Michael Rubin on MLB uniform criticism: ‘[Fanatics] is getting the sh-t kicked out of us’

Michael Rubin, Fanatics CEO, recently spoke at the MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference and touched on the long-going controversy about Major League Baseball’s new uniforms for the 2024 season.

The Nike Vapor Premier uniforms will make their debut in 2024 and since teams arrived to Spring Training in early February, the response to the uniforms have been heavily criticized by fans and players alike.

Michael Rubin on MLB’s new Nike uniforms, manufactured by Fanatics:

“A difficult position for us – we’re doing everything as we’ve been told and we’re getting the shit kicked out of us. So that’s not fun.”

It’s not often I agree with Rubin however, he’s spot on here. Nike was responsible for the design and “blueprints” of the Vapor Premier uniforms while Fanatics was serving solely as a “subcontractor” to produce them. 

Read More: Who’s to blame? New MLB jerseys spark widespread criticism from players and fans alike >>

“Time will tell but I believe Nike will be proved right” about the uniforms being an improvement.

Well, I’m not exactly sure that will be true. I’m not sure how Nike or any opinion will change on the uniforms unless there’s an actual change made with the design, right?

That statement sounds like something a “company man” would say who landed the contract to manufacture Nike & MLB uniforms but regardless, the point still stands. Rubin and Fanatics are getting absolutely destroyed for uniforms when they were operating under the guise of Nike. 

“Biggest thing I probably learned is if we’re involved in something, we need to make sure that everybody better be on board. They got certain players on board, not all players on board.”

Read More: “Everyone hates them…” – Trea Turner on new uniforms in 2024 >> 

The difference in uniforms from 2023 to 2024 show glaring changes to every Major League Baseball jerseys and pants and have been deemed to be “cheap” and “knock-off” quality. 

Notable Changes to MLB Uniforms in 2024: 

• Addition of a Sun Collar 
• Narrowed Name Placket 
• Fabric Change (Nike Vapor Technology)
• Reduced Size of NOB lettering
• Home Uniforms are now “Off-White”
• Belt Loops

Phillies 2023 vs 2024 Uniforms

The Phillies’ old jersey nameplates vs. 2024’s update:

(@destiny_lugardo) pic.twitter.com/tQau6vkV5J

— Phillies Nation (@PhilliesNation) February 14, 2024

Read More: Phillies lose chain-embroidered patches in 2024 uniform update >>