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MLB issues dress code for media members

Dec 7, 2011, 9:09 AM EDT

33 Comments
Male model

I suppose this applies to me too. But seriously,  this is a snakeskin jacket! And for me it’s a symbol of my individuality, and my belief … in personal freedom:

Baseball has become the first major pro league in North America to issue dress guidelines for media members, putting them in writing at the winter meetings. The no-wear list also includes visible undergarments, excessively short skirts or anything with a team logo.

“This is not in response to any single incident,” MLB spokesman Pat Courtney said Tuesday.

That sound you hear is every single baseball writer I’ve ever met breathing a sigh of relief over the fact that the dress code doesn’t prohibit pleated Dockers. That would be chaos.

Ain’t gonna lie, though: I’m probably more out of compliance than anyone. The threads are just fine, but I’ve been rocking my block-C Indians cap all week here at the Winter Meetings. It’s freezing and my bald head needs protection. I suppose it’s a bit bush league to wear MLB merchandise when I’m on the job, but it beats hypothermia.

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  1. Francisco (FC) - Dec 7, 2011 at 9:15 AM

    But we’re all sure MLB included an exception clause for bathrobes and bubble pipes…

  2. umrguy42 - Dec 7, 2011 at 9:18 AM

    You need to get yourself a Toledo Mud Hens hat then. Or maybe a St. Louis Browns hat – what if it’s no longer an “active” team logo? Lots of options, Pilots, Colt .45s, Senators… :D

    • acuraf12 - Dec 7, 2011 at 9:42 AM

      Or an 80′s style Expos hat – awesome.

      • umrguy42 - Dec 7, 2011 at 9:55 AM

        I *knew* I was forgetting one! A Devil Rays hat might still be too close, though.

    • paperlions - Dec 7, 2011 at 9:59 AM

      Colt 45s changed their name because of a copyright lawsuit (or threat of one), so it is probably impossible to find a hat, unless the Colt family has endorsed it.

      • Max Power - Dec 7, 2011 at 11:16 AM

        I have a Colt .45′s hat. You can get one here:

        http://www.dugout-memories.com/coophous.html

        I’m not sure whether there’s an arrangement with the Colt firearms companies, but I do know that if Samuel Colt was still around he wouldn’t settle disputes with threats of trademark litigation.

  3. phukyouk - Dec 7, 2011 at 9:18 AM

    ” excessively short skirts”

    WHAT.THE.FUCK!

    • gammagammahey - Dec 7, 2011 at 10:51 AM

      This is in response to an unfortunate incident featuring Jon Heyman walking over a subway grate.

      • phukyouk - Dec 7, 2011 at 11:21 AM

        literally just spit Seltzer out of my nose in the middle of a meeting.. thank you! i may be joining the unemployed today but at least it got a laugh

  4. unclemosesgreen - Dec 7, 2011 at 9:22 AM

    Strange, I pictured you in the lobby with an Indiana Jones safari hat and matching bullwhip ensemble.

  5. catsmeat - Dec 7, 2011 at 9:26 AM

    Craig, considering how much you troll the Phillies fanbase, how you didn’t end up using this photograph as your stock “fashion” photo is beyond me.

  6. cmutimmah - Dec 7, 2011 at 9:27 AM

    What’s the policy on booby tassels?

  7. hammyofdoom - Dec 7, 2011 at 9:27 AM

    The fact they made sure to say this isn’t about a specific incident leads me to believe it probably is. I picture some dude in a short skirt, thong hangin’ out the back wearing a team Jersey and wandering around drunkenly in the lobby until they manage to take him down with sedative darts.

  8. beinhorntwins - Dec 7, 2011 at 9:28 AM

    good thing erin andrews doesn’t report baseball

    http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=erin+andrews&view=detail&id=0B764771F5C6D79ABAA1EE5344680964CA3D6835&first=0

    • gammagammahey - Dec 7, 2011 at 10:53 AM

      That’s not a picture of Erin Andrews.

  9. eshine76 - Dec 7, 2011 at 9:36 AM

    You better return those assless chaps…

    • paperlions - Dec 7, 2011 at 10:02 AM

      Chaps are assless by definition, leggings that also cover your ass are called pants.

      • kiwicricket - Dec 7, 2011 at 10:22 AM

        I think you might of thought about this before, PL….

      • eshine76 - Dec 7, 2011 at 10:36 AM

        I don’t own any, so I appreciate your expertise on the subject.

      • cur68 - Dec 7, 2011 at 11:04 AM

        Anyone who rides motorbikes probably has some or thinks about getting some. No one likes cold legs and a sweaty butt. Chaps are the answer. And yeah, no need for the redundant term ‘assless’. Unless you just like to type “assless”, then carry on. I don’t judge.

  10. sdelmonte - Dec 7, 2011 at 9:37 AM

    The team logos makes sense at some level. Though it’s really not anyone’s business if a blogger roots for a team. And it’s the concern of an editor and not the league if a paid (supposedly objective) reporter roots for a team.

    The other things? As a prude, I don’t like exposed underwear, etc. But that is again my opinion and not anyone else’s I might not like something, but I don’t think MLB really should have the authority to enforce clothing morality. Though I am afraid, as a private organization, they do have the right.

  11. Lukehart80 - Dec 7, 2011 at 10:05 AM

    Don’t give in Craig! SOMEONE has got to represent the Indians at these meetings, even if it’s not an actual Indians’ fan!

  12. kiwicricket - Dec 7, 2011 at 10:25 AM

    You see gentlemen….persistence is the key. A fashion related posting, and it’s tremendous.

    • pauleee - Dec 7, 2011 at 11:24 AM

      A fashion related posting, and it’s FABULOUS.

      FTFY

      • cur68 - Dec 7, 2011 at 11:39 AM

        In kiwi’s neck of the woods I think they use the term “fabbo”, FYI.

  13. kiwicricket - Dec 7, 2011 at 10:30 AM

    Slightly curious as to how Craig sought out, and decided upon the main picture in this post…..

  14. mojosmagic - Dec 7, 2011 at 10:33 AM

    Never could figure out why most writers look like got their clothes at a Goodwill finale clearance.

  15. nelsonsaint - Dec 7, 2011 at 10:35 AM

    This won’t happen, at least not in our lifetime.

    And by then, they’ll be driving Buicks to the moon.

  16. ThatGuy - Dec 7, 2011 at 10:57 AM

    Does this mean Heyman can’t wear his Scott Boras Team Jersey?

    • Utley's Hair - Dec 7, 2011 at 3:46 PM

      It’s a Mystery Team jersey with Boras’ name on the back.

  17. PanchoHerreraFanClub - Dec 7, 2011 at 1:12 PM

    Dang it. I was so looking forward to Craig in an excessively short skirt that shows off lacy panties with a Braves logo on the side.

    • Utley's Hair - Dec 7, 2011 at 3:48 PM

      Thanks…I just threw up in my mouth. Though his pasty-whiteness could very well help by blinding you before any permanent damage is suffered.

  18. docktorellis - Dec 7, 2011 at 4:53 PM

    Yes. LOVE the Wild at Heart reference. Ten points, Craig.

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