If there is one thing more American than baseball, it is definitely their biggest national holiday, Independence Day, also known as the 4th of July. It is what the entire world knows about the USA due to how big of a deal it is and how proud they are of it. It is taught in English classes around the globe, it is in many trivia, and it is one of those things that people simply hear about and know. But did you know that the holiday is also one of the biggest days for baseball in the country? Of course it is, because why not join two of the biggest red, white, and blue things and make a fun day out of it that the whole family can enjoy? Fireworks and MLB sporting fun, which you can enjoy with Stake MLB Promotion, now that is what America is all about!
Joking aside, the 4th of July really is one of Major League Baseball’s most iconic days of the season. Both for obvious reasons and not, the sport is enjoyed that much more on the biggest holiday of the year, excluding religious ones. If you are a fan of the beautiful sport of baseball and want to learn more about the game, you also have to know why this day is so big for the league and what happens on it. Join us as we explore the deep and important connection between America’s pastime and the day the country celebrates its independence. Those who enjoy sports wagering and typically Bet on MLB baseball when big games are around will benefit from this information the most.
Historical Connection Between Baseball and the 4th of July
Due to their deep patriotic connection in the history of America, many instances and examples highlight the long relationship between the holiday and the sport. Referred to as America’s Pastime, baseball and MLB are natural companions to something so American as Independence Day. They go hand in hand, and both are said to represent the country’s ideals of democracy, freedom, and community spirit.
The first known baseball game on the 4th of July that was recorded dates back to the middle of the 1800s. It was during the formative years of the sport, but by the 1860s, playing it on the day became common in many towns across the country. Even back then, the sport was thought of as national, a prideful activity that makes you a citizen of the USA. So, of course, they would play it on the biggest day of the year in the Land of the Free, Home of the Brave. Eventually, local teams started playing patriotic games as part of civic celebrations, parades, and picnics.
When it comes to the pros and the MLB, the first official game on the 4th began in the 1870s. Since then, every MLB season has featured at least one game on Independence Day. This year, in the 2025 season, there are 15 games with all 30 teams in action on the big day. It is a prime opportunity for the fans of wagering on sports, so make sure to have the Best sports betting site ready and waiting with the best odds and plenty of different bets. These matches are regular season meetings, but they are thought of as more than that, both by the players taking the field and the fans cheering on their favorite teams.
One of the historically most iconic moments in baseball, as well as American sports history in general, took place on July 4, 1939. It was when Lou Gehrig gave his farewell speech at Yankee Stadium after being diagnosed with ALS. His most famous line, “Today, I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the Earth,” is etched in the history of the country and its sports, as it combines baseball, heroism, and the strong patriotic spirit and resilience.
The Modern Era: A Baseball and Celebration Spectacle
American sports and important holidays go hand in hand. The NBA does it for Christmas with games that usually feature rivalries and the best teams of the season. They garner a lot of attention and help promote the sport. The NFL does it on Thanksgiving Day, a tradition since the inception of the league, and football is now associated with the important family and national holiday.
For baseball in the modern era, it remains the 4th as teams schedule fireworks shows before, during, and after games. It helps to establish and reinforce the link between the sport and the holiday, and the fans are always up for it. The games draw larger crowds as these matchups are among the highest attended dates on the MLB calendar. Starting in the early and middle 20th century, it was tradition for the teams to play doubleheaders on the day, especially before the widespread TV era began. The fans, therefore, had a full day of entertainment.
In the year 1960, Mickey Mantle hit a 500-foot home run during a July 4 doubleheader, a very memorable hit. But that is hardly the only milestone for the holiday games. In 1976, at the bicentennial, MLB celebrated the 200th birthday of America with special uniforms, ceremonies, and tributes during the games. In 1983, Dave Righetti of the NY Yankees threw a no-hitter against the Boston Red Sox, a rare and dramatic holiday feat for July 4.
In 1993, the fans got to witness a marathon game between the Philadelphia Phillies and the San Diego Padres. There were 20 innings at the Veterans Stadium, and it took over six hours to complete. Ultimately, the Phillies won 7-6. It started in the daylight and ended well after the night had set. The fans got two for one entertainment as they witnessed an instant classic in holiday baseball.
In one of the 2003 games, David Ortiz gave the Red Sox fans a memorable Independence Day as he blasted two home runs against the Blue Jays in a dominant 12-5 victory. The performance helped make him a legend in Boston sports, which is never an easy feat, as he continued a breakout season.
In 2008, the NY Yankees faced the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium. The game was delayed due to the rain, but the night saw a dramatic 10th-inning walk-off single by Brett Gardner, the first of his career. It helped the home team to dominate the summer during the final season of the old stadium.
