That’s a wrap on the 2026 Major League Baseball Season! Our 2026 Rawlings MLB Live Tracker will close once the final baseball image has been added (2026 Rawlings Gold Glove Awards Official Baseballs to be added). The official lists below are now final.
2026 MLB Lineup: Rawlings ROMLB Official Baseballs (Game & Retail Included)
2026 MLB Rawlings Official Game Balls
On-Field / Game Use
TOTALS: 19 New, 8 Reused*
- 2026 New City Connect Games Baseballs: Los Angeles Angels
- 2026 New City Connect Games Baseballs: San Diego Padres (Unveiled April 9th)
- *REUSE City Connect: Philadelphia Phillies, Toronto Blue Jays, Miami Marlins, Tampa Bay Rays, Houston Astros
- *REUSE 2025–2026 San Diego Padres Military Appreciation Baseballs
- 2026 Rawlings Seattle Mariners 50th Anniversary Season (most home games)
- 2026 Rawlings Toronto Blue Jays 50th Anniversary Season (most home games)
- 2026 Rawlings Chicago Cubs 150th Year in Major League Baseball (home games)
- 2026 Rawlings MLB World Tour: Mexico City Series Diamondbacks & Padres April 25–26
- 2026 Seattle Mariners Randy Johnson #51 Number Retirement May 2 (NO RETAIL. Gamers only.)
- 2026 Tampa Bay Rays “Longo’s Legacy Weekend” Evan Longoria Jersey Number Retirement & Rays HOF July 11–12 (Confirmed)
- 2026 Rawlings MLB All-Star Futures Game Philadelphia July 11 (New Logo!)
- 2026 Rawlings MLB All-Star Home Run Derby White Standard Baseball Philadelphia July 13 (Details here)
- 2026 Rawlings MLB All-Star Home Run Derby Magenta Bonus Ball Philadelphia July 13 (Details here)
- *REUSED 2025–2026 Rawlings MLB All-Star Game BP/Practice Red Laced (Repurposed 2025 Declaration Day Ball)
- 2026 Rawlings MLB All-Star Game Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia July 14 (Beautiful!)
- 2026 Rawlings Los Angeles Angels Throwback Week Alternate Jersey Logo Baseballs July 17–22
- 2026 Rawlings New York Mets 1986 World Series 40th Anniversary Reunion & Celebration Aug. 1st & 2nd!
- *REUSE 2026 Rawlings Philadelphia Phillies Wall of Fame Game (Chase Utley Induction) Friday, August 7 (Same as 2024–2025)
- 2026 Rawlings San Francisco Giants Jeff Kent Number Retirement Game August 29
- 2026 Rawlings Toronto Blue Jays Hall of Excellence – Buck Martinez Induction Game 08.29.26 (No Retail)
- 2026 Rawlings New York Mets Carlos Beltrán #15 Jersey Number Retirement Ceremony Sept. 19
- 2026 Rawlings Arizona Diamondbacks 25th Anniversary, 2001 World Series Championship, Sept. 18–19, & 20th? (No retail)
- 2026 Rawlings Major League Baseball MLB World Series (Same logo as 2025 logo!)
2026 ROMLB-Model Official Baseballs for
Exhibitions, Promos, Retail-Only & Miscellaneous
TOTALS: 11 New, 1 Reused*
- 2X EXHIBITION 2026 Rawlings WBC World Baseball Classic Baseballs March 5–17 (2 versions Confirmed)
- *REUSE 2024–2026 Rawlings MLB Lou Gehrig Day June 2 4ALS Awareness (Limited, MLB Charity Auctions)
- RETAIL 2026 Rawlings USA Celebrating America’s 250th –July 4th Independence Day Weekend Commemorative (Retail only)
- EXHIBITION 2026 Rawlings MLBx 3-on-3 Exhibition Tournament Ball (Philadelphia, Atlanta. Not used in Durham! Mumbai?)
- EXHIBITION 2026 Rawlings MLBx 3-on-3 Exhibition Orange Bonus “Hot Streak” Ball (Philadelphia, Atlanta, Durham, Mumbai?)
