A question about baseball gear

Factual Questions
1

In the World Baseball Classic back in March, I noticed that many players had long sleeved shirts under their jerseys that were quite different than I’d ever seen. They had blended colors on them that came together in a way that almost made it look like webbing around the elbows, and they appeared to be made with a stretchy fabric. Rather neat looking, and they also looked like they might breathe a little better for the wearer. I assumed that these were just for the WBC because they looked cool and different.

Then, when the regular season began, I noticed several of the players wearing these new (?) shirts. In addition, I’ve also noticed that EVERY major leaguer appears to have a new style of helmet that looks more aerodynamic and appears to have several air slats.

Can anyone tell me what the story is behind the new equipment?

2

Not everyone has the new helmets. They are the Rawlings Coolflo helmet and they’re currently being worn by the Mets, Cubs, Dodgers, Angels, Devil Rays, Diamondbacks, Braves, and Orioles. In addition, individual players can choose to use them. They will be standard starting next year.

Rawlings gave them a unique design because they aren’t allowed to put their logo on them. So they designed them to be noticeable.

3

Here is ESPN.com’s Page 2’s take on the new uniform item and gear.