MLB assists veterans and their families through its many initiatives.
Major League Baseball donates 100% of its licensed royalties from selling Armed Forces Day On-Field Authentic Collection apparel to MLB Charities. One of the recipients is the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), a national nonprofit organization providing compassionate care and comprehensive resources for all those grieving the death of a military or veteran loved one.
The MLB said in a statement that, in addition to conducting a national moment of silence, all teams will wear the traditional Memorial red poppy on the left side of their jerseys with “Lest We Forget” language included.
When the Milwaukee Brewers had 105-year-old World War II veteran and Pearl Harbor survivor Ed Miklavcic throw out the first pitch on April 16th, Sal Frelick dedicated the home run he hit in the game to him. “There are very few superheroes in the world, and he’s one of them,” Frelick told MLB.com reporter Adam McCalvy. “I credited him with the home run. When I returned to the dugout, I said, ‘I shook his hand.’ He’s from the greatest generation ever, and I’m super honored to be in the presence of such a legend.”
Christian Yelich and Brewers Manager Pat Murphy also shook Miklavcic’s hand and thanked him for his service. Yelich said, “You could tell how much it meant to him to be out here today. It’s pretty awesome to come out here and throw a first pitch. I just wanted to shake his hand and thank him for his service and everything he’s done for this country.”
MLB has always honored and shown support for the military and their families who have sacrificed serving our country. So far for the 2025 season, MLB Charities has committed over $1 million in cash and in-kind donations to support military-focused charities under the following pillars: Families & Youth, Mental Health, and Support of Veterans.
Visit here to learn about MLB Together or Major League Baseball’s Armed Forces Day Commemoration.
To all who served, thank you for your service!
