Friday marked the beginning of Gamers’ Weekend in Main League Baseball, the annual celebration the place gamers use an eclectic mixture of customized bats, cleats and different gear to spotlight totally different elements of their lives.
Established in 2017, this yr Gamers’ Weekend is introducing a selected theme for every of the three days. Friday is about highlighting gamers’ hobbies and pursuits. On Saturday, the main target shifts to charities and neighborhood efforts that notably transfer gamers. Sunday is constructed round honoring those that helped gamers of their journey to the massive leagues.
The weekend wraps with Sunday Night time Baseball on ESPN, with the New York Yankees and Detroit Tigers taking part in within the “Little League Traditional” in Williamsport, Penn., at 7:10 p.m. E.T.
A number of what’s to return goes to be revealed on the sphere or social media, however with an help from Main League Baseball, right here’s a sneak peek of what’s in retailer:
1. Tarik Skubal of the Tigers goes by the nickname “Skoob,” so actually, he had no selection however to put on spikes with Scooby Doo on them, and we’re glad for it. The Tigers are additionally going to be promoting a “Skubal Snack Burger” that he helped design, with bacon, pepper jack cheese, gentle mayo and a fried egg.
Tarik Skubal factors to his Skubal Snack Burger. (Courtesy of MLB)
2. Willy Adames of the Milwaukee Brewers has a bat for every theme day. Take a look at the blue one, pictured within the center, with the ocean turtle and the recycle brand, representing his love for the ocean and the Gamers for the Planet charity.
Willy Adames has bats for every day of Gamers’ Weekend. (Courtesy of MLB)
Look carefully, and you’ll see his Rawlings glove has water droplets painted on too.
Willy Adames additionally has a customized glove. (Courtesy of MLB)
3. A lot of the Cincinnati Reds this weekend are anticipated to put on cleats designed by sufferers at Cincinnati Youngsters’s Hospital. The sneakers will then be auctioned on Reds.com sooner or later following the weekend, with the proceeds benefitting Cincinnati Youngsters’s.
4. Again in 2022, a gaggle of younger Philadelphia Phillies turned often known as the “Phillies Daycare,” and gamers like Alec Bohm, Brandon Marsh and Bryson Stott are leaning into the bit.
Bryson Stott and Brandon Marsh showcase their daycare bats. (courtesy of MLB)
5. Since The Athletic is constructed on the written phrase, how might we presumably ignore what the Toronto Blue Jays’ Ernie Clement is bringing to the plate: a bat that could be a pencil, or is it a pencil that could be a bat? Write on.
✏️ It is likely to be Summer season, however Ernie is prepared for varsity this #PlayersWeekend! pic.twitter.com/2iDYRZJXRI
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) August 16, 2024
(Prime picture of Skubal’s cleats: Allison Farrand / Ilitch Sports activities)