Since the League partnered with a big brand in 2019, the Major League Baseball uniform has undergone a modernized renewal, most notably during the 2021 All-Star Game, also called the Midsummer Classic, and the start of the City Connect series. So much action has been happening in the sports world lately that it would be apt to have a thoughtful look at the best jerseys from different MLB teams in baseball history.
Baseball has an unusual convention where tradition is rarely questioned and fans are typically content with things remaining the same. In some situations, franchises’ drastic changes in team fashion have resulted in strong, negative reactions from fans. This doesn’t imply there’s no place for variety in sports uniforms. Teams like the Padres and Brewers take strides with the moving times and reinvigorate their heritage while looking ahead as far as their uniforms are concerned, creating new sports collectibles in the process.
Best MLB Uniforms
Teams take on-field style and design seriously, as evidenced by the many bold and original variations out there. Here’s a look at some of the best MLB uniforms, ranging from classics to throwbacks, presenting some of the league’s unique points of reference. This may offer ideas for fans’ favorite teams’ upcoming fashion changes. Sports fanatics can look out for these MLB uniforms on officially licensed sports apparel sites and keep them as memorabilia.
Seattle Mariners (1977-1980)
The Seattle Mariners perfected their debut uniform, which had a basic and stylish V-neck, showcasing the trident M and shades of yellow and deep blue. While trying to do 1970s and 1980s retro pullovers, these Mariners jerseys looked sleek without being overbearing. The headgear on the uniform contributes to a style that doesn’t strive too hard to stick out.
Under owner George Argyros, the Mariners eventually altered their emblem because he thought that an upside-down trident brought ill luck to the team. Believe it or not, the team had averaged exactly 100 defeats every season while wearing the previous logo, and they didn’t do any better following a makeover that still had that same trident design.
Arizona Diamondbacks (1998-2006)
Arizona shifted to a bright red pattern over 20 years in response to League pressure to change from its initial teal and purple appearance. Despite being divisive, these outfits continue to marvel. The Colorado Rockies stand out as the only team in baseball to continue wearing purple as a primary color, but the pairing from the initial Diamondbacks jerseys is singularly iconic. Teal is regaining popularity in sports team uniforms and emblems, comparable to the classic colors of the New York Islanders, Anaheim Ducks, and Vancouver Grizzlies, thanks to a surge of sentimentality for the ’90s taste.
Montreal Expos (1980-1991)
In their prime, the Expos had one of the most standout MLB uniforms in the game. Still, their pale-blue variant with stripes stands out and the Washington Nationals, as Montreal Expos are called now, call back to them repeatedly. The interpretation of the logo has always been unclear, but the team’s official account stated it used a stylish “M” for Montreal, an “e” for Expos, and a “b,” of course, for baseball.
This pale blue shade has reemerged in MLB as a dominating color among attractive alternative uniforms, such as in Royals, Phillies, and Blue Jays. However, Montreal’s white, blue, and red hat will be a classy bonus on the field today as more teams, such as the Orioles and Brewers, lean toward colorful caps. Just a little intrigue is also enjoyable.
City Connect Miami Marlins (2021)
City Connect series, which started last year, included these outfits as a showpiece. These MLB uniforms and headgear seemed more Miami than the Marlins’ usual outfits, particularly since Sugar Kings of Havana inspired the jersey. The color red, paired with a unique font style, completely stood out in the crowd. Some uniforms appear to have been created in a factory setting and cut from a standard template, but Miami’s felt both retro and futuristic for a franchise with a spotty record of jerseys.
Tampa Bay Devil Rays (1998-2000)
1990s fashion is resurfacing, and this one is as retro as it gets. They aren’t a classic, but Tampa Ba, which removed the “Devil” in 2008 from their name following fan concerns and a transfer of ownership, went heavily into a specific look that exemplifies the ’90s sports jerseys, with their bright color gradient and typography. The team has begun to incorporate this classic design back into their jersey in the past few years, and other groups may surely follow in their footsteps once they get the opportunity to make their own changes.
Houston Astros (1975-1986)
The Astros decided on a striking look with a Southwest sunset of yellow, orange, and red over the chest, keeping in mind a more significant movement in the ’70s. They wanted to stand out as color television sets outsold their older cousin, the black-and-white TV.
This MLB uniform left an effect, from the typeface to the hues to the massive star, not to mention the many photographs of fireballers such as Mike Scott, J.R. Richard, and Nolan Ryan delivering heat in them. It inspired the Astros’ makeover when they joined the League in the year 2013. The Astros’ sunset color palette was out of the ordinary, and, even if nothing else, it remains one of the best baseball jerseys.
Boston Red Sox (1972-1978)
The jersey worn by Carlton Fisk in his historic World Series moment was different from the conventional home style Boston has worn throughout its history. Apart from the City Connect jerseys from last year, which were inspired by the Boston marathon, the Red Sox have seldom deviated from the styles that make their uniform memorable. While this has served them well, the choice to innovate with red headgear and a retro pullover uniform inspired by ’70s fashion instantly connects one of baseball’s most significant moments. It reminds audiences of the 1975 World Series and Fisk’s homer against the Cincinnati Reds.
Many teams were hesitant to create styles that differed significantly from their typical baseball home and away jerseys during the early launch of City Connect. Boston dared to be different, but the team is a fantastic example of how a franchise can produce a distinctive baseball uniform MLB style that feels unique without losing its character.
City Connect Chicago White Sox (2021)
The Chicago White Sox dared to take one of the most daring chances with the first City Connect collection, and it was all worth it. It’s one of the few MLB teams that have black jerseys. The pinstripes in black color stood out right away against the lighter background. The baroque font was polarizing, but it was different. One of the best ideas was to put “Southside” on the front of the outfit.
When MLB collaborated on the City Connect series, this was the sort of jersey the League had anticipated. It was one that moved baseball team uniform aesthetics forward.
Pittsburgh Pirates (1977-1984)
The pillbox headgear is an underappreciated style that begs to be revived. The Pittsburgh Pirates have had various memorable uniforms, including during right fielder Roberto Clemente’s times. These are the best of the best because of their design and their association with the ’70s “We Are Family” World Series victors. Even before the contemporary practice of players wearing personalized bats and cleats, the Pittsburgh Pirates’ team captain, Willie Stargell, directed equipment managers to embroider “Stargell Stars” into hats as a prize for excellent play, akin to college football customs.
Atlanta Braves (1972-1975)
Aside from the fact that the MLB uniform Hank Aaron wore when he surpassed Babe Ruth’s home run record, this outfit stays true to the team’s cursive insignia while classically remixing the original colors. The shoulder lining adds a special touch to the uniform’s overall shape. With the addition of a colorful paneled helmet, this was as excellent as uniform fashion got in the ’70s.
This, like the jersey the Red Sox wore in the 1970s, doesn’t veer too far from the team’s classic color scheme, yet it still looks contemporary almost half a century later. It’s one of the finest throwbacks in baseball, and the World Series champions wore it with style this season.
Los Angeles Dodgers
These uniforms are considered classics for a reason. The Dodgers have worn the same jersey since their time playing in Brooklyn, except for the alteration from “B” to “LA” on the headgear and the addition of names to the backs in 1972. The Dodgers have their team name written in a classic font with red numbers and a clean white design that is among the most appealing aesthetics in sports.
The crown is won by a vintage design with a flair. With all the legends who have sported the jersey, the Dodgers have a comparable attraction to the Yankees. However, the stark burst of color with the red numbering, which they’ve each used for the last 70 years, puts these baseball teams’ uniforms at the forefront of the baseball world.
