NEW YORK -- Major League Baseball teams will pay tribute to the U.S. armed forces and the nation by having "God Bless America'' sung during the seventh-inning stretch of all home openers.

While the song had been part of all games since the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, it will be sung this season only at the homer openers, Sunday games and holidays, the commissioner's office said Friday.

To celebrate the start of the season, an opening-day logo will be on the field and on top of the three bases during each team's initial homestand.

Six teams will wear commemorative patches: the Chicago White Sox (All-Star game host), Cincinnati (first season at Great American Ball Park), the New York Yankees (100th anniversary), Philadelphia (final season in Veterans Stadium) and San Francisco (NL champions).

The Yankees also will wear the patches on their caps and use commemorative balls at all home games. Special balls also will be used at Monday's opener of the Great American Ball Park, all games at Veterans Stadium and all Montreal Expos' games in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Baseball also announced an agreement with Armed Forces Radio and Television Service to carry eight to 10 games each week during the season, starting with Sunday night's opener between Texas and Anaheim.