Dodgers players didn’t complain as much as others around baseball. Maybe when a team wins 100 games or more every year, players feel good no matter what they wear.
But the hot topic in MLB spring training clubs spilled onto the field this week when teams held a photo day dressed in new uniforms conceived by Nike and manufactured by Fanatics. Players complained about the poor fit, the bright colors, the small size of their names and the see-through nature of the pants which recalled children singing: “I see England, I see France, I see the boxers of Mookie. »
For his part, the Dodgers star Bets on Mookie is less concerned than many of his MLB counterparts, saying, “It doesn’t matter to me. If we care about uniforms, that matters to some people. I do not care. As long as I have one.
Nevertheless, the discontent in the Cactus and Grapefruit leagues became loud enough for the Major League Baseball Players Assn. to express his dismay.
“It’s disappointing that we’ve landed in a place where uniforms are a talking point,” the MLBPA executive director said. Tony Clark said. “Every conversation with the guys gives more insight into what we’re seeing.”
Like seeing too much. Shohei — show me, hello! —Ohtani.
“A lot of the talk confirms that pants are see-through,” Clark said. “It’s an ongoing conversation in which every day gives rise to something new that doesn’t seem to make as much sense as we would like.”
Another problem with pants: many teams don’t have enough to go around.
“There are teams that have pants and jerseys,” Clark said. “Some teams don’t have pants. There are other teams that are supposed to receive certain things before the (season) starts. There are others who, in case they have a problem with the pants and a player needs a new pair, don’t have any in reserve.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred last week, the growing chorus of complaints such as Alessandro Benetton at a fashion show in Paris, saying the jerseys “have been tested more thoroughly than any jersey in any sport.” …Once people wear them a little bit, I think they’ll become really popular.
The new uniforms were worn last year’s All-Star Game in Seattle, and Manfred said the feedback was “universally positive from the players.” Or maybe they were just excited to be All-Stars and reluctant to criticize the brass.
Spring training is different. The days drag on, scores don’t matter, and players have plenty of time to ponder the sartorial splendor or lack thereof. A baseball cliché goes something like, “Look good, play good.” » Players paid millions of dollars want to feel like at least a million dollars.
No, as one veteran Orioles player said told the Baltimore Banner, like a fan browsing low-cost retailers for deals. “The look is like a knockoff TJMaxx jersey,” he said.
Another Orioles player, who like his teammate requested anonymity to avoid backlash from MLB officials, criticized his new orange cap, saying, “You can see how much brighter this one is . And so you look like a pumpkin when you’re out there.
The numbers and letters on the jerseys are smaller because the new Nike Vapor Premier Jersey is made of a thinner, lighter fabric that MLB says will provide more comfort during hot summer games. Players might eventually like it.
Other complaints – particularly those related to below the belt – seem worth addressing.
Previously, players equipped during spring training could request a custom tailoring, according to the Athletic. This year, Nike and Fanatics sorted players into four body types based on body analysis of around 300 players and gave them three options: slim, regular or loose fit. Adapting specific areas was not an option.
A statement from MLB on Thursday said Nike and Fanatics are reviewing their policies and could bring out the measuring tape or thicken the pants before Opening Day, which is about five weeks away.
“Like every spring training, Fanatics team services, Nike and MLB representatives visit the camps to meet all the players, hold uniform fitting sessions with them and get their feedback on the how their uniforms fit,” the release said. “Depending on player requests, adjustments are made to the jersey size, waistline, inside seams, length, thigh cut and bottom of their pants.
“The goal of these meetings is to provide players with the most comfortable uniforms available for Opening Day. We are in close contact with our clubs and uniform partners to ensure clubs have what they need for opening day.
Maybe by then the uniforms will be on par with MLB and Nike. promised before spring trainingthat they would “improve mobility, moisture management and fit, while keeping sustainability in mind – bringing inspiration and innovation to athletes.”
Or at least enough coverage.
Times staff writer Jack Harris contributed to this report.