- PROMOTIONAL Rawlings MLB All-Star Game Chicago Baseball – Wrigley Field Logo Unveiling Display Model / Undated Replica
- DEALER EXCLUSIVE 2026 Rawlings SF Giants Jeff Kent Hall of Fame Class of 2026 (TRISTAR Exclusive for Signings)
- EXHIBITION: 2026 Rawlings Seattle Mariners Alumni Home Run Derby Standard Ball, Friday, August 7
- EXHIBITION: 2026 Rawlings Seattle Mariners Alumni Home Run Derby “Jackpot” Gold Ball, Friday, August 7
- BP/EXCLUSIVE: 2026 Rawlings St. Louis Cardinals Busch Stadium 20th Anniversary – Season Ticket Holder BP August 7
- RAWLINGS EXCLUSIVE: 2026 Rawlings Gold Glove Award Ceremony MLB GGA Awards Official Ball. (Coming soon!)
Welcome to the 2026 Major League Baseball Season! And welcome to our 2026 Rawlings MLB Live Tracker.
The latest updates are dated and listed in reverse chronological order. All original post content from our MLB Opening Day post (March 24) will appear below recent updates.
NOV. 3 World Series Baseballs
We’ve added the 2026 Rawlings World Series Official Game Ball. Congratulations Milwaukee Brewers! This is the final official on-field MLB game ball for 2026. But one more commemorative is on the way…
OCT. 11
We’ve added the Arizona Diamondbacks 25th Anniversary, 2001 World Series Championship game ball. This is the final official on-field ROMLB game ball of the 2026 regular season.
UPDATE SEPT. 26: 2026 MLB World Series Balls
2026 Rawlings World Series official game balls are shipping. Exactly as expected and as illustrated in mockups. A carbon copy of 2025, save for that last digit. We’re praying that boilerplate World Series logos aren’t gonna be a thing now.
UPDATE SEPT. 26
This is a 2026 St Louis Cardinals Busch Stadium 20th Anniversary Baseball. More info to come.
UPDATE SEPT. 22: Diamondbacks 25th World Series Celebration
This Arizona Diamondbacks 25th Anniversary, 2001 World Series Championship logo was confirmed to have been stamped on official game balls which were then used in the D-backs’ final home series against the New York Yankees, albeit with some design tweaks. There are no retail or unused collector’s editions. Team-authenticated balls may still be available. Try the D-backs Authentics shop.
The single-color logo used for game balls is even better than this primary version, in my opinion. Wait till you see it. Perhaps the best commemorative ball of the season? No. It’s #2. How could I forget about mi amor, La Catrina!
UPDATE SEPT. 21: NY Mets Beltran #15
Here is a proper look at a mint, unused New York Mets Carlos Beltrán #15 Jersey Number Retirement Ceremony official game ball. These were used on September 19th. We’ve seen a few mint, cubed balls posted online. Whether or not the team shop sold those remains unconfirmed. We do know the Mets will be selling and auctioning off some game-used balls. If you’re interested, contact the team shop or the authentics department—they’re incredibly helpful and responsive!
UPDATE SEPTEMBER 1: Major League Baseball 2026 World Series
The artwork for MLB’s 2026 World Series game ball has been delivered. We’ve mocked up the 2 images here, first showing the commemorative WS logo and league panel stamping, and second, a cubed retail display mockup.
If you loved the 2025 World Series logo design, this should be a welcomed sight. If you hate recycled / template design, this might leave you… disappointed.
Both feelings can coincide.
UPDATE AUG. 30: Toronto Hall of Excellence
They almost snuck this cool Toronto Blue Jays Hall of Excellence game ball by us.
These baseballs were use for the Buck Martinez induction day game. We’ve got the official approved artwork.
Update: and now a game-used image of the ball…
UPDATE AUG. 30: Jeff Kent Number Retirement
We now have photo evidence of the San Francisco Giants Jeff Kent #21 ball used in the game August 29 at Oracle Park, and a mint unused example, thanks to @jackson_therailfan2023 and @2_gregz on IG!
It’s very different than Kent’s special Hall of Fame commemorative logo ball which we shared a few days ago (see Aug. 28 update below).
