Why the Red Sox Resumed Dressing Up for Road Games
While MLB relaxed its dress code for players and staff, Red Sox manager Alex Cora opted to maintain a more professional appearance for his team. Cora’s decision is aimed at instilling a sense of professionalism and preparing younger players for the demands of Major League Baseball.
“We’re teaching these guys how to be big leaguers,” Cora explained to reporters, as reported by MassLive’s Christopher Smith. “After discussions with veterans, we decided that on certain days, we’ll wear sports jackets. It’s about setting a standard and helping the young players grow. They’ve responded well to it.”
The Red Sox will wear sports jackets when traveling after day games, such as their upcoming flight back to Boston after playing the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on Sunday. However, the team may dress more casually if flying home after a night game, aiming to avoid consistently wearing loungewear.
“We noticed things were getting a bit too relaxed,” Cora humorously remarked. “A lot of sweatpants on the road. So we’ve tightened up the dress code. The players appreciate it. You can see veterans buying suits for the younger guys.”
For their upcoming trip to Miami on July 2, where the weather is warmer, the Red Sox will adopt a summer attire with beach-appropriate clothing. They plan to celebrate the Fourth of July in red, white, and blue attire during their trip to New York.
Cora’s approach reflects a blend of professionalism, team unity, and adapting to different climates while maintaining a respectful appearance during team travel.