Nike’s new baseball jerseys for the 2024 MLB season have faced criticism from players who claim they look “cheap.” Pitchers Rich Hill and Miles Mikolas expressed their dissatisfaction with the uniforms, despite other players praising their stretchiness and lighter feel. However, recent photos have shed light on another issue with the jerseys – the pants appear to be too light.
During a recent photo shoot day for the San Francisco Giants, Casey Schmitt modeled the new jerseys. However, it seems that he inadvertently revealed more than intended. The thin-looking pants caused the jerseys to be clearly tucked in, which caught the attention of fans and sparked concerns about the overall design of the uniforms.
One particular photo of Schmitt went viral, drawing even more attention to the ongoing debate about the jerseys. Fans have been vocal about their disappointment with the smaller size of the last names on the back of the jerseys. This issue has been a major point of contention, with many expressing their dissatisfaction online.
Despite the criticism, MLB senior vice president of global consumer products, Denis Nolan, defended the uniforms, stating that they are of high quality. Nolan highlighted Fanatics’ acquisition of Majestic and its MLB uniform manufacturing facilities, which have been producing player uniforms for nearly two decades. He emphasized that Fanatics has consistently delivered world-class uniforms, including all Nike-branded MLB on-field jerseys and City Connect gear since 2020.
The league conducted extensive testing on the uniforms, involving hundreds of players. The jerseys were debuted during last year’s All-Star Game and received positive feedback. Fanatics took precise measurements of every player and used body-scanning technology to ensure an ideal fit for over 300 players.
MLB executive Stephen Roche described the approach to outfitting players as highly technological and performance-driven. The focus was on creating uniforms that enhance players’ performance on the field.
While some players may criticize Nike’s new baseball jerseys for their appearance, it is clear that a significant amount of research and testing went into their development. The uniforms aim to provide players with optimal performance and comfort, despite the ongoing debate surrounding their design.
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