There are "plenty of fun things that you can still do to rookies" after MLB banned the practice of forcing players to dress up as women that do not "take it to that much of an extreme," according to MLB Network's Dan Plesac. When hazing "gets to that point, it goes beyond that line" ("MLB Tonight," MLB Network, 12/13). In Boston, Michael Silverman writes it is "of course ... time for such a change," and the "players and the game will survive the loss." What "made this issue worthy of mention and change in the new CBA probably has as much to do with the growth of social media than changing mores" (BOSTON HERALD, 12/14). MLB Network's Carlos Pena said there "needs to be a level of respect" among players. Pena: "The reason why we do it is because it's been done for years. And just because something has been done over a long period of time doesn't mean it’s right” ("MLB Now,” MLB Network, 12/13). ESPN’s Dan Le Batard said, “It’s about time they got rid of this given the idea that it's bullying, basically, of a lesser class of player, an inexperienced player." He added, "You’re often dressing him up in costumes that he might want not to want to wear and he has to do it because he's subservient. Long overdue” (“Highly Questionable,” ESPN, 12/13). In S.F., John Shea writes, "In a year in which players were suspended for domestic-abuse incidents for the first time, MLB and the players’ union agreed on the ban." Critics would "call it more interference by the PC police," but others would "call it common sense" (S.F. CHRONICLE, 12/14).
EXECS, PLAYERS REACT: Mets GM Sandy Alderson said of the tradition of hazing in MLB is "something I’m very concerned about as a potential issue." Alderson: "I’ve seen it in the military. For all the camaraderie it’s supposed to promote, it’s divisive and I think undercuts morale. So you’ve got to be very careful about that" (NEWSDAY, 12/14). However, the AP's Blum & McCauley noted Rockies Senior VP & GM Jeff Bridich "views costumes as distinct from hazing that involves violence." He said, "If we're getting so P.C. either as an industry or as a society that we can't make fun of ourselves at times, that would be, I think, harmful to the game in a certain way" (AP, 12/13). Marlins P Tom Koehler said, "The way the sport is being covered has changed and things that were acceptable 40 years ago may not be viewed as such now. In saying that, rookie dress-up day is something everyone has been a part of. As long as they do not completely take that away, I am fine with guidelines" (MIAMI HERALD, 12/14). Rangers SS Elvis Andrus said, "Times change; people change. We have to change. The good thing is the (attention to) bullying. You never want to have anyone feel like they’re being bullied" (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 12/14). But Mets CF Brandon Nimmo said, "I guess I’m sad to see that go. Not my decision, but I’m glad I got to partake in it last year. I wouldn’t trade that" (N.Y. TIMES, 12/14).
WAS IT NECESSARY? The AP's Tim Dahlberg writes bullying and hazing "have no place in organized sports," but it is "hard to imagine who brought this up when negotiators" for MLB and the union finalized the new CBA. It is worth wondering why baseball players "seem to have such a need to be protected from everything these days." Some of the rationale for the new rule is that what happens in the clubhouse "doesn't stay in the clubhouse anymore," and "that's largely because of social media." What is "supposed to be a gag among 25 guys doesn't look so funny when it's spread on Instagram or Twitter." While having rookies "don cheerleader outfits or princess costumes may be a bit embarrassing and not politically correct, it's probably not going to scar anybody for life" (AP, 12/14). ESPN's Danny Kanell said, "I’m sure it’s one of those that everyone’s going to be applauding, saying, ‘Hey way to go Major League Baseball, way to be out in front of it.’ But I think it’s a completely dumb rule that’s been inhibited." He added, "When I look at this, I just think we take ourselves so seriously sometimes. Like when is the ability to relax and just let these guys have fun? They’re not doing it to be offensive to anyone. It’s basically a costume party" ("Russillo & Kanell," ESPN Radio, 12/13).
