You just have to (re)do it.
Major League Baseball and Nike, its official uniform supplier, confirmed Friday that Nike will make several significant changes to the Nike Vapor Premier uniforms that have drawn consistent criticism from players and fans since training began. spring.
“Feedback from players and clubs is extremely important to us,” MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement. “Together with Nike, we have listened to our players and as a result, we are addressing their concerns.”
Among the changes, initially noted in an MLBPA memo, are a return to larger lettering on the back and full customization of pants for players by the start of the 2025 season. The MLB/Nike statement also says that Nike is working to resolve two issues with gray jerseys – color differences between jersey tops and pants and sweat stains – and that fitted gray uniforms will be available “as early as the second half of this season.” »
It is not yet known if Nike will be able to make the coloring corrections while retaining its high-performance Vapor Premier fabric, or if it will change fabrics. So far, there is no indication that the company has any plans to return to its old jersey fabric.
The only details in the MLBPA memo not mentioned by MLB and Nike were the improved zippers and stitch count changes on the pants.
“We will continue to work with Nike to make adjustments with the goal of providing a uniform that looks good and helps MLB players perform at their best,” Manfred said.
Players generally appreciated that the changes, if they were expected, were coming.
“The intention was good,” Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson, a Nike-sponsored player who was critical of the new uniforms during spring training, said this week. “Ultimately, the execution was a mistake – and they know it. They are obviously doing what they can to correct what they think needs to be corrected.
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(Photo: Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)