Why do baseball managers and coaches wear uniforms?

[CF DolFan]

I was looking but there wasn't recent ask BigDaddy segment so I throw this out to everyone. Why do baseball managers and coaches wear the uniforms of the players?

[MyGodWearsAHoodie]

I think it goes back to the days when the baseball manger/coach was often just another player on the team similiar to what today would be considered a "team captain" in football.  Or was an ex-player who had gotten to old to play.  He just kept wearing the uniform, maybe even still technially a player that could play on the roster, just didn't cause he knew there were others who were better than him.

Then because of TRADITION it stayed that way. 

Football, hockey and basketball coaches traditionally dressed in suits. 

[mecadonzilla]

I'd like to see Ron Washington used as a pinch runner.  He looks like he still has some wheels. 

[Thundergod]

I actually like coaches/managers wearing the team's uniform or apparel (NFL/MLB).  I've never thought much about the suit wearing in the NBA/NHL. I can imagine how hot and uncomfortable that must be. 

[CF DolFan]

I think it goes back to the days when the baseball manger/coach was often just another player on the team similiar to what today would be considered a "team captain" in football.  Or was an ex-player who had gotten to old to play.  He just kept wearing the uniform, maybe even still technially a player that could play on the roster, just didn't cause he knew there were others who were better than him.

Then because of TRADITION it stayed that way. 

Football, hockey and basketball coaches traditionally dressed in suits. 

Yes kind of like that. I read an article about it the other day and was wondering if anyone else knew. I had always thought it was in the rules but it's actually not. I kind of wonder if one day anyone will challenge the traditon and dress differently ... maybe in something similar to football coaches? 

[MaineDolFan]

Because they would look silly in a speedo.

[SportsChick]

Yes kind of like that. I read an article about it the other day and was wondering if anyone else knew. I had always thought it was in the rules but it's actually not. I kind of wonder if one day anyone will challenge the traditon and dress differently ... maybe in something similar to football coaches? 

There is something in the rules because I remember Tito getting in trouble a few years ago for not wearing the jersey under the sweatshirt/overshirt he almost always wore

[CF DolFan]

^^^^ Here is a quote from the article I read on CNN

http://www.cnn.com/2011/10/23/opinion/greene-baseball-manager-uniforms/index.html

Some people believe that baseball's rules mandate this, although the only rule touching on it -- Rule 1:11(a) (1) -- says: "All players on a team shall wear uniforms identical in color, trim and style, and all players uniforms shall include minimal six-inch numbers on their backs." Nothing about what a manager must wear.

[masterfins]

There is something in the rules because I remember Tito getting in trouble a few years ago for not wearing the jersey under the sweatshirt/overshirt he almost always wore

Perhaps if he was wearing part of the uniform, the pants, then that required him to wear the entire uniform.??

[SportsChick]

This is the story that goes with what I was referring to above

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2997982

It was from 2007 so it was a while ago

[BigDaddyFin]

I wish they wouldn't have to CF, and at some point in the 50s or before they evidently started.  I don't really know why.  I do know that Connie Mack never wore one of course he coached the A's from the time of Jesus up through whenever.