During the MLB All-Star Game festivities this week, Bryce Harper was asked about the always controversial All-Star Game uniforms. The Philadelphia Phillies first baseman, who suited up as the National League starter on Tuesday night, made it clear that he'd like to see players return to wearing their team uniforms at the Midsummer Classic.
According to the Los Angeles Times' Bill Shaikin, Harper said he loved watching All-Stars in their team uniforms growing up.
“If we could change back to that,” Harper said, per Shaikin, “I think it would be really cool.”
We don't blame him. Since 2021, MLB has had players wear custom-designed uniforms for the All-Star Game, and they always leave something to be desired — the threads, not the players.
Bryce Harper's much-needed All-Star Game change might come true after all
Rob Manfred addressed the media on Tuesday before the American League took the 5-3 win over the NL. The MLB Commissioner uttered some words that fans would love to hear. Apparently, MLB is aware of the feelings about the All-Star Game uniforms and might be considering a change.
According to Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News, MLB will have conversations about returning to individual jerseys next year.
"I'm aware of the sentiment," Rob Manfred said, per Grant.
MLB listening to the fans? Gadzooks! It can't be.
Whether or not Harper's comments had any sway in this new development, you can't argue that it would be nice to see the All-Stars representing their teams and cities again. It was one of the cooler things about the MLB All-Star Game and made it unique from the other big sports' midseason showcases.
For Phillies fans, it would have been amazing to see the red pinstripes dotted around three positions of the starting National League infield in the first few innings of last night's game. That said, the Phillies would have been wearing their road greys, so it wouldn't have looked quite as good.
MLB is trying to grow the sport and bring in younger fans, but trotting the best players in the world out there in uninspiring "special" uniforms isn't the way to go. Bring back the individual uniforms, and hopefully, we'll see another handful of red pinstripes at Truist Park in Atlanta in front of all those Braves fans in 2025.