An alternate jersey, also known as an alternate uniform, is a special jersey worn by Major League Baseball (MLB) teams that differs in design and color from their standard home and away jerseys. Alternate jerseys provide variety to a team's uniform selection, allowing them to wear a different look for certain games or events. There are a few common alternate jersey styles seen across Major League Baseball:
Throwback Uniforms
Throwbacks pay homage to a historic era in the team's past. Vintage logos, color schemes, and uniform details are incorporated. For example, the Chicago Cubs have worn throwback jerseys modeled after their 1907-1908 uniforms.
Color Change Jerseys
These alternates feature a dramatic color change from the usual home or away jerseys. Teams may opt for a popular but rarely worn color in their scheme, like gold or neon. The San Francisco Giants' black alternate jerseys are an example.
Location/City Inspired
Some teams design special alternates that celebrate their home city and local culture through colors and symbols. Teams like the Miami Marlins and Arizona Diamondbacks have alternates inspired by their regional landscapes.
Special Event Jerseys
MLB clubs will create custom one-off alternate jerseys for important dates or causes. Recent examples include MLB's Players Weekend jerseys with nicknames on the back, LGBTQ+ Pride Night jerseys, and patriotic Fourth of July uniforms.
Simple Modifications
Minor changes like adding pinstripes, changing sleeve lengths, or reversing color schemes qualify as alternate jerseys. The New York Yankees' navy uniforms with no pinstripes illustrate this idea.
What Is The Purpose Of Alternate Jerseys In MLB?
There are several purposes that alternate jerseys serve in MLB:
Special Occasions
Alternate jerseys are often worn during special occasions or events. This includes holiday games (Memorial Day, Fourth of July, etc.), anniversary celebrations, tribute games honoring team history, and throwback games where historical uniforms are worn. The alternate design marks the game as unique.
Merchandise Sales
The alternate jerseys represent an additional product offering for MLB clubs. Having multiple uniform designs allows teams to sell more merchandise. Fans are often drawn to purchasing alternates because of the novelty factor.
Branding and Marketing
Alternate jerseys can be part of larger branding and marketing efforts by MLB franchises. The different uniform aesthetics allow teams to expand their overall brand identity. Special edition alternate jerseys may also be used to promote initiatives or partnerships.
Recruitment and Retention
For players, alternate uniform designs add excitement and variety to the season. This can aid clubs in player recruitment and retention, as players appreciate the ability to wear different styles over the course of a season.
Revenue Generation
The sale of alternate jerseys generates direct revenue for MLB clubs. Fans are inclined to purchase multiple jerseys to show their support for the team, especially when the designs are dramatically different.
Notable Examples Of Alternate Jerseys In MLB
Here are some especially distinctive and popular alternate jerseys from Major League Baseball teams:
Chicago White Sox: The black and red color scheme on their alternate jerseys pays homage to the team's name and logo. The bold aesthetic perfectly complements their classic white and black home uniforms.
Baltimore Orioles: Dubbed the "Baltimore" alternates, these jerseys feature a simpler retro style with a script "Baltimore" wordmark across the chest. The vintage look honors the team's early 20th century roots.
Pittsburgh Pirates: Their popular throwback alternates are patterned after the uniform worn by the team in 1979, the year they won the World Series. The classic yellow and black stripes are a fan favorite.
Los Angeles Angels: The Angels' red alternate jerseys say "Los Angeles" in a cursive script, adding flair and local connection to their red home jerseys with the standard Angels wordmark.
Arizona Diamondbacks: Featuring a copper, sand, and black color scheme, these "Sedona Red" alternates pay tribute to the team's Southwestern roots and the colors of the desert landscape.
Conclusion
Alternate jerseys allow MLB teams to take their uniform game beyond the standard home whites and road grays. Special occasions, merchandising, marketing, and generating fan interest are key motivators for implementing alternate designs. Throwbacks, color changes, city-inspired elements, and creative modifications make for distinctive additions to a team's uniform lineup. Alternates have become a fun way for MLB clubs to make their mark, both on the field and from a brand perspective.
