Sports

From pencil bats to Scooby spikes, Players’ Weekend shows a different side of MLB

Published

2 weeks ago

August 19, 2024

From pencil bats to Scooby spikes, Players' Weekend shows a different side of MLB

Friday marked the start of Major League Baseball’s Players’ Weekend, the annual celebration in which players use an eclectic mix of custom-made bats, cleats and other gear to highlight different parts of their lives.

Founded in 2017, Players’ Weekend this year introduces a specific theme for each of the three days. Friday is all about highlighting the hobbies and interests of players. On Saturday, the focus shifts to charities and community efforts that especially move players. Sunday is built around honoring those who helped players on their journey to the big leagues.

The weekend concludes with Sunday Night Baseball on ESPN, with the New York Yankees and Detroit Tigers playing in the “Little League Classic” in Williamsport, Penn., at 7:10 PM ET

Much of what’s to come will be revealed on the field or on social media, but with help from Major League Baseball, here’s a taste of what’s in store:

1. The Tigers’ Tarik Skubal is nicknamed “Skoob,” so he basically had no choice but to wear spikes with Scooby Doo on them, and we’re glad he did. The Tigers will also sell a “Skubal Snack Burger” that he helped design, featuring bacon, Pepper Jack cheese, light mayonnaise and a fried egg.

Tarik Skubal points to his Skubal Snack Burger. (Courtesy of MLB)

2. Willy Adames of the Milwaukee Brewers has a bat for every theme day. Check out the blue one, pictured in the center, with the sea turtle and recycling logo, representing his love for the ocean and the Players for the Planet charity.

Willy Adames has bats for every day of the Players’ Weekend. (Courtesy of MLB)

If you look closely, you’ll see that there are also water droplets painted on his Rawlings glove.

Willy Adames also has a custom glove. (Courtesy of MLB)

3. Most Cincinnati Reds this weekend are expected to wear shoes designed by patients at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. The shoes will be auctioned on Reds.com sometime after the weekend, with proceeds benefiting Cincinnati Children’s.

4. In 2022, a group of young Philadelphia Phillies became known as the “Phillies Daycare,” and players like Alec Bohm, Brandon Marsh and Bryson Stott leaned into it.

Bryson Stott and Brandon Marsh show off their shelter bats. (courtesy of MLB)

5. Since The Athletics is built on the written word, how can we ignore what Ernie Clement of the Toronto Blue Jays brings to the board: a bat that is a pencil, or is it a pencil that is a bat? Write further.