The 2025 MLB All-Star Game will mark a significant shift in tradition as players return to their respective team uniforms for the Midsummer Classic. Scheduled for July 14 and July 15, 2025, at Truist Park in Atlanta, this change ends a six-year period during which special All-Star jerseys were used, moving away from the classic look that has defined the event for decades.
The announcement, made by Major League Baseball in September 2024, reflects a desire to reconnect with the heritage of the game. Players will represent their “hometown” teams by wearing their primary home and road uniforms, a practice that has not been seen since 2019. The National League All-Stars will don their home whites, while the American League All-Stars will wear their road uniforms, accompanied by specially designed caps.
All-Star Jerseys Still in Play for Other Events
While the All-Star Game will showcase traditional uniforms, the new All-Star jerseys will still have their moment during the All-Star Workout Day and the Home Run Derby. These jerseys are designed with inspiration from the Braves’ retro uniforms, featuring unique typefaces and colors that celebrate the host city.
This year’s Home Run Derby is particularly significant, as all participants will wear jerseys that pay homage to the legends of the game. For instance, players will sport the numbers 3 and 44, honoring Babe Ruth and Hank Aaron, two of baseball’s most iconic figures. The choice of these numbers aligns with Ruth’s career home run total of 714 and Aaron’s historic mark of 715, both of which hold special significance in baseball history. The initiative was driven by Hall of Fame pitcher CC Sabathia, who currently serves as a special assistant to MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred.
A Brief History of Uniform Changes
Prior to 2021, the All-Star Game maintained a tradition of players wearing their primary team uniforms since 1930. The switch to special jerseys was meant to create a unique aesthetic for the All-Star festivities. However, many fans and players expressed a longing for the classic uniforms that had been a staple for nearly a century.
The last All-Star Game featuring primary uniforms occurred in 2019. The hiatus in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted the annual tradition, but MLB’s decision to revert to team uniforms signals a renewed commitment to honoring the game’s legacy while still allowing for modern interpretations during other events.
As the Midsummer Classic approaches, excitement builds around the blend of tradition and innovation. Fans can look forward to seeing their favorite players in familiar uniforms, reflecting their allegiance to their teams while participating in one of baseball’s most cherished events.
