The introduction of the new Nike Vapor Premier jerseys for the 2024 MLB season has sparked criticism from players and fans alike. Nike, in partnership with MLB, unveiled the innovative jerseys earlier this week, emphasizing their softer, lighter, and stretchier design. However, the response from players has been less than favorable.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred addressed the backlash during a press conference on Thursday, acknowledging the league’s awareness of the negative feedback.
“We always pay attention to what anyone is saying about any new initiative. With baseball, any new initiative, there’s going to be some negative feedback,” Manfred stated. “First, and most important, these are Nike jerseys. We entered this relationship with Nike because of who they are and the kinds of products they produce. Everything they’ve done for us so far has been absolutely 100 percent successful across the board.”
Rob Manfred on the new 2024 MLB Nike jerseys:
"The jerseys are different. They're designed to be performance wear… I think after people wear them a little bit, they're going to be really popular."
(via @SNYtv)pic.twitter.com/Uo6JqCK5mh
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) February 15, 2024
While acknowledging the differences in the new jerseys, designed for performance wear rather than tradition, Manfred highlighted extensive testing and positive feedback from the previous year’s All-Star Game, where players donned the Nike Vapor Premier jerseys.
“The jerseys are different. They are designed to be performance wear as opposed to what has traditionally been worn…but they have been tested more extensively than any jersey in any sport. The feedback from the All-Star Game last year where the jerseys were worn was uniformly positive from the players,” Manfred explained.
Despite Manfred’s assurance, players entering spring training this season have expressed their dissatisfaction with various aspects of the new jerseys, including differences in color, fit, and fonts on the front and back.
New York Yankees reliever Tommy Kahnle openly shared his preference for the previous jerseys, telling The Athletic on Wednesday, “I like the old ones.”
With the season already underway, it may be challenging to make immediate changes to the jerseys for the 2024 season. However, Manfred urged patience, expressing optimism that as players become accustomed to the new jerseys, they will become more widely accepted.
“I think after people wear them a little bit, they are going to be very popular,” Manfred concluded, encouraging a wait-and-see approach to allow players to adapt to and appreciate the new Nike jerseys.
