MLB plans “Players Weekend” full of jersey nicknames and non-regulation gear

MLB will reportedly bend some of its uniform rules during the final weekend of August, such as allowing players to wear nicknames on their jerseys.

Baseball has long held a reputation, according to some, as a stuffy game that expects its player to be rigid automatons rather than unique individuals. While the “baseball is old” argument has grown as tired as the game it attempts to criticize, many would agree that Major League Baseball could take some steps to reinvigorate its product.

The league apparently feels the same way. According to Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports, MLB is planning to hold a “Players Weekend” event this season on August 25-27. During that three-day span, players will be allowed to wear nicknames on the backs of their jerseys. Various other uniform restrictions will be relaxed. For instance, players can wear fluorescent or other atypically-colored gear, including spikes, batting gloves and even catcher’s masks.

However, it’s important to note that the rules are simply being “relaxed” for this weekend, not completely abolished. Nicknames with any inappropriate or offensive terms or wording will, of course, not be permitted. Colors on uniform items cannot distract or impede an umpire’s ability to call the game. Per Passan’s report, white gloves, wristbands and sleeves will not be allowed.

The personalization doesn’t stop there. If they desire, players can wear a patch on their jerseys honoring “an individual or organization that was instrumental to his development.” There have also reportedly been discussions about allowing players to customize their bats a la the Home Run Derby, though any designs would need to be approved by the league ahead of time.

It’s kind of fun to think about the possibilities here, especially in regard to the jersey nicknames. It hearkens back to the days of the XFL and the immortal legacy of “He Hate Me.”

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Baseball has a genuine history of great nicknames, one that continues to this day. Which monikers might we see on the last weekend of August? Could Albert Pujols suit up as “The Machine”? Maybe “King Felix” will allow himself to live like royalty for a few days. Tell me you don’t want to see Josh Donaldson as the “Bringer of Rain.”

If the Red Sox weren’t playing at home, perhaps Pablo Sandoval would wear “Kung Fu Panda” across his back. (Would you be excited to see him in the lineup otherwise?)

On that note, the Yankees surely aren’t bucking over a century of tradition to participate in this, though it would be cool to see an #ElGary jersey. The Giants will be on the road, so they’re fair game. That should be in plenty of time for the return of MadBum, though this doesn’t seem like his style.

While some might dismiss this promotion as a pointless gimmick, it honestly just seems like a brief spell of harmless fun during the dog days of summer. The jerseys will also be sold with the proceeds going to MLB’s Youth Development Foundation, so it will all benefit a good cause as well.

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Since baseball players are often creatures of habit, it should be interesting to see who takes part and how many choose not to stray from their usual routines. As with anything new in Major League Baseball, we’ll just have to sit back and see how it goes.

How do you feel about the idea? Sound off in the comment section below.