:Players Weekend

Major League Baseball (MLB) and the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) announced the venture on August 10, 2017.{{cite web|last=Newman |first=Mark |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/mlb-to-celebrate-players-weekend-c247233346 |title=MLB to celebrate Players Weekend | MLB.com |work=MLB.com |date=January 20, 2016 |access-date=August 25, 2017}} According to the MLBPA website, CC Sabathia of the New York Yankees, Bo Schultz of the Toronto Blue Jays, and Josh Thole of the Arizona Diamondbacks were "instrumental in developing the concept" together with representatives from the MLBPA and MLB.{{cite web |url=http://www.mlbplayers.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=34000&ATCLID=211663071|title=Players Weekend|date=August 24, 2017|access-date=August 30, 2017|publisher=Major League Baseball Players Association}} The event was designed to give players the opportunity to express their personal style, and to acquaint hometown fans with newer team members. The introduction of colorful baseball uniforms and nicknames also reached out to the youth demographic.{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2017/aug/11/mlb-players-weekend-nickname-jerseys-age|title=MLB's nickname gimmick won't solve baseball's mounting age issues|first=Les|last=Carpenter|date=August 11, 2017|access-date=August 30, 2017|work=The Guardian}}

The first three editions of Players Weekend took place on August 25–27, 2017; August 24–26, 2018;{{cite news |url=https://news.sportslogos.net/2018/08/14/2018-mlb-players-weekend-jersey-nicknames-complete-list/baseball/ |title=2018 MLB Players Weekend Jersey Nicknames: Complete List |first=Chris |last=Creamer |website=sportslogos.net |date=August 14, 2018 |accessdate=August 19, 2024}} and August 23–25, 2019.{{cite news |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/details-announced-for-2019-mlb-players-weekend |title=Players' Weekend, nicknames return Aug. 23-25 |first=Anthony |last=Castrovince |website=MLB.com |date=August 6, 2019 |accessdate=August 19, 2024}} The special uniforms designed for Players Weekend were also worn during the MLB Little League Classic each of those seasons, with the Classic being held the Sunday prior to the start of Players Weekend—an exception was made in 2019, when teams participating in the Classic wore colorful uniforms rather than that season's monochromatic uniforms of Players Weekend.{{cite news |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/demetriusbell/2019/08/09/mlb-continues-the-spirit-of-previous-players-weekend-uniforms-with-2019-little-league-classic-uniforms/ |title=MLB Continues The Spirit Of Previous Players' Weekend Uniforms With 2019 Little League Classic Uniforms |first=Demetrius |last=Bell |website=Forbes.com |date=August 9, 2019 |accessdate=August 19, 2024}}

File:Francisco Lindor, MLB Players Weekend.jpg of the Cleveland Indians chose the nickname "Mr. Smile" in 2017.{{cite web |url=http://www.foxsports.com/ohio/story/cleveland-indians-get-silly-with-nicknames-for-players-weekend-jerseys-082517|title=Cleveland Indians get silly with nicknames for Player's Weekend jerseys|first=Kevin|last=Berger|date=August 25, 2017|access-date=August 28, 2017|work=Fox Sports}}]]

File:Colorado Rockies (42770929640).jpg of the Colorado Rockies identified as "Chuck Nazty" at the 2018 event.]]

In 2017, the usual MLB logo on the baseball caps and uniforms was replaced by a new logo depicting the evolution of a ball player from Little League Baseball to the major leagues. In 2017 and 2018, each team wore a pullover jersey (similar to what many teams wore in the 1970s and 1980s), as opposed to the traditional button-down jersey, with contrasting sleeve colors.{{cite web |url=http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/20294267/mlb-get-whole-new-look-teams-take-field-end-august|title=It's uniform change for MLB's Players Weekend|first=Paul|last=Lukas|date=August 9, 2017|access-date=August 27, 2017|work=ESPN}} The team uniforms, which took their color cues from youth sportswear, were designed by Majestic Athletic. The jerseys had a "tribute patch" on the right sleeve where each player could write under the words "Thank You" the names of those who had the most influence on his life and career.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/sports/features/mlb-players-weekend-everything-you-need-to-know-w498902|title=What You Need to Know About MLB Players Weekend|first=Andy|last=Frye|date=August 24, 2017|access-date=August 28, 2017|magazine=Rolling Stone}} "Mom" and "Dad" were the most popular picks; players also saluted other family members and religious figures.{{cite web |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/blue-jays-honor-loved-ones-for-players-weekend-c250350366|title=Blue Jays Players Weekend nicknames explained|first=Connor|last=Mount|date=August 25, 2017 |access-date=August 28, 2017|work=MLB.com}}{{cite web |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/nationals-players-weekend-nicknames-c250470460|title=Explaining Nats Players Weekend nicknames|first=Jamal|last=Collier|date=August 25, 2017 |access-date=August 28, 2017|work=MLB.com}}

