- The 51-year-old founder of Fanatics spoke at MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conf.
- He said he would like to see players become more involved in the draft process next time
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Fanatics founder Michael Rubin has said his company is being unfairly blamed for new Major League Baseball uniforms with see-through pants and other fit and design problems.
Since reporting to spring training this month, some players have complained about the fit of new uniforms. The white pants some teams wear are also sheer enough to clearly show the tucked-in jersey tops.
“This is a bit of a tough position,” Rubin said Friday at the MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference. “We purely do exactly what we’re told, and we’re told we’re doing everything exactly right. And we’re getting the hell kicked out of us. So that’s not fun.’
Rubin added that the uniforms were made to MLB and Nike specifications. Fanatics have been making the baseball uniform since 2017, he said; Fanatics bought the company that has been making the uniforms since 2005, meaning there has been no real change at the manufacturer in almost two decades.
“I know everyone hates them,” Phillies shortstop Trea Turner said earlier. ‘We all liked what we had. We understand the business world, but I think everyone wanted to keep it largely the same, with some tweaks here and there.”
Fanatics founder Michael Rubin has blamed Nike for preseason uniform problems
Players have expressed their displeasure over see-through pants, lower case letters and sleeve decals
Rubin said Nike made changes “for the right reasons” after receiving feedback from players who wanted materials that were more breathable and stretchy.
‘Nike designs everything. He gives us a spec and says, ‘Make this,'” he said. “We made everything exactly to spec, and Nike and baseball said, ‘Yes, you did everything we asked of you.’ ”
Rubin said part of the problem is players having to get used to the changes. A similar problem disappeared after the NFL and NBA uniforms changed.
MLB uniforms are designed by Nike and manufactured by Fanatics since 2017
But in the future, he said he would try to involve more people in the decisions.
‘They have certain players on board, not all players. When you change something that is so old and nostalgic, you need everyone to participate,” Rubin said. “I believe Nike is right.”
Players association head Tony Clark said on Thursday his members had raised their objections.
“The comments being made suggest that those in power are paying attention to the concerns that exist and are considering how best to address them in the future.” Clark said.