The MLB is experiencing a classic pop culture moment.
The comic moment in question is from the comedy “Seinfeld.” On the show, while George Costanza (Jason Alexander) works for the New York Yankees, he pushes to change the team's polyester jerseys to cotton. The change starts out as a good decision, but quickly goes downhill.
The new MLB jerseys have generated mixed reviews. This jersey change by the MLB is comparable to the classic call made by Costanza.
The new MLB jerseys have generated mixed reviews from players and fans. (Rich Story/Getty Images)
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On the show, Costanza is in the locker room with one of the players, who mentions that he gets very hot in his shirt. After taking a quick look at the label, Costanza determines that the shirts are made of polyester and identifies the material as the source of the sweating.
Costanza is on a mission to change t-shirts from polyester to cotton, for a more breathable feel. The character is successful in his efforts and the Yankees take the field in their new uniforms.
During the first game with the new uniforms on display, people quickly noticed the change, and the announcers explained that the team switched from polyester uniforms to cotton uniforms.
After their first game in the new kit, players rave in the newspapers about their new jerseys and how the more breathable fabric contributed to their great performance on the field.
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Unfortunately, Costanza doesn't have much time to bask in the glory of the jersey change's success. As he and Jerry Seinfeld tune in to the next game on television, the announcers talk about how the Yankees can't run like they usually do because the uniforms have shrunk, making them too tight for the players, even causing one to rip his pants.
While the new MLB jerseys haven't caused shrinkage or pants ripping, there are plenty of mixed reviews from players, with some loving the new feel, just like the Yankees did on “Seinfeld,” while others They've noticed that they don't love their new style.
In the “Seinfeld” episode titled “The Chaperone,” George Costanza, played by Jason Alexander, explains to New York Yankees manager Buck Showalter why the team should switch from polyester uniforms to cotton ones. (Gary Null/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images)
A first look at Nike's new Vapor Premier uniforms for the 2024 season came with the start of spring training, where players donned their new gear.
One of the biggest complaints players have with the new uniforms is that their last names are smaller than before on the back of the jerseys and they can see the inside of the jersey through the pants.
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Pitchers Rich Hill and Miles Mikolas described the new uniforms as “cheap.”
“It looks like a replica,” Los Angeles Angels outfielder Taylor Ward said, according to The Athletic. “It feels like paper. It might be great when you're sweating, it might be breathable. But I haven't had a chance to try it yet. But from the looks of it, it doesn't look like a $450 t-shirt.”
MLB executives have maintained unwavering support for the new jerseys, assuring players and fans that these uniforms are top-notch.
“By acquiring Majestic and its MLB uniform manufacturing facility in Easton, PA, which has been manufacturing player uniforms for nearly two decades, Fanatics has consistently produced world-class uniforms, including all MLB field jerseys with the Nike brand and all the city jerseys. Connect teams from 2020,” said Dennis Nolan, MLB senior vice president of global consumer products, via MLB.com.
The jerseys first debuted at the 2023 MLB All-Star Game. (Maddie Malhotra/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images)
Stephen Roche, another global executive, joined the debate over the jerseys, noting that the respective color schemes match the new jerseys for the first time.
“That was all part of tightening up the whole process,” Roche said. “The clubs were able to approve how everything matched the standard Nike colors. For the first time, we had a uniform where all the colors exactly matched the caps and field colors. They had always been close, but they weren't exact. Now they do it. are.”
The MLB website highlights that these jerseys have 25% more stretch than last year's and that the new design was tested by hundreds of players.
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While there have been a fair amount of not-so-positive reviews about the new jerseys, some have had good things to report.
“These new uniforms fit better and feel lighter,” Ronald Acuña Jr. of the Atlanta Braves said in an official statement. “I play fast and I want to wear something that doesn't pull on me when I run. Feeling free in the jersey is the best feeling in the world.”
“The Nike Vapor Premier Jersey is soft, lightweight and comfortable. It's almost like wearing my favorite jersey on the field, and it's very easy to move around in,” said St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado.
Kenley Jansen of the Boston Red Sox also gave the jersey good reviews, saying, “It feels tighter on the body and how lightweight it is. It's like NBA-type jerseys.”
The uniforms are sure to cause even more buzz ahead of MLB's Opening Day on March 28.