The player's surname (or, in the case of Ichiro Suzuki, his given name) usually printed on the back of the jersey was replaced with a nickname of the player's choosing. Players were encouraged, but not required, to choose a nickname. All uniforms, whether or not the players chose to use nicknames, had names on the back—including those of the New York Yankees, a team that had never before placed names on the back of any official jersey.

The choice of nicknames ranged from shortened monikers and initials to rhymes, puns, and descriptive epithets.{{cite web |url=https://www.mlb.com/cut4/mlb-players-weekend-nicknames-infographic-by-category-c250428776|title=Let's break down all of the Players Weekend nicknames by category|first=Gemma|last=Kaneko|work=MLB.com|date=August 25, 2017|access-date=August 28, 2017}} Players were also allowed to wear T-shirts sporting the name and logo of the charity of their choice during batting practice, pregame workouts, and post-game interviews. Game-used jerseys were sold after the event, with proceeds benefiting the MLB-MLBPA Youth Development Foundation.{{cite web|last=Kramer |first=Daniel |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/players-weekend-runs-friday-through-sunday-c250189660 |title=Players Weekend runs Friday through Sunday | MLB.com |website=MLB.com |access-date=August 25, 2017}}

In the 2017 event, St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Seung-hwan Oh imprinted his name in Korean characters (오승환).{{cite web |url=https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/the-best-nicknames-for-each-team-on-mlb-players-weekend-jerseys/|title=The best nicknames for each team on MLB Players Weekend jerseys|first=Mike|last=Axisa|date=9 August 2017|access-date=10 September 2017|work=CBS Sports}} A few players were not able to use their preferred nickname due to potential copyright or trademark infringement, such as "Superman" (Kevin Pillar),{{cite web |url=http://bluejayhunter.com/2017/08/a-look-at-the-blue-jays-players-weekend-custom-gear-and-patches.html|title=A Look at the Blue Jays Custom Gear and Patches for Players Weekend|first=Ian|last=Hunter|date=August 26, 2017|access-date=August 27, 2017|work=Blue Jay Hunter}} "Kojak" (Adrián Beltré), "Led Zeflin" (Zach Eflin), and "Hoby Wan Kenobi" (Hoby Milner).{{cite web |url=http://magazine.promomarketing.com/article/copyrights-keep-three-mlb-participants-using-preferred-nicknames-players-weekend/|title=Copyrights to Keep Three MLB Participants From Using Preferred Nicknames During Players Weekend|first=Joseph|last=Myers|date=August 14, 2017|access-date=August 28, 2017|work=Promo Marketing Magazine}} Chicago Cubs

pitcher Carl Edwards Jr. was the only player allowed to use a brand name, Carl's Jr., on the back of his jersey; Edwards Jr. also imprinted the restaurant chain's logo on one of his cleats.{{cite web |url=https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2017/8/9/16119482/mlb-players-weekend-jerseys-caps|title=MLB unveils 'Players Weekend' jerseys and caps|first=Al|last=Yellon|date=August 9, 2017|access-date=August 28, 2017|work=SB Nation}}{{cite web |url=http://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/the-story-behind-carl-edwards-jr-food-themed-players-weekend-cleats/ |title=The story behind Carl Edwards Jr.'s food-themed Players Weekend cleats |first=Madeline |last=Kenney |date=August 26, 2017 |access-date=August 28, 2017 |work=Chicago Sun-Times}}

In 2018, Brad Boxberger had his surname on the back of his jersey, but in the form of emojis ("📦🍔") instead of letters.{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/24329239/the-top-10-mlb-players-weekend-nicknames |title=The top 10 MLB Players Weekend nicknames |first=Darren |last=Rovell |website=ESPN.com |date=August 9, 2018 |access-date=August 10, 2018}}

