Dodgers’ New Nike Jerseys Already Causing A Stir
The Dodgers have one of the most recognizable jerseys in Major League Baseball. Its basic script and color scheme have changed little in the post-World War II era. The most notable change has been on the hat, in 1958, when the Dodgers exchanged their Brooklyn “B” for the iconic interlocking “LA.”
That hasn’t changed since Nike took over as MLB’s official jersey supplier in 2020. Subtle changes, like the addition of Nike’s “Swoosh” logo to the front of every uniform, have been universal around the league. Another subtle change is coming to the official jerseys in 2024, but this one will not affect all teams equally.
For the Dodgers, a full appreciation of the change requires a close inspection. Shohei Ohtani’s introductory press conference last week afforded a first look.
Uni Watch’s Paul Lukas was the first to describe the changes in detail:
- The script (on the front of the jersey) now crosses the placket at a different point. It used to break at the connector between the “o” and the “d,” but now the “d” is broken into separate pieces.
- The front number is smaller, and the fabric is perforated
- The MLB logo (on the back of the jersey) is lower, the typography is smaller, and the (name on the back) has a tighter arch
- The number on the back of the jersey is also perforated
In a follow-up piece, Lukas reports the changes originated with a shift among all 30 teams to narrower piping on the front of their jerseys – the “placket” – resulting in a more visible change on some uniforms than others. The Dodgers don’t have piping on the front of their uniforms.
Lukas concludes:
I think the lesson here is that we’re going to have to wait and see how teams handle the visual challenge presented by the narrower placket. Some may leave their graphics in place and let the new break in the chest insignia fall where it may, as the Dodgers have done; others may adjust the positioning of their graphics, as the Giants appear to have done. We’ll have to wait and see.
A Dodgers source confirmed the details of Lukas’ observations, and said the new look of Ohtani’s uniform at last Thursday’s press conference won’t change between now and the start of the 2024 season. These are the Dodgers’ jerseys now — at least until Nike’s next whim.
Fans are already weighing in on the changes:
Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Haven’t you been traded to Toronto yet..
Horrible….Nike , destroying traditions one uniform at a time .
Yet another reason to keep hating nike. When is that contract done? Hopefully sooner than later.
[email protected]
F*** Nike!
Drop Nike
Nike has done an incredible job with the Oregon graphics in so many ways, but this is messing with history. Ohtani looks great in his new jersey, but as a fan since 1947 I am uncomfortable with several aspects of the revisions. The MLB logo should be smaller and higher, if needed at all. The arch is too steep. AND, above all else DO NOT sell shoulder patches to anyone! How degrading is it for the players to have wear advertising like a stock car driver? One team was hustling Quikrete concrete mix on their shoulder!! There has even been talk about selling ad space on the bases!!!
Ridiculous. Should be $29.95-$39.95.
This is great news for cheapskates like myself. All those years of getting laughed at for wearing a cheap Chinese knockoff, now I get the last laugh. All my gear that just doesn’t look right is now instantly authentic lol. Thank you Jesus!!