Though baseball doesn't feature the full-body padding of counterparts like hockey and football or the pretentious clothing standards of golf, there are plenty of rules revolving around baseball uniforms. And because the sport carries the history and pedigree involved with being "America's pastime," even seemingly minor lapses in proper uniforming can be considered an affront to the sport's tradition.
Jersey Rules
In Major League Baseball, any part of an undershirt exposed must be a solid color and uniform for the entire team.
Each team must wear distinctive uniform at all times, one for road games and one for home games. Sleeve length must be approximately the same for all teammates and cannot be frayed. Players may not wear any unique patches, including advertisements, and there may be no tape or other fixtures resembling the shape or color of a baseball.
The United States Specialty Sports Association, whose rules are used by many youth leagues, requires that no duplicate jersey numbers are used, and all numbers must beat least 3 inches in height.
Spikes
Although MLB has no official rule regarding cleats, it prefers that a player's shoes be at least 50 percent of the team's dominant color. To wit: San Francisco Giants pitcher Brian Wilson was fined $1,000 in 2010 for wearing cleats colored more than 50 percent orange.
The USSSA, like MLB, says players may not attach anything to the heel or toe of shoes other than the ordinary plate. Shoes with pointed spikes similar to golf or track shoes aren't allowed.
Jewelry
Major League Baseball allows all position players to wear jewelry, such as earrings and chains. The USSSA, though, doesn't allow players to wear any sort of jewelry during play.
Caps and Pants
Neither MLB nor the USSSA have any defined rules regarding the size or coloring of pants and caps worn by players. It is, however, an unwritten rule on all levels that a cap should be word with the bill facing forward at all times. To wear a cap backwards would be seen as disrespectful and likely result in admonishment and correction from the umpire.
Member Comments