What happened: James Earl Jones delivered a memorable rendition of the national anthem at the 1993 MLB All-Star Game, a performance being celebrated again around the July 4th holiday. The late actor's voice remains one of the most recognizable ever associated with the sport.

Why it matters: Jones holds a singular place in baseball culture through his roles in 'Field of Dreams' and 'The Sandlot,' films that shaped how generations of fans romanticize the game. His 'people will come' monologue and anthem performance are staples of the sport's Americana canon, which is why they recirculate every Independence Day.

What to watch: Expect more baseball-nostalgia moments to circulate through the July 4th weekend as MLB leans into its holiday slate of games.