Correction: The previous version said the new MLB uniform material is manufactured by Fanatics.Ā Fanatics does not make the fabric used in the MLBās uniforms.
Major League Baseball is having another jersey problem in 2024.
Complaints have piled on regarding the Nike-designed gray uniforms worn by teams when playing on the road. Fans are taking umbrage that the materials arenāt wicking away sweat.
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The result? Baseball players donning gray tops that have a darker shade above the waistline than they do below it. In other words, shirts are showing too much sweat.
The backlash reached its apex last weekend when fans observed an abundance of sweat in the gray uniforms worn by the New York Yankees game who were on the road against the Houston Astros.
In a statement to The Athletic, Nike said they āhave isolated the issueā and are ātesting different options to lessen the moisture-related aesthetic color differences.ā
MLB
Meanwhile, Nike's intention has been to make the jersey more comfortable for players, especially during months when the temperature heat up.
MLB applauded Nike for their efforts in "bringing innovation and design improvementsā while also pointing out adjustments that needed to be accounted for.
āNike chose the letter sizing and picked the fabric that was used in these jerseys,ā MLB said in a statement. āFanatics has done a great job manufacturing everything to the exact specifications provided by Nike. As part of this significant transition, Nike will continue to explore necessary adjustments to certain elements of the new uniforms to meet the needs of MLB Clubs and players.ā
Fanatics founder Michael Rubin said the changes were made āfor all the right reasonsā after getting feedback from players who wanted material more breathable and stretchable.
Early complaints when the uniforms were first unveiled centered around the pants being āsee-through.ā The disappointment continued regarding the smaller font on the jersey nameplates.