Father’s Day Baseball: A Perfect Way to Celebrate Dad
Few things go together quite like Father’s Day and baseball. Whether Dad is watching from the stands or coaching, many baseball dads find themselves at the ballfield on Father’s day! From legendary Father’s Day games, to fun, memory-making traditions, here’s how to make this year’s celebration a home run.
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History of Baseball on Father’s Day
Major League Baseball (MLB) has a long tradition of games on Father’s Day. Mid-June is the peak of the major league season. Between youth leagues, travel teams, and MLB there will definitely be baseball games on Father’s Day.
There have been many unforgettable baseball moments on Father’s Day. Here are a few of the most famous games and plays:
- Jim Bunning’s Perfect Game – 1964: On Father’s Day in 1964, Phillies pitcher Jim Bunning threw a perfect game against the New York Mets, making history as the first National League pitcher to achieve this feat in the 20th century.
- The Cal Ripken Jr. Tribute – 1996: Orioles legend Cal Ripken Jr. had a special Father’s Day moment when he hit a home run while his father, Cal Ripken Sr., watched from the stands.
- Ken Griffey Jr. and Sr. – 2004: Ken Griffey Jr. hit his 500th career home run on Father’s Day, an incredible tribute to his father, Ken Griffey Sr., who was also a major league baseball player.
You can read more special Father’s Day moments from baseball history here. These iconic moments remind us that baseball isn’t just about the game—it’s about family, tradition, and sharing the game with those we love.
10 Ways to Celebrate Dad at a Baseball Game
Here are ten ways to make Father’s Day extra special for the baseball-loving dad in your life. (Save this post about ways to celebrate Mom at at baseball game for next year!)
Songs for Dad
There are many ways to make the day special for Dad even when the kids have a game. Set the game-day mood with the perfect walk-up songs that celebrate dads. Here are a few great tracks that fit the theme:
- Just the Two of Us – Will Smith
- Song for Dad – Keith Urban
- You’re Going to Miss This – Trace Adkins
- Watching You – Rodney Atkins
- Papa Was A Rolling Stone – The Temptations
- Next Thing You Know – Jordan Davis
- Anything Like Me – Brad Paisley
- Drive (For Daddy Gene) – Alan Jackson
- There Goes My Life – Kenny Chesney
- Glory Days – Bruce Springsteen
- Things Dads Do– Thomas Rhett
- Sweet Child O Mine– Guns N’ Roses
- Love without End Amen- George Strait
- Centerfield- John Fogerty
Create a Father’s Day playlist to listen to on the way to the game or during a pre-game tailgate with songs from the dad’s favorite era.
Start with Morning Coffee
Every dad looks forward to a hot cup of coffee on a fun morning at the ballfields. Kick off the day by surprising the team dads with coffee. A carafe of coffee from Starbucks, Dunkin’ Donuts, or Panera Bread make this simple. Most of these coffee shops request 24 hours notice for carafe pick up so call the day before! These carafes usually include cups, creamer, sweeteners, and stirring sticks. Pick up pastries or “donuts for dads” to set the tone for a day full of family, fun, and baseball.
Father’s Day Questionnaire
Make Dad feel extra special by giving the kids a Father’s Day questionnaire to fill out. This simple printable questionnaire lets kids answer fun and heartfelt questions about their dad. Add their answers to a homemade card for a keepsake he’ll treasure forever.
Grill Out for the Dads
If the stadium allows tailgating, fire up the grill and treat Dad to his ballpark-style favorites like hamburgers or hot dogs before the game. Simple sides such as bags of potato chips or pretzels and a cooler for beverages will make for a fun post-game Father’s Day picnic.
A Family Photo Booth
For the dads coaching or cheering from the sidelines, capture the memories with a baseball-themed photo booth. Bring along a polaroid camera and props like foam fingers, baseball caps, and jerseys to take fun family pictures Dad will love! I If you are attending an MLB game look for a dedicated photo area where you can snap a picture with the field in the background!
Dad vs. Player Inning
After the game or practice get the dad’s out on their field for a special dad vs. player inning. Keep it fun by playing the inning with a tennis racquet and ball instead of a baseball or have everyone play using their opposite hand! This will be a memory kids and dads will cherish!
Team Swag for Dad
Surprise Dad with a gift he’ll enjoy on any game day! I love to get items that I know he’d love but won’t buy for himself! That new camp chair for long tournament days or a cooler that will keep things cold even on the hottest summer days. You can never beat a new team cap, jersey, or a custom T-shirt featuring his favorite team’s logo. Dad might even like one of these baseball goodie bag ideas!
Surprise Stadium Shout-Out
Many stadiums offer the chance to put a special message on the scoreboard. Look into your local team’s options and surprise Dad with a personalized “Happy Father’s Day!” message during the game.
Baseball-Themed Dessert
Wrap up the day with a sweet treat—think baseball cupcakes, a baseball-shaped cookie cake, or homemade ice cream sundaes. If you’re at the game, let Dad indulge in a classic stadium dessert!
A Card for Dad
Sometimes all Dad really wants is to feel appreciated! There is nothing like a handwritten note from his favorite player expressing love and gratitude to really make his Father’s day. Coaches could easily pass out cards for the players to sign and write a quick note to their dad.
A Home Run Celebration for Dad
Father’s Day and baseball go hand in hand, making it the perfect way to celebrate the dads who have cheered us on from the stands, coached our Little League games, and played catch in the backyard. Whether you’re watching a major league showdown or a neighborhood Little League game, the best part of the day is spending it together.
