MLB’s new uniform reveal has not gone very well and some of the rampant criticism has moved below the belt.
MLB Players’ Association deputy executive director Bruce Meyer on Thursday said that the organization is relaying concerns from players to the league about the new pants, which are somewhat see-through.
The complaints — first reported by ESPN — are part of broader scorn for the new uniforms, which are designed by Nike and manufactured by Fanatics.
Photo: AP
“I know everyone hates them,” Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Trea Turner said last week. “We all liked what we had. We understand business, but I think everyone wanted to keep it the same way, for the most part, with some tweaks here or there.”
MLB officials say the new uniforms improve mobility by providing 25 percent more stretch and also will dry 28 percent faster.
The lettering, sleeve emblems and numbering are less bulky in an attempt to make uniforms more breathable and comfortable.
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred previously said he expects criticism to fade, but that was before the below-the-belt complaints.
Some MLB players do not know if they like the new pants — because they do not have them yet.
The San Diego Padres played their first spring training game against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday in last year’s pants.
Padres pitcher Joe Musgrove was not sure when the Padres were supposed to get their new pants.
“Hopefully by opening day,” Musgrove said. “We tried stuff on last year, we tried stuff on again in spring, but the samples they gave us, they didn’t have the proper length for anybody, so it’s hard to gauge if they fit right or not.”
Musgrove shrugged off the controversy, saying that it was far from the most important thing he is worried about this spring, even if it is a little annoying.
“Pants are pants — we’re going to wear them,” he said. “If they don’t fit right, you’ll deal with it.”
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