The game of baseball has a lot of strange traditions. Maybe you’ve been to a game recently and noticed that the manager and the other coaches were wearing uniforms.
You start to think of the football coach who wears a pull over of some sort or the basketball coach that traditionally wears a suit and you begin to wonder why managers in baseball wear uniforms.
To understand the reason why, we must look back at the past. Traditions are rooted in the past with much of baseball. Managers and coaches wearing uniforms is no different.
Why do baseball managers wear uniforms?
In the past, the manager was frequently also a player. As a result, the manager wore a uniform in case he needed the play. So the answer is quite simple, the manager was a player as well. As baseball has become more specialized, we now have a bench coach, hitting coach, pitching coach, etc., the managers have maintained the tradition of wearing a uniform even though they are not on the active playing roster.
The funny thing about traditions is that it would seem strange to see a coach or manager in a suit or regular athletic outfit. As a former high school coach that wore a uniform, it felt like a privilege to put the uniform on and go out and coach the game. Most coaches are traditionalists and love the history of the sport they are involved with
Below we take you through the following:
- Player managers
- A manager who didn’t wear an uniform
- How this practice compares to other sports
- Why do managers will wear uniforms
- Related questions
Pete Rose – Player Manager
The last player-manager in MLB history is Pete Rose. He was traded from the Montreal expos to the Cincinnati Reds in August 1984 and was immediately named the Reds manager.
He managed and served as a backup player until the end of 1986 when he retired as a player. He was famous for betting on his team and is now serving a lifetime ban from the game of baseball.
Frank Robinson – Player Manager
Frank Robinson, the first African American man to be a full-time major leaguer, homered in his first game as a player manager. is Cleveland Indians defeated the New York Yankees opening day. Robinson hit his 575th career home run that day.
He only played in 49 games that first year, but his leadership was able to lead Indians to their first winning season in eight seasons, which took place in 1976.
Connie Mack – Wore a Suit
Connie Mack who played 10 years in major-league baseball later became a manager at the end of his playing career. He was a man who was very formal and wanted to wear a suit, dress pants, dress shoes, a tie and a fedora.
He broke the tradition and didn’t wear the basement uniform like most managers. He infrequently left the dugout because he was in a suit.
What if others wore uniforms? How about the NBA and NFL?
Think about this for a second… What if Phil Jackson and Steve Kerr were required to wear their basketball uniforms on the sideline as coaches. What kind of look would this be?
It is almost comical to think about these former players and now coaches wearing basketball uniforms on the sideline or how about Stan Van Gundy? I wouldn’t be a fan of seeing some of these coaches in basketball uniforms.
The formal look of an NBA coach is pretty neat. Also, in the NFL that have shifted from the suit wearing of the Tom Landry era to the hoodie of the Bill Belichick era. What an NFL coach wears is pretty practical to the weather conditions on that day.
College colleges in basketball and football dress very similar to the professional coaches of the NBA and NFL.
Consider this for a moment, how about in football… Bill Belichick is on the sideline pacing back-and-forth in his football pants and football jersey. Would they wear their shoulder pads? It is often quite comical to think about this.
They can make baseball and some of the traditions seem a little ridiculous.
Major league managers are required to have their uniforms on, although many of them will wear a pull over because of the look that it gives off. At the end of the day, the manager needs to be comfortable in order to maximize his performance as a coach.
Why do they still wear uniforms?
The main reason is tradition. Baseball is a game that might have more traditions involved than any other big time sport. The majority of managers are former players versus basketball and football where there is not the importance of having played at the highest level.
The game will continue on with its traditions because many feel it makes baseball special. There is nothing like opening day in early seeing with the grass cut fresh and your home team taking the field for the first time.
The excitement is in the air and there is potential that this just might be that special year! Although the manager is no longer a player, the tradition remains and it doesn’t hurt anyone to wear a uniform.
Why do they still wear uniforms? Superstition in baseball!
Another reason is that baseball is a very superstitious sport. When someone is pitching a no hitter, you don’t talk about it. If someone is pitching a no-hitter, you make sure they get their seat in the dugout between innings.
If someone is having a great day at the plate you don’t talk about it. At the end of the day, there are many crazy unspoken superstitions that people follow. Are you a superstitious person? There are some crazy ones out there.
Whatever you do, make sure you love the game and don’t stress yourself out over some superstitions.
One additional reason
Many of the coaches play a role in the pregame warm-up time. The majority of teams take Batting practice daily, stretch and do infield drills make sure that players are staying sharp and are prepared for the game. Being in uniform allows the coaches to be comfortable and look like the rest of the guys on the team.
Coaches play a major role in providing the warm-up drills. Often times, the coaches throw batting practice and the bullpen coach warms the pitchers up in the bullpen.
Related Questions…
What color uniforms does the home team wear?
Traditionally in baseball, the home team wears their white uniforms. When on the road they will wear a gray uniform. However, recently there are more and more alternate uniforms.
These can be throwbacks or an alternate jersey of a different color. This alternate look can help increase uniform m sales And make more profit for the owners. Also, fans often like the alternate look and seeing a different color other than the white gray traditional look.
How often do teams change your uniforms?
Outside of the tradition that is involved with teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers, the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox most teams will make minor adjustments to colors or logos quite frequently.
There’s also been some political issues with logos such as Chief Wahoo for the Cleveland Indians. Some teams will change their uniform to increase uniform sales or to provide a new look for the team.
Best major league uniforms?
Here at sportswarrior365 we appreciate the traditional look of the New York Yankees. We also love the look of the Chicago Cubs and the tradition that comes with the Chicago Cubs. There are fans nationwide and you can’t go many places without spotting some Chicago Cubs attire.
Ugliest uniforms of all time?
The 1970s and 1980s Houston Astros uniforms is quite obnoxious and somewhat ugly. However, it is a fan favorite to buy now. The waist band around the top of the pants might be the worst touch ever.
Best ball caps?
The New York Yankees and the Chicago Cubs are two of the all-time favorites. Many people also enjoy the Milwaukee Brewers alternate cap.
We personally think the Los Angeles Dodgers have a pretty sweet hat as well. There is something about wearing your favorite team’s baseball hat and heading to the stadium to take in a game and cheer your team on.
Do little league coaches wear uniforms?
The majority of little league coaches do not wear uniforms. It is more common to wear athletic wear such as sweatpants or shorts and a t shirt or jersey of some kind. Many do prefer the pullover look as well.
Now high school coaches do wear uniforms and will typically go with some sort of pullover as well. But for sure you will see matching pants.
And finally…
Baseballs is an amazing game. The next time you head to the ball park, check out the different options of what players and coaches are wearing. Stop at the team store and look at all of the uniform options.
If you are a player, a parent or a coach we have plenty of options to help you or your child become a better ballplayer. Check out our article on becoming a 5 tool baseball player, here.
Keep in mind that daily work brings progress. However, stay patient and commit to the process. Many great players are born with a certain level of talent and then grow that talent.
Ultimately, sports are supposed to be fun, enjoyable and a great learning experience. There are ups and downs with every game and every season. Be patient with your child, your team or your own development and enjoy the journey.
Life is too short to be stressed out over sports. Embrace the fun and be more like Frankie Lindor of the Cleveland Indians. He is a player that has fun and is always smiling. These are the types of players we enjoy watching and want players on our teams to emulate. Love the game!
Here is a bonus video on drills you can utilize to grow as a player. Here at sportswarrior365 we are you go to source for everything related to sports. Chances are we love sports as much as you do!