Both of these baseballs (Kent, Blue Jays Hall of Excellence) are available in very limited quantities from each team’s authentic retail shops. The Giants did sell some unused/retail Kent baseballs and may still have a few in stock at the team shop. No word yet on the availability for purchase the Jeff Kent Hall of Fame logo signed baseballs below. And, at this time, it sounds like dealers WILL NOT have access to either ball. They’re team-exclusive. So that’s a warning to splurge on an authenticated gamer if you get the chance!
UPDATE AUG. 28–30: Four potential events with on-field, game-use commemorative baseballs
The San Francisco Giants will retire Jeff Kent’s #21 tomorrow, Aug. 29 at Oracle Park. Is this a sneak peek at the official game ball (see below)? Or a collector’s edition, retail-only version? Neither. It’s totally different special logo baseball made just for an exclusive signing! Where can we snag one of these, Giants fans?
Tomorrow is also the inaugural Toronto Blue Jays Hall of Excellence ceremony. There will be a specially stamped ball for the Buck Martinez induction.
There are a few other MLB games on the horizon to keep an eye on. There will almost certainly be a New York Mets Carlos Beltrán #15 Jersey Number Retirement Ceremony official game ball on Sept. 19.
And that same night, we anticipate a super limited Arizona Diamondbacks 25th Anniversary, 2001 World Series Championship ball.
UPDATE AUG. 8 – More commemorative game ball action in Seattle:
The Mariners snuck one by us. Two in fact. A Seattle Mariners Alumni Home Run Derby took place following Friday night’s game against the Tampa Bay Rays (Aug 7th). The event featured a special logo standard white HR Derby ball (left), and what appears to be a 24-Karat Home Run Derby Gold bonus ball (right).
Dang! Lucky Mariners fans!
We had removed this event from our “On the Radar” list months ago. Why? Because I contacted the team this spring to and asked specifically about this event (and others). They said nothing special would be made and used in the Derby, and that only the team’s 50th logo and Randy Johnson Number Retirement logo baseballs would be produced and sold. Whoops. I’m sorry I failed collectors and ballhawks who may have attended had they known. Lesson learned, I need to follow up closer to event days in the future. We’re checking about retail sales or “game-used” balls. I’ll provide another update here.
UPDATE AUGUST 7
The New York Mets used these sweet specially stamped commemorative gamers for their 1986 World Series 40th Anniversary Reunion & Celebration games, Aug. 1–2. None were sold new/retail, only game-used and game prepped. The example pictured was mud-rubbed and team-authenticated, but unused. More about these here.
UPDATE JULY 25 – 2027 MLB All-Star Game?
Major League Baseball unveiled the league’s next All-Star Game host, the Chicago Cubs, and the event’s official logo at a press conference at Wrigley Field July 18th. A limited number of “All-Star Game – Chicago” baseballs were available and something was suspiciously missing from the commemorative logo and league panel stamping.
UPDATE JULY 13 – MLBx (HRDx)
Here’s something new(ish). The 2026 MLBx 3-on-3 Tournament. Essentially, the Philadelphia All-Star Weekend version of the MLB Home Run Derby X exhibition. There’s an orange bonus ball out there too (we’re searching for one found an image. See below). These should be used again in future MLBx events. In fact, MLBx returns to Durham Bulls Athletic Park on Friday, September 18, 2026. Just advising collectors to be patient. Perhaps they’ll be sold new/retail in Durham.
MLBx Orange Bonus Ball Found
Here’s a rough shot of the 2026 MLBx Orange Bonus Baseball. Note the standard MLB batterman logo. That’s odd to me; why not and MLBx logo like the regular version above? Perhaps these will be replaced at the next MLBx tourney at Durham Bulls Athletic Park. If so, that would make this version very limited. I genuinely don’t have a clue what’s planned.
UPDATE JULY 4th – Longo’s Legacy Weekend
The Evan Longoria Number Retirement official game ball is happening. The Rays will induct Evan Longoria into the team Hall of Fame during a ceremony Saturday, July 11. They’ll retire Longo’s #3 jersey on Sunday, July 12. This is great news! UPDATE: Image added. This is the first sneak peek we’ve seen from the team. Likely very limited, no retail. More below.
