In a rare convergence of celestial and sporting events, the upcoming total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, will align with two Major League Baseball (MLB) games taking place in Arlington, Texas, and Cleveland, Ohio. The historic occurrence marks the first time in baseball or eclipse history that such an event will take place.

During a total solar eclipse, the moon's size appears nearly identical to that of the sun, resulting in the complete obscuration of the solar disk for those within the path of totality. The path of totality for the April 8 eclipse will span across Mexico, 15 states in the US, and southeastern Canada, encompassing many cities along its trajectory.

Two of these cities, Arlington and Cleveland, are set to host MLB games on the date of the eclipse. The Texas Rangers will face off against the Houston Astros at Globe Life Field in Arlington, while the Cleveland Guardians will play their home opener against the Chicago White Sox at Progressive Field.

Although the games in Arlington and Cleveland will not occur during totality, both cities will still experience a partial eclipse. In Arlington, viewers will witness the partial eclipse starting at 12:22 p.m. local time, with the maximum eclipse happening at 1:42 p.m. The duration of totality is estimated to be approximately 3 minutes and 22 seconds. The first pitch for the Texas Rangers' game is scheduled for 7:05 p.m., following the solar eclipse.

In Cleveland, a partial solar eclipse will be visible from 1:59 p.m. local time, with the maximum eclipse occurring at 3:15 p.m. Spectators at Progressive Field will be treated to 3 minutes and 50 seconds of darkness during totality. The stadium will open its gates at 2 p.m. so that fans can enjoy the unique celestial event before the game's 5:10 p.m. first pitch.

Additionally, although not in the path of totality, cities such as New York, St. Louis, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, and Toronto will also have MLB games on April 8, where a partial eclipse with at least 90% visibility will be observable.

Furthermore, the upcoming eclipse will not only captivate MLB fans but also minor league baseball enthusiasts. Four cities hosting minor league baseball games will also witness the total solar eclipse. A similar phenomenon occurred in 2017 when six teams within the path of totality experienced a shadow cast by the eclipse, leading to the first "Eclipse Delay" in baseball history.

As the date approaches, excitement builds for both baseball and space enthusiasts as they prepare to witness this unprecedented fusion of sports and natural wonder. It is a unique opportunity for fans to experience the rare spectacle of a total solar eclipse alongside America's pastime.