Amid recent criticism of its new uniforms, MLB on Friday “attributed the sheerness of its uniform pants to sizing changes, rather than a new fabric,” according to Adler & Beaton of the WALL STREET JOURNAL. A baseball official said, “The uniform pants have the same material and thickness as the uniform pants used last season. There were changes to the fabric of the jersey, not the pants.” In a league that has spent a decade “seeking opportunities to maximize its star power for marketing purposes,” players have “asked why names and numbers on the back weren’t just given new materials, but were also given less prominence” (WALL STREET JOURNAL, 2/23). In Boston, Mac Cerullo wrote MLB’s new uniforms are a “disaster.” Red Sox P Nick Pivetta said, “The pants are super see-through. It’s not professional” (BOSTON HERALD, 2/25).
ADJUSTMENT PERIOD: Nationals P Kyle Finnegan, on the new uniforms, said, “I think it’s the nameplate that’s really taken some getting used to for me.” He added, “If you ask me in six months, maybe I’ll like it better. But I really can’t tell you. First impression, it’s going to take some getting used to it.” Blue Jays SS Bo Bichette said, “I didn’t notice [the pants] until people started talking about it. Then I noticed I could see my tights through it” (WASHINGTON POST, 2/24).
MAJOR LEAGUE THREADS: Giants P Logan Webb said that the pants are “a little see-through,” while A’s P Alex Wood said that the new jerseys “don’t feel as authentic as the previous models.” Wood: This feels like the cheaper ones, not the authentic, special uniforms. That’s a big part of the issue. This kind of feels like AAU baseball with their drive-by unis.” A’s 2B Zack Gelof said, “I just know my pants fit me well, and I like the tops.” He added, “From player to player, it’s not as consistent. I do think the consistency has to be there. But I have no complaints about my individual jersey. It’s very light and breathable” (S.F. CHRONICLE, 2/24).
REMAINING PATIENT: Guardians clubhouse manager Tony Amato said the players “have been pretty understanding.” Amato: “It’s an unfortunate situation for everybody. It has not been fun. It’s a problem of production needs. That’s what we’re up against right now” (Cleveland PLAIN DEALER, 2/24). In L.A, Steve Henson noted the Dodgers don't seem to be complaining about the new uniforms under the header: “See-through pants. ‘Knockoff’ jerseys. New MLB uniforms trigger complaints, except from Dodgers” (L.A. TIMES, 2/23).
SEE THROUGH IT ALL: In Pittsburgh, Pirates LF Bryan Reynolds said, “It’s like literally mesh. The names are smaller. The numbers are smaller. I don’t know why. It comes down to comfort” (TRIBLIVE.com, 2/23). In Cincinnati, Jason Williams wrote under the header, “See-through the complaints. Major League Baseball uniform rollout is embarrassing.” He wrote you can see it as “another public-relations misstep for a sport that’s constantly battling to remain relevant in a football-crazed, American culture” (CINCINNATI ENQUIRER, 2/23).