For the 2019 event, Walker Lockett had his surname in the form of an emoji as a simple lock ("🔒").{{cite web|last=Schwartz |first=Jared |url=https://nypost.com/2019/08/06/the-best-players-weekend-nicknames-for-mets-yankees/ |title=MLB Players' Weekend: Best Yankees, Mets nicknames |publisher=Nypost.com |date=2019-08-07 |access-date=2019-08-24}} Russell Martin, whose nickname is "The Muscle", chose "El 💪🏻". Cleveland Indians players Carlos Carrasco ("cookie🍪"), Mike Clevinger ("peace sign☮, sunshine☀️") and Francisco Lindor were among those who chose to wear emojis on their jerseys, though Lindor sandwiched "Mr. Smile" between two smiley faces.{{cite web |url=https://www.mlb.com/amp/news/sights-from-players-weekend.html |title=Take a look at best sights from Players' Weekend |first=Paul |last=Casella |website=MLB.com |date=August 24, 2019 |accessdate=August 19, 2024}} Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Hyun-Jin Ryu chose his nickname in Korean writing ("류현진").{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/story/2019-08-06/mlb-players-weekend|title=MLB Players' Weekend is back with the nicknames, but with a less colorful twist|first=Eduardo|last=Gonzalez|work=Los Angeles Times|date=August 6, 2019|access-date=August 24, 2019}} In 2019, several players opted to use their nickname to honor Tyler Skaggs, who died earlier in the season, while all players wore a "45" patch in his honor.{{cite web|last=Castrovince |first=Anthony |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/tyler-skaggs-tribute-set-for-players-weekend |title=Tyler Skaggs tribute set for Players' Weekend |work=MLB.com |access-date=2019-08-24}}

The New Era Cap Company supplies caps. In 2017, socks in multicolored hues were the same for all 30 teams; players had the option of rolling up the cuffs of their pants to show off the design. The socks are supplied by Stance.

Players are allowed to wear brightly colored and custom-designed cleats, batting gloves, wristbands, compression sleeves, and catcher's masks that are typically not permitted under MLB rules.{{cite web |url=https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/mlb-players-weekend-is-more-than-just-cool-new-uniforms/|title=MLB Players Weekend is more than just cool new uniforms|first=Dayn|last=Perry|date=August 25, 2017|access-date=August 27, 2017|work=CBS Sports}} The league did prohibit the use of white as a color for the batting gloves, wristbands, and compression sleeves, since it might interfere with umpires' ability to judge a play.{{cite web |url=https://uni-watch.com/2017/06/15/mlb-to-let-inmates-run-asylum-for-players-weekend/|title=MLB to Let Inmates Run Asylum for Players Weekend|first=Paul|last=Lukas|date=June 15, 2017|access-date=August 30, 2017|work=uni-watch.com}} Players can also custom-design their bats. Sam Bat, a bat supplier to the league, produced dozens of custom-ordered bats for the 2017 event that were painted with different colors, images, and country flags.

After the 2017 event, Curtis Granderson raffled off his three pairs of customized cleats online; anyone who donated at least $50 to his charity, Grand Kids Foundation, during the weekend was eligible to win.{{cite web|url=http://www.curtisgranderson.com/players-wknd|title=MLB Players Weekend Cleat Giveaway|publisher=curtisgranderson.com|year=2017|access-date=August 29, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170829034800/http://www.curtisgranderson.com/players-wknd|archive-date=August 29, 2017|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}

For the 2019 event, the league allowed players to use mobile devices and tablets in dugouts and on the field before the game.{{cite web |url=https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/Dodgers-Unveil-White-Players-Weekend-Jerseys-524493961.html|title=Dodgers Unveil Players' Weekend White Jerseys and Nicknames|first=Michael|last=Duarte|date=August 6, 2019|access-date=August 21, 2019|work=NBC Los Angeles}}

File:2019 Players Weekend (48663808198) (cropped).jpg of the Kansas City Royals (left) wears the all-white uniform and Yu Chang and Sandy Alomar Jr. of the Cleveland Indians wear the all-black uniforms at Progressive Field during Players Weekend in 2019.]]

