Baseball is more than just America’s pastime—it’s a force for good. It brings people together, transcends cultural barriers, and builds bridges between communities. Major League Baseball (MLB) understands this incredible power, and that’s why they’ve created MLB Together—a unified platform dedicated to leveraging the influence of the game to inspire positive change in communities across the globe.
Through MLB Together, the league addresses some of society’s most pressing issues—from youth empowerment and health research to military support, environmental sustainability, and more. This multi-faceted initiative demonstrates MLB’s unwavering commitment to creating a more inclusive, resilient, and equitable world—on and off the field.
What Is MLB Together?
MLB Together is Major League Baseball’s long-term commitment to social impact and community engagement. It unites the league’s various charitable and community programs under one bold, powerful mission: to bring people closer together through the power of baseball.
From major league ballparks to local sandlots, MLB is working to make a difference in every community it touches. Whether it’s supporting underserved youth, promoting health and wellness, responding to natural disasters, or investing in greener stadiums and practices, MLB Together brings baseball’s values to life through action.
The program is built around seven key pillars, each focused on a core area of impact:
- Youth Empowerment
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
- Domestic & Physical Safety
- Health Research & Resources
- Military Family & Veteran Resources
- Disaster Relief
- MLB Green (Environmental Sustainability)
Each pillar includes targeted programs, partnerships, and events aimed at solving real problems and uplifting real people.
Spotlight on MLB’s Signature Days and Initiatives
One of the most visible ways MLB shows its commitment to community is through its Signature Initiatives—league-wide days of awareness, action, and celebration that spotlight social causes and historical figures who shaped the game:
Jackie Robinson Day
Celebrated every April 15th, this day honors Jackie Robinson, who broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball. It’s a reminder of the progress made in racial equality and a call to continue pushing forward. Every player wears Robinson’s number 42 to recognize his enduring impact on the sport and society.
Lou Gehrig Day
This day is dedicated to raising awareness about ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. MLB uses this platform to highlight the stories of those battling ALS and to fundraise for research and treatment.
Roberto Clemente Day
A celebration of humanity, service, and leadership, Roberto Clemente Day honors the legacy of the Hall of Famer who dedicated his life to helping others. Players and clubs participate in volunteer activities and recognize modern-day humanitarian heroes.
Mother’s Day & Father’s Day
These days are used not only to honor parents but to bring awareness to breast cancer (Mother’s Day) and prostate cancer (Father’s Day). Special uniforms and community events help raise funds and drive early detection efforts.
Military Appreciation Initiatives
MLB proudly supports active duty service members, veterans, and their families through ticket donations, game-day tributes, and partnerships with veteran service organizations.
Childhood Cancer Awareness Day
MLB joins the fight against pediatric cancer with this annual initiative, where players and fans unite to raise awareness, support affected families, and fund pediatric cancer research.
MLB Green
The MLB Green initiative focuses on reducing the league’s environmental impact. From waste reduction at ballparks to partnerships focused on tree planting and clean energy, MLB is stepping up to make baseball more sustainable.
Strategic Partnerships Driving Real Change
No single organization can do it all alone. MLB works with a diverse set of nonprofit and corporate partners to maximize the impact of its community initiatives. These partnerships allow MLB to combine resources, expertise, and reach to benefit millions of people.
Key partners include:
- Boys & Girls Clubs of America: Providing mentorship, after-school programs, and safe spaces for kids nationwide.
- Stand Up To Cancer: A groundbreaking collaboration that funds and accelerates cancer research, especially through game-day campaigns and player support.
- Jackie Robinson Foundation: Offering scholarships and leadership development opportunities to underrepresented students.
- Roberto Clemente Foundation: Continuing Clemente’s legacy of service through community development and youth programs.
- American Red Cross: Collaborating with MLB for disaster relief and emergency response, especially during times of natural crises like hurricanes and wildfires.
- Crisis Text Line: Supporting mental health by providing 24/7 crisis counseling via text.
Mental Health Matters
Recognizing that mental health is just as important as physical health, MLB has partnered with Crisis Text Line to offer free, 24/7 support for anyone facing mental health challenges. Fans and community members can simply text MLB to 741741 to be connected with a trained crisis counselor at any time.
This resource is a testament to MLB’s belief that community wellness starts with compassion and access to care.
How You Can Get Involved
MLB Together isn’t just about what the league is doing—it’s also a call to action for fans, players, teams, and local communities to join in. There are countless ways to participate and make a difference:
- Volunteer with MLB-partnered organizations in your city.
- Donate to causes supported by MLB Together.
- Attend Signature Day games to raise awareness and show your support.
- Share stories of impact and positivity using the hashtag #MLBTogether.
- Get involved with youth baseball or softball leagues in your area.
By getting involved, you become a part of the MLB Together movement—a network of change-makers fueled by the love of the game.
A Future Driven by Purpose
With MLB Together, Major League Baseball is proving that the game doesn’t end when the final pitch is thrown. It lives on in every community project, every child given a chance, every life saved through research, and every act of kindness made in the name of baseball.
MLB’s legacy is no longer just about records and championships—it’s about empowering people, inspiring progress, and uniting communities through action.