JUNE UPDATE – 250th Anniversary, United States Declaration of Independence
The MLB “Celebrating America’s 250th” Anniversary baseballs have landed! Reminder: they’re collector’s edition commemoratives only. They won’t be used in games. But they’re genuine ROMLB game model balls. They’re the real deal. And fans are buying them up fast. If that post sells out, try here.
Longo’s Legacy Weekend includes two Rays games. A specially stamped ROMLB baseball will be used in game play on Saturday & Sunday, July 11–12. (Image added!)
From the Rays: “Longo’s Legacy Weekend Game Balls: Do your best to get your hands on a game ball this weekend, as each will be impressed with a special Longo’s Legacy Weekend insignia.”
From the MLB news feed: “Anyone attending those games will have a chance to snag a special piece of history, too, as specially branded Longo’s Legacy Weekend baseballs will be used throughout the weekend.“
UPDATE: The game ball has been unveiled, and it’s a pretty special mark. The player image is taken from one of Longoria’s career defining moments. 2011, Game 162 vs. the Yankees at Tropicana Field. We’ve heard they were not only used in both games, but also in batting practice! That’s unusual. And since there were no retail sales for new, cubed or boxed mint/unused baseballs, there’s at least a good shot collectors can find a BP-used for much less than an MLB-authenticated gamer.
Creepy-Cool City Connects in San Diego!
The San Diego Padres revealed a new City Connect uniform for the 2026 season, and now they’re using these amazing new CC game balls!
Check it out. It’s the jersey sleeve patch ‘La Catrina’ skeleton logo for Dia de los Muertos. Reimagined on the surface of The Official Rawlings MLB Game Ball! Fantastic.
I can hardly believe my eyes: That’s a Robert D. Manfred Jr. facsimile signature-stamped official on-field regulation ROMLB game ball! It’s game-used and MLB-authenticated… check it out! —>>>>
The Padres City Connect 2.0 jersey unveil was April 9th. Their City Connect games are every Friday, and they intend to use these baseballs in all of those games. And finally, as of late July dealers have access to these gorgeous gems. Here’s a pearl, unused, un-mud-rubbed beaut:
The San Diego Padres will also be using Military Appreciation Game baseballs again this season. We forgot to include this in the original post since it’s the same as the 2025 ball. Shame on us. Apologies. Here’s the schedule we found online (so it’s not guaranteed): Sunday, April 12 vs. Rockies. Monday, May 25 vs. Phillies (Memorial Day). Sunday, July 12 vs. Blue Jays. Sunday, August 23 vs. Twins. Sunday, September 20 vs. Marlins.
UPDATE SUNDAY APRIL 19TH
We received artwork for the 2026 Mexico City Series official Rawlings baseballs (ROMLBMS26). Our mockup image is below. No comment. If you want to see what the real version will look like, here's the 2024 edition. Perhaps the font changed slightly.
April 19: here’s the official artwork for the 2026 Mexico City Series baseball.
Here’s a game-used example. I’m finally sharing here, despite my disappointment. Photo credit to EHA Collectibles in New York City. Check out their eBay shop!
These baseballs are apparently available to dealers, but nobody has bothered to stock them. They do not sell well. And no surprise, they’re dull. There’s nothing memorable. Nothing represents the culture or locale of the host city.
MLB World Tour branding has been mechanical through most of the Manfred era. Recycled rinse-and-repeat design. Better than nothing for fans in attendance, but pointless for everyone else. SHAME!
Original Content from the Pre-Opening Day Post Begins Here
(March 24, 2026) Welcome to the 2026 Major League Baseball Season! And welcome to our 2026 Rawlings MLB Live Tracker. Opening Night is tomorrow! Everything you need to know about 2026 MLB Special Event Commemorative Logo Game Baseballs will be posted here. MLB league-wide celebrations and holidays, team and stadium anniversaries and events, and players’ milestones, jersey number retirements, and more. We’ll track every ROMLB official gamer intended for gameplay / on-field use, and retail-only or promotional ROMLB-grade balls.
