U.S. Navy Musician First Class Rachael Colman performed the national anthem before the 2026 [1] MLB Home Run Derby this month.
The performance highlighted the tradition of military participation in major American sporting events, bridging the gap between professional athletics and national service.
Colman appeared at the All-Star Game site to deliver the anthem as part of the official event programming. Major League Baseball said the performance was a "stirring rendition" of the song [1]. The event served as the ceremonial opening for the Home Run Derby, a staple of the mid-summer baseball calendar.
Crowd reaction to the performance was immediate and intense. A reporter for the Daily Mail said fans went wild as Colman sang, which sparked a frenzy of applause that echoed through the stadium [2]. The reception reflected the high emotional stakes often associated with pre-game national anthems at large-scale venues.
MLB promoted the performance via its official YouTube channel, utilizing the moment to showcase the talent within the U.S. Navy's musical ranks [1]. This appearance follows a long history of the league inviting service members to perform during high-profile showcases to honor military personnel.
Colman's role as a Musician First Class involves professional performance duties within the Navy, and this appearance brought that role to a global audience. The event took place amid the festivities surrounding the 2026 [1] All-Star series, where the league celebrates the top players in the sport.
“U.S. Navy Musician First Class Rachael Colman delivers a stirring rendition of the National Anthem”
The selection of a serving member of the U.S. Navy for a high-visibility event like the Home Run Derby reinforces the symbiotic relationship between Major League Baseball and the U.S. military. By centering a service member in the pre-game ceremony, the league leverages a moment of national unity to maintain its image as a traditional American institution while providing the military with a platform for public visibility.
