SUMMARY
- The introduction of the Nike Vapor Premier jersey for the 2024 MLB season has sparked controversy and discontent among both players and fans.
- Fans have expressed frustration and disappointment with the new jersey, describing its appearance as cheap and flimsy.
As Spring Training approaches and teams gear up for the 2024 season, a wave of controversy has engulfed baseball, focusing on the latest on-field uniform introduced by MLB’s official provider, Nike. The new jersey, known as the Nike Vapor Premier, has stirred discontent among both players and fans.
We gave players a first taste of the new Nike Vapor Premier uniforms at last year’s #AllStarGame in Seattle. Here’s what they had to say. https://t.co/h0z0xhIQ2h pic.twitter.com/jsRaGFY96t
— MLB (@MLB) February 13, 2024
Nike asserts that the Vapor Premier is an improvement, boasting qualities such as increased softness, lighter weight, and enhanced stretch compared to its predecessor. However, these claims have been met with skepticism, as a considerable number of players and fans find the appearance of the jersey to be subpar, questioning its suitability for major league athletes, especially given its high cost.
Critics argue that the new design looks cheap and flimsy, prompting some fans to express their frustration. One disgruntled fan remarked, “Don’t piss on us and tell us it’s rain.” Another fan suggested that players praising the design and fit of the jersey may be doing so as Nike propaganda, given the apparent perception of the jerseys as cheap knock-offs. Fans are certainly not happy.
When did Nike become MLB’s official on-field uniform provider?
Nike became the official on-field uniform provider for MLB in December 2019, in a deal that spans 10 years and is valued at over $1 billion. Initially, Under Armour won the bid in 2016, but the agreement fell apart, paving the way for Nike to take over.
Nike partnered with Fanatics, which had acquired MLB’s previous uniform supplier, Majestic, in April 2017. Together, they produce the Nike jerseys. Interestingly, these jerseys are made by Fanatics in the same Pennsylvania factory where Majestic jerseys were crafted before.
What are the design tweaks to this year’s jersey?
This year’s jerseys underwent a series of design tweaks by Nike, as outlined by Uni Watch’s Paul Lukas. Changes include the incorporation of stretchier fabric and a shift in home jerseys from white to a subdued off-white.
Last year vs this year’s replica jersey offerings from the fine folks at MLB, Nike & Fanatics. Last year’s being on the left and this year’s on the right.
I have a lot to say, so bear with me here.
Let’s just rip the bandaid off right away with this year’s new jersey offerings pic.twitter.com/3IShhlj0nL
— Bobby Mullins (@TheBobbyMullins) February 11, 2024
The tweaks also included a narrower placket, adjustments to the belt loops, moving the MLB logo down on the back, and a reduction in the size of last-name lettering. Notably, the smaller last-name lettering has left players perplexed.
Many players are saying the new jersey is a letdown
Players across the league are not holding back their disappointment with the new jerseys, citing issues like poor fit, a budget appearance, inconsistent quality, and unusually small lettering. According to the Athletic, Angels outfielder Taylor Ward remarked that the jersey feels somewhat papery, questioning its worth at a price tag of $450. He mentioned concerns about its breathability, though he hadn’t tested it under sweaty conditions yet.
New Nike Vapor Premier template in motion
Thoughts? 🤔💭😬 pic.twitter.com/dCJm483dMZ
— MLB Threads (@MLBThreads) February 14, 2024
Angels reliever Carlos Estévez took his critique up a notch, showcasing mismatched shades and humorously highlighting the shrunken lettering on the back of the jersey. His dismay extended to the inability to customize pants for a better fit, which Nike said is not on the table with these jerseys.
Over in Chicago, Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson, sporting a Nike endorsement, raised concerns about the jersey’s color not quite matching the iconic “Cubbie blue.” Beyond his specific color qualms, Swanson questioned whether Nike, in its design process, may have inadvertently stripped away elements that give each team’s jersey its distinctive identity.