The unveiling of MLB’s new uniform did not go well. Now some of the rampant criticism has disappeared below the belt.
Major League Baseball Players Association deputy director Bruce Meyer confirmed Thursday that the organization is conveying players’ concerns about the new pants, which are somewhat see-through, to MLB. The complaints – first reported by ESPN – are part of a broader disdain for the new uniformswhich are designed by Nike and manufactured by Fanatics.
“I know everyone hates them,” Phillies shortstop Trea Turner said last week. “We all liked what we had. We understand the business world, but I think for the most part everyone wanted to keep it the same way, with some tweaks here and there.”
MLB officials say the new uniforms improve mobility by providing 25% more stretch and will also dry 28% faster. The lettering, sleeve emblems and numbering are less bulky in an effort to make uniforms more breathable and comfortable.
Commissioner Rob Manfred previously said that he expects the criticism to subside, but that was before the underlying complaints.
Some MLB players don’t know if they like the new pants because they don’t have them yet. The San Diego Padres played their first spring training game Thursday against the Los Angeles Dodgers in last year’s season.
Veteran pitcher Joe Musgrove wasn’t sure when the Padres would get their new pants.
“Hopefully on opening day,†Musgrove said. “We tried things last year, we tried things again in the spring, but the samples they gave us weren’t the right length for anyone, so it’s hard to judge if they’re a good fit or not.”
Musgrove shrugged off the controversy, saying it was far from the main thing he was concerned about this spring, even if it is a bit annoying.
“Pants are pants — we’re going to wear them,†he said. “If they don’t fit properly, you’re going to have to deal with it.”