9 MLB Jerseys That Should Never Make a Comeback
The City Connect program launched by Nike in 2021 has received mixed reviews. Some unique uniforms from this initiative may eventually end up on a list of jerseys we never want to see again. When evaluating a uniform, it’s important to give it time to see if initial impressions hold up over time. For instance, the Tampa Bay Devil Rays’ gradient uniforms from 1998 were initially criticized but have since become popular as a home alternate.
However, not all uniforms age well, and some end up being universally disliked. Here are nine MLB uniforms that have stood the test of time long enough for us to confidently say we never want to see them again.
The Washington Nationals’ DC alternate uniforms from 2006 to 2008 were considered unimpressive. The heavy use of red in the design did not differentiate them enough from other teams with red as their primary color, making them blend in rather than stand out. The interlocking “DC” logo on the uniform also failed to resonate with fans.
The Los Angeles Dodgers’ satin uniforms from 1944 were an attempt to improve visibility under lights but ended up being visually unappealing. The Brooklyn Dodgers’ experiment with satin uniforms did not catch on and was quickly abandoned.
The Chicago White Sox’s collared jerseys with shorts from 1976 were a fashion disaster. The combination of collared jerseys and shorts was impractical for playing baseball and did not look aesthetically pleasing. The overall design, including the “Chicago” font, was widely criticized.
The Kansas City Royals’ Turn Ahead The Clock uniforms from 1998 aimed to depict a futuristic look but missed the mark. The yellow vests and C-3PO-like batting helmets were considered unattractive and did not resonate well with fans.
The MLB Players Weekend monochromatic uniforms from 2019 were a disaster. The all-black and all-white uniforms, paired with pitchers wearing contrasting hats, made it difficult to distinguish players on the field and were widely panned by fans and players alike.
The Arizona Diamondbacks’ road alternate uniforms from 2016 to 2019 featured a dark gray-on-gray design that did not resonate with fans. The color scheme and overall aesthetic of the uniforms were considered unattractive until the team reverted to their classic purple and teal colors in later rebrands.
The Oakland Athletics’ black jerseys from 2000 and 2008-2010 were a departure from their iconic green-and-gold color scheme. The black alternates did not align with the team’s traditional colors and were short-lived before being replaced by more fitting designs.
The Milwaukee Brewers’ navy blue alternate uniforms from 1994 to 1996 featured an illegible “MB” logo that deviated from their iconic ball-in-glove logo. The design change was unpopular, and the team eventually returned to their classic logo in 2020.
The Pittsburgh Pirates’ red vests from 2007 to 2008 were widely criticized for their unflattering design. The addition of red vests to a team known for its black-and-yellow color scheme did not resonate well with fans and players, making them one of the least favored uniforms in MLB history.