To the increasing list of grievances about the new MLB jerseys that will be worn this season, add the possibility of see-through trousers.
The Major League Baseball Players Association is reaching out to its members in anticipation of Opening Day in order to get their thoughts on the topic as spring training games get underway.
Tony Clark, executive director of the MLBPA, said on Thursday, “It’s disappointing that we’ve landed in a place where the uniforms are the topic of discussion.” “Each conversation with the guys is yielding more information with what we’re seeing.”
Commissioner Rob Manfred has termed the Nike-created, Fanatics-produced outfits the “performance jerseys” since they were worn during the All-Star Game the previous year. Many athletes acknowledge that they feel lighter, but they don’t like how they appear.
Many players have complained that the jersey’s back is “amateurish,” citing Clark’s statement that it’s a “challenge” to have larger numbers and letters due to the lighter fabric. Additionally, others claim that the eggshell hue of the pants—which are made of the same material as last year—is giving off a see-through impression. There have also been doubts about the fit.
Clark has visited more than half a dozen spring camps in Arizona, and he is beginning to understand the concerns.
“A lot of the rhetoric is confirmation that the pants are see-through,” Clark said. “It’s been an ongoing conversation where each day has yielded something new that doesn’t seem to make as much sense as you would like it.”
Every camp seems to be dealing with a different difficulty; some are even concerned about supply-chain issues, which is why at least one player told Clark he may have to visit Dick’s Sporting Goods to get more trousers.
“The pant is a universal concern,” said Clark.
Adjustments are being made to the jersey size, waist, in-seam, thigh fit, and bottom of pants based on player requests to MLB, Fanatics, and Nike representatives who have been visiting training camps and conducting uniform fitting and feedback sessions with players, according to a statement from an MLB spokesperson.
As for the uniform supply, the statement from the spokesman said that the league is “closely in contact with our Clubs and uniform partners to ensure Clubs have what they need for Opening Day.”
“We always put the athlete at the center of everything we do,” a statement from Nike said. We collaborated extensively with MLB clubs, players, and the league to design the lightest, most flexible, and most innovative uniforms in the league’s history.”For us, the most important things are the product’s quality and performance. Regarding player jerseys, we will keep collaborating with MLB, the players, and our manufacturing partner.”
Clark will keep talking to the players in the meantime to see what can be done, if anything, before Opening Day.
“We’ll continue to engage those that are involved and determine next steps forward,” he said.
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MLB players express worry over new jerseys and see-through trousers.
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