This is why pencils have erasers!
This afternoon, Major League Baseball announced a series of changes to their on-field Nike uniforms following the disastrous rollout of the new Vapor Premier line before the 2024 season. The decision was finalized following discussions between MLB, Nike, Fanatics, and the Major League Baseball Players Association.
Changes include:
- the return of larger-sized player names on the back of jerseys
- the return of embroidered sleeve patches
- bringing back the original fabric used during the 2023 season
- fully customizable pant options for players
Some of the changes will be ready in time for the 2025 season. These include the larger player names and the return to 2023 fabrics for road grey uniforms only. Home and alternate uniforms will return to the older fabrics in time for the 2026 season. One frequent point of criticism was how dark and wet the road grey uniforms appeared when worn in warmer conditions.
Back in February, Nolan Arenado of the St. Louis Cardinals praised the new uniforms (in the press release, anyway), saying, “The Nike Vapor Premier jersey is soft, light, and incredibly comfortable. It’s almost like wearing my favourite fitted t-shirt out on the field — and so easy to move around in.”
Once Spring Training got underway, players had mixed opinions about it, with some, like Jason Heyward, enjoying it and others, such as an unnamed Orioles player, saying it was “like a knockoff jersey from T.J. Maxx.”
Following less-than-favourable reviews, the league, Nike, and Fanatics partnered with the player’s union to conduct a leaguewide survey regarding the new uniforms. The results showed players desired a return to larger player names, embroidered patches, and the old pant customization options.
I want to point out how great it is to see players care about little things like embroidered patches now, so much so that they complained to the union about it. Fantastic. Way to get it done, boys! And how about Major League Baseball on a “give the fans what they want” tour to finish the regular season? It’s good to see. Take note, leagues.