For 2019, MLB mandated that all uniforms and caps be either all-white or all-black, with the home team getting the first choice of color and the visiting team wearing the other color option. Batting helmets would be either matte-black or matte-white, depending on the color the team has chosen. The one exception to the monochromatic uniform look was the pitcher on the "white" team, who wore a black cap with his white jersey and pants in order not to obstruct hitters from seeing the ball. Nicknames were sewn onto the back of both white and black jerseys in silver. The monochromatic apparel was intended to make logos and accessories, which players were allowed to customize, stand out more.{{cite web |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/demetriusbell/2019/08/06/mlb-will-go-monochromatic-with-2019-players-weekend-uniforms/#59fb201f2850|title=MLB Will Go Monochromatic With 2019 Players' Weekend Uniforms|first=Demetrius |last=Bell|date=August 6, 2019|access-date=August 17, 2019|work=Forbes}}{{cite web |url=http://news.sportslogos.net/2019/08/06/black-and-white-uniforms-across-mlb-for-players-weekend-2019/|title=Black and White Uniforms Across MLB For Players Weekend 2019|first=Chris|last=Creamer|date=August 6, 2019|access-date=August 17, 2019|publisher=sportslogos.net}}

File:Anthony Volpe (53947416796) (cropped).jpg (left) of the New York Yankees using a Dubble Bubble-inspired custom bat during the 2024 MLB Little League Classic]]

Players Weekend returned after a five-year hiatus, being held August 16–18, 2024. Unlike previous editions, it did not feature special uniforms with nicknames, but did feature special caps,{{Cite web |title=Players' Weekend returns with a twist (Aug. 16-18) |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/players-weekend-major-league-baseball-2024 |access-date=2024-04-25 |website=MLB.com |language=en}} and players were again allowed to use some custom-designed equipment such as colorful cleats, bats, and gloves.{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5705821/2024/08/16/players-weekend-mlb-highlights/ |title=From pencil bats to Scooby spikes, Players’ Weekend shows a different side of MLB |website=The Athletic |url-access=limited |date=August 16, 2024 |accessdate=August 19, 2024}} The "reimagined" event was purposed differently than earlier editions; it was described as "a platform to celebrate MLB players’ interests, backstories, and the charitable causes that are important to them."{{cite press release |url=https://www.mlb.com/press-release/press-release-mlb-to-host-new-version-of-players-weekend |title=MLB to host new version of Players' Weekend |website=MLB.com |date=April 25, 2024 |accessdate=August 19, 2024}} Each day of the event had a specific theme: Fun Friday, Charitable Saturday, and Appreciation Sunday.{{cite news |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/40885035/2024-mlb-players-weekend-best-round-up |title=The best of the 2024 MLB Players' Weekend |website=ESPN.com |date=August 18, 2024 |accessdate=August 19, 2024}} The 2024 edition also coincided with the seventh edition of the MLB Little League Classic, held at Bowman Field in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.{{cite news |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/parker-meadows-has-winning-rbi-for-tigers-in-little-league-classic |title=Tigers bring the kid energy in walk-off win at Little League Classic |first=Melanie |last=Martinez-Lopez |website=MLB.com |date=August 19, 2024 |accessdate=August 19, 2024}}

Players Weekend was initially hailed by MLB players as a long-overdue opportunity to express their personal style on the field.

According to SB Nation, 58 players across the league declined to choose a nickname in 2017, instead using their first or last name on their jerseys.{{cite web |url=https://www.sbnation.com/mlb/2017/8/9/16119754/mlb-players-weekends-nicknames|title=These 58 MLB players won't have a nickname on their jerseys because they hate fun|first=Marc|last=Normandin|date=August 9, 2017|access-date=August 28, 2017|work=SB Nation}} New York Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner, whose team had never had a name on the back of the jersey, wanted no name at all, but he was overruled; he ended up printing his surname.{{cite web |url=http://www.espn.com/blog/new-york/yankees/post/_/id/97005/what-is-it-like-to-not-put-on-the-pinstripes-not-every-yankee-is-thrilled-about-it|title=What is it like to NOT put on the pinstripes? Not every Yankee is thrilled about it|first=Andrew|last=Marchand|date=August 25, 2017|access-date=August 28, 2017|work=ESPN}} While most players enjoyed custom designing their cleats and other gear, Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Andrew Chafin opted to wear his regular black cleats.{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/25/sports/baseball/mlb-nickname-jerseys.html?mcubz=3|title=Baseball Loosens Rules and Opens Door to a Vibrant Weekend|first=James|last=Wagner|date=August 25, 2017|access-date=August 28, 2017|work=The New York Times}}

