MLB to Honor Legends Aaron and Ruth with Special Jerseys at 2025 Home Run Derby in Atlanta

July 3, 2025
MLB to Honor Legends Aaron and Ruth with Special Jerseys at 2025 Home Run Derby in Atlanta
  • Major League Baseball is set to honor legendary players Hank Aaron and Babe Ruth during the upcoming Home Run Derby in Atlanta, where National League players will don No. 44 jerseys and American League players will wear No. 3 jerseys.

  • The Home Run Derby is scheduled for July 14, 2025, followed by the All-Star Game on July 15, 2025, with the dates reflecting Ruth's career total of 714 home runs and Aaron's record-breaking 715th home run.

  • This initiative, inspired by former MLB pitcher CC Sabathia, aims to connect modern players with the game's legends and encourage younger fans to appreciate baseball's rich history.

  • Sabathia proposed that players wear special All-Star weekend uniforms to pay tribute to Ruth and Aaron, emphasizing the importance of storytelling in baseball.

  • This tribute marks the second time MLB has honored Hank Aaron at the Home Run Derby, following a similar tribute in 2021 after his passing, when all participants wore No. 44.

  • Hank Aaron's connection to Atlanta is particularly significant, as he played for the Atlanta Braves from 1966 to 1974.

  • While Barry Bonds holds the all-time home run record with 762, Aaron and Ruth remain second and third on the list with 755 and 714 home runs, respectively.

  • Currently, three participants have been confirmed for the Home Run Derby: Ronald Acuña Jr., who was the first confirmed, Cal Raleigh, leading the majors with 33 home runs, and rookie James Wood, who has 22 home runs this season.

  • Speculation surrounds potential appearances from stars like Aaron Judge or Shohei Ohtani, with five more participants expected to be announced soon.

  • The jerseys worn during the event will feature a lighter shade of blue for the National League and a darker blue for the American League, adorned with red trim and distinctive jock tags stating 'ATL 2025.'

  • In an impressive display of power, James Wood has hit 12 home runs with exit velocities over 110 mph, ranking second in the league behind Shohei Ohtani.

Summary based on 4 sources


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