Baseball owners and players on Tuesday ratified their five-year labor contract, which contains a new Anti-Hazing and Anti-Bullying Policy that bans the hazing ritual of dressing up rookies in costumes that could be considered offensive, including women's outfits.
The Associated Press was the first to report on the costume change.
But some of the players who've been through the ritual weren't so happy to see it go.
Los Angeles Angels closer Huston Street told the Associated Press:
"An effort to show our childlike spirit, or humble ourselves in wearing something funny as a team building moment, is now gone, but rest assured some other ritual will rise, will be kept far more secret and hopefully it's as safe and harmless as uncomfortable clothes."
The Atlanta Braves' rookie rituals in recent years could be considered tame in contrast.
In 2015 while in Chicago, the team sent rookies in full uniform out for coffee and announced it over the loudspeaker. Other times, players have carried equipment in children's backpacks:
Credit: Curtis Compton
Credit: Curtis Compton
Or rode around the field on a kid's bicycle.
Credit: Curtis Compton
Credit: Curtis Compton
So what exactly is not allowed? Players dressed as Hooters waitresses.
Credit: John Leyba
Credit: John Leyba
You also won't see players dressed in dresses or costumes as women.
Credit: LM Otero
Credit: LM Otero
What is still allowed? While the decision specifically rules out women's costumes, it allows for costumes of more general appeal like superheroes such as Batman and Spider-Man. These may be on the fence:
Credit: Charles Krupa
Credit: Charles Krupa
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