Major League Baseball made an equipment change for the 2024 playoffs that wasn’t exactly subtle.
The league placed ads for the company STRAUSS on the side of all batting helmets once the postseason began.
The helmet ads feature STRAUSS’ logo and name, making it hard to miss for viewers at home.
So why was the change suddenly made?
Well, MLB reached a new multiyear partnership with STRAUSS, a European workwear company based in Germany, last month. The partnership, which marked STRAUSS’ first league-wide deal in the United States, called for the company’s name and logo to be displayed on batting helmets throughout the postseason.
Starting next season, the helmet ads will be featured during MLB games in Europe along with postseason contests. All Minor League Baseball games will include the helmet ads as well.
The helmet ads are set to remain for postseason and MiLB games through 2027, according to The Associated Press.
MLB has allowed ads on jerseys since 2023, and 23 of the 30 clubs have jersey ads, per The Associated Press.
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