The 2025 Home Run Derby and All-Star Game in Atlanta are set to be more than just a showcase of baseball’s current stars. Thanks to a brilliant idea from Hall of Fame pitcher CC Sabathia, this year’s event will also serve as a tribute to two of the sport’s most iconic figures: Hank Aaron and Babe Ruth.

The Inspiration Behind the Tribute

Sabathia, currently a special assistant to the MLB commissioner, noticed that the dates of the 2025 Home Run Derby (July 14) and All-Star Game (July 15) numerically correspond to the career home run totals of Babe Ruth (714) and Hank Aaron (715). This serendipitous alignment inspired Sabathia to propose a unique way to honor these legends.

A Nod to Baseball History

In a departure from recent tradition, participants in the Home Run Derby will wear special All-Star weekend uniforms that pay homage to Ruth and Aaron. National League players will don jerseys with Aaron’s iconic No. 44, while American League players will wear Ruth’s No. 3. This gesture not only celebrates their monumental achievements but also connects the modern game to its storied past.

Sabathia’s Perspective

"Everything in baseball is about numbers," Sabathia told ESPN. "Who you can pass. You need to get this number to get in the Hall of Fame. Seven-hundred-fifteen is such a huge number, and that actually being the date in the Derby was the inspiration behind the guys wearing the uniforms."

The Significance of Atlanta

Atlanta holds a special place in this tribute, as it was the city where Aaron broke Ruth’s long-standing home run record in 1974. Aaron also played nine seasons with the Braves, further cementing his legacy in the city. Ruth, too, has a connection to Atlanta, having hit his 714th home run while playing for the Braves, albeit when the team was based in Boston.

A Broader Impact

Sabathia’s idea aims to bring baseball’s rich history to the forefront for a national audience. By honoring Aaron and Ruth on the jerseys of today’s stars, the event encourages fans to delve into the stories of these legendary players. "This new generation, you don’t get a chance to wear something new with Ruth on the back, right? Or Aaron on the back," Sabathia said. "So I think it’s pretty cool to have another cool piece to wear that represents this All-Star game."

Conclusion

The 2025 Home Run Derby and All-Star Game in Atlanta promise to be a celebration of both the present and the past. Through CC Sabathia’s thoughtful tribute, the event will honor the legacies of Hank Aaron and Babe Ruth, ensuring that their contributions to the game are remembered and celebrated by fans old and new.