Yankees break with uniform tradition
NEW YORK — Batting cleanup and playing right field: All Rise.
Hitting fifth, the shortstop: Sir Didi.
Over at third base: Toddfather.
No, these were not your father’s New York Yankees. Matter of fact, not Joe Dimaggio’s, either.
But there they were, playing ball in the Bronx wearing blue jerseys with gray sleeves and catchy nicknames scrawled across the back. Some players even sported flashy, one-of-a-kind cleats.
As part of Players Weekend all around the majors, the buttonedup Yankees broke with tradition Friday night and ditched the famous uniforms they had worn exclusively for more than a century.
That interlocking NY logo? Stitched onto a gray cap.
The only pinstripes were on the pants.
“I’m not that crazy about it, man. I’m more of an old-school guy,” veteran outfielder Brett Gardner said before the Yankees hosted Seattle. “It’ll be weird not wearing pinstripes. But I understand the reasoning behind it, the initiative. And I know a lot of young kids and a lot of young fans are excited about it.”
Looking for ways to appeal to new fans, Major League Baseball and the players’ association decided to let big leaguers display their personalities and individuality this weekend by wearing unique and colorful gear on the field.
“I think it’s going to be awesome,” Atlanta Braves infielder Brandon Phillips said. “I try to play with a lot of flair and personality every day, so I feel like this day is for me.”
Bats took on a different hue, too, as Tampa Bay’s Steven Souza Jr. swung a blue piece of timber. Colorado star Carlos Gonzalez had a specially painted bat with some purple and his face on the sweet spot.
“I hope he hits you in the face,” Rockies manager Bud Black kidded.
The jerseys were inspired by youth league uniforms and included a patch on the right sleeve with a blank space for players to write the names of people or organizations essential to their growth and development. Kansas City outfielder Alex Gordon used the spot to thank his mom and dad.
Game-worn jerseys will be auctioned for charity, with proceeds going to help amateur baseball and softball
programs.
And of course, some of the special jerseys with nicknames on the back — like “Mr. Smile” for Cleveland Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor — were already available to buy online for $199.99.
“I want a Mr. Smile jersey,” Jimmy Adams, 11, of Solon, Ohio, said before Cleveland’s game against Kansas City. “I love watching him play because he always has fun out there.”
The nicknames were as colorful as the crazy socks and shoes worn by several players.