AARP Celebrates Social Security’s 90th Anniversary at Nats Park

AARP Night at the Ballpark mixes fun with reminders about the importance of the government program

Trey Barrineau,

AARP

Comments

Published August 20, 2025

a person wearing a red baseball jersey raises their hand at a stadium

AARP's Night at the Ballpark, celebrating Social Security’s 90th anniversary, was held on Tuesday at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C.

Cheriss May, for AARP

On Tuesday, August 19, AARP marked the 90th anniversary of Social Security with a special night at Nationals Park during the game against the New York Mets.

Nearly 1,000 AARP staff and guests were part of a 23,000-plus crowd enjoying a summer evening of fun at the ballpark as well as a celebration of the 90th anniversary of a federal program that helps millions of older Americans.

myechia minter jordan throwing a baseball

AARP CEO Dr. Myechia Minter-Jordan throws out the ceremonial first pitch before AARP's Night at the Ballpark.

Cheriss May, for AARP

“Social Security and baseball are both great American traditions that bring people together,” said AARP CEO Dr. Myechia Minter-Jordan, who threw out the ceremonial first pitch. “For 90 years, Social Security has provided the security and peace of mind that millions of families count on. Social Security is the foundation that allows millions of Americans to retire with dignity — and that’s exactly why AARP will always fight to protect and strengthen it.”

Join Our Fight to Protect Social Security

You’ve worked hard and paid into Social Security with every paycheck. Here’s what you can do to help keep Social Security strong:

Add your name and pledge to protect Social Security.
Find out how AARP is fighting to keep Social Security strong.
Get expert advice on Social Security benefits and answers to common questions.
AARP is your fierce defender on the issues that matter to people 50-plus. Become a member or renew your membership today.

Among those in attendance was Talinda Hathorn, 68, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, who won AARP’s #1 Fan of Social Security contest after describing in 50 words or less why she is Social Security’s top fan. She had received free round-trip air travel to Washington, D.C., hotel accommodations for two nights, two tickets to Tuesday’s game in the exclusive PNC Diamond Club section, an $800 Visa gift card to cover ground transportation and meals, Washington Nationals jerseys to wear that evening, and on-field recognition at the start of the game.

Hathorn and her husband, Robert, expressed their excitement about being in Washington for the game — and described the important role that Social Security plays in their lives.

“Social Security has been a blessing to me,” Talinda said. “I feel like I earned Social Security because I worked ever since I was 14 years old, so it’s a blessing to get to this age. It’s very important for me to have Social Security so that I can live comfortably. I rely on Social Security 100 percent. My sole support is Social Security.”

Robert Hathorn said Social Security has helped him avoid having to look for a job after retirement. (He worked for 37 years as an electrician in a factory that makes office furniture.)

people posing for a group photo in baseball jerseys

Robert and Talinda Hathorn of Grand Rapids, Michigan (left), joined AARP CEO Dr. Myechia Minter-Jordan and Nancy LeaMond, AARP's executive vice president and chief advocacy and engagement officer, on the field prior to Tuesday’s game. Talinda was recognized for winning AARP's #1 Fan of Social Security contest.

Cheriss May, for AARP

“It allowed me to build my Social Security by working all those years and put us into a position right now that we can live pretty comfortably,” he said. “I had a retirement [plan] from work. Social Security has given me some additional funding. Now I’m blessed to not have to look for another job like a lot of people. To be part of this 90-year Social Security celebration and to top it off by going to a baseball game, it’s going to be really special.”

Most Popular

AARP gave away foldable handheld fans imprinted with “Social Security #1 Fan” to the first 10,000 attendees who entered the ballpark through the Center Field Plaza. At the nearby mobile billboard truck, AARP staffers and volunteers greeted fans and helped them enter contests to win Nats gear and upgrade their tickets to the PNC Diamond Club. Throughout the stadium, signs highlighted Social Security’s 90th anniversary and AARP’s multiyear partnership with the Washington Nationals.

“It’s a great celebration,” said John Hishta, senior vice president of campaigns for AARP, who delivered lineup cards to the umpires before the game.

And in the fifth inning, Screech, the Nationals’ bald eagle mascot, joined AARP staff and guests in the stands for a viral moment that was broadcast across the stadium’s video screens.

“There’s something special about celebrating Social Security’s 90th anniversary at a baseball game — bringing together two institutions that represent community and the American spirit,” said Nancy LeaMond, AARP executive vice president and chief advocacy and engagement officer, who gave the iconic “play ball” announcement. “Americans work hard throughout their lives to earn Social Security, and it’s a promise we’ve kept for nine decades. Tonight, our AARP team is celebrating with our voices, fan giveaways and, most importantly, our commitment to protecting the Social Security that 69 million Americans depend on every day.”

a person posing for a photo with a costumed mascot styled after president theodore roosevelt

AARP's Nancy LeaMond greets Teddy, one of the Washington Nationals' Racing Presidents mascots, during Tuesday's game against the New York Mets.

Cheriss May, for AARP

In July, AARP was named the Nationals’ first-ever Jersey Patch Sponsor and Community Impact Partner. Now, every player’s jersey displays an AARP logo, representing a larger commitment to creating meaningful moments for people of all ages, especially those 50-plus.

The alliance between AARP and the Nationals helps AARP spotlight much of its value, from fraud tools and resources to community events, volunteer opportunities, and special offers and benefits for AARP members.