In Seattle, Ryan Divish noted the Mariners on Friday in a “nod to their past and a little bit of their present” unveiled their new alternate uniforms for Sunday home games. The decision to “add this uniform started before last season and has been in the discussion process for a few years.” Mariners Senior VP/Marketing Kevin Martinez said, “We’ve been kicking the idea of a cream jersey around for a couple of years. It started out with some initial sketches and varying designs.” Divish noted most fans “seem to be happy with the look.” The retro colors are “something that had gained in popularity” (SEATTLETIMES.com, 1/23).
YANKEE DOODLE: In N.Y., Mitchell, Madden & O’Keeffe reported Yankees 3B Alex Rodriguez “offered to meet face-to-face with team executives to apologize for his role in the Biogenesis scandal and clear the air before players report to Tampa next month.” However, Yankees execs “declined the invitation.” Rodriguez also "attempted to cushion his re-entry into baseball with at least two meetings with MLB that began late last summer with new commissioner Rob Manfred.” Rodriguez “met Manfred again” last Wednesday at MLB HQ (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 1/25). ESPN N.Y.’s Andrew Marchand reported Rodriguez “initiated the get-together" with Manfred. Sources said that there “were no lawyers on hand, and it was said to be a positive discussion.” A source said that the meeting “lasted 10 minutes and Rodriguez apologized, while promising to behave in the future” (ESPNNY.com, 1/24).
COME TOGETHER: New Rangers manager Jeff Banister at the team’s FanFest on Saturday said that last season’s events, which included the in-season resignation of manager Ron Washington, "had taken a toll on the fans.” Banister: “There is a reconnecting process of a fan base with this team.” In Dallas, Michael Florek noted Bannister at the event “took a step towards that reconnecting by signing autographs and holding a Q&A session” (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 1/25).
FOR THE FANS, BY THE FANS: The Brewers yesterday unveiled the seven designs that will be used for the T-Shirt Friday All Fan Giveaways this season. All fans attending Friday home games from June-August will receive a Brewers-themed T-shirt. Fans decided the designs for the T-shirts through an online vote (Brewers).
