How do you feel about alternate jerseys in baseball?

[cephasjames]

Originally Posted by Boomcoach

I like personality in my players.

I wonder how much personality plays into the increasing use of alt jerseys. As in, how much input do players have in how often alts are worn? I know that financially alts are money makers (more options available to reach a wider variety of tastes, etc) but I wonder if players, coaches, and managers have say in wearing them (I've definitely heard stories of alts being disused because of players, coaches, or managers). I'd be curious to see how much this plays into it if it does at all.

[Syd Thrift]

Originally Posted by cephasjames

I wonder how much personality plays into the increasing use of alt jerseys. As in, how much input do players have in how often alts are worn? I know that financially alts are money makers (more options available to reach a wider variety of tastes, etc) but I wonder if players, coaches, and managers have say in wearing them (I've definitely heard stories of alts being disused because of players, coaches, or managers). I'd be curious to see how much this plays into it if it does at all.

Ken Griffey Jr. designed the Mariners' Turn Ahead the Clock uniforms, so there is that! Granted, that was like 25 years ago now...

[RchW]

Originally Posted by cephasjames

LOL I find you the most agreeable of those I would generally disagree with.

Including this topic so far.

[BBGiovanni]

Originally Posted by Leo_The_Lip

All I require is that when I turn on the TV, I can instantly know which teams are playing. Uniforms that make that easy are good; ones that confuse me and other viewers are bad.

It is that simple.

The management term for this is "brand identity", and I'm surprised that baseball has been so willing to dilute theirs. I suppose the cartel did marketing studies and figured out they can make more money selling red Giants and A's hats than everybody not the Yankees/Cardinals would get out of consistent branding.

I turned on a Giants red hat game in AZ last weekend and I had a hard time telling the teams apart. And I see them all the time and am not color blind. It reminded me of a minor league game once in San Jose right after Inland Empire changed to their blue/orange scheme. Both teams were wearing similar jerseys, and minor leagues or no it really looked like a little league game.

Anyway, I think the City Connect thing is going to be the final straw (and I don't mind most of those, the MIA ones especially). They are selling ad space on the umpire jerseys now (for all the effect a Joe West endorsement will have), and the Nike swoosh/New Era flag etc. are just signposts on the way. I think the baseball cartel would be better off sticking to brand identities, but the cartel likes money and I defer to their advanced science on the matter. Funny how they devote so much cash/energy to hawking ugly uniforms and not to research on the effects of humidity/etc on baseballs, implementing a sticky stuff rule in the offseason instead of midseason, not playing 60 games before a "World Series", etc.

[cephasjames]

Originally Posted by rchw

lol i find you the most agreeable of those i would generally disagree with.

including this topic so far.

Thanks! I appreciate that you make attempts to be kind even as you disagree.

[Boomcoach]

Originally Posted by cephasjames

I wonder how much personality plays into the increasing use of alt jerseys. As in, how much input do players have in how often alts are worn? I know that financially alts are money makers (more options available to reach a wider variety of tastes, etc) but I wonder if players, coaches, and managers have say in wearing them (I've definitely heard stories of alts being disused because of players, coaches, or managers). I'd be curious to see how much this plays into it if it does at all.

I was referring to the complaints about "bling", I should have made that more clear. Don't mind alternate jerseys, although I have gotten exceedingly tired of camo jerseys and hats. I especially like it when there is a link to local history, like Negro League unis, or one representing a now-defunct team.

Big agreement with whoever complained about lettering/numbers the same color as the jersey. REALLY hate that.

[cephasjames]

Originally Posted by Boomcoach

I was referring to the complaints about "bling", I should have made that more clear.

You were perfectly clear. Your statement just made me wonder if the same personality expression that leads to bling and tattoos and the like has also led to the increased use of alt jerseys. What I quoted from you was more of a jumping-off point rather than a comment on what you said.

[Boomcoach]

Its not an alternate jersey, but seeing Bobby Bradley rounding the bases on Saturday with the top two jersey buttons undone and a chain swinging brought back a bit of a 70s vibe!

[cephasjames]

My wife detests that so much. Especially when they're not wearing an undershirt.

[Brad K]

Screw camo.

[Westheim]

Originally Posted by Brad K

Screw camo.

But it honors the military!

Somehow.

No, listen, YOU people over there have to explain that to me, because I vehemently don't get it.

[Eugene Church]

Originally Posted by mytreds

I like the alternates every once and awhile, and when they are tasteful and conform with the traditions of the club. So jerseys like SFs Orange Fridays is a yes, Boston’s blue and yellow? UAF

Almost totally agree... I don't mind the SF Orange, but I could do without the Fog element.
I'm a very old traditionalist.
Home White and Away Gray... makes me happy.
Wouldn't mind an Away in one of the team's colors on occasion... or a Home Alternate on occasion as long as they are done in a traditional style.
Don't care for the City Connect alternates much... don't see any reason for it, but to just sell jerseys to a public that has very little taste... they will buy anything... Boston is terrible with Blue and Yellow... what does that have to do with the Red Sox?

I'm all for our soldiers, but really don't care for camouflage at all... find another way to honor them that looks good.

Wish MLB would have never allowed jewelry... wish MLB would require the players to wear team stockings and show them (no unis worn to the shoe tops... pants tucked at the knee)... the team stockings add to the beauty of the uniform.

Wish all teams were like the Yankees and had dress codes... must be neat and clean-shaven... no long hair.. neat beards might be OK....maybe neat long hair would be OK... sure don't need the shaggy mountain-man look that is so prevalent today.

Agree with the writer of the article listed in cephasjames' first post..."MLB alternate jerseys: A brand new tradition that needs to end"

There is way too much color when both teams are using non-traditional home jerseys... road teams' jerseys should have good contrast with home teams' jerseys... too often these days it is hard to see which team is which on the diamonds... saw a minor league game recently with both teams in camouflage... that was a hideous game to watch.

[Eugene Church]

One final comment... I hope MLB will not end up like European Soccer with so many ads on their jerseys like NASCAR.