(COOPERSTOWN, NY) – Big league players across the decades have exchanged their MLB uniforms for those of the military while serving their country.
But those players wore more than just outfits of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. Many of those players donned the baseball jerseys of their respective service branch on the diamond – and those jerseys have been meticulously replicated by Ebbets Field for the Hall of Fame Military Classic.
The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum has partnered with Ebbets Field for uniforms worn by Hall of Famers and players participating in the May 23 Hall of Fame Military Classic: A Tribute to Service and Sacrifice. The uniformed representatives on Doubleday Field will wear wool jersey tops replicating baseball uniforms from armed forces.
“We’ve been honored to work with the Hall of Fame for many years, including the uniforms for the 2024 Hall of Fame East-West Classic, and we really hope the players love these jerseys and that they honor the work that they’ve done,” said Sunny Chang, design director for Ebbets Field. “We’re thrilled to be able to bring authenticity to these moments.”
The Hall of Fame Military Classic jerseys feature the name of the service branch across the chest and a left sleeve patch with the game logo. The jerseys were based on archival photos and available historic uniforms, and each military branch reviewed the jerseys before they were fabricated.
Ebbets Field also produces the jerseys worn by Hall of Famers when they are first elected to the Hall of Fame.
“We are so grateful to Ebbets Field for creating jerseys that represent the spirit of the Hall of Fame Military Classic,” said Josh Rawitch, President of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. “The authenticity of these jerseys connects the stars of today with the legends of the past who sacrificed so much for our country.”
Game-worn jerseys from the Hall of Fame Military Classic and autographed by the player who wore them will be auctioned off at MLB.com following the game to support the Museum’s nonprofit mission. A limited number of jerseys with patch sleeve logos will also be available for purchase through the Hall of Fame’s Museum Store, with sales benefiting the Museum’s mission of Preserving History, Honoring Excellence and Connecting Generations.
The Hall of Fame Military Classic legends game will feature seven Hall of Famers and 25 former big league stars in a seven-inning contest at Cooperstown’s Doubleday Field.
Hall of Famers Wade Boggs, Rollie Fingers, Todd Helton, Fergie Jenkins, Tony La Russa, Jack Morris and Scott Rolen will serve as managers and coaches at the Military Classic.
Fueled by assistance from Major League Baseball, the complete roster features: Jeremy Affeldt, Nick Ahmed, Al Bumbry, Charlie Culberson, Ryan Dempster, Mark Dewey, Jonny Gomes, Mitch Harris, Edwin Jackson, Ian Kennedy, Jonathan Lucroy, Kevin Mench, Rick Monday, Charlie Morton, Daniel Murphy, Jake Peavy, Curtis Pride, Josh Reddick, Zach Reks, David Robertson, Chris Rowley, Shane Spencer, Alex Wilson, Todd Zeile and Brad Ziegler.
The family-fun activities begin when gates open at 11 a.m. on May 23, and a pregame home run hitting contest will begin at noon, followed by the 1 p.m. game. Activities will include a bounce house/slide, balloon artists, face painting, food and beverage options from local food trucks and music and giveaways, including a free 24-page commemorative program magazine. Children 12-and-under can Race Around the Bases following the game.
Tickets for the Hall of Fame Military Classic are on sale now online or at 1-888-325-0470 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET.
