National Baseball Day

National Baseball Day is here to serve as a reminder for people who enjoy the game to show some love and appreciation for the game, as well as the players, coaches and even the fans! 

History of National Baseball Day

The history of National Baseball Day can be traced back to the time in the mid-1800s when baseball made its way into the world via the United States. Likely modeled after an older British game called rounders, baseball has gone through many eras and iterations to become the American national pastime that it is today. From the time when the first professional league started in the late 1800s to today’s version of baseball, this game has grown to be beloved by adults and children in various parts of the world.

National Baseball Day dates back to 1964 when it was signed as a declaration by then US president Lyndon Johnson. The day is also part of a larger number of days that have been promoted by Rick McNeely. As a DJ for the Fishbowl Radio Network in Arlington, Texas, McNeely has been involved in making sure a number of different days are connected with and celebrated!

How to Celebrate National Baseball Day

Head on out to the ballpark and have hours of fun by participating in National Baseball Day with some of these ideas and activities:

Play Ball!

Have the most fun on National Baseball Day by celebrating one of America’s favorite pastimes and getting outside to play some baseball. Grab some friends for a pickup game at a local baseball diamond in the park. Or, for those who own the gear, it might be fun to just throw some bases down in the backyard, pick up a bat and some gloves and get to playing. Serious or fun, playing baseball is a delightful way to celebrate this day.

Attend a Baseball Game 

Taking place fairly early on in the professional (MLB) baseball season, and also perhaps during some little league, high school or college baseball seasons, National Baseball Day is an easy time to make plans to catch a game from novice to pro.

Those who are lucky enough to live in a city that hosts a major league team can take advantage of special events such as Family Day, Dollar Days (where concessions such as hot dogs and drinks are only $1), College Days for students, and other events throughout the season like fireworks on the weekends.

Sing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” 

Of course, even for those who don’t have access to a baseball field, it’s still possible to celebrate National Baseball Day! Invite a friend over, put a random baseball game on the television or radio and then pretend you’re there by munching on some Cracker Jacks, eating far too many hot dogs, and singing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame”!

Other fun days that can be celebrated in relationship to baseball include National Catcher’s Day in February, National Spalding Baseball Day in September, or World Softball Day in June.