"If we could change back to that, it'd be really cool" - Bryce Harper advocates for team uniforms to return during All-Star Game
Since bursting onto the scene back in 2012, Bryce Harper has been one of the most recognizable players in the MLB. The hard-hitting first baseman of the Philadelphia Phillies has been a prominent figure in the league, earning two MVP Awards and eight All-Star selections throughout his 13-year career.
Over those eight All-Star appearances, Bryce Harper has seen several changes in how the event operates. One of the areas where the Phillies superstar would like to see the MLB revert to the past is the uniforms. Nike will be providing the uniforms for this year's event, however, despite all of the players matching, Harper would like the league to go back to the past.
"The Nike All-Star uniforms are not a big hit for everyone. Growing up, Bryce Harper said he loved watching All-Stars take the field in their team uniforms. “If we could change back to that,” Harper said, “I think it would be really cool.” - @BillShaikin
The 2019 All-Star Game was the last time players donned their own club's jerseys during the event. Since then, the MLB has continued to implement one uniform for each team, taking away from the sight of a Boston Red Sox uniformed player throwing to one from the New York Yankees.
"J.T. Realmuto at the 2019 MLB All-Star Game" - @PhilsTailgate
While the modern jerseys make the teams appear as one unit, many, including Harper, would like to see the league revert to individual clubs. It remains to be seen if this will happen.
Bryce Harper and the Phillies will be out in full force at the 2024 MLB All-Star Game
Perhaps one of the reasons why Harper would like to see individual club jerseys worn during the event is because of the number of Phillies players present. In total, there will be six Philadelphia players participating in the All-Star Game, including Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, Alec Bohm, Cristopher Sanchez, Jeff Hoffman and Matt Strahm.
Originally, the Phillies were going to be represented as well by Zack Wheeler and Ranger Suarez, however, they will be unavailable for the event. Given the number of players representing the club, it's no surprise that the Phillies sit atop the National League.