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By Kade Cameron
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – Brandon Crawford has swagger and the game to match.

A favorite among spring training fans, the Giants shortstop stands out among his peers with team-themed headbands and customized cleats. His style may be considered bold compared to MLB’s standard, but teammate Mike Yastrzemski has another word for it.

“It’s elite,” the Giants center fielder said. “That’s the one word to describe him and his fashion sense.”

That fashion sense first developed in the Giants farm system and took off when Crawford joined the majors in 2011. It starts with his cleats. In recent years, the Nike Air Huarache has been his go-to cleat – and the color combinations and styles seem limitless.

Crawford didn’t grow up as a shoe lover, but he’s certainly one now thanks to a little assistance.

“As a kid I definitely wasn’t a shoe guy or anything like that. I think only a couple of years ago is when I started getting into them more,” Crawford said. “StockX kind of helped out a little bit.”

Cleat color is the first priority in the customization process for Crawford. The team’s colors of black, orange and gold are featured in all of his cleats. Crawford has even tested out cream and gray in the past – and fans can expect to see it again this upcoming season.

Besides color, Crawford seeks to find unique cleats. At the beginning of the season, when Nike gives Crawford his cleat options for the year, he picks based on style and the potential to add graphics.

At his spring training locker, Crawford has a pair of Nike skate shoes and Nike Air Griffey Max 1’s designed in orange and black. Off the field, his attire is simpler with gray pants, a black shirt and a pair of Jordans.

Crawford’s cleats are not only a fan favorite but also praised in the clubhouse. Giants left fielder Joc Pederson, who made pearl necklaces a trending topic in the 2021 postseason with the Atlanta Braves, believes his style is some of the best on the team. Still, he couldn’t resist playing in a pair.

“I like his cleats. We wear the same size so I got to wear them before mine came in last year,” Pederson said. “I think the headbands are a wash, but he loves them.”

Maybe not for Pederson, but Crawford’s headbands are also a big draw. Inspired by players like Bryce Harper, Crawford says the accessory is more about its function than the look, as it keeps his hair back and dirt and sweat off his forehead.

The headbands always match the color of his cleats but sometimes also incorporate other Giants-related themes, including the team mascot and another that sports a cactus for spring training.

Crawford and fellow MLB players with a creative fashion sense add a unique element to the game, in addition to spectacular plays, but former MLB players faced tighter restrictions on freedom of expression.

Even to this day, the league is built on tradition, and players must adhere to rules on game attire and appearance beyond the standard uniform. The New York Yankees, for example, don’t allow players, coaches and executives to have facial hair.

In recent years, MLB has relaxed its guidelines regarding gear outside of the standard uniform. Giants manager Gabe Kapler feels those changes make the sport, and his team, better.

“There was a time when we tried to fit all of the players into the exact same box … I just don’t think that mirrors society very well. I don’t think it mirrors people very well,” Kapler explained. “I really appreciate that our group is more of a representation of what people do.”

Kapler is an advocate for players having freedom of expression, and Crawford’s teammates are no different.

For Crawford, Giants third baseman J.D. Davis recognizes, it’s about more than looking good.

“It’s pretty spectacular and pretty personal for him to come out here as a leader and show off a little bit of swagger and a little bit of fashion to represent himself,” Davis said.

Crawford has made quite the splash in baseball’s new era on the field, and off the diamond, he continues to display his passion for things related to style and fashion.

After spring training, the Giants will open their season on March 30 against the Yankees, and Crawford could have some surprises in store.

“I’ve kind of created my style so I’m good with it but I’m not going to say it’s better than anybody else’s,” Crawford said.

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