Major League Baseball today announced the ceremonial & off-field activities for Games One and Two of the 2022 World Series presented by Capital One. The 118th Fall Classic between the American League Champion Houston Astros and the National League Champion Philadelphia Phillies begins tomorrow, Friday, October 28th, at Minute Maid Park with LIVE coverage beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET on FOX, FOX Deportes and ESPN Radio. ESPN Radio will provide live national coverage of all 2022 World Series games.
NATIONAL ANTHEM PERFORMANCES:
CEREMONIAL FIRST PITCHES: In celebration of 60 years of baseball in Houston, several Astros Legends will participate in ceremonial first pitches, including:
FALL CLASSIC LEGACY TO GIVE BACK TO HOUSTON PLUS SPECIAL YOUTH GUESTS AT THE FALL CLASSIC: A pair of important efforts in the spirit of Community, Philanthropy and Youth Engagement will take place in Houston prior to Games One and Two. Before Game One, MLB and the Houston Astros will unveil plans to support Buckner International, a ministry that protects vulnerable children, strengthens families, and transforms lives for generations. Together, MLB and the Astros will:
For Game Two, MLB has invited dozens of youth baseball and softball players who participate in a variety of MLB-led and/or localized community programs all around the country. These student-athletes will participate in a special PLAY BALL event on Saturday, October 29th at the Houston Astros MLB Youth Academy in Sylvester Turner Park. Later that evening, the youth will be recognized at Minute Maid Park during pregame ceremonies and attend the game as guests of Major League Baseball. These youth student-athletes include:
PLAY BALL Player of the Month:
MAKE-A-WISH FOR THE WORLD SERIES: In keeping with the youth recognition theme of Game Two, MLB and the Astros will provide a special experience for five young fans – including two Astros fans – to have their wishes granted, through Make-A-Wish, to attend the World Series with their families.
WORLD SERIES PRESENTING SPONSOR SUPPORTS JACKIE ROBINSON FOUNDATION: Capital One, the presenting sponsor of the World Series and Official Bank and Credit Card Partner of MLB, will present a check donation of $250,000 to the Jackie Robinson Foundation (JRF). As part of the 75th anniversary of Jackie Robinson breaking baseball’s color barrier, Capital One supported JRF by donating $1,000 for each “Capital One Walk-Off” this prior season. Additionally, Capital One will donate an additional $75,000 for each walk-off during the Fall Classic.
T-MOBILE SUPPORTING HURRICANE RELIEF EFFORTS: T-Mobile has committed a donation of $5,000 per home run during the 2022 MLB Postseason, including the World Series, to Team Rubicon (up to $1 million total) to help with recovery efforts for those affected by Hurricanes Fiona and Ian. Fans can help get in on the efforts by texting RELIEF to 595959, with T-Mobile making a $5 donation on their behalf.
BGCA GAME BALL DELIVERY: Ivontae Leigh from Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston will deliver the Game Ball for Game One. Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s National Youth of the Year Asha Haddox-Rossiter from Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington will deliver the game ball to the mound prior to Game Two. Asha is a student at Ohio State University studying Public Affairs.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY DURING WORLD SERIES: As part of Major League Baseball’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship, MLB has ensured that the 2022 World Series incorporates environmentally friendly features and activities. Efforts include:
SENSORY INCLUSION AT MINUTE MAID PARK: In partnership with KultureCity, MLB will provide a pop-up sensory room at Minute Maid Park for Games One and Two. KultureCity is the nation’s leading nonprofit dedicated to fighting for inclusion and acceptance of all individuals. KultureCity advocates for those with sensory challenges such as autism and PTSD, just to name a few. KultureCity provides training and equipment to public and private spaces to create an inclusive experience for everyone to fight against social isolation.
