Are you ready for a curveball in the game of baseball? Get ready, because a German clothing company is stepping up to the plate to “adorn” the batting helmets of every player in the postseason next month.
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MLB to place ads on playoff batting helmets
The MLB press release used an interesting word – “adorn” – to describe the placement of the logo on the helmets. It’s a word that suggests beautification, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder. In this case, it seems like a move driven by the pursuit of profit.
Commissioner Rob Manfred is tasked with balancing the love of the game with the financial interests of team owners. While some limits have been observed, like teams still being named after cities instead of companies, the latest move to add advertising to helmets raises questions about the direction of the sport.
Baseball purists may cringe at the idea of ads on uniforms and helmets, but it seems to be the way of the future. Sleeve patches with ads have already become commonplace, and now helmet ads are being introduced to increase revenue for the league.
But is this really necessary? While the NBA and NHL have embraced advertising patches, baseball could have taken a different path and held onto its traditional aesthetic. It’s a disappointing trend that reflects a lack of respect for the game’s heritage and visual identity.
Steve Cohen says the Mets’ ad patch is “Phillies colors,” and they’ll be changing the design to be more Mets colors.
— Tyler Kepner (@TylerKepner) April 7, 2023
While innovation can often lead to positive change, the addition of ads on helmets seems more like a cash grab than a game-changer. It’s a move that may not necessarily grow the business, but it reflects a shift towards prioritizing profit over tradition.
Despite these changes, baseball has a way of captivating fans and keeping them loyal. The love for the game transcends any superficial adornments, but it’s still disheartening to see the sport succumb to commercial pressures.
As we gear up for the postseason, let’s hope that the spirit of baseball – its enchanting, riveting, and charmingly ridiculous nature – continues to shine through, despite the corporate logos on the players’ helmets.
(Photo: Mary DeCicco / MLB Photos via Getty Images)
