MLB sparked curiosity when they released a message on their social media on META and X stating, “If you build it, they will come”, that included LEGO baseball figures. Since it peaked my interested, I thought I would state the obvious, MLB baseball-themed LEGO sets and creations have become increasingly popular among fans and collectors, offering a unique way to celebrate America’s pastime. These collectibles range from official sets to impressive custom builds that capture the essence of the sport and its iconic stadiums.
Official LEGO Baseball Sets
While LEGO doesn’t currently offer official MLB-licensed sets, they do produce sports-themed sets that appeal to baseball enthusiasts. For instance, LEGO offers a 190-piece Baseball Life-Sized Replica set, designed by Lewis Meeny, an official LEGO Master Builder. This beginner-friendly set allows fans to build their own baseball, making it a perfect introduction to custom building and a great collectible for baseball lovers.
Custom MLB Stadium Builds
The most impressive and sought-after MLB baseball LEGO collectibles are often custom-built stadium replicas. These intricate creations showcase the detail and passion that fans bring to both LEGO and baseball:
- Wrigley Field: Certified LEGO Professional Sean Kenney created an incredible replica of Chicago’s Wrigley Field using 57,960 LEGO bricks. This model captures the historic architecture, including the famous marquee, hand-operated scoreboard, and vine-covered walls.
- Yankee Stadium: Kenney, along with a Manhattan grade-schooler, also built an exact replica of the original Yankee Stadium from 2008. This massive creation, measuring 6 feet wide and 5 feet long, took three years to complete and consists of over 45,000 bricks.
- Miller Park: Tim Kaebisch, a graduate of the Milwaukee School of Engineering, spent nine years constructing a 35,000-brick replica of the Brewers’ Miller Park, complete with a functioning retractable roof.
Player Portraits and Memorabilia
LEGO artists have also created impressive portraits of MLB players using bricks:
- Buster Posey, Joey Votto, and Derek Jeter have been immortalized in LEGO form by Sean Kenney.
- A LEGO portrait of Cardinals legend Stan Musial was featured in an exhibit at the Louisville Slugger Museum.
- In 2016, the San Francisco Giants broadcast team took time to show off a life-size Lego model of Madison Bumgarner.
Exhibitions and Displays
The popularity of MLB baseball LEGO collectibles has led to dedicated exhibitions:
- The “Big Leagues, Little Bricks” exhibit at the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory showcased various baseball-themed LEGO creations, including stadium replicas and player portraits.
- Some fans have suggested that LEGO stadium replicas, like the Yankee Stadium model, should be displayed in actual MLB stadiums.
Collecting and Building
For those interested in starting their own collection of MLB baseball LEGO items:
- Look for official LEGO sports sets that can be adapted for baseball themes.
- Explore custom instructions and brick lists available online for building stadium replicas.
- Consider creating your own designs of favorite players, memorable moments, or local ballparks.
- Keep an eye out for limited edition or exclusive sets released during special MLB events or anniversaries.
MLB baseball LEGO collectibles offer a unique intersection of two beloved pastimes. Whether it’s building a life-sized LEGO baseball, recreating famous stadiums, or displaying player portraits, these creations allow fans to experience their favorite sport in a whole new, brick-built dimension.
We are waiting, and have been for a long time, for a real official licensed collaborative partnership between these two! Until it happens, we will just enjoy both. Some companies have created LEGO-compatible sets or accessories related to baseball, such as custom minifigures or stadium accessories.