Q: Watching baseball players wearing their pants like pajamas, brings me to a question about uniforms. There used to be a uniform way players wore their uniforms. It now appears anything goes. Is there a MLB rule about how the uniform must be uniform?
—Norman Lewis, Loganville
A: Major League Baseball doesn't have a rule against the length of the players' pants, which has gradually gone from just below the knee, or mid-shin, to the top of shoes over the past two decades. Lengths are based on each player's preference. MLB's Rule 1.11 (a) (1) states only: "All players on a team shall wear uniforms identical in color, trim and style, and all players uniforms shall include minimal six-inch numbers on their backs."
Q: What is the purpose of the metal retaining walls built along the interstate? Who authorizes that, how much do they cost, and who maintains them?
—Ken Higgins, Lilburn
A: The metal walls are sound barriers built to reduce the traffic and construction noise along interstates. They typically cost about $20 per square foot and the Georgia Department of Transportation is responsible for maintaining the walls built on its right-of-way, a GDOT spokeswoman told Q&A on the News in an email. Any project using federal highway funds must comply with federal regulation 23 CFR 772, and the Federal Highway Administration must give final approval.
Andy Johnston wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
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