The Fashion Police
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by Tyduffy
This, ladies and gentlemen, is Cornelius Alexander McGillicuddy, more commonly known in baseball history as Connie Mack. He managed the Philadelphia Athletics from 1901-50, winning 5 World Series Titles and 9 American League pennants over that span. He is the Major Leagues' all-time leader in Wins, Losses, and games managed.
Astute observers will notice that Mack is in the dugout, but not in uniform. A man who was one of the great icons of the sport in the first half of the century forsook the traditional playing uniform for a business suit, tie, and fedora. He was always dignified in his actions, and his wardrobe reflected it.
Managerial fashion has largely been neglected since Mack retired, though the issue recently flared up again in tonight's Yankees-Red Sox game. Red Sox manager Terry Francona was called out of the dugout by a Major League official in the middle of the 2nd inning to check if he was wearing his uniform top under his jacket.
Francona was not pleased stating, "When Derek Jeter is on second base and I got somebody coming from the league making me go down the runway, I was a little perturbed."
Yanks manager Joe Torre agreed with him saying, "You'd think there'd be more important things to do this time of year than do Mickey Mouse stuff like that. It's a farce, I think, I really do."
MLB Vice president Bob Watson refused to comment on the situation, though he said that he was "disappointed" that the managers had chosen to publicly discuss an issue that was intended to remain "in house."
Francona, apparently, did not have a problem with the rule itself, but with the timing of the check while the game was occurring.
First, this incident displays in a nutshell why baseball has accrued so many problems over the Selig years. With major issues like steroids or Bonds, he lacks the cojones to take even the slightest stand. Yet, when a comparably minor issue like a tie in an all-star game or managers failing to follow the dress code, he all of a sudden becomes a tough guy. Spineless.
Second, why are managers even required to wear uniforms in the first place? Sure, there are the occasional jollies of watching a pot-bellied man attempt to reconcile the over-under debate with his pants on national television. But really, is it necessary? Do we need to see a pitching coach with a saggy old man ass saunter up to the mound every time the team needs to go to the bullpen? Is Lou Pinella waiting there, spikes in hand, ready to run out on the field if he needs to? Is there any compelling reason besides the fact that they have been doing it for too long without ever questioning it?
Originally posted here.
