The New York Yankees make a historic announcement as they introduce a sponsored patch to their iconic uniform. The team revealed that Starr Insurance logos will debut on the sleeves of Yankees jerseys on July 21, with the location of the patch varying from player to player.
This partnership marks Starr Insurance as the Yankees’ first-ever jersey patch partner and New York’s “signature partner.” The commercial insurance company’s logo will now be a prominent feature on the pinstriped uniforms of this legendary baseball team.
The introduction of a sponsored patch has become a trend among MLB teams, with the Yankees being the 13th team to adopt this practice. The first team to unveil a jersey patch was the Padres in April of last year.
The news has generated mixed reactions among fans and critics, with some appreciating the need to find additional revenue streams, especially considering the massive contracts of star players like Aaron Judge. However, others argue that the Yankees’ uniform has always represented tradition and history, and seeing a sponsor patch feels jarring and out of place.
The Athletic provides instant analysis from its writers, with one expressing that the change will take some adjusting, particularly for longtime fans who are accustomed to seeing the timeless pinstripes. However, they also acknowledge that over time, this change may fade into the background like most other changes.
It’s important to note that the introduction of jersey advertising was agreed upon in the latest collective bargaining agreement between MLB and the players association. The NBA was the first major North American sports league to allow ads on jerseys, followed by the NHL.
Starr Insurance’s partnership with the Yankees goes beyond the sleeves of the players’ jerseys. The company’s signage will also be displayed prominently on the outfield wall at Yankee Stadium, in front of both the home and visiting team bullpens.
Yankees chairman Hal Steinbrenner expressed his pride in welcoming Starr Insurance as the team’s first-ever signature partner. The two organizations have already established a decade-long relationship, making Starr Insurance the ideal company to embark on this landmark sponsorship.
As the Yankees take this bold step, fans and critics alike will be closely observing the impact and future implications of this prominent sponsor patch on one of the most revered sports uniforms in the world.
(Featured photo: Alex Trautwig / MLB via Getty Images)