As the 2024 MLB All-Star Game got underway, the uniforms were once again the subject of criticism among fans and the media. No one seemed to be a fan of the generic American League and National League uniforms that players and coaches wore for the Midsummer Classic.
Aside from the bulky logos on the front of the jerseys, the fact that the jerseys and pants are the same color (tan for the AL, black for the NL) brings to mind pajamas or softball uniforms for many fans. It works for the white and gray on the home and away uniforms, but not so much with the other colors.
I am 100% convinced that MLB is deliberately forcing its players to wear the ugliest All-Star uniforms possible to get social media engagement. pic.twitter.com/Dc2GEz7ZJE
– Jimmy Traina (@JimmyTraina) July 16, 2024
The All-Star Game caps and uniforms look like the kind of thing you’d find in the sale aisle at Wal-Mart
— Ben Meyer 🔥💨🍖 (@PasteurBenMeyer) July 17, 2024
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred even addressed the topic earlier Tuesday, saying changes could be made for the 2025 All-Star Game. He also said he prefers All-Star jerseys, rather than players wearing their respective teams’ uniforms.
“I am aware of the sentiment on this issue,” Manfred told reporters, by Tyler Kepner of The Athletic“I think that’s something we’ll have a conversation about coming out of the All-Star Game.”
What I liked about having the players wear their own uniforms to the All-Star Game is that it allows you to get to know players from teams you don’t often watch.
We would have known right away who the Rockies’ choice was or who the Devil Rays’ choice was. That’s not the case anymore.
— Gershon Rabinowitz (@GershOnline) July 17, 2024
An All-Star who wants MLB to return to individual team uniforms is Philadelphia Phillies hitter Bryce HarperDuring Monday’s practice, the eight-time All-Star said the league’s generic uniforms were ruining something he loved about the All-Star Game when he was younger.
“If we could get back to that, I think that would be really cool,” Harper said. Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times.
Nike All-Star uniforms aren’t a hit with everyone. Growing up, Bryce Harper said he loved watching the All-Stars take the field in their team uniforms.
“If we could get back to that,” Harper said, “I think that would be really cool.”
— Bill Shaikin (@BillShaikin) July 15, 2024
MLB opted for the AL and NL uniforms as part of its deal with Nike and Fanatics in 2019, according to ShaikinIn an attempt to attract new fans, MLB asked its partners for suggestions, and the league’s All-Star uniforms were among them. The league reportedly did not consult with players before making the change, which was implemented in 2021.
Nike has already come under scrutiny for This season’s uniformswhich featured jerseys and pants in different shades, smaller nameplates and a material that players could easily sweat through. The sportswear company and MLB will make changes for next season. But for now, uniforms remain an unflattering topic of conversation that has continued into baseball’s midseason.
“We have a lot of uniform things going on,” Manfred said“Of course, the discussions have to involve the players, first of all, as well as Nike and some of our partners, but I am aware of the feeling and I know why people like this tradition. There will be discussions about it.”
