What happened: NSYNC performed the national anthem prior to Game 3 of the 2000 World Series between the Mets and Yankees, and the boy band's rendition won over the New York crowd. The performance came during the all-New York Fall Classic at the height of the group's popularity.

Why it matters: The performance blends two turn-of-the-millennium touchstones: a World Series played entirely within New York City and a boy band at its commercial peak. On July 4, it doubles as a slice of baseball Americana, pairing the national anthem tradition with one of the sport's most distinctive October stages.

What to watch: MLB's July 4 slate brings a full day of patriotic pregame ceremonies across the league, with anthem performances taking center stage at ballparks nationwide.