There is no classic birds-on a-bat design for Coors Field’s Cardinals, and no sweet script for Coors Field’s Dodgers. There are no brown pinstripes or a prominent “NY” logo on the shirts of the Padres.
It’s not even close.
Many suggested that players should be able to wear their team’s uniforms again, bringing back the rainbow of colours. They said that this was an important part of the game’s charm.
Brett Anderson, a Milwaukee Brewers pitcher, wrote on Twitter: “MLB should just allow the players to wear their own uniforms rather than these slow pitch softball ones.”
In its 5-2 win, the AL wore blue uniforms that reminded some jumpsuits. Many people commented on the all-white uniforms worn by the NL, which made them look bland.
Instead of familiar logos and names, the jerseys featured three-letter abbreviations that indicated which team they were representing.
Major League Baseball has a multi-billion dollar contract with Nike. The swoosh can be seen prominently just below the collar on the right side.
DOUBLE DUTY
It’s obvious that Shohei Ohtani could usher in a new era of two-way players.
Hurler or hitter, why choose? He didn’t.
The Los Angeles pitcher/hitter phenom pitched an inning of perfection in Tuesday’s All-Star Game. After he was designated hitter for the American League, he walked to second.
This is a rare double dip. Babe Ruth was not the only one to continue doing both, and he left pitching after two seasons.
It may be the right time to update your model, but most players admit that they don’t have enough time to practice either.
“It takes one to hopefully create a trend,” said Freddie Freeman (a five-time All Star for the Atlanta Braves). “I don’t know if Shohei will do it. It’s a one-of-a-kind.”
Freeman once was a dual threat. He claimed he was drafted by two teams that viewed him as an hitter. Rest of the team thought that his future was on the mound.
He could have been like Ohtani.
Freeman said, “My elbow would’ve been blown,” and was taken by the Braves in the second round in 2007. “My elbow hurt in high school.”
Ohtani is leading the majors in home runs with 33, the most ever recorded at the All Star break. He’s also been impressive on the mound with a 4-1 record, 87 strikeouts and a fastball that can reach 100 mph.
“Ohtani is a freak. Nolan Arenado, a third baseman in St. Louis, said that there is no reason why someone else cannot do it. Arenado was also a closer in highschool. It’s an amazing talent. If you can help both sides, you’re so valuable to the team.”
One obstacle is finding the time to practice at a major-league level.
Arenado stated that it seemed like a lot of work, and potentially dangerous for your health. It’s difficult to do. He is a unique player. He is unique.”
Walker Buehler, a Dodgers right-hander, recalled picking up a bat from Vanderbilt and being told to put it back down.
Buehler stated, “I didn’t swing a bat in about five years.” “But I get up to Double-A, and they’re like, ‘Hey, get ’em.
“I am very happy that I don’t have (to) do both. I try to have a good time and get a few hits every now and again. I couldn’t imagine doing what he does.
The same goes for Shane Bieber of Cleveland, right-hander. He is the reigning AL Cy Young Award Winner and won’t pitch at the All-Star Game because of a shoulder injury. Bieber is familiar with the challenges of Ohtani, the hitter.
Bieber said, “Tough,” and Ohtani has been limited to just two hits over 10 at-bats. “I have never been in the box against him while he’s on his mound. I don’t think so.
“What he is doing is simply amazing.”
Bieber stated that his time in the batter’s room dwindled during high school because he started hitting.
Bieber, who was a fourth-round selection by Cleveland in 2016, from Santa Barbara, said that pitching seemed like a better option and a better chance for my future. “It was a decision that was made for me. (Ohtani’s decision could allow more players to play in a dual role, rather than being restricted to one position.”
Justin Turner, third baseman for the Dodgers, threw a bit when he was a child. Or, as Turner described it, “I stood on a mound and threw some baseballs to the catcher.”
He cannot fathom Ohtani being a two-way danger.
Turner stated, “Hitting is difficult enough.” Turner said, “But pitching every fifth day or sixth day?” It’s crazy to put that on his plate. It’s amazing.”
COLE BENCHED
Yankees ace Gerrit Colby was present at the game, but was told not to pitch by the Yankees.
He said, “They would prefer not.” It’s always fun to be there and celebrate the accomplishments of everyone else in the room. First-timers are always having a great time. It’s part our responsibility to answer questions and perform when we can and represent the brand of this game and the industry.
AROUND THE BASES
Mike Zunino, J.T. Realmuto and Mike Zunino both homered. This is the third consecutive All-Star homer in All-Star history. It joins Javy Lopez/Sandy Alomar Jr. and Johnny Bench/Hall of Famer Bill Freehan in ’97. There were 19 pitchers who threw 278 pitches, and all of them threw more strikes that balls. Freddy Peralta, Milwaukee’s pitcher, had a perfect seventh-inning three-strikeout frame. The save was earned by Liam Hendriks, White Sox’s closer. He is the second White Sox closer who has accomplished the feat. He was with Virgil Trucks back in 1954.
