Jonna M. Perlinger

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — There are few things in America that can still bring millions of people together from every corner of the country. Baseball remains one of them. Every July, amid the marathon that is a 162-game season, the sport takes a brief pause. Team loyalties are put on hold. Rivals become teammates. Fans wearing every shade of blue, red, orange and pinstripes gather in one ballpark, not to cheer against each other, but to celebrate the game itself.

PHILADELPHIA, PA — Ben Rice fell short in his 2026 Home Run Derby debut Monday night, losing to Junior Caminero in the first round, but the Yankees slugger still shared an unforgettable moment with his father, Dan Rice. For countless fathers who have spent evenings throwing batting practice in the backyard, there is one dream that always lingers in the back of their minds. On Monday night at the T-Mobile Home Run Derby, Dan Rice was able to live it.

The Yankees will be well represented in Philadelphia. Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger, Ben Rice and Cam Schlittler were named American League All-Stars for the 2026 Major League Baseball All-Star Game, giving the Yankees four selections for the second straight season and tying them for the most in the American League. The 2026 All-Star Game will be played July 14 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.