connection with the special national holiday, and in memory of all those whose lives were lost as a result of their military service, all on-field MLB personnel will wear the traditional red poppy on the left side of their uniforms with “Lest We Forget” language adorning the visage.

These uniform items will not be sold to the public. As is the case with Armed Forces Day, the Memorial Day logo will also appear on the bases at each ballpark and on team lineup cards.

Beyond the specific events taking place in May, MLB has a long-standing tradition to honor and support men and women in service, as well as the families who sacrifice in order to serve our country. For the 2024 season, MLB Charities has committed over $1 million in cash and in-kind donations to support military-focused charities under the following pillars: DE&I, families and youth, mental health, and support of veterans.