In 2017, Major League Baseball introduced a unique “Players Weekend,” which featured player-focused changes and initiatives. The Chicago Cubs joined the rest of the league in wearing unique uniforms with players’ nicknames on the back. Players also could use custom colors for their equipment that didn’t necessarily match their teams’ scheme or align with MLB rules.
This originally started when teams matched up to play in the Little League Classic if you remember. The teams that played on an MLB-dimensioned field in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, wore alternate uniforms resembling those of little league players. The players enjoyed it because they felt like they were playing the game like kids again. The league then expanded it and turned it into a whole weekend for the entire league.
Players seemed to embrace the weekend, and the fans ate it up, too. The league had to enjoy the extra revenue the new alternate jerseys for all 30 teams were bringing in for something new and exciting.
This all ended after 2019, primarily because of the global pandemic that disrupted the 2020 season and just about half of 2021. Now, into 2024, the world seems to be as back to normal as we’ve felt in a long time. The MLB has recognized this and decided that it’s time to bring the unique weekend back. The Cubs will significantly benefit from it based on the weekend chosen.
Cubs Will Host Blue Jays In Reinstallment Of “Players Weekend”
Major League Baseball has announced that Friday, August 16th through Sunday, August 18th, will be the second iteration of a new “Players Weekend.” They have announced plans for players to wear unique hats with their jersey numbers on the side. Players will also get to have different colors in their bats, cleats, and other equipment.
Friday’s game will be the players’ opportunity to express themselves and put their personalities on display for the fans. Saturday will be the day players share their focus on charitable causes with others. On Sunday, players will celebrate those who helped them reach their dreams of playing baseball professionally.
The Cubs will host the Toronto Blue Jays that weekend at Wrigley Field. Cubs fans will get a front-row seat to the first weekend dedicated to the players in five years.
One thing that was not announced or mentioned was plans for alternate uniforms. As you know, there has been plenty of talk about the uniforms MLB, Nike, and Fanatics have put on the field for players in 2024. Asking them to come up with a whole new design for every team may be a lot for anyone to ask for, especially when chances are they’ll not turn out to our liking.
August should be a fun weekend for the Cubs and their fans. That Friday will also be the mesh-tank giveaway day in the bleachers. Grab your tickets!
