By JOHN JAMES MARSHALL/Designated Writers

The co-founder of Designated Writers threw down the haberdashery gauntlet on baseball uniforms yesterday by taking the Vanderbilt Commodores to task. As well he should.

So continuing along that (clothing) line, let’s move up to major league baseball, where something is going on that continues to annoy me — managers (and some coaches) not wearing the team’s jersey.

Years ago, this never happened. A century ago, it did happen (more on that in a moment).

To me, the manager of a team should be sending a message that he’s in it just like the players. You got one on; I got one on. Instead, some seem to be going for comfort with some kind of dry-fit pullover. Joe Maddon of the Chicago Cubs tries to legitimize the look by putting his number on the front. Nice try, but that doesn’t help.

Boston’s Alex Cora (Boston), Cleveland’s Terry Francona (who started all of this about 10 years ago), Aaron Boone of the Yankees … the list goes on of those who usually can’t be bothered with wearing a uniform with a number and, instead, would rather look like the assistant trainer.

You should be proud to wear the uniform, not hide from it. Dave Roberts (Dodgers) wears it. Brian Snitker (Braves) wears it. But more and more, managers are breaking what should be a solid baseball tradition. It was good enough for Earl Weaver, Bobby Cox and Tom Lasorda (although that could be a tough look at times).

If you don’t want to wear it, then go full-on Connie Mack. The legendary baseball manager of the Philadelphia A’s for 50 years (1901-1950) wore a suit. Of course, he was also a part-owner, so he could pretty much do what he wanted to.

It’s not a rule that managers have to wear the team uniform, but it is a tradition. So either wear it, or don’t. If it’s cold, put on a jacket. But stop acting like you are too important to be bothered wearing the same thing the players have on.