In a debacle that seems to worsen by the day, the newly introduced MLB uniforms by Nike and Fanatics have sparked a tidal wave of discontent among fans and players alike.
The collaboration between the two companies has resulted in what many are calling a major misstep in uniform design and production.
We’ve heard all the complaints from both players and fans…
The new Fanatics/Nike MLB uniforms look like players moms got the jerseys on clearance at TJ Maxx. pic.twitter.com/CFYA6gElEa
— Korked Bats (@korkedbats) February 14, 2024
Last year vs this year’s replica jersey offerings from the fine folks at MLB, Nike & Fanatics. Last year’s being on the left and this year’s on the right.
I have a lot to say, so bear with me here.
Let’s just rip the bandaid off right away with this year’s new jersey offerings pic.twitter.com/3IShhlj0nL
— Bobby Mullins (@TheBobbyMullins) February 11, 2024
This is what the back of the white jerseys look like with the new template. Players are pretty unhappy. Miles Mikolas says they also don’t fit right; pants are no longer as customized, and the fabric is a very different consistency.
“They look cheap,” another player said. pic.twitter.com/UoH4vVHTfd
— Jeff Jones (@jmjones) February 13, 2024
Once we got beyond all of the weird fonts and the whole “shirsey” feel to the tops, another realization became apparent – the pants are just as bad!
The most important photo of spring training – and one of the most important of the entire 2024 season as a whole – was the one just shot of new Los Angeles Dodgers teammates Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
The photo represents the high-priced pairing of two Japanese superstars who were brought to LA to try and catapult a dynasty. (That may sound a little dramatic, but it’s true.)
However, all anyone was talking about after seeing the “iconic” photo was how MLB’s new pants are see-through for crying out loud!
Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto are making over $1 billion dollars combined.
The pants they’re wearing cost $10.
(Via: @MLB) pic.twitter.com/oDQQZFiKe4
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) February 21, 2024
Manufactured with noticeably thinner material, the pants have raised major concerns throughout baseball.
The issue came to a head when a San Diego Padres player unintentionally highlighted the problem as he bent over during a game, revealing more than intended due to the nature of the pants.
More like Fanadicks, amirite?! pic.twitter.com/8zq89lewVo
— Korked Bats (@korkedbats) February 22, 2024
Needless to say, the photo went absolutely viral on social media…
“who will be the first mlb player brave enough to wear these under their see through pants as a coy little distraction technique.”
who will be the first mlb player brave enough to wear these under their see through pants as a coy little distraction technique pic.twitter.com/DVETU4i7px
— LO (@edmonton_eulers) February 22, 2024
“MLB: You sew those new uniform pants yet?
Fanatics: Sure did boss, real f*ckin sexy just like you asked.
MLB: what.”
MLB: You sew those new uniform pants yet?
Fanatics: Sure did boss, real fuckin sexy just like you asked.
MLB: what https://t.co/9Nj2ohmHdM— Stu (@RandBallsStu) February 22, 2024
“Costanza’s getting fired over this one!”
Costanza's getting fired over this one! 🤣🤣
— IlliniOrange86 🧡💙 (@Orange86Illini) February 23, 2024
“MLB’s new pants are nuts.”
What the hell kinda message is MLB sending out?
— Kentucky Whig Party (@KYWhig) February 23, 2024
Greeting all my favorite MLB players in their new fanatics uniform pants https://t.co/fLCx7cZVAa pic.twitter.com/brefzzn0U3
— Mr. Met (@MrMetsBurner) February 21, 2024
Tony Clark and the MLB Players Association are currently trying to fix the issue – especially since it’s not just the tops that are a problem, but the pants as well.
All in all, it’s an absolute disaster. There’s no other way to put it.
After seeing the names on the back of the current MLB uniforms, I finally remembered where I saw those name templates before.
Anyone heard of the game MLB 9 Innings? Well….
Let’s look at a real life comparison to the game comparison pic.twitter.com/PnRY3YRfIo
— STL Dysfunct.⚾ Fan | Ready for ST (@STLfan006457) February 15, 2024
What are your thoughts on the new uniforms?
Who do you blame the most? Nike? Fanatics? Major League Baseball? All the above?
Will they be able to correct the problem in time for Opening Day???