Fanatics is Now Making Masks Instead of MLB Jerseys

In light of the coronavirus pandemic, sports apparel maker Fanatics has decided to shift its productionof MLB jerseys and clothing to masks and gowns instead.

The company plans to produce 1 million plus of these items and split manufacturing costs with MLB. The fabric is the same that players wear on the field.

Fanatics’ 360,000 square-foot plant in Easton, Pennsylvania has halted production efforts of baseball jerseys to begin making safety masks and gowns for healthcare workers on the front line.

“The COVID-19 crisis has compelled our country to be more collaborative, innovative and strategic than ever before. As the demand for masks and gowns have surged, we’re fortunate to have teamed up with Major League Baseball to find a unique way to support our frontline workers in this fight to stem the virus, who are in dire need of essential resources,” stated Michael Rubin, the executive chairman at Fanatics.

According to Rubin, hearing about the shortages of safety equipment and a call with Pennsylvania’s Governor Tom Wolf and Attorney General Josh Shaprio, gave him the idea to convert his factory.

The Fanatics founder had called MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred to see if the league would be okay with halting production of baseball jerseys and moving to masks and gowns instead.

“I’m proud that Major League Baseball can partner with Fanatics to help support the brave healthcare workers and emergency personnel who are on the front lines of helping patients with COVID-19. They are truly heroes,” Manfred said.

“We have already begun production of up to one million masks and gowns from the fabric used to make the official MLB jerseys and then donating to hospitals and emergency management personnel throughout Pennsylvania with the goal of expanding to New York and New Jersey,” said Rubin.

MLB and Fanatics will be splitting the $3 million cost to manufacture the items.

“We hope this effort can play a part in coming together as a community to help us through this challenging situation,” Manfred said.