The backlash over the new Major League Baseball jerseys has continued, and now, one of the game’s prominent figures is speaking out.
There has been near-universal uproar from players and fans alike over the quality and look of the Fanatics-made and Nike-designed uniforms, so much so that even the MLB Player’s Association has been fielding questions about the issue.
MLBPA executive director Tony Clark told The Athletic on Tuesday that there was “frustration” over the jerseys and that the player’s association is looking to see if there can be any adjustments made to them.
“Any time there’s change, there’s an adjustment period. Sometimes that adjustment period goes well, sometimes not so much. In this instance, there appear to be some misses that could have otherwise not been misses,” Clark said.
One unnamed player from Yankees division rival, the Orioles, told the Baltimore Banner last week that the “look of it is like a knockoff jersey from T.J. Maxx.”
Phillies star Trea Turner told The Associated Press “I know everyone hates them.”
Fanatics has been manufacturing MLB’s Nike-designed uniforms since 2017, but this year is the first year for the Nike Vapor Premier jerseys.
Fanatics told The Atlantic that it does not have a say in the design of the uniforms.
MLB claims that the new uniforms improve mobility and are more breathable and comfortable.
“We are on the phone with the requisite parties that are involved in making that decision because we aren’t,” Clark said. “We’re trying to make sure our guys have what they need in the fashion that they need it. And it’s reflective of what being a major-league ballplayer should be reflective of.
“It’s an ongoing dialogue. Hopefully, we can get some things done over the course of the next six weeks of spring training. Because I’d hate to be in a place where we’re still having conversations about some of the challenges we have in that regard once the lights come on.”
The jersey does have defenders with some players and the commissioner’s office.
Commissioner Rob Manfred told the AP that he expected the criticism to die down after a while when the players get used to them.
But it may take some time if comments like the one from Angels outfielder Taylor Ward are to be changed.
“It feels kind of like papery,” he said. “It could be great when you’re out there sweating, it may be breathable. But I haven’t had that opportunity yet to try that out. But from the looks of it, it doesn’t look like a $450 jersey.
“So far, thumbs down.”