MLB has moved to respond to the negative feedback on its new Nike Vapor Premier uniforms, which were heavily criticized for everything from poor lettering to see-through pants.
The new jerseys were touted as superior products, but they were met with widespread dissatisfaction from many players. Fans were also not pleased with the alterations in the new uniforms.
At one game earlier this season, it was suspected that Philadelphia Phillies superstar Bryce Harper wore last year’s version of his team’s jersey because of the difference in the font size of his last name on the back of the jersey. The font size for MLB players’ names is much smaller in the new uniforms compared to last year.
Among the most common grievances about the new uniforms is the use of see-through fabric, particularly in the pants. This design flaw became a subject of ridicule during this year’s spring training.
The jerseys will be changed to address the concerns of MLB players, including larger lettering on the back of each player’s jersey, according to a memo obtained by ESPN on Sunday. Additionally, a problem involving mismatched gray tops and bottoms, commonly referred to as the road jerseys, will be corrected. A “higher-quality zipper” will also be added.
Furthermore, MLB players claimed there was a recurring problem with the new jerseys’ propensity to collect sweat during baseball games. That will also be fixed, according to the memo.
The MLB Players Association has squarely placed the blame on Nike for the mishaps with the new uniforms, a stance that underscores the seriousness of the situation.
“This has been entirely a Nike issue,” the memo said. “At its core, what has happened here is that Nike was innovating something that didn’t need to be innovated.”
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“We cautioned Nike against various changes when they previewed them in 2022, particularly regarding pants,” the memo noted. “MLB had been, and has been, aware of our concerns as well. Unfortunately, until recently, Nike’s position has essentially boiled down to — ‘nothing to see here, Players will need to adjust.’”
The changes are expected to occur by “the beginning of the 2025 season” at the latest.
