Major League Baseball has announced a return to using primary team uniforms for the All-Star Game, discontinuing the special jerseys that have been in use for the past four years. Traditionally, club uniforms were worn by the American League from 1933-2019 and by the National League from 1934-2019 during the All-Star Game. The host team's players donned their home uniforms, while the opposing team's players wore their road jerseys.
Following the pandemic-related cancellation of the 2020 All-Star Game, MLB had introduced specially designed league uniforms in 2021 as part of a new uniform contract with Nike and Fanatics. However, these uniforms faced criticism from traditionalists.
For the upcoming Home Run Derby, participants will wear their respective home team uniforms, while other players observing the competition will be outfitted in special uniforms.
In response to feedback from players and fans regarding the new materials introduced this year, which were designed by Nike and manufactured by Fanatics, MLB has announced plans to make changes to regular team uniforms by 2025 and '26. Some of the issues raised included poorly fitting pants, somewhat see-through fabric, and smaller lettering.
The planned changes to team uniforms will involve customization of pants, larger lettering, and the use of prior fabric requested by players. These adjustments have been the result of discussions among MLB, the players' association, Nike, and Fanatics. The full implementation of these changes is expected to be completed by the opening day of the 2026 season.
These developments mark a significant shift in MLB's uniform policy, aiming to address concerns raised by stakeholders while maintaining the traditional aesthetic of team uniforms.
Source: AP MLB