Reaction to the 2019 monochrome uniforms by fans, sportswriters, and even team personnel was overwhelmingly negative. Fans on social media posts compared them to trash bags, chess pieces and even the Spy vs. Spy cartoon from Mad magazine.{{cite web |url=https://www.foxnews.com/sports/twitter-hates-new-black-and-white-mlb-weekend-uniforms|title=For many MLB fans, black-white 'Players Weekend' uniforms a swing and a miss|first=Brie|last=Stimson|date=August 24, 2019|access-date=August 26, 2019|work=Fox News}} A USA Today reporter wrote: "If you're checking out highlights from across the league, every game looks the same".{{cite web |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2019/08/23/baseball-fans-trashed-the-mlb-players-weekend-jerseys/40003349/|title=Baseball fans trashed the MLB Players' Weekend black-and-white jerseys|first=Nick|last=Schwartz|date=August 23, 2019|access-date=August 24, 2019|work=USA Today}} Cleveland Indians manager Terry Francona jokingly said that he didn't plan to make mound visits during Players Weekend so no one would see him wearing the uniform; he added: "What's the slogan, 'Let the kids play?' Let the grown-ups look like morons".{{cite web |url=https://nesn.com/2019/08/terry-francona-gives-hilariously-honest-take-on-players-weekend-jerseys/|title=Terry Francona Gives Hilariously Honest Take On Players' Weekend Jerseys|first=Michael|last=McMahon|date=August 23, 2019|access-date=August 24, 2019|work=NESN}} Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts compared the jerseys to "an ugly Christmas sweater".{{cite web |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/the-best-reactions-to-ml-bs-worst-players-weekend-uniforms-013134409.html|title=The best reactions to MLB's worst Players' Weekend uniforms|first=Mark|last=Townsend|date=August 24, 2019|access-date=August 24, 2019|work=Yahoo! Sports}} The Chicago Cubs let MLB know their dissatisfaction with the uniforms by wearing their traditional royal blue caps on the first day of Players Weekend. However, MLB let the Cubs know they did not approve of this decision, and the team wore the designated white caps the rest of the weekend.{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2019/08/26/mlb-wanted-make-baseball-fun-with-players-weekend-jerseys-it-backfired/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190826202108/https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2019/08/26/mlb-wanted-make-baseball-fun-with-players-weekend-jerseys-it-backfired/ |archive-date=2019-08-26 |title=MLB wanted to make baseball fun with Players' Weekend jerseys. It backfired. |first=Sam |last=Fortier |date=August 26, 2019 |newspaper=The Washington Post}}

The 2024 edition received media attention for many players' use of bats and cleats with custom designs.{{cite news |url=https://ftw.usatoday.com/2024/08/best-custom-bats-mlb-players-weekend-2024-lightsaber-pablo-sanchez |title=The 22 best custom bats from a lightsaber to Pablo Sanchez for 2024 MLB Players' Weekend |first=Tyler |last=Nettuno |website=usatoday.com |date=August 16, 2024 |accessdate=August 19, 2024}}{{cite news |url=https://news.sportslogos.net/2024/08/16/numbers-on-caps-colourful-equipment-this-weekend-in-mlb/baseball/ |title=Numbers on Caps, Colourful Equipment this Weekend in MLB |first=Chris |last=Creamer |website=sportslogos.net |date=August 16, 2024 |accessdate=August 19, 2024}}{{cite news |url=https://www.si.com/fannation/mlb/fastball/news/san-diego-padres-rookie-jackson-merrill-has-the-sickest-bat-for-mlb-players-weekend-lightsaber-star-wars |title=San Diego Padres Rookie Has the Sickest Bat For MLB Players Weekend |first=Brady |last=Farkas |website=Sports Illustrated |date=August 16, 2024 |accessdate=August 19, 2024}}

{{reflist|30em}}

{{commons category}}

• {{official website|www.mlb.com/events/players-weekend}}
• [https://solecollector.com/news/2017/08/air-jordan-12-mlb-players-weekend-cleats/ "MLB's Jordan Athletes Receive Custom Air Jordan 12 Cleats for Players Weekend" (photo gallery)] Sole Collector, August 26, 2017

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Category:Annual events in Major League Baseball

Category:Recurring sporting events established in 2017

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