The MLB jerseys for the 2024 season have faced significant criticism for their perceived lack of quality and aesthetics.
These jerseys, produced by sportswear giant Nike in collaboration with sports merchandise retailer Fanatics, have sparked widespread negative feedback from players and fans alike.
St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Miles Mikolas is among those expressing dissatisfaction, noting issues with the fit of the jerseys. Specifically, the 35-year-old veteran mentioned that the pants are no longer as customized, and there are concerns about the fabric having a different consistency.
Another Cardinals player, who chose to remain anonymous, has voiced complaints about the new uniforms, describing them as "looking cheap." This sentiment is not isolated, as players across the league share similar concerns about the perceived quality and aesthetics of the uniforms.
Los Angeles Angels outfielder Taylor Ward stated that the revamped jersey "looks like a replica," and an anonymous Baltimore Orioles veteran likened it to a "knockoff jersey from T.J. Maxx."
Fans online echoed these sentiments, particularly highlighting concerns about noticeable differences in the jerseys' stitching, lettering, and name sizes.
MLB Players Association (MLBPA) executive director Tony Clark has revealed that many players share the general sentiment of frustration with the new MLB jerseys, hoping that the issue will be fixed by the start of the season.
"Hopefully, we can get some things done over the course of the next six weeks of spring training. Because I'd hate to be in a place where we're still having conversations about some of the challenges we have in that regard once the lights come on," the 51-year-old former player said.
What happened to the previous MLB jerseys?
Earlier this month, Nike announced introducing their new "Vapor Premier" template to be used across all Major League uniforms, replacing the previous Majestic Athletic FlexBase template used since 2005 and inherited by Nike when they took over MLB's uniform contract in 2020.
Some changes include adding the sun collar, a narrowed placket, alterations to the fabric, a reduction in the size of the NOB lettering, a shift from white to off-white for home jerseys, and modifications to belt loops, among others.
This overhaul, six years in the making, aimed at enhancing player performance by focusing on lighter, more breathable, and better-fitting uniforms.
The transition from Majestic to Nike also shifted from tape measures to body scan technology for accurate sizing. Over 300 players underwent body scans in 2018, contributing to the design process. Nike tested various moisture-wicking fabrics, emphasizing a performance-driven approach.
Why is Fanatics in the mix?
Fanatics acquired Majestic in 2017 and owns the former Majestic factory in Pennsylvania responsible for creating the on-field MLB jerseys.
On the other hand, Nike has licensed the production of MLB jerseys to Fanatics since taking over as MLB's supplier.
They have been utilizing the same factories that previously handled Majestic's jerseys for several years to manufacture the new MLB jerseys designed by Nike.
Fanatics operates as a subcontractor, carrying out the production of uniforms according to Nike's design specifications.
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