Major League Baseball wanted lighter materials for jerseys for the boys of summer in 2024. What they got from Nike and Fanatics was similar to what a street corner knockoff vendor sells, but for a tenth of the price.
While much of the complaints have been about shrunken name plates and jersey numbers, or the tighter fit, the big problem is the pants—which on occasion reveal parts of the human body no one asked for. Not only can you see the tucked-in portion of the jersey, but much more if you're within a few feet.
"They have been tested more extensively than any jersey in any sport," said Commissioner Rob Manfred, standing proud after a six year development process.
In response to overwhelming criticism, former Sixers minority owner and Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin addressed the complaints while at the Sloan Sports Analytics Conference saying, "The biggest thing I've learned is if we're involved in something, we need to make sure that everybody is on board." Rubin also noting not every player has been in favor of the revealing jerseys.
For Phillies fans there was a belief if your team had pinstripes it would hide what you may not want others to see, but after watching the most recent string of Grapefruit league games, I'm preparing a class about human anatomy for my children before attending their first game this season.
While the reviews by players have been mixed, fans are not happy with the quality, nor what it allows to be seen.
A 94WIP caller recently asked me, "What will happen if the Phillies are wearing their cream unis and it starts raining?"
Whose ready for MLB to become the first professional sport to require sensor bars?
