Zobrist calls out MLB after being warned about all-black cleats

Chicago Cubs utility man Ben Zobrist was one of a number of players who received warnings from the league recently for wearing cleats that were deemed to violate MLB's uniform regulations, and he's not happy with it.

Zobrist posted on Instagram a photo of the cleats he wore that were said to have violated the rule, as well as a notice he received from the league Friday that said he could be fined moving forward.

"Dear @mlb, I still like you but this is ridiculous," Zobrist wrote in the caption. "For the last two years, I have worn black spikes exclusively at Wrigley Field for Day games to pay homage to the history of our great game, and now I am being told I will be fined and disciplined if I continue to wear them.

"When I was a kid, I was inspired by highlights of the greats such as Ernie Banks and Stan Musial in the 1950s-60s and was captured by the old uniforms and all black cleats with flaps. @newbalancebaseball made a kid's dream come true by making some all black spikes with the special tongue as well as the "Benny the Jet" @pf_flyers cleats.

"I am curious as to why @mlb is spending time and money enforcing this now when they haven't done it previously in the last year and beyond. I have heard nothing but compliments from fans that enjoy the "old school" look. Maybe there is some kid out there that will be inspired to look more into the history of the game by the "flexibility" that I prefer in the color of my shoes. Sincerely, Ben Zobrist."

The letter Zobrist received claims that on May 2, 2018, he was "observed wearing shoes that were not at least 51 percent blue, the color designated by your Club for use with your uniforms." It goes on to say the rules were collectively bargained with the Players Association and must be enforced as written to ensure fairness to all players.