MLB this season has "put footwear at the forefront, working with a new provider to create custom socks for almost all its teams, as well as special occasion designs for events like Mother's Day and the upcoming All-Star Game," according to Jake Seiner of the AP. Working with Stance, some clubs "decided to update an old aesthetic." The Cardinals "added an 'STL' logo to their classic red, white and blue bars," while the Astros "included an homage to their bursting orange rainbow jerseys from the 1970s and '80s with a few bright stripes around the ankle." The Cubs kept things "subtle with a sublimated team logo, while the Rays have created three socks, including options with the team's 'TB' logo and its newer sunburst." The Orioles might have the "flashiest style when they rock Maryland's heraldic state flag." Older players used to wear "sanitary socks and stirrups." Some players today are "keeping that look alive, but most now avoid that throwback." The Mets were "presented with their new socks right around opening day, and while they're excited with the direction, they've also come at the stockings with a critical eye." Mets RF Curtis Granderson and teammates have "asked for a redesign of the socks, which currently include two orange stripes, an orange Mets logo and a gray New York skyline on a blue background." Some Mets are "still wearing them on the road, but when paired with their white pinstripe home jerseys, it gets a little too busy for Granderson's liking." Granderson was "told it could take up to 16 months to finalize the fresh model" (AP, 6/5).
