Major League Baseball
All-Star Game to
Use Specialty Uniforms
Inside pitch: All-Star uniforms could be real duds
 The
game hasn't been declared a tie again yet, but it looks
as though MLB's marketing geniuses are determined to sap
some more simple charm and tradition from baseball's
All-Star Game.
When players take the field July 15 at Chicago's U.S.
Cellular Field, they won't be wearing their own
distinctive team uniforms.
MLB, sensing it has found another merchandising gold
mine, has instead decided players will be outfitted in
the American or National league jerseys previously used
in workouts and home run contests.
The only distinguishing feature for players will be
their various team caps. But this plan already is being
greeted with disdain.
"I don't like it," Rangers shortstop Alex Rodriguez
said. "It's a terrible idea. I think we should be
promoting the cities we're from and the uniforms we
wear. That's been a tradition of the game.
"I wouldn't mess with it if I was in charge, but I'm
not."
New York Yankees first baseman Jason Giambi agreed,
telling the Chicago Tribune, "It's another stupid idea.
... We're not a softball team, so I don't think we
should all be dressed in the same uniform."
Messages to MLB headquarters, seeking the person
behind the decision for possible explanation, were not
returned.
MLB is making a big deal about how this year's
winning league in the All-Star Game will be awarded
home-field advantage in the World Series. "This time it
counts," the dramatic ads proclaim.
And on May 1, when the players union finally agreed
to that caveat (on a two-year experimental basis), other
changes to the All-Star format were announced. The
rosters are being expanded from 30 players to 32,
including at least 11 pitchers per league. A separate
ballot for managers, coaches and players will be
distributed later this month to help select backups and
pitchers behind the starters elected by fans. And after
the first 31 players have been selected to each team,
another marketing gimmick invites fans with Internet
access to vote on-line to choose that all-important 32nd
player on each roster.
But nowhere have fans – or players – been asked to
vote on eliminating team uniforms.
"I don't understand why they would want to change
that," Anaheim Angels third baseman Troy Glaus told the
Los Angeles Times. "It's not really relevant to the
game. We're proud of the teams we play for, and we're
proud of the uniforms we wear."
Angels teammate Garret Anderson agreed, saying, "It
goes back to when you were a kid and you wanted to
represent your team. If it just comes down to money,
that's weak. We pride ourselves in being a traditional
game. It's cool to see all the different uniforms."
Sadly, baseball's decision makers are proving once
more they couldn't identify something cool if they
opened a freezer.
E-mail
kdaley@dallasnews.com
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