Pitcher's Uniform & Sleeves
Posted: 10/2/2012
Q.: In referencing Rule 1-Art 2 it states that a pitcher may not have a sleeve and/or undershirt that extends below his elbow that is white or gray. My question is does this only refer to the entire sleeve being white or gray or does it refer to any part of the sleeve/undershirt being gray/white?
A.: When reading the rule, people usually overlook the part just before that sentence: If the pitcher's undershirt sleeves are exposed, they shall not be white or gray. The rule also repeats itself twice in the sentence you refer to: A pitcher shall not wear white or gray exposed undershirt sleeves or any white or gray sleeve that extends below the elbow. The rule only refers to the sleeves and states the word sleeves five times. The unexposed parts of the sleeve and body of the t-shirt may be white.
Rule 1 – Players, Field and Equipment
SECTION 4 – UNIFORMS
ART. 2 . . . For individual players, uniform sleeve lengths may vary. However, sleeves of each individual player shall be approximately the same length and shall not be ragged, frayed or slit. If the pitcher's undershirt sleeves are exposed, they shall not be white or gray. A pitcher shall not wear any item on his hands, wrists or arms which may be distracting to the batter. A pitcher shall not wear white or gray exposed undershirt sleeves or any white or gray sleeve that extends below the elbow. A vest and coordinating shirt that is worn underneath is viewed as a type of uniform top.
