PEORIA, Ariz. (AP) — MLB's new uniform announcement hasn't gone very well. Now, some of the pervasive criticism has faded into obscurity.
Bruce Meyer, deputy executive director of the Major League Baseball Players Association, acknowledged Thursday that the organization has relayed concerns from players to MLB about the new pants, which are somewhat transparent. The complaint, first reported by ESPN, is part of a broader disdain for the new uniforms, which were designed by Nike and manufactured by Fanatics.
“I know everybody hates them,” Phillies shortstop Trey Turner said last week. “We all liked what we had. We understand the business, but we like to make tweaks here and there and for the most part everyone wants to keep it the same way. I think you were thinking about it.”
MLB officials say the new uniforms will have 25% more stretch, allowing more freedom of movement, and will dry 28% faster. Lettering, sleeve emblems and numbers have reduced bulk to make the uniform more breathable and comfortable.
Commissioner Rob Manfred previously said he expected the criticism to wane, but that was before the internal complaints.
Some MLB players aren't sure if they'll like the new pants because they don't have them yet. The San Diego Padres played in last year's pants on Thursday in their first spring training game against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Veteran pitcher Joe Musgrove wasn't sure when the Padres would get new pants.
“Hopefully by Opening Day,” Musgrove said. “I tried them on last year and again in the spring, but with the samples they provided, it was hard to tell if they were a good fit because they didn't have the right length for everyone.”
Musgrove dismissed the controversy, saying that even though it's a bit of a nuisance, it's far from the most important thing he's worried about this spring.
“Pants are pants. We're going to wear them,” he said. “If the size doesn't fit, I'll take care of it myself.”
