MLB Players’ Weekend Is Returning, but There’s a Catch
MLB Players' Weekend is back for the first time since 2019, but it will look different than it did in its previous iteration.
Major League Baseball’s Players’ Weekend is returning for the first time since 2019, but it will look different — literally and figuratively — than it did in its previous iteration.
In a press release, MLB announced the return of Players’ Weekend, which will take place Aug. 16-18. But there won’t be any special uniforms (monochrome or otherwise) worn for the weekend, as there were during the three previous editions from 2017-19. Those uniforms featured nicknames on the back and designs that drew mixed reviews.
Nike took over as MLB’s official on-field uniform provider in 2020 and has since limited teams to a “4+1” uniform rotation.
The Philadelphia Phillies, Texas Rangers, Seattle Mariners and Atlanta Braves have all been forced to scrap uniforms because of the rule, which allows for four primary uniforms and a fifth one if it’s part of Nike’s “City Connect” program. So, it’s not surprising to hear that Nike — who has licensed their branding to Fanatics to produce the uniforms — isn’t going to be making any extra uniforms.
Players will not even be allowed to change the names on the back of their current uniforms.
However, there will be some aesthetic flare on Players’ Weekend, as “players will wear special New Era caps featuring each player’s uniform number on the side panel in a youthful design.” No renderings have been released yet.
Additionally, players will be allowed to wear personalized cleats and will be able to bend the rules further with custom bats.
The goal of Players’ Weekend, according to the release, is “showcasing MLB players beyond their stats and on-field performances while telling their stories in an appealing fashion for young fans and casual followers of baseball.”
Each day of Players’ Weekend will have a theme:
Friday, Aug. 16
Theme: Fun
Fun aspects of players’ personalities, friendships and off-field interests will be featured.
Saturday, Aug. 17
Theme: Causes
The focus will be on charitable and community initiatives that are important to players.
Sunday, Aug. 18
Theme: Appreciation
Players will celebrate the people who helped them on their paths to the major leagues.
Written by
Tim Kelly is a contributor to Just Baseball. Tim has been on the Philadelphia Phillies beat since 2020, serving as the Editorial Director for PhilliesNation.com. Additionally,…