For the first time since 2019, the MLB has brought back Players’ Weekend, and this year’s iteration features quite a few changes.
There’s been an influx of color into the event, with players encouraged to show off their personalities and interests on Friday in the first themed day of the weekend. Saturday will focus on players’ charity and community efforts, while Sunday will be geared toward appreciation of people who have helped them succeed.
As part of Players’ Weekend, athletes will wear cartoon numbers on their hats and are encouraged to use custom bats throughout the weekend. From pencils to crayons to lightsabers to Pablo Sanchez, here were the best custom bats we saw on Friday.
The #PlayersWeekend bats are 🔥🔥
(via @MLB) pic.twitter.com/fKdOr9qR6f
— B/R Walk-Off (@BRWalkoff) August 16, 2024
Jackson Merrill has a glow-in-dark Star Wars lightsaber bat for #PlayersWeekend 🤯 pic.twitter.com/WgQIDwa4ne
— MLB (@MLB) August 16, 2024
Luis Arraez honoring Tony Gwynn with his bats for #PlayersWeekend pic.twitter.com/XXwOXeWiBc
— Al Scott (@AlScott1998) August 16, 2024
Avengers Assemble! 🇺🇸 #PlayersWeekend pic.twitter.com/31FNacZGvu
— Texas Rangers (@Rangers) August 16, 2024
The Daycare got some new toys for #PlayersWeekend pic.twitter.com/vSwYe8X6ma
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) August 16, 2024
Custom swings.#PlayersWeekend pic.twitter.com/tA7WUu0JHe
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) August 16, 2024
The pencil bat returns for #PlayersWeekend! ✏️ pic.twitter.com/4sFt5lQcZB
— MLB (@MLB) August 16, 2024
For Mama ❤️#ForTheLou x #PlayersWeekend pic.twitter.com/pCwjWFTx9X
— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) August 16, 2024
Jake Cronenworth’s custom bats for #PlayersWeekend pic.twitter.com/0MzXDHx0yv
— Al Scott (@AlScott1998) August 16, 2024