The Fourth of July is not only synonymous with fireworks and barbecues in the United States, it is also a historic date for Major League Baseball. Independence Day has always been a symbolic date for MLB.
On this date, for example, we remember the no-hitter pitched by Dave Righetti at the old Yankee Stadium against the Boston Red Sox. It was the first of its kind since Don Larsen‘s perfect game in the 1956 World Series and the first for a left-handed pitcher since George Mogridge in 1917.
The classic of the Big Apple
That’s why the classic game in the Big Apple between the Yankees and the Mets at Citi Field will be the prime time of the day. Why? Because beyond the clash itself between the two teams from the most important city in the world, two teams will face each other that are fighting for the top of their respective divisions: the American League East and the National League.
But this game has another attraction for the families who decide to go to Citi Field to watch the game: Aaron Judge and Juan Soto, two of the best hitters in the game today, will be facing each other.
If it were not for the huge 12.5-game lead that the Detroit Tigers have over the Cleveland Guardians before the start of Thursday’s game, the clash would be loaded with overtones of apotheosis. However, the team led offensively by Jose Ramirez is fighting for a wild card spot in the American League.
For fans following their teams from afar, the day will be available on national and international broadcasts, with coverage from ESPN, MLB Network and streaming platforms such as MLB.TV, which will offer free access to several games over the holiday weekend, according to the league.
In addition, several ballparks will pay tribute to military personnel and veterans, as is customary on this date. Pre-game ceremonies, uniforms with patriotic details and special promotions are all part of the July 4 spectacle, making this one of the most memorable days of the regular season.
The day is also key for teams looking to strengthen their fight for the postseason. With the season entering its second half, every win counts and many starting pitchers will take to the mound with the mission of closing out the week’s series strongly.
In this context, matchups such as Rangers vs Padres, both in the Wild Card race; Orioles vs Braves and Royals vs Dbacks could have direct implications on the standings. Interleague matchups also add flavor to a schedule that mixes the classic with the unpredictable.
Enjoying players like Ronald Acuña Jr, Fernando Tatis Jr, Gunnar Henderson, Cal Raleigh and Eugenio Suarez, among others, will add a more joyful color to the day.
And not to mention the high-voltage duel in Philadelphia between the Cincinnati Reds and the Philadelphia Phillies. A duel of lefties: Andrew Abbott (7-1, 1.79 ERA) against Jesus Luzardo (7-4, 4.06 ERA and 111 strikeouts in 95.1 innings).
July 4th baseball is not just a sporting event, it is part of the American cultural fabric. Watching a game, listening to the anthem, watching the ceremonial first pitch and closing the night with fireworks is part of the national ritual for millions of fans.
Baseball has survived wars, great depressions, real estate and financial crises. That’s why it matters as much as any other national symbol.
Every year, Major League Baseball turns this day into an opportunity to connect with its audience beyond the sport: families, communities, local heroes and fans who find something more than entertainment in baseball.
Complete MLB schedule for July 4, 2025
- Red Sox @ Nationals – 11:05 AM ET
- Yankees @ Mets – 3:10 PM ET
- Rangers @ Padres – 6:40 PM ET
- Orioles @ Braves – 7:15 PM ET
- Royals @ Dbacks – 9:40 PM ET
- Giants @ Athletics – 10:05 PM ET
- Pirates @ Mariners – 10:10 PM ET
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