“Everyone I know is talking about my tight pants,” Iggy Pop declared in a song with the creative title “Tight Pants.”
Combine that with some of the new lightweight materials used in MLB uniforms this year, and you get what appears to be a major league misstep.
Fashionistas at the New York Post have gone to great lengths to point out the issue, pointing out that for many players whose photos have gone viral on social media, all eyes are on what's going on around the groin area.
MLB Players Association Executive Director Tony Clark said there's an outcry over wardrobe malfunctions happening in many places where spring training has begun.
“A lot of the rhetoric is that the pants are see-through,” Clark said, according to ESPN.
“It's been a constant conversation where every day produces something new that doesn't make as much sense as you want it to,” he said, describing the pants as a “global concern.”
Nike offered an upbeat statement: “We always put the athlete at the center of everything we do. We have worked closely with MLB players, teams and the league to create the most advanced uniform in MLB history that is lighter and more flexible.
“The quality and performance of our product is of the utmost importance to us. We will continue to work with MLB, the players and our manufacturing partner to process uniforms for players,” Nike said.
The uniforms, made by fanatics, are also drawing criticism because they look cheaper, ESPN noted.
Clark said the players will continue to advocate for something that pleases them more.
“We will continue to engage stakeholders and determine the next steps moving forward,” he added.
The uniforms were worn during last year's All-Star Game and received rave reviews from someone who hadn't worn them.
“They are designed to be performance apparel instead of what has been traditionally worn, so they will be different,” MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said, according to CNN.
“I think after people wear it a little, it will become very popular,” he said at the time.
not yet.
“I know everyone hates them,” Phillies shortstop Trea Turner said, according to the Associated Press.
“We all liked what we had,” he added. “We understand the business, but I think everyone wanted to keep it the same way, for the most part, with a few tweaks here or there.”
Some are not angry yet, because because of one thing or another, their pants are late.
“Hopefully by Opening Day,” San Diego Padres outfielder Joe Musgrove said.
“We tried things last year, and we tried other things in the spring, but the samples they gave us, they didn't have the right length for anyone, so it's hard to gauge whether it's a good fit or not.”
Musgrove said he's not concerned — yet — about the transparency issue.
“Pants are pants, we will wear them,” he said. “If it doesn't fit, you'll deal with it.”
This article originally appeared in The Western Journal.
