Baseball Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr. to Serve on America250 Sports and Entertainment Advisory Council
Washington, D.C. –America250, the nationwide commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary in 2026 led by the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, has signed a multiyear partnership with Major League Baseball (MLB) to share the deeply American stories of the country’s national pastime.
As the first major professional sports league to join in the effort to mark 250 years of America’s independence, MLB will work with America250 on several initiatives to highlight the sport’s historic roots and cultural contributions including the America250 Time Capsule, a literary podcast featuring classic American stories, and more.
“Baseball has captured America’s heart for hundreds of years. The impact of the game can be traced from the early colonies through the Civil War, the Great Depression, World War II, the Civil Rights movement, 9/11, and of course, to modern day. What a joy it will be to partner with Major League Baseball and trace its influence and impact in honor of our nation’s 250th,” said Daniel M. DiLella, chairman of the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission.
“Major League Baseball is proud to partner with America250 to celebrate an important milestone for our country. The history of baseball and the United States are intertwined with the sport serving Americans as an ever-present form of joyful entertainment, a right of passage for young people playing the game, a way for generations of family members to bond, and a source of diversion and recovery through difficult times. We are honored to be a part of this national celebration and look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead for this partnership and for the game in this country,” said Chris Marinak, MLB chief operations and strategy officer.
Ripken for advisory council
In addition, Cal Ripken Jr., Baseball Hall of Famer and former Baltimore Orioles shortstop and third baseman, will serve on the America250 Sports and Entertainment Advisory Council. A personification of excellence and endurance, Ripken set the MLB consecutive games played streak competing in 2,632 consecutive games from 1982 to 1998 breaking the mark set by the legendary Yankees first baseman Lou Gehrig, whose streak ended in 1939 after he was diagnosed with ALS. Ripken is a 19-time All-Star, two-time MVP, a 1983 Rookie of the Year and World Series champion.
Ripken said, “When I heard that Major League Baseball was supporting a celebration of our nation’s 250th birthday, and is the first pro sports league to do so, I thought it was terrific and made perfect sense. Baseball is our nation’s pastime and should play an integral role in this important anniversary. When MLB approached me about serving on the advisory council it was a no brainer. I am honored to play a small role in this initiative and excited for all that will be taking place in 2026.”
MLB for America’s 250th and beyond
Already with an eye toward the semiquincentennial, MLB previously announced that its 2026 MLB All-Star Game will be played in Philadelphia at Citizens Bank Park. Philadelphia is the home of the Declaration of Independence’s historic signing and will be an epicenter of activities marking the 250th. Philadelphia also hosted the 1976 MLB All-Star Game commemorating America’s 200th anniversary.
And in line with America250’s commitment to inclusion and sharing a diverse tapestry of the nation’s stories, MLB continues to welcome a diverse collection of the best baseball players from around the world with 256 players representing 20 countries and territories on five continents appearing on Opening Day rosters at the start of this season.
About America250
America250 is a multiyear effort to commemorate the semiquincentennial, or 250th anniversary, of the United States. The purpose of the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, created by Congress, and the corresponding America250 Foundation, is to catalyze a more perfect union by designing and leading the most comprehensive and inclusive celebration in our country’s history. America250 represents a coalition of public and private partners all working to create initiatives and programs that honor our first 250 years and inspire Americans to imagine our next 250. The commemoration period began in 2020, culminates on July 4, 2026, and officially concludes in 2027. For more information, visit www.america250.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter , Instagram and TikTok.
Media Contact:
Keri Potts, VP Communications and Public Relations, America250, [email protected]
America’s Field Trip
Engaging students nationwide to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary!
A new contest inviting students in grades 3–12 to share their perspectives on what America means to them — and earn the opportunity to participate in field trip experiences at some of the nation’s most iconic historic and cultural landmarks.