Phillies

Contemplating Kruker: Why Haven’t MLB Umps Changed Their Uniforms?

By Kyle Pagan

Published: May 1st, 2025 · 11:34 AM EDT

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John Kruk’s thoughts during a baseball game know no bounds. On Wednesday night he wondered why umpires have never updated their uniforms:

@nbcsphilly

“You know what, John. You’re right!” 😂 John Kruk is in all favor of umpires upgrading their fashion attire.

♬ original sound – nbcsphilly – nbcsphilly

Listen, umpires stink and maybe there’s no reason to even worry about their uniforms because they’ll be rendered non-existent in a decade, but that’s a solid point from Kruker. Why do umpires have to wear uncomfortable pleated pants? Take it a step further and I wonder why do baseball managers have to wear baseball uniforms? Isn’t it weird that a bunch of old fat guys are playing dress up for 162 games a year? We need to get with the times. MLB managers need to take a page out the rest of the country’s book. NBA and college basketball coaches barely dress up in anything other than sweatsuits anymore. More NFL coaches are starting to wear polos and joggers. The only coaches who consistently dress up every game coach in the NHL. And don’t get me wrong, if a coach wants to wear a suit on an NFL sideline like Mike Nolan I’m all for it, but it’s time to buck the trend. I want my coaches comfortable when they’re making bullpen decisions. It’s already tough for Rob Thomson to decide what righty he’s sending to the gallows that night.

And you know what? I couldn’t find much on umpire outfits. There have been some changes here and there, but that was mostly with accessories and the colors of the uniform. Did you know the AL umps once wore maroon blazers and blue pants? At some point they donned light blue short sleeve shirts which made them more nimble to throw out Earl Weaver:

Bring back the NL and AL hats! Those were awesome.

In the 1980s they switched back to the boring blues, grays, and blacks of today. You think baseball hadn’t evolved for a long time before the last couple of years? Ump uniforms are still living in the Stone Age. Get the fellas some more comfortable pants. Those elastic waist ones that still look classy enough to wear out to dinner. I’d love to shake the hand of the guy who invented those. They are a godsend after stuffing your fat face for the entire winter.