Launched in 2021, Nike and MLB’s City Connect uniforms bring bold, alternate designs that celebrate the cultures and history of each team’s city. These uniforms feature alternative designs, color schemes and graphics that are radically different from the team’s usual attire, similar to the NBA city jersey series.
The Boston Red Sox were the first team to debut the city connect uniforms in the early days of the 2021 season. The yellow and blue color scheme, which completely abandoned the classic red, was a nod to the Boston Marathon, which usually takes place on Patriots’ Day. The uniform also features a patch on the arm reading “617,” the area code of Boston.
In the design process, designers make an effort to pay homage to the city’s cultural heritage through minute details or subtle nods. For example, in the Arizona Diamondbacks’ 2021 original City Connect uniforms, the color used for the numbering and lettering paid homage to the red rocks of Sedona. The Milwaukee Brewers’ City Connect uniforms feature the “MKE” on their hats, which is the airport code for Milwaukee’s airport.
These graphically impressive jerseys represent that it’s bigger than baseball. The cities that our beloved teams play in make the sport what it is. Fans fuel the local economies by traveling far to attend games. The community that has been created from these fan bases stretches far and wide, allowing a divided nation to unite over a game. The City Connect jerseys bring in more fans as people see their heritage and culture represented by these players and the team.
City Connect is a refreshing breath of air for the game of baseball. This game is one built upon tradition; it is one of the oldest sports in America. Introducing alternative ways the game is presented demonstrates how it is evolving for modern times and progressing in line with what society wants to see. City Connect is also a demonstration of the interplay between creativity and sport.
Most teams have chosen a dedicated day of the week to wear their jerseys when they play at home, mostly Fridays or Saturdays. These days often bring the biggest crowds to the stadiums, so the jerseys are shown off for all to see. The jerseys are available for purchase at an inflated price compared to the team’s original jerseys and have become quite popular among fans.
Nike is now introducing a second City Connect design for many teams, allowing them to incorporate even more of their culture. On the opposite end of the spectrum, two teams have chosen to opt out of the alternative uniforms. The Athletics, who are currently in the process of moving cities, do not currently have a City Connect uniform. The New York Yankees have also rejected the premise to stick with their tradition of not wearing alternative jerseys and staying in the classic pinstripes.
A few teams stand out for their uniforms, which incorporate stylish graphic design and rich culture into one. The Texas Rangers’ uniform, which debuted in 2023, is packed with Texas history. The TX logo on the front right chest is a nod to the Lone Star State. The jersey also has a reference to both their minor league teams by combining the logos into a “pleagle.”
The Houston Astros’ famous Space City uniforms are also a standout for good incorporation of the city’s history. Houston is well known for its association with NASA, so the look leans into that, as well as the font, which is “space-inspired.” Lastly, the Detroit Tigers’ city connect uniform, which debuted last season, encapsulates the city’s history in the auto industry with the words “MOTORCITY” written on the front of the jersey. The sleek look is intended to reference the exciting future this city has ahead of it.
The addition of the Nike City Connect uniforms has been a way to bring essential culture into professional sports.
