- Fanatics has rolled out their new Nike designed ‘Vapor Premier’ jerseys
- But almost all the feedback was negative, with one calling them ‘papery’
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Players within Major League Baseball have been critical of the new jerseys they will wear this year – made by Fanatics and designed by Nike.
Players and fans alike have been up in arms since the start of spring training, criticizing the quality of the uniforms their favorite teams have received.
It’s gotten so bad that Tony Clark, executive director of the MLB Players Association, told The Athletic that there was “frustration” over the players’ jerseys and that the association will look to make adjustments.
“Any time there is change, there is an adjustment period. Sometimes that adjustment period goes well, sometimes not so well,” Clark said.
“In this case, there appear to be some misses that otherwise could not have been misses.”
The latest Fanatics jerseys have been criticized by MLB players (Photo: Hunter Brown)
MLBPA executive director Tony Clark says “there appears to be some misses” from Fanatics
Some players were very open in their assessment of the Fanatics’ uniforms.
A player for the Baltimore Orioles told the Baltimore Banner last week that they “look… like a TJ Maxx knock-off jersey.”
Philadelphia Phillies star shortstop Trea Turner said, “I know everyone hates them.”
The league claims the new jerseys will improve mobility while being more breathable and comfortable.
Angels outfielder Taylor Ward disagrees: “It kind of feels papery.
‘It can be great when you’re sweating, it can be breathable. But I haven’t had a chance to try that out yet.
“But from the looks of it, it doesn’t look like a $450 sweater. So far, thumbs down.”
Fanatics say they have no say in the design of the uniforms. The company has been producing MLB’s Nike-designed jerseys since 2017, but 2024 will be the first year for the so-called Nike Vapor Premier jerseys.
Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Trea Turner said “everyone hates” the new uniforms
Angels OF Taylor Ward described the feel as “papery” and it “doesn’t look like a $450 sweater”
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred, who recently announced he will resign in 2029, told the AP he expected the criticism to subside once players become accustomed to the jerseys.
“We are on the phone with the necessary parties involved in making that decision because that is not the case,” Clark said.
“We’re trying to make sure our guys get what they need, the way they need it. And it reflects what being a Major League ballplayer should reflect.
‘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 would hate to be in a place where we’re still having conversations about some of the challenges we have in that area once the lights come on.”