It's safe to say that baseball fans aren't too happy with MLB's new batting helmets, which come with ads.
Last month, the league announced a deal with German workwear apparel company Strauss to include the company's logo on both sides of all helmets in additional on-field uniform advertising during the postseason.
After fans got their first glimpse of the logo on the first day of wild-card round play on Tuesday, social media was abuzz, to say the least.
“Is there anything MLB won't advertise?” high school baseball coach Trent Mongello wrote of X. “In my opinion, it just cheapens the look of MLB products. Now, a batting helmet? Looks like your local little league with sponsors on their jerseys. Is it me, or is it annoying someone else?” Do you have it?
MLB is allowing advertising on jerseys starting in 2023, much to the frustration of many baseball fans.
Frank Paul Santangelo Jr., son of former major leaguer FP Santangelo, said he wanted nothing to do with Strauss after seeing the ad Tuesday.
“I boycott Strauss on principle,” he wrote. “I don't even know what that company is or what they do, but they ruined my helmet in the playoffs, so I won't be buying anything.”
They were never alone.
WFAN host Daniel McCartan wrote on the I continue to do so.”
“Hey MLB, helmet ads are embarrassing,” another user said on the platform. “You know what? You don't have to squeeze every last bit of money out of the game. Show some respect.”
