Proactive Investors - Major League Baseball intends to make changes to the widely ridiculed Vapor Premier uniforms designed by Nike Inc (NYSE:NKE, ETR:NKE) and manufactured by Fanatics.
The designs have garnered universal hate among fans, players and the union, with perhaps only the more voyeuristic spectators seeing their appeal: Thinner materials used in the pants make them partially see-through.
Nike described the jerseys as “breathable, lightweight, high-performance fabric that was made from at least 90% recycled polyester yarns”, but veteran St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Miles Mikolas was one of many players to criticise their cheap appearance and propensity for holding sweat.
According to the memo, changes will now be made, though not until the start of the 2025 season.
Manufacturer Fanatics initially copped the brunt of the blame, though MLB indirectly shifted the blame onto Nike.
Responding to criticisms earlier this month, MLB told The Athletic: "Nike chose the letter sizing and picked the fabric that was used in these jerseys.
“Fanatics 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.”
The MLB Players Association further absolved Fanatics of blame in the weekend memo to players, stating that “this has been entirely a Nike issue… At its core, what has happened here is that Nike was innovating something that didn't need to be innovated”.
"We cautioned Nike against various changes when they previewed them in 2022, particularly regarding pants," the union memo read. "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.'"