MLB to honor service members during 'Armed Forces Day' Weekend
May 19th, 2023
Major League Baseball and its clubs will demonstrate the sport’s appreciation of military service men, women, and their families this weekend in commemoration of Armed Forces Day. Through the MLB Together platform, Baseball will celebrate service members, veterans, and military families in ballparks, through charitable giving and continuing several partnership activations in order to build greater connection and commitment to the cause.
ON-FIELD:
- One-of-a-kind, service-inspired caps specially designed by New Era featuring Club logos will be worn by all players, managers, coaches, and other on-field personnel on Friday, May 19, Saturday, May 20 (Armed Forces Day) and Sunday, May 21.
- A matching pair of camouflage Stance socks is available for each player.
- Commemorative base jewels and lineup cards featuring a special Armed Forces Day logo also will be used.
CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION:
- 100% of the licensed royalties from the sale of Armed Forces Day On-Field Authentic Collection apparel is donated to MLB Charities to support military programs. League donations in 2023 will benefit Blue Star Families, Code of Support Foundation, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), The Mission Continues, USA Patriots Amputee Softball Team, and Wounded Warrior Project.
ADDITIONAL MILITARY COMMUNITY SUPPORT:
- MLB has continued its mentorship program partnership with American Corporate Partners (ACP) to assist service members in their transitions into the workplace.
- ACP is focused on helping returning veterans and active-duty spouses find their next careers through one-on-one mentoring, networking and online career advice. ACP engages interested volunteers in a unique opportunity to provide career guidance to returning military as they transition back into civilian life. ACP believes that the biggest issue facing returning service members is not unemployment – it’s underemployment, and it focuses on helping veterans and active-duty spouses find meaningful employment opportunities and develop long-term careers.
- Youth from TAPS families will once again participate in a clinic on the showcase diamond at PLAY BALL Park during MLB All-Star Week in Seattle. PLAY BALL Park is an interactive baseball experience opening for four days in the host city as part of MLB’s All-Star festivities.
- For the 2023 season, each Major League Club will receive $20,000 which may be used to support an organization, event, or initiative in their local market, further strengthening MLB’s overall support of the military.
For more information about MLB Together, or Major League Baseball’s Armed Forces Day commemoration, please visit: MLBTogether.com.