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MLB commits to year-long volunteer action as the United States marks 250 years
As the United States approaches its 250th birthday in July, Major League Baseball (MLB) is leveraging the moment as more than a celebration of history. The sport long considered ‘America’s pastime’ has a shared evolution with the country itself. Baseball has endeared itself to generations of fans, weaving its way into some of the nation’s most pivotal moments and reflecting broader shifts in American society.
Evolving from 18th-century bat-and-ball games, the first recorded baseball game took place in New York in 1749. During World War II, as the league faced potential collapse with more than 500 players drafted and thousands more serving in the minor leagues, organizers were forced to find new ways to keep the sport alive. That period gave rise to the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League in 1943, the first professional women’s sports league in the United States. Baseball was also among the first major American sports to integrate, when Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in 1947, years before the Brown v. Board of Education decision desegregated public schools nationwide.
Through these moments, baseball has often served as a shared cultural touchpoint, offering continuity even as the country reckoned with change. In some cases the sport reflected broader shifts already underway. In others, it helped move those shifts into the public consciousness.
That same sense of presence now shapes how the league is approaching the 250th celebration. It plans to mobilize people across the game to show up for their communities through sustained volunteer action. Through its MLB Together social responsibility platform, the league has committed to generating 250,000 volunteer hours during the 2026 baseball season. The effort brings together players, front office staff, teams and fans across all 30 Major League clubs and more than 120 Minor League teams, embedding service into the everyday rhythms of the sport.
As part of its plans, the league is working in partnership with “America250,” the congressionally established organization leading the United States’ anniversary commemoration. The league’s volunteer efforts support a broader push from America250 and its partners to expand civic participation and make 2026 the largest year of volunteerism in U.S. history.
“Our great game has been a source of entertainment and enjoyment for Americans for more than 150 years,” said MLB Commissioner Fred Manfred. “During difficult times, baseball has served as a source of strength for Americans and the country as a whole. When you have a nickname like ‘America’s pastime,’ we feel that it’s really important that we have a special obligation to appropriately commemorate the 250th anniversary of the country.”
That work is already underway. At its Manhattan headquarters, MLB staff recently partnered with nonprofit organization Foster Love to assemble “Sweet Cases,” hand-decorated duffle bags filled with essentials for children entering foster care. Similar efforts are taking place across the country as teams begin translating a national milestone into local action.
This week, the initiative is also intersecting with the MLB DREAM Series, a development experience for elite high school pitchers and catchers held during the upcoming Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend. Established in 2017 and operated by MLB and USA Baseball, the DREAM Series brings together a diverse group of athletes – predominantly African-American players – for high-level instruction alongside mentorship, seminars, scout evaluations and exposure to collegiate coaches.
This program is designed to develop players on and off the field, while removing financial barriers. Participation is free, with USA Baseball covering expenses and creating access to opportunities that are often out of reach for young athletes. During the event, participants also take part in volunteer activities connected to MLB’s commitment, linking player development with community service.
By pairing a national milestone with hands-on service and youth development, MLB is using its platform to look forward as much as it looks back. From volunteer projects in local communities to programs expanding access for young athletes, the league’s approach reflects baseball’s long-standing role as a connector, rooted in participation, responsibility and shared opportunity beyond the field.
MLB is a Beyond Sport Founding Supporter.
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