33ft/iStock/Thinkstock(NEW YORK) — In a unique event, Major League Baseball will allow its players to wear uniforms with their nicknames on the back for three days later this month.
An announcement put out on Wednesday by the league and the MLB Players Association, unveiled a series of initiatives meant to allow players to express themselves more freely.
Between August 25 and 27, players will don alternate jerseys inspired by youth league designs. They will also be allowed to replace their last name on the rear of the jersey with a nickname.
The National Basketball Association held a similar event in 2014.
Many teams and players have already announced the nicknames that will adorn the back of their jerseys. Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Jose Bautista will wear “Joey Bats” across his back, Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Andrew McCutchen chose “Cutch,” while New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge will wear “All Rise.”
There are limits to the nicknames players can choose — anything deemed offensive or including brand names will not be permitted.
The players will also be permitted to wear “custom-designed flashy equipment,” according to ESPN’s Darren Rovell.
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