When the bases are chalked, the DJ is spinning, and the dugout is packed with megawatt smiles and even brighter outfits, you know it’s time for one of the most anticipated and chaotic spectacles of All-Star weekend: the MLB All-Star Celebrity Softball Game. But before the first swing, there’s a question few fans ever ask: how do these wildly diverse rosters come together? Spoiler alert: The fans don’t get to decide this one. It is carefully selected through a professional behind-the-scenes process driven by tactics and the influence of popular personalities, with a touch of local charm added for extra flavor.

Who picks the celebrity softball game roster?

Let’s be clear: The selection process for the Celebrity Softball Game isn’t arbitrary. It’s carefully curated by MLB’s events and marketing teams in collaboration with talent agents and PR representatives, and occasionally through personal connections. It’s an invitation-only affair, built to create a buzzworthy mix of athletes, entertainers, influencers, and legacy players.

“It’s a balance of cultural relevance, hometown pride, and baseball heritage,” a league official told Bleacher Report ahead of the 2025 game. That explains why Atlanta’s lineup this year leans so hard into its roots. Big Boi, Mariah the Scientist, Quavo, and Druski all rep ATL with pride, giving the event a hometown flair that feels both organic and electric.

But it’s not just about trending names. MLB targets a spread of personalities, comedians, reality stars, musicians, pro athletes, and viral TikTokers, ensuring something for every demographic. The goal? Make the stadium roar and the internet click. Every player is scouted not just for their fame, but for their showmanship. Because let’s face it: no one wants a star who won’t hustle to first or ham it up for the cameras.

How the final roster is revealed

Once the roster is finalized, and often tweaked up until the week of the event, MLB typically drops the names across multiple platforms. You’ll find it on MLB.com, regional sports networks, and high-traffic local outlets like FOX 5 Atlanta when the host city gets involved. The releases are strategically timed to build up excitement gradually in stages. Initial hints may focus attention towards a favorite or an unexpected big-name reveal, while the complete lineup typically gets unveiled nearer to the week of the game.

This year, the roster drop was pure Atlanta energy. Not only did the list feature hip-hop royalty like Big Boi, but it also added former Braves legends like Dexter Fowler and Nick Swisher, bridging the entertainment world with MLB nostalgia. And of course, Olympic gold medalist Jennie Finch made her return, a staple of the game who somehow manages to pitch underhand heaters and charm the crowd all at once.

The celebrity game, though lighthearted, is no sideshow; it’s become a cultural tentpole for All-Star week, and MLB treats its reveal like the event it is.

MLB All-Star celebrity softball game format and rules

So now that you know how the cast is chosen, what about the actual game? While the stakes are low and the laughs are high, there are still real rules and a defined format that shape this uniquely entertaining event.

Here’s how it works: The annual Celebrity Softball Game usually consists of two teams. Team MLB Legends and Team Celebrities; however, the team names and compositions may vary depending on the chosen theme, for the event each year. Each team comprises 10 to 12 players, and the game is played across five innings. This adjustment helps the fans stay energised without losing focus.

And yes, everyone bats. The lineup rotates continuously, ensuring all participants get their moment under the stadium lights, even if they’re more known for hooks or hashtags than home runs.

Here are a few other fun quirks: Slow-pitch underhand softball rules apply, meaning no blazing fastballs. Defensive errors? Expect a lot of them, and cheer anyway. Bat flips are encouraged. Heck, backflips too (if anyone dares). Each team often has at least one former MLB player to “anchor” the defense or pitch with style.

And in case you’re wondering: yes, the team bench brings about half the fun. With players doing interviews during the game breaks and showing off dance moves, on the sidelines, while hyped up teammates use microphones to amp each other up, it’s like a mix of baseball action, with a touch of comedy and the excitement of an award show warm-up session.

A tradition that keeps evolving

What began as a fun novelty event two decades ago has grown into a cornerstone of All-Star festivities, now drawing legit national interest. It’s no longer just a filler event before the Home Run Derby; it’s must-see TV, TikTok, and X.

The Celebrity Softball Game has seen a variety of participants over time, such as Snoop Dog and Nelly, along with Billie Jean King and Kevin Hart. Showcasing its growing popularity, which puts the MLB under pressure annually to deliver an engaging lineup.

For 2025, the Atlanta edition didn’t disappoint. With a lively cast including Atlanta comedians such as Funny Marco and ESPN host Elle Duncan, along with rappers like Big Boi and Olympic superstars like Jordan Chiles. Showcasing MLB’s mix of established brands and rising online influencers.

Why it matters (Even if it’s just for laughs)

On the surface, the game is pure fun. But underneath, it serves a bigger purpose: it connects baseball to a broader audience. Teenagers who may not know every All-Star starter still tune in to see JoJo Siwa sprint to first in platform sneakers or watch Quavo lob a pitch to an MLB Hall of Famer.

It’s MLB’s most creative and most successful attempt to blend pop culture with America’s pastime. And unlike the stat-heavy All-Star Game itself, this one isn’t about metrics. It’s about moments. In short? The roster isn’t luck. It’s curated chaos. MLB carefully selects a team that breathes life into the stadium atmosphere, and the outcomes are trending videos spreading like wildfire and jam-packed stadiums witnessing a sport that continues to grow in popularity.

So the next time, when you witness a Grammy recipient playing alongside a Gold Glove winner. Just know that it wasn’t by chance. It was part of MLB’s softest pitch with the hardest-hitting impact. Let me know if you’d like a version with updated quotes or full roster listings from the 2025 game!