In 2011, the Detroit Tigers player Justin Berlander took a no-hitter into the 8th inning vs. the Angels. Although he ultimately gave up a hit, the performance showcased his dominance during the season in which he won the Cy Young Award. In 2015, Stephen Strasboug of the Washington Nationals had a dominant performance against the Giants as he struck out seven over 3.2 scoreless innings before he left with an injury. The bullpen did carry the load, and the offense exploded for a 9-3 win.
Since the sport is present in all corners of the country, it is not just the MLB that celebrates the holiday each year. July 4 is equally important for every American, young and old, pro or amateur. Therefore, minor leagues and Americana also embrace the holiday heavily and host parades, military flyovers, BBQs, and themed giveaways. For smaller towns, local ballparks become centerpieces of Independence Day festivities with concerts, picnics, and various festivities and events that make the whole week better and more fun.
Who is Playing This Time Around?
In the ongoing 2025 season of Major League Baseball, it will be a true sports day for the fans of the game, but also for the bettors on Stake.com. All 30 teams are on schedule with some great matchups, like the New York clash between the Yankees and the Mets at 3:10 PM ET, and the East Coast classic of the Boston Red Sox at the Washington Nationals at 1:05 PM ET. The slate includes CIN at PHI, STL at CHC, PIT at SEA, TB at MIN, TEX at SD, LAA at TOR, DET at CLE, MIL at MIA, BAL at ATL, CWS at COL, HOU at LAD, KC at AZ, and SF at ATH.
With the season at its halfway mark, it is still way too early to predict the winners. However, that has never stopped us before, and after all, it is the only way to make the always popular outright bets. Betting long term and picking the winners of individual and team awards early in the season can lead to considerable payouts in September when the season finishes. If you are a fan of this sort of sports wagering, we have some odds for you.
To reach the ALCS, the Detroit Tigers lead the way with 2.05 odds, followed by the Yankees with 2.20 and the Houston Astros with 2.80. To reach the NLCS, it is the LA Dodgers with 1.62 odds, followed by the Phillies with 2.62 and the New York Mets with 3.25. As for the World Series title odds, the defending champions LA Dodgers, are the current favorites, again, with 3.25 odds. The team they beat last year, the Yankees, are second with 7.00.
The American League MVP odds are dominated by Aaron Judge with 1.10, while the National League MVP favorite is Shohei Ohtani. Judge is also the betting favorite for the regular season home run leader with 1.95 odds. It seems it will be more of the same this year, but then again, the cities of LA and NY will not mind it one bit
4th of July FAQs
While you may be aware of what is celebrated on the day and why the holiday exists in the first place, there are still many unfamiliarities surrounding it. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about it, its meaning, history, and the way it is celebrated.
- What is the significance of the 4th of July in the United States?
The 4th of July (Independence Day) marks the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. The 13 American colonies declared independence from British rule and became an independent country, the USA.
- Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?
Thomas Jefferson was the primary author, but there was a lot of input from crucial figures at the time, including John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and others on the drafting committee.
- Was the Declaration actually signed on July 4th?
No, and many people do not realize it. While the document was adopted on July 4, 1776, most delegates signed it later, mainly on August 2, 1776.
- Why are fireworks associated with the 4th of July?
Fireworks symbolize the “rockets’ red glare” mentioned in the national anthem and have been part of 4th of July celebrations since 1777. They are to represent the bursting spirit of freedom and celebration.
- What are the common ways Americans celebrate Independence Day?
Apart from firework displays, people celebrate with parades, barbecues, concerts, and patriotic displays. It is also a time for family gatherings, community festivals, and honoring military service.
- Is the 4th of July celebrated outside the United States?
While it is a US national holiday, celebrations sometimes occur abroad in territories, embassies, military bases, or in cities with large American expatriate communities.
- What was the first city to officially celebrate the 4th of July?
Philadelphia held the first official annual celebration on July 4, 1777. They did so with fireworks, bonfires, and ringing of bells.
- What was the U.S. relationship with Britain before independence?
The 13 colonies were under British rule and had no representation in Parliament. Colonists became increasingly frustrated with taxation without representation and British military presence, which eventually sparked the Revolutionary War.
- What role did the Revolutionary War play in Independence Day?
The Revolutionary War (1775–1783) was the military struggle for independence. The Declaration of Independence was the political step, and the war secured it.
- What patriotic songs are commonly heard on the 4th of July?
Songs like “The Star Spangled Banner,” “America the Beautiful,” and “God Bless America” are staples of the holiday. They evoke national pride and heritage.
