SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Within the world of Major League Baseball, a unique bond exists among the clubhouse staff responsible for laundering the uniforms that bear the weight of a tough season. Much like the players, these dedicated staff members embody the spirit of teamwork and mutual support.
Riley Halpin, a 29-year-old clubhouse attendant for the San Francisco Giants, emphasizes the closeness of this community, noting that there is likely not a person in the league who would hesitate to assist another with a laundry-related query. Kiere Bulls, the home clubhouse manager for the Pittsburgh Pirates, echoes this sentiment, stating that he can reach out to any colleague in the league to resolve a laundry issue.
As teams prepare for the upcoming season and players toss their muddy spring training jerseys into laundry hampers in Arizona and Florida, it’s worth exploring how these professionals operate and gleaning some insights for handling laundry at home.
Cleaning dirt is more challenging than removing grass stains, according to Rob Warren, clubhouse manager for the Chicago White Sox. He reflects on the necessity of patience when dealing with stubborn stains. “We’ll throw it in, and then usually check it again,” he explains. Warren initiates the laundry process shortly after a game, usually within 15 to 20 minutes, adjusting timing based on the nature of the game day.
Meanwhile, Sam Hindes, home clubhouse supervisor for the Cleveland Guardians, highlights the importance of soaking uniforms to remove tough stains. He often allows uniforms to soak overnight in detergent and other cleaning agents. Hindes emphasizes that high-pressure water helps to dislodge stains effectively, a technique he learned during his tenure.
In the New York Yankees’ clubhouse, Lou Cucuzza Jr., the director of clubhouse operations, focuses on the significance of pretreating stains. He advises that the pretreatment should rest on the fabric long enough to lift the stain from the fibers rather than being immediately washed away. Cucuzza recognizes the varying types of clay on different fields, which can pose challenges when laundering uniforms, especially when dealing with tough stains from certain locations.
Sean Bowers, home clubhouse assistant for the Philadelphia Phillies, emphasizes the necessity of using the right cleaning solutions. He mentions that while certain industrial chemicals are not typically available to the general public, products such as Goof Off work effectively against pine tar and specialized detergents take care of dirt-related issues. However, when paint spills occur on the field, the cleanup can be especially tricky.
Kiere Bulls encourages a thorough approach before laundry, suggesting that as much dirt as possible should be removed from uniforms beforehand. He has a preferred selection of cleaning products, particularly OxiClean and Shout, which he uses for stubborn stains when dealing with uniforms at home.
Riley Halpin from the San Francisco Giants remarks that washing uniforms often involves a significant amount of trial and error, acknowledging that home washing may not include the top-tier products that professional teams utilize. He advises performing research to find effective brands commonly available in local stores.
Halpin keeps a rigorous schedule, arriving at the ballpark around noon for evening games and often leaving around 1 a.m. He notes that despite the long hours, the job is exceptionally rewarding, allowing him to engage in a unique part of the sport.
As the baseball season gears up, the laundry warriors of the clubhouse stand ready to tackle any challenge that comes their way, ensuring that players always have clean uniforms to represent their teams proudly.