Confirmed 2026 Rawlings MLB Baseballs:
A Pair of New Angels Commemorative Baseballs
<<<— The Los Angeles Angels 2026 City Connect baseballs. To be used in 12 City Connect games. It’s a new spin on last year’s 2025 Angels City Connect Commemorative balls. We’ve been told that’s a surfboard under “Angels” logo?
Next, a 2026 LA Angels Throwback — >>> – Alternate Jersey will be used for one week this season. The retro themed games will feature these commemorative logo baseballs July 17–22. UPDATE: They pulled the old switcheroo on us and used a different logo/design. We’ve updated the image with an official game-used version.
50 & 51: Another Super Season Awaits in Seattle
<<<— The Seattle Mariners 50th Season patch, to be worn on uniforms. Featuring the Mariners’ 1977 typeface and the ring of 116 lines which represents the 2001 AL-record ‘Sweet 116’ wins.
And the Mariners 50 Seasons Logo–>> for comparison. Read more: ’50 Seasons Celebration Night’ Saturday, Aug. 8 to reveal & honor the Top 50 Greatest Mariners Players: Source.
<<<— A Seattle Mariners 50 Seasons Official Retail-Version Big Logo Baseball! This is most likely a limited retail-only version. But it’s an ROMLB-grade leather beauty. That logo translated so well in single color! (Image updated April 3rd)
The Seattle Mariners Rawlings MLB-–>> 50 Seasons Official Game Ball! A smaller logo edition. The Mariners will use these in most home games all season long. Season-long commemoratives are back, baby! Credit to the Mariners on the original image.
Randy Johnson Number 51 Retirement Ceremony: “On May 2, 2026, we’ll retire Randy Johnson’s No. 51 in a pregame ceremony at T-Mobile Park, forever cementing the Big Unit among our franchise greats.” –Seattle Mariners. No logo yet.
UPDATE: We now have an image! And we’ve scored multiple examples. More pics to come. These baseballs were used May 1st and 2nd. We have obtained a few mint, unused RJ51 baseballs, including the one pictured here. And we were lucky to track down one team-authenticated, game ready mud-rubbed (image to be added). Thanks to the kind folks who contributed the new mint examples to the site! And thank you to those who helped us “snag” a game-prepped ball from the Seattle Mariners Team Store!
(From our original post, March 24th) The Mariners never miss on logos; high hopes for this one. How will it compare to this phenomenal Arizona Diamondbacks #51 Retirement Game Ball?
Furthermore, the Mariners rarely miss an opportunity to commemorate a major franchise anniversary or memorialize a player milestone. Rarely I say… Seattle’s other legendary #51, Ichiro, has a Statue Unveiling Celebration game this season. Unfortunately that will NOT get a commemorative game ball. Too bad, a 5th Ichiro commemorative would have tied him with Jackie Robinson for the most all-time commemorative game balls for a single player!
Toronto Blue Jays 50th Festivities & City Connect
<<<— The Toronto Blue Jays 50th Season logo, likely the basis for the team’s commemorative baseballs, which will be used all season long (except City Connect games) in 2026.
Repeat Rawlings City Connect: The Toronto Blue Jays confirmed they’ll keep using this 2024 ‘Night Mode’ maple leaf logo CC ball. There are 10 City Connect Fridays in Toronto this season; the first is April 10th.
Update (March 29): The Rawlings Toronto Blue Jays 50th Season Official Baseball. They’re here! And they’re marvelous! This design is an instant classic. You cannot go wrong with the OG Blue Jay and maple leaf logo. And the simple, stylish “50” with a baseball subtlety set in the background? Smooth! This is my favorite commemorative this season, though it’s early. And more great news: these will be used all season at the Rogers Centre. We’ll get clearer shot of these eventually, but for now they’re only available game-used. (Photo Credit: Reader contributed.)
150 Seasons of Chicago Cubs Baseball; 150th Anniversary in the National League…
NOTE: Commemorative baseballs will be available in Chicago. We just don’t know specifics, yet. I’m anticipating one of these sweet logos… UPDATE MARCH 27th: And we have our answer! That didn’t take long. The Cubs used that baseball on Opening Day, March 26th 2026.
