A giant United States flag is unfurled as the national anthem is played before a baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Milwaukee Brewers, Thursday, July 4, 2019, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

For much of the United States, the Fourth of July holiday is a time to enjoy fireworks, parades, barbecues and reunions.

The same holds true for the world of sports, as many are either on hiatus or take a break to celebrate.

But, as you might expect, baseball continues to roll right through Independence Day. And it’s been part of memories for many, many centered around the game.

On a national scene, four major milestones happened over the years on July 4th.

First, in 1911, Ty Cobb’s then-record 40-game hit streak came to an end vs. the Chicago White Sox. That mark was later passed by Joe DiMaggio, Pete Rose and George Sisler.

Twenty-eight years later, the New York Yankees retired Lou Gehrig’s No. 4 jersey during the first Old Timers Day in Yankee history as he gave his “Luckiest Man” speech. Mickey Mantle, wearing the New York pinstripes, hit his 300th home run on July 4th in 1960.

Nolan Ryan, the all-time strikeout king, picked up his 3,000th career K when he retired Cincinnati’s Cesar Geronimo in 1980.

Three no-hitters have been thrown on the special day by New York Yankee Dave Righetti in 1983, Detroit’s George Mullen in 1912 and New York Giant pitcher George Wiltse in 1908.

Fort Dodge Senior High baseball coach Blake Utley enjoys the pageantry of the season and the honoring that comes with it on the diamond.

“One of my favorite times of any doubleheader is the National Anthem,” Utley said. “We practice with our guys on how to stand at attention and honor our nation and those that have served and are serving for our freedom.

“The closer it gets to July 4th I love being at the ballpark at the end of the night or on the yellow limousine on the way home from games because you get to see everyone celebrating by lighting the sky with fireworks.”

So as we put the finishing touches on our Fourth of July celebrations for this year, check out how some of the local and area baseball minds remember the holiday:

Blake Utley, Fort Dodge Senior High

“I think my overall favorite Fourth of July baseball memory was going to a Chicago Cub vs. St Louis Cardinal game in Wrigley field. It was the only game the Cubs won in the home stand.

“My favorite Dodger memory from the holiday was when we played Carroll Kuemper and Derrick Meadows hit a walk-off home run. It was awesome.”

Mike Szalat, St. Edmond

“I don’t really have a favorite memory of the Fourth of July and baseball, I just know that I never had to work or coach on that day, so I could always watch a game. I don’t often get a chance to watch a game, start to finish, so the 4th presents that opportunity.”

Eric Stein, Iowa Central

“The Iowa Western Amateur Baseball League formed in 1947 and is still going today. I grew up watching my dad play and eventually played in it myself. Every year the biggest game and biggest crowd was for Portsmouth (my hometown) vs Westphalia, which was always played on the Fourth of July.”

Aaron Davidson, Pocahontas Area

“When I was coaching for the FDBA and was the head coach for the Yellow Jackets, we played in the Summer Sizzler tournament every year. It was always the weekend after the Fourth of July and two weeks after the USSSA Majors State tournament.

“It was always a great last tournament for us. Really showed how far we had come as a team that season.”

Brad Anderson, Southeast Valley

“Going to an Iowa Cubs game with my family. They let fathers and sons play catch on the field before the game, so Cameron and I played catch in the outfield. Then we stayed for the fireworks after the game.

“I would say that is my favorite Fourth of July baseball memory. I mean what else would a baseball coach do on a day off but go watch baseball.”

Rick Pederson, Iowa Central

“My senior year in high school we played No. 1 ranked West Waterloo on July 5. I remember not going with my friends or family to stay home and stay out of the sun to be ready. We had been swept by them at West in two pretty tight games. I was pitching the first game and was ready to go.

“I had a personal 18-game winning streak that spanned from the second game of my junior year through a 9-0 start to my senior year. I recall warming up and feeling great in the bullpen and knowing that staying in on the Fourth of July was a good idea. Then the game started.

“There were plenty of fireworks but not for the good guys. I got taken out without getting an out in the third inning and we were down 10-0. There wasn’t a fireworks display in Iowa that even compared to what West did to me that day. I played on some really good high school teams from 1989-1991 but this was the longest day at the park of any by far.”