Zobrist Hopeful MLB Will Ease Off Strict Uniform Rules

Zobrist said that a consensus from the MLBPA and MLB would be needed for a change in the rulesGETTY IMAGES

Cubs 2B Ben Zobrist "believes uniform rules will be adjusted to allow him to wear his black cleats without facing a penalty," according to Mark Gonzales of the CHICAGO TRIBUNE. After discussions yesterday with MLBPA officials and MLB Chief Baseball Officer Joe Torre, Zobrist said, "It sounds like they all want us to be free to wear whatever we'd like to wear. Obviously there needs to be some structure because you can't just say 'Go ahead, wear whatever whenever.' We still have to protect certain things from happening." Gonzales notes MLB "warned Zobrist last week after he wore black cleats for a Rockies-Cubs game." Zobrist said that a "consensus from the MLBPA and MLB would be needed for a change in the rules." Zobrist added that the 51% minimum cleat rule was "instituted to allow some freedom, 'but not total freedom' because some teams wanted a more uniformed approach" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 5/17).