The Chicago Cubs are celebrating their 150th Year in Major League Baseball. They will be wearing that patch on their jerseys all season. What about Cubs 150 baseballs? If this monumental milestone doesn’t deserve to be memorialized with official game balls — adorned with that slick logo — nothing does! Could a special event game ball be used in home games all season long? Let’s see. Hopefully at least a series or two. Credit goes to SportsLogos.net for posting the design. (Likelihood: Unknown)
On August 29 at Wrigley Field, the Cubs will host a celebration for their 150th Anniversary as a National League franchise. This commemorates the club’s standing as a charter member of the NL (1876–2026). Again: if this monumental milestone doesn’t deserve to be commemorated with official game balls showcasing that amazing logo, nothing does! No word on these yet from dependable sources. Time to call the Cubbies hotline again… (Likelihood: Confirmed! Read below for details.)
We’ve got our first look at the Cubs 150th Anniversary game ball (game-used example). It’s a new spin on that National League 1876–2026 Cubs 150 logo just above. The only difference appears to be the inverted outer ring with its blue text. Elegant! Pin stripes! And we’ve heard it’s not just an Opening Day game ball; it’s been rumored they’ll be used all season. Thank you to Corey McEnerney for contributing the original image (we’ve slightly retouched), a game ball direct from Wrigley Field!
MLB League-Wide Tributes & Showcase Events
The MLB World Tour: Mexico City Series 2026 will have a special game ball. That’s 2 games between the Arizona Diamondbacks & San Diego Padres, April 25–26. Rawlings and MLB have not missed an MLB World Tour commemorative opportunity yet!
UPDATE: This ball is pictured above the fold, in the April 19th update.
MLB Lou Gehrig Day June 2, 2026: 4-ALS. “The focus of Lou Gehrig Day is to remember the legacy of Gehrig and all those lost to the disease that bears his name; raise awareness and funds for research of ALS; and celebrate the groups and individuals who have led the pursuit for cures.” Read more about MLB LGD initiatives here. This ball is confirmed as a charty signing ball only, though some teams might use them for Ceremonial First Pitch prior to games on June 2nd. That would be a step in the right direction!
I just know commemorative baseballs are coming. We’ll find out if they’re for game-use or only for charitable purposes. The ALS Association ~ 2021 LG4 Day Launch
We are also aware of an Independence Day Weekend, league-wide official game ball! Which means, July 4th games should be a little more patriotic this season. It’s America’s 250th Anniversary after all. I have no idea what logo will be used, so that nifty mark on the left is just for eye candy. And let’s not get our hopes up for multicolored stitching or stamping. Developing: These will not be used in games, but they’re happening. For retail-only. Limited.
It’s a Big Season in Philly: City Connect, WOF & Midsummer Mainstays
Repeat Rawlings City Connect: The Philadelphia Phillies and Rawlings have confirmed the continued use of the team’s City Connect official game balls. There are nine dates listed; the first is April 10th.
Repeat Rawlings Wall of Fame Game baseballs. The Phillies have confirmed the continued use of the team’s Wall of Fame Game official game balls. They haven’t missed on these since, what, the inaugural WOF celebration and game in 2018? The only question is, logo size.
The Rawlings 2026 MLBx Exhibition Standard/White Baseball!
Here’s something new(ish). A 3-on-3 tournament at the MLB All-Star Week festivities in Philly. Based on the recent MLB HRDx format. It’s a different logo too. There is also an orange bonus ball too. For comparison: 2024–2025 Home Run Derby X standard and orange bonus.
Rawlings 2026 MLBx Exhibition Orange Bonus “Streak” Baseball
We’ll find one of our own sooner or later, and get proper OGB Museum-quality images posted.
The Rawlings 2026 MLB All-Star Futures Game Baseball. New logo alert!
Rawlings 2026 MLB All-Star Home Run Derby Primary Baseball
The Rawlings 2026 MLB All-Star Home Run Derby Magenta Bonus Baseball! We expected a new twist this year for the HR Derby design or logo, but it didn’t happen. Maybe next season.
