Yankees players want team to break with a famous tradition

For the second year in a row, the New York Yankees break with tradition because of player pressure.

Yankees players have privately pushed to be allowed to wear alternate jerseys during games, according to Brendan Kuty of The Athletic. Specifically, players have sought to wear their navy batting practice jerseys, which have “New York” across the front in gray letters. If the players get their way, the jerseys would be worn for occasional road games.

The final decision will ultimately lie with owner Hal Steinbrenner. Players are said to be hopeful of a change, but are not sure if they will get their wish.

The Yankees are the only team in baseball without an alternate third jersey. With only a few special exceptions, they have worn their famous pinstripes at home and their road grays when playing elsewhere. It is one of the ways the Yankees remain staunchly traditionalist in a league where third jerseys and City Connect uniforms have become the norm.

Last season, the Yankees did drop their longstanding facial hair policy in response to requests from players. Adding a third jersey for occasional use would not be quite as shocking as that was, but it would still represent a major change for one of the league’s most traditional franchises.