The new Nike Vapor Premier jerseys that teams will wear during the 2024 season have drawn widespread criticism from both players and fans, putting MLB in a tough spot heading into Opening Day.
Among the biggest complaints are the smaller lettering and numbering, incorrect coloring and a decline in quality. Some players have also claimed that the uniform pants are easier to see through, but MLB commissioner Rob Manfred confirmed they were largely unchanged.
The MLB Players Association (MLBPA) reportedly started exploring if changes to the player jerseys can be made in time for Opening Day or shortly after the 2024 season begins.
MLBPA executive director Tony Clark expressed hope that the necessary corrections will come relatively soon, via Sam Blum of The Athletic:
“We are on the phone with the requisite parties that are involved in making that decision because we aren’t,” Clark said. “We’re trying to make sure our guys have what they need in the fashion that they need it. And it’s reflective of what being a major-league ballplayer should be reflective of.”
The new MLB jerseys are being manufactured by Fanatics in a partnership with Nike. Nike signed a 10-year contract to become MLB’s official uniform supplier prior to the 2020 season.
Fanatics founder and CEO Michael Rubin recently discussed the issues surrounding the jerseys and said his company has followed instructions for the new MLB uniforms that are being provided by Nike.
According to Nike, the high-performance fabric of their new template was made from at least 90% recycled polyester yarns and provides 25% more stretch and allows the jersey to dry 28% faster with moisture-wicking Dri-Fit ADV technology.
Dodgers wearing new batting helmet for 2024 MLB season
For nearly 60 years, the Dodgers’ interlocking “LA” logo on their batting helmet was wider than the one on their cap. That is no longer the case as both logos now match each other.
Dodgers design director Ross Yoshida revealed that the new version of the logo is an embroidered patch inspired by the Samurai Japan helmets from the 2023 World Baseball Classic
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