Repeat Rawlings All-Star Declaration Day Game repurposed as your 2026 MLB All-Star Game BP and Practice event ball. The Phillies used these for one regular season game in 2025; they were tied to 2026 ASG event announcements and the logo unveiling. Very cool! Of course we’d prefer something a little different this year for ASG practice, but glad the extra specially stamped All-Star practice baseballs are happening every season.
The Rawlings 2026 MLB All-Star Game Baseball! The customary All-Star Game festivities will also include a new look Home Run Derby baseball, and HRD MoneyBall / Bonus Ball, plus the All-Star Futures Game ball. I don’t expect to see those images until June, earliest.
More MLB City Connect Balls Back in Play
Repeat Rawlings City Connect: The Miami Marlins. The Marlins will reportedly wear their “Retrowave” City Connect uniforms every Saturday home game at loanDepot park, and they’re supposed to be using these baseballs in those games. DEVELOPING: Rumors are this baseball’s game-used has come to an abrupt halt. Discontinued. They DID get some game action earlier this season, but supposedly they’re finished?!
Repeat Rawlings City Connect: The Tampa Bay Rays. For every Saturday home game at Tropicana Field throughout the 2026 season, the Tampa Bay Rays will wear their “Grit x Glow” City Connect uniforms and use these baseballs. There is one exception. On Saturday, July 11 vs. Seattle Mariners they’ll be wearing traditional home whites. Why? That’s Longo’s Legacy Weekend. Evan Longoria Rays Hall of Fame Induction July 11, and #3 jersey retirement July 12. Hmm… Baseballs?
Repeat Rawlings City Connect: The Houston Astros. The Stros will wear their “Space City 2.0” City Connect uniforms for every Monday home game at Daikin Park in 2026. And they will be using these CC commemorative balls for those games.
Final notes ahead of the 2026 season: Special event MLB baseball news has been incredibly scarce all spring. Very odd on the cusp of opening night. Normally, we’d have a handful of official artwork/image files to mockup. Not this season… But have no fear sports fans! Images are coming soon(ish). And there are plenty of potential commemorative baseball opportunities we’re not including here…
We’ve just scratched the surface. You know these things can appear out of nowhere. Months ago we chronicled every potential opportunity for a specially stamped logo on an ROMLB ball in our 2026 wishlist. Let’s leave that fun little mess behind and only focus on confirmed/nearly certain game balls here.
Stay tuned for frequent updates. This post will remain ‘stickied’ to the top of our site. Got a tip? Email us (info(at)OfficialGameBalls.com) or DM us on Instagram.
ON THE RADAR: Additional 2026 Events with Special Game Ball Potential…
NEGATIVE! These all were missed in 2026:
The following have all been scratched from the 2026 game ball lineup. 100% confirmed no commemoratives were made. Things can change (see 2026 Seattle Alumni Home Run Derby) but for the most part, these were DOA to begin with and were mostly wishful (and sometimes delusional) thinking.
