Baseball Journal: Fashion Police Continued

National League, you’re up to bat.

Nationals: When this team moved from Montreal, they had plenty of warning before the move, and therefore no excuse for basically just slapping a uniform together.  No distinctive logo.  I think it’s a throwback to an old Washington Senators team.  Is either version of that franchise something you want to be associated with?  Color scheme?  We’ll go red and white, like a bunch of other teams, who cares?  When this team eventually hits bottom, I fully expect them to come out with a better uniform when they think they’re going to contend again.    

Braves: Sharp.  Really sharp.  That alternate red top is spectacular.  One thing, ditch the away hat with the blue bill.  Too plain.

Phillies: Your current uniform is nice.  The Phillies are yet another red and white team, but the red pinstripes are distinctive.  Unfortunately, you guys keep wearing those alternate cream-colored uniforms without the pinstripes.  That’d be a great look if it was 1940.  Just stop wearing it.

Mets: You’re okay and I do appreciate that the team uniform hasn’t really changed since the team was created.  You have to appreciate the original marketing.  Since the Mets were replacing the dearly departed Dodgers and Giants, they combined the colors and logos of both of those teams to create the Mets’ look.  Even today, Citi Field is essentially a recreation of the Dodgers old Ebbets Field on the outside.

Marlins: The previous uniform with the teal pinstripes was pretty cool, along with the fish logo.  You guys only won two World Series with that look.  But, a change in name and venue necessitated a new look, and the neon works for you.  Unfortunately, last year’s debut was so bad (and the current team is even worse) that this uniform is likely soiled beyond redemption.  Don’t know what to tell ya.

Cardinals: Another red and white team, but when you’re named after a redbird, it makes sense.  You’re the best of the red and white teams, especially with that great logo.  I think the team has stopped wearing the black hat on the road.  That’s okay, since I’m still not sure I liked or not.  Lose the throwback 40’s cream uniform.  Nostalgia is one thing, but just looking old is something else.

Reds: I always chuckle remembering the Ken Griffey Jr era uniforms.  A Reds team that essentially wore black.  Thankfully, they’ve gone back to their classic look.  I like that black-billed away hat a lot.   

Brewers: If you look around Miller Park, it’s hard not to notice the crowd seems to favor the 70’s throwback uniforms.  It’s one of the best logos along with an awesome blue and yellow color scheme.  And for some reason, the team ditched it (I guess to move into the new stadium).  Their current uniform isn’t bad, but it’s just make them another blue and white team.  Along with the fans wearing the old uniforms, the team does too.  It’s their alternate uniform.  Thus they are continually reminding everyone that they used to have a better uniform. 

Pirates: You guys nailed it.  I don’t have to worry about you changing, since you’re apparently color-coordinating with the other pro teams in Pittsburgh. 

Cubs: A great look and they’ve stuck with it over the years for quite a while.  Too bad the team is a loser to the point of being synonymous with the word.  This team actually has my favorite away uniform.  It’s got a really sharp look to it.

Dodgers: An absolute classic.  Beautiful.  I remember they experimented with a colored top once.  The team went on a losing streak and ending up burning them behind them in a bonfire behind the bullpen.  Good move.

Giants: Given that this team dates back to the 1800’s, they can totally pull off the retro look with the cream uniforms and not having the player names on the back.  Just an awesome, iconic look.  Lose the orange bill hats, guys.  It’s okay for the Orioles, but not for you.

Diamondbacks: In their short history, the Dbacks have had plethora of logos, uniform cuts, and colors.  It’s like they’re holding continual tryouts for uniforms.  Ideally, fans wear team gear to the stadium to show their support for the team.  Dback fans must be continually confused as to what they should be wearing.  The current look is okay, but history suggests it won’t last much longer.    

Padres: Almost tempted to suggest that they go with the camo hats and tops all the time.  They are the official team of the Navy.  You could use the Navy blue and white camouflage most of the time, and then have Marine days with green and white or tan and white.  That’s not going to happen.  Doesn’t really make sense with the franchise name either.  Those blue pinstripes with the classy “San Diego Padres Baseball Club” logo from the Tony Gwynn era were cool, but they’re not making a comeback.  Right now, you guys look like you’re trying to look like the Dodgers.  Try to be more original.    

Rockies: Of the last four expansion teams, the Rockies are the only ones currently with roughly the same uniform as they started.  Bravo.  Great logo with the purple and black colors to match it.  The cut of the uniform has changed here and there, but not what’s on it.  This the way to do it.  Start with something good-looking and distinctive and stick with it.  I know changing uniforms every so often is a means of shaking your fans down for more money, but a classic uniform will ultimately be a better seller over the long-term (see the Yankees and Dodgers).