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 don an eclectic mix of customized bats, cleats and other gear to highlight different aspects of their lives.
Players’ Weekend, founded in 2017, is introducing a specific theme for each of its three days this year. Friday is dedicated to players’ hobbies and interests. Saturday shifts the focus to charities and community efforts that specifically impact players. Sunday is built around honoring those who have helped players on their journey to the big leagues.
The weekend concludes with Sunday Night Baseball on ESPN, featuring the New York Yankees and Detroit Tigers playing in the “Little League Classic” in Williamsport, Penn., at 7:10 p.m. ET
Much of what’s going to happen will be revealed on the field or on social media, but with the help of Major League Baseball, here’s a sneak peek at what you can expect:
1. Tarik Skubal of the Tigers is nicknamed “Skoob,” so he really had no choice but to wear spikes with Scooby Doo on them, and we’re glad he did. The Tigers will also be selling a “Skubal Snack Burger” that he helped design, which features bacon, pepper jack cheese, diet mayo, 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 each theme day. Check out the blue one, pictured in the middle, with the sea turtle and the recycling logo, which represents his love for the ocean and the charity Players for the Planet.
Willy Adames has bats for every day of Players’ Weekend. (Courtesy of MLB)
Look closely and 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 of the Cincinnati Reds are expected to wear shoes designed by patients at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital this weekend. The shoes will then be auctioned off sometime after the weekend on Reds.com, with proceeds benefiting Cincinnati Children’s.
4. In 2022, a group of young Philadelphia Phillies became known as the “Phillies Daycare,” with players like Alec Bohm, Brandon Marsh and Bryson Stott leaning on the bit.
Bryson Stott and Brandon Marsh show off their childcare bats. (Courtesy of MLB)
5. Since The Athletics is based 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? Keep writing.
✏️ It may be summer, but Ernie is ready for school this #PlayersWeekend! photo.twitter.com/2iDYRZJXRI
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) August 16, 2024
(Top photo of Skubal’s boots: Allison Farrand / Ilitch Sports)
