One of the biggest attention-grabbers of the 2021 MLB All-Star Game were the uniforms worn by players and coaches. For the first time since 1933, MLB abandoned its tradition of having players suit up in their own team’s threads and instead had Nike make All-Star Game jerseys.
The All-Star Game uniforms were a point of considerable controversy, with many players and fans alike expressing their disapproval of straying from tradition and the designs that were chosen. Among those who expressed their disapproval was Justin Turner, who considers it an honor to represent the Los Angeles Dodgers in his gameday attire at such a special time of year.
Alas, Turner and other critics will have to put aside their opinions and ready themselves for at least one more year of the new uniform concept.
According to Bill Shaikin of the L.A Times, Nike’s touch on the All-Star Game isn’t going anywhere in 2022:
Nike is designing new NL and AL jerseys for the 2022 All-Star game at Dodger Stadium.
Baseball has long been criticized for being a slow game that lacks the flashiness of other sports like basketball. All-Star Game uniforms are just one of many changes being made in attempt to draw attention from younger fans and, more generally, people who lack interest in the sport.
Based on sales records, it seems this approach may actually be working. Per one MLB official, Shaikin reports, the 2021 jerseys were “essentially sold out.”
So while traditionalists may not have enjoyed the new All-Star Game uniforms, enough interest has been garnered to deem the initiative worthwhile and worthy of at least one more go-around next season.
Dodger Stadium hosting All-Star Game for first time since 1980
Dodger Stadium has hosted the MLB All-Star Game just once since opening its doors in 1962. As the 2020 contest was cancelled amidst the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 1980 remains the lone year that the league’s All-Stars made the trip to Chavez Ravine, but that will change in 2022.
Dodger Stadium should prove an excellent venue for the occasion for several reasons. The two biggest perks being the remodel that occurred prior to the 2020 season beginning and the 56,000 seats that will allow more fans to pile in and enjoy the game.
More than that, Los Angeles will continue its rich history of letting the brightest stars shine on the big stage.
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