Pitchers, Catchers and BP Caps

This morning’s snow in the Northeast (where it’s not wanted) and lack thereof in the Pacific Northwest (where the IOC has been doing snow dances for weeks) notwithstanding, Pitchers, Catchers and PR Guys report to Spring Training for all MLB teams in the next couple of days.

Marketers, too.

New Era today announced a new line of batting practice caps for 2010, which we’ll see during spring training games and regular season pre-game workouts.  The Yankees, who have worn the same cap for nearly 100 years (except for the hideous red ones forced upon them for several games in the past couple of years) but who also have about 100 varieties and colors available in gift shops, will be the only team to have separate home and away BP caps, according to New Era.

“As we gear up for the start of the 2010 MLB season, New Era is proud to offer a fresh new look to the popular 39THIRTY batting practice line of caps,” said Gerry Matos, Senior VP of Marketing, in a statement. “The 39THIRTY caps are specifically designed to be one of the most comfortable caps out there and give fans another chance to wear what the players wear.”

Though I’m a traditionalist when it comes to logos, uniforms and branding when it comes to baseball, the preseason is a good time to introduce new products and styles.  I don’t care if fans wear pink Mets caps or Yankees shirts with names on the back or other variations of team apparel — though I despise the “Boston Su**s” and other more vulgar messages I see even on kids’ shirts.  If it takes a little updated fashion to get someone to pick up a shirt or hat with their favorite team on it, so be it.  Just leave the players on the field alone — no alternate jerseys, caps, etc. during the regular season.