Baseball has long been woven into the fabric of American culture, but in recent years, the game has evolved. Changes like the pitch clock have improved pace and helped boost viewership, while teams have poured millions into upgrades to entice more fans. The Dodgers have invested heavily in stadium renovations, and the Royals have proposed a $2 billion downtown ballpark surrounded by an 85-acre entertainment district.
Still, some of the sport’s most memorable experiences have little to do with modern upgrades. They’re rooted in tradition, the kind that has defined baseball for generations and remain on every fan’s bucket list. Here are some of the best in the game today.
Presidents Race at Nationals Park
Although the Washington Nationals haven’t matched their 2019 World Series peak, the Presidents Race remains one of the most recognizable in-game experiences in baseball.
The race debuted in 2006, featuring mascot presidents George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, and Theodore Roosevelt sprinting around the warning track during the fourth inning. On special occasions, guest mascots, including William Howard Taft, join the race, adding another layer of excitement and unpredictability.
Roosevelt quickly became a fan favorite after going seven seasons without a win. His extended losing streak sparked the chant “Let Teddy Win!” and turned a simple between-innings event into a signature ballpark moment.
Fans may also catch crossover appearances from the Pittsburgh Pirates pierogi mascots, who occasionally travel to Washington for interleague matchups, adding a fun twist to an already beloved tradition.
Singing New York, New York at Yankee Stadium
Another crowd-favorite is the playing of the classic New York, New York by Frank Sinatra following a home win at New York Yankees games.
Since 1980, the song has been a staple at the ballpark, originally played after every game. Beginning in 2025, the Yankees shifted the practice to follow victories only, giving the moment a little more meaning.
The Yankees remain one of the most recognizable and valuable franchises in professional sports, with a valuation around $7.1 billion. Their global brand, from the interlocking “NY” cap to traditions like Sinatra’s anthem echoing through the Bronx, continues to define the ballpark experience.
Ice Cream in Commemorative Helmets
Part of the full MLB experience for any fan is the food. Over-the-top items like the 20-inch Grand Slamwich at Chase Field and the blue corndog at T-Mobile Park add to the spectacle of attending a game in person.
One universal tradition across all 30 stadiums is ordering soft-serve ice cream in a commemorative plastic team helmet. These miniature helmets have become a staple souvenir, with many fans aiming to collect one from every ballpark.
Ice cream isn’t the only option served this way though. At Yankee Stadium, tiramisu is now offered in a mini batting helmet, while Los Angeles Angels games feature nachos served in larger versions.
For many fans, it’s one of the simplest and most enjoyable souvenirs, something you can use immediately and take home after the game.
Kayak Home Run Hunting at Oracle Park
The home of the San Francisco Giants offers one of the most unique settings in sports, with McCovey Cove sitting just beyond the right-field wall. Since 2000, fans have taken to the water in kayaks for a chance to snag one of the 100-plus home run balls that land in the bay.
Kayak rentals in McCovey Cove typically run $45 to $60 per hour, giving spectators the chance to follow the game on nearby screens while waiting for a rare souvenir opportunity.
The tradition has even produced local legends, including “McCovey Cove Dave,” who has retrieved dozens of splash-hit balls and attended nearly 700 hundred Giants games from the water, documenting it all for his thousands of followers online.
Take Me Out to the Ball Game at Wrigley Field
Another singing tradition in baseball is arguably the most famous in all of sports. This Chicago Cubs ritual was popularized by Harry Caray, with celebrities often stepping in to lead the crowd.
Actors like Bill Murray and Vince Vaughn, along with musicians like Ozzy Osbourne, are among the many recognizable names to carry on the fun.
The song begins during the seventh-inning stretch, giving fans an opportunity to stand, sing, and take in the atmosphere at one of the sport’s most historic venues. It’s one of those moments that captures the true feel of visiting a ballpark: simple, familiar, and exactly what fans come back for.
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