Major League Baseball (MLB) is set to revive a cherished tradition during the 2025 All-Star festivities. For the first time in six years, All-Stars will wear their respective team uniforms during the Midsummer Classic, taking place at Truist Park in Atlanta on July 14 and July 15, 2025. This change marks a significant shift back to the classic aesthetic that has characterized the game for decades.
The decision to revert to team uniforms comes after a four-year period during which players donned special All-Star jerseys, a departure from a nearly 90-year-old tradition. According to MLB officials, the shift aims to allow players to represent their “hometown” teams, fostering a sense of pride and connection with fans. National League All-Stars will wear their home whites, while American League All-Stars will sport their road uniforms.
While the All-Star Game will feature traditional uniforms, the special All-Star jerseys are not disappearing entirely. These unique, region-inspired uniforms will still make an appearance during the All-Star Workout Day and the Home Run Derby, which will take place at the same venue. The Home Run Derby jerseys will draw inspiration from the retro uniforms of the Atlanta Braves, incorporating elements of the team’s typeface and design.
The Home Run Derby is particularly noteworthy this year, as participants will wear jerseys that honor two legendary figures in baseball history. All National League participants will wear the number 44, paying tribute to Hank Aaron, while American League participants will don the number 3 in honor of Babe Ruth. This choice reflects both players’ monumental contributions to the sport, with Ruth’s career home run total of 714 and Aaron’s historic 715 home runs achieved at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium.
The last instance of MLB All-Stars wearing their primary uniforms during the All-Star Game occurred in 2019. Prior to the switch to special jerseys in 2021, players had donned their traditional uniforms from 1930 to 2019. The 2020 All-Star Game was not held due to the COVID-19 pandemic, making this return to tradition particularly significant.
In a statement, Hall of Fame pitcher CC Sabathia, who now serves as a special assistant to MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, emphasized the importance of the change. “Bringing back the team uniforms helps players connect with their roots and their fans,” Sabathia noted. This sentiment resonates with many fans who have long cherished the visual representation of their favorite teams during one of baseball’s biggest events.
The excitement surrounding the All-Star Game is palpable, and as fans prepare for this year’s festivities, the return to team uniforms is expected to enhance the experience, allowing for a deeper connection to the sport’s rich history and competitive spirit.
