Major League Baseball provided something unique on a weekend filled with family traditions, memories, and the pure joy of playing catch: evidence that the game is still important. The Father’s Day weekend featured more than just hot dogs and home runs; it served as a reminder that baseball is still a major aspect of American society and is not going away.
Father’s Day Captivates the Weekend
During the 45-game weekend, nearly 1.7 million people flocked to ballparks throughout the league. The average number of spectators for a Sunday game was 39,255, the highest since 2008.
With 39,255 fans per game, Father’s Day marked @MLB‘s highest average Sunday attendance since 2008. In addition, the weekend’s total of nearly 1.7 million fans was the second-largest 45-game weekend in 17 seasons. pic.twitter.com/D48a6mzYIk
— MLB Communications (@MLB_PR) June 16, 2025
It has been said for years that baseball is “dying” because it is too slow, too outdated, and too disconnected from the fast-paced world of today. However, the story was different for anyone who entered a stadium this past weekend. Baseball has evolved. It’s faster, more thrilling, and brimming with up-and-coming talent who play with attitude and passion.
In the same way that Derek Jeter or Ken Griffey Jr. did, athletes like Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge are reinventing the sport and drawing attention.
Celebrate Now, Prepare for CBA Deal
Even though this weekend was all about joy, there is a silent shadow that is still present. On December 1, 2026, the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between the players’ union and MLB owners will come to an end. Even while that day seems far off, the choices made in the lead-up to it could have a long-term impact on baseball.
We have previously been here. The World Series was canceled in 1994 due to a labor disagreement, and the effects lasted for a long time. Supporters walked away, and attendance declined. The McGwire-Sosa home run race and the summer of 1998 were necessary to remind people of the original reason they were captivated by the game.
The state of baseball has significantly improved; it’s expanding. However, that growth is unstable. In 2026, a lockout or protracted negotiations might cause everything to collapse once more. Building on experiences like this past weekend, the momentum hinges on the league and players continuing to collaborate rather than compete.
However, for the time being, supporters may relax and appreciate what they are seeing. Baseball is alive and strong, if anything, and this past Father’s Day served as the unanticipated proof that fans needed.