The Los Angeles Dodgers’ superstar Mookie Betts is trading his glove for a clipboard to host a celebrity softball game as part of the team’s inaugural Black Heritage Night on June 19, 2025. With a potential lineup featuring Lil Wayne, Nelly, Anthony Anderson, and former Dodger James Loney, the event promises to blend sports, culture, and star power at Dodger Stadium.
The Black Heritage Night Softball Game To Be Hosted By Mookie Betts
The Dodgers’ Black Heritage Night, set for 7:10 p.m. PT, is a tribute to Black history and its notable people and their contributions. As announced by Dodger Blue executive editor Matthew Moreno on X, Betts will host the first-ever celebrity softball game at 5:30 p.m. on the same day to kick off the festivities.
Mookie Betts is hosting the first Black Heritage Night celebrity softball game at 5:30 p.m. on June 19.
Betts is going to coach in the event, and Nelly, Anthony Anderson, Lil Wayne and James Loney are among those expected to play.
— Matthew Moreno (@Matthew__Moreno) June 12, 2025
The event will showcase Black culture through live music, performances in Centerfield Plaza, and a handcrafted food and beverage menu. Fans purchasing the special ticket package will also receive an exclusive 2025 Black Heritage Night jersey, a keepsake celebrating the occasion.
Black Heritage Night events, like those hosted by the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo or the Dallas Arboretum, are a great platform for Black artists and businesses to get the attention they deserve. This event is also a great place to socialize, network, and witness the stories of the community firsthand.
For the Dodgers, this night honors the legacy of Black players and gives something back to the community. Fans believe no one would have been a better fit for hosting this event than Betts, as the star athlete has been a vocal advocate for inclusivity in the sport throughout his impressive career at the Dodgers.
Who May Show Up In The Softball Game?
For the softball event, Betts, a seven-time All-Star, will coach a roster packed with some of the biggest stars of the nation. Rap icons Lil Wayne and Nelly are some of the potential music industry stars that are set to show up for the event, while actor Anderson is also expected to compete. Loney, a Dodgers first baseman from 2006 to 2012, may also show up to show his evergreen energy.
As Dodger Stadium prepares to host this cultural extravaganza, Black Heritage Night promises to be a highlight of the 2025 season. With Betts at the helm, a star-studded softball game, and a celebration of Black excellence, June 19 will be a night of unity and joy. Fans can expect a spectacle that resonates far beyond the outfield, cementing Betts’ legacy as more than just a ballplayer.