Atlanta Braves 60th Anniversary Season in Atlanta — Opening Day Celebration March 272026 Rawlings Pittsburgh Pirates 25th Anniversary PNC Park2026 Rawlings Milwaukee Brewers 25th Anniversary of American Family FieldSeattle Mariners Ichiro Suzuki Statue Dedication Game April 10Los Angeles Angels Angels Stadium 60th Anniversary April 19thNew York Mets team Hall of Fame Induction: Lee Mazzilli & Bobby Valentine May 30 (Doubtful)Athletics Las Vegas Week 2026: Six-Game Homestand at Las Vegas Ballpark vs. Brewers and the Rockies June 9–14MLB 3rd East-West Classic at Rickwood Field in Birmingham, Alabama June 19 (A Tribute to Negro Leagues All-Star Games)Promo Opportunity: 2026 MLB Draft presented by Nippon Express during MLB All-Star Week 2026 in Philadelphia July 11–12MLB National Baseball Hall of Fame Weekend July 17–19Toronto Blue Jays Rogers Centre Joe Carter / 1992–1993 Back-to-Back Champs Statue Unveiling July 18Atlanta Braves Andruw Jones MLB Hall of Fame Celebration Game July 30thChicago White Sox Ozzie Guillen “13 Forever” Jersey Number 13 Retirement Ceremony, Aug. 8Las Vegas Athletics – Sacramento/Oakland/KC/Phi. A’s 125th Anniversary Celebration Game, Sutter Health Park, Sacramento Aug. 12MLB Field of Dreams Game Minnesota Twins vs. Philadelphia Phillies Aug. 13 (MLB, please don’t strikeout on this again!MLB struck out on this again.)Atlanta Braves Alumni Weekend and MLBx Tournament August 14–15.MLB Little League Classic, Bowman Field, Williamsport, PA, Atlanta Braves vs. Milwaukee Brewers Aug. 23Colorado Rockies Hall of Famer Larry Walker Coors Field Statue Unveiling Aug. 23Colorado Rockies Todd Helton Coors Field Statue Unveiling Sept. 19MLB Little League Classic, Bowman Field, Williamsport, PA, Atlanta Braves vs. Milwaukee Brewers Aug. 23 (Not happening)Minnesota Twins 35th Anniversary of 1991 World Series Championship (Not happening)2026 MLB Players’ Weekend (MLB Legends’ Logo) September?Memorial 25th Anniversary of September 11 New York City Subway Series Mets vs. Yankees Sept. 11–13 (Nothing imminent)2026 MLB Roberto Clemente Day Sept. 15 (No game ball happening. Maybe another MLB Charities signing exclusive?)St. Louis Cardinals 20th Anniversary of 2006 World Series Champs (99% no)New York Yankees CC Sabathia Number #52 Retirement & Monument Park Induction Sept. 26 (Doubtful)2026 MLB Postseason Games (Bring ’em back!)MLB & Topps Debut Baseballs – Celebrating players first Major League gamesMLB Roberto Clemente Award Official Baseballs, September (Have not see anything as of Sept. 21st)MLB Hank Aaron Award Official Baseballs, October (most outstanding AL & NL offensive performer)- Annual Commemorative Baseballs: AL/NL Rookie of the Year, AL/NL MVP, AL/NL Cy Young Award, & Silver Slugger Award
Purely Speculating: More MLB Showcase Events
There are no substantial rumors that the following events will feature an official game ball of any kind. Do not bank on anything being used if you attend. We’ll leave them here as just-in-case references, and as continued motivation for future baseballs at these types of events. But you never know, as we say, things tend to materialize and appear unexpectedly (like last year’s MLB Speedway Classic promo ROMLBs)
UPDATE: NO SPECIAL BASEBALLS: The MLB at Field of Dreams 2026 is a true unknown. The game celebrates the classic 1989 film, Field of Dreams, at its original filming location in in Dyersville, Iowa. This would be a first. Rawlings and MLB have missed the opportunity to make a FOD Game ball twice: 2021 White Sox & Yankees, 2022 Cubs & Reds. (Likelihood: Not a clue. At least a retail ball, please?)
UPDATE: NO BASEBALLS: MLB Little League Classic Baseballs – Commemorative logos on this event’s baseballs haven’t happened since 2017, so I hate to even tease the logo here. But it’s the 250th Anniversary of the United States of America. The grand Semiquincentennial of our nation’s independence! So let’s not rule anything out just yet. (Likelihood: low)
UPDATE: NO BASEBALLS: MLB Opening Day Baseballs haven’t happened since 2020, so I hate to even tease the logo here. But the Padres went full renegade last season and turned 2025 MLB Opening Day Balls into a San Diego only affair. Plus it’s the 250th Anniversary of the United States of America. So, let’s not rule anything out just yet 100% Ruled out!
Excellent work!!!!!
Thank you, Raúl! Happy 2026 Opening Day.
Do you know if the Cubs are reusing their Blue Alts Commemorative this year? Thanks!
I have not heard. It wasn’t listed on the order sheet so I wouldn’t count on it. I’ll see if I can find out though.
Confirmed the Cubs are not using their blue alt commemorative as the two I got on 4/17 were 150th, which also confirms they are indeed being used season-long
Thanks for sharing and letting us know. Glad you got some 150th game balls!