MLB restrictions prevent sale of Nick Adenhart jerseys

[Elano]

After Nick Adenhart's death in a tragic car crash last week, many fans have reached out and paid tribute, setting up makeshift memorials at places like Angels Stadium, the "accident" site and even Dodger Stadium.

But as reported by Deadspin today, those wishing to honor Adenhart in a more permanent way by purchasing a customized t-shirt or jersey from the MLB.com shop are being flat out denied.

Indeed, type in "Adenhart" and "34" into MLB's customizer and you're greeted by this message:

"Your current entry cannot be processed. Some entries are prohibited due to guidelines for past and present player names. Please create a new entry." 

We've all seen stories of such jersey service refused in the past, though with good reason. Obviously, NFL.com shouldn't be sending out Falcons shirts with Ron Mexico on the back. MLB shouldn't be making A-Roid Yankee shirts available for sale. 

However, it boggles my mind that the league would shut down fans wishing to extend the memory of a promising career ended too soon. I suppose there's an argument to be made for restricting access to the shirt in the name of keeping it "special" for the man who wore it, but the Yankees sell Lou Gehrig jerseys and it turns out that the Adenhart restrictions have more to do with one of the inflexible technology rules that MLB is famous for. 

Here's what MLB reps told Deadspin:

"The reason, according to MLB reps, is that the system won't allow use of real players that aren't on a current roster. So, if you wanted to have a 'Sheets, 15' shirt or some other actual player that might be on a current team, you're not going to get the jersey you want. Even if your name is 'Miranda Sheets', your favorite number is '15' and your favorite team is the Brewers, you're out of luck. That's just how the system works."

Why MLB can't — or won't? — pay an Internet engineer to fix up a workaround on that ordering system is beyond me, but if it's really a problem, why not make a special t-shirt with all the proceeds going to benefit the Nick Adenhart Memorial Fund or Angels charities? Hopefully a plan like that it is in the works, because there's definitely a better way. 

[Don Jacob]

that ain't cool.

[Javier]

It's working out better that way, let's not sensationalize the event and respect the Adenhart family. 

[Chamillitary Click]

thats fucked up, let people buy the jersey & show support.

[K.Dub]

So I can't buy a jersey with random name and number?

[Javier]

So I can't buy a jersey with random name and number?

You can, as long as it isn't the name of a player that was just released or traded.  Or in Sheets case, a person who didn't sign.

[K.Dub]

So I can't buy a jersey with random name and number?

You can, as long as it isn't the name of a player that was just released or traded.  Or in Sheets case, a person who didn't sign.

So if my favorite player no longer was in the team, and the team came out with a new awesome jersey, I can't buy that? That's fucked. lol

[Chamillitary Click]

the NFL did this with Vick jerseys.

people were calling like "hey...my last name is Vick & i like 7, so make my jersey please?" and they were all turned down lol.

[K.Dub]

 

People should be able to get (almost) any name or number they want, they're paying for it.

[Chamillitary Click]

People should be able to get (almost) any name or number they want, they're paying for it.

extra too, because its custom. its fucked up, freedom of nothing!

[M Dogg™]

Due to the demand, I think they should come out with a special Adenhart jersey for charity. So the people who would buy the jersey can, and the money would go to a charity that the parents of Adenhart feels is appropriate. Come on MLB, do something good. I'd buy the jersey, I know tons of other Angel fans will, and even people who feel bad and would love their money to go to charity would too.

[Chamillitary Click]

Due to the demand, I think they should come out with a special Adenhart jersey for charity. So the people who would buy the jersey can, and the money would go to a charity that the parents of Adenhart feels is appropriate. Come on MLB, do something good. I'd buy the jersey, I know tons of other Angel fans will, and even people who feel bad and would love their money to go to charity would too.

id definatly cop one, as long as they are reasonable.

if they know a lot of people will be buying them & there "special", they might jack those prices up lol.

[DJ SUGAFREE QUIK]

thats fucked up, let people buy the jersey & show support.

I hear you on that.  Typical MLB  Has anyone tried to have a jersey of Lyman Bostock, Jr.?  Would MLB act a fool also?

[Chamillitary Click]

^the MLB is just confused.

i bet they think they would be showing disrespect if they let people buy his jersey; but thats so wrong.

people have Babe, Munson & Clemente jerseys & they have all passed (two by plane crash RIP ).

why the fuck cant we buy an Adenhart jersey? someone should send an Email to the MLB HQ.

[DJ SUGAFREE QUIK]

A few years back I wondered if I could have a personalized Royals jersey of my 2 favorite players back then & merge into 1?  George Brett & Willie Wilson.  On the back it would say BRETT WILSON & the no. would be 56.  Which happens to be both players numbers.