In 2021, Nike made a huge splash with the introduction of the City Connect series. For a game that is rooted in tradition (sometimes to a fault), Nike decided it was time to add some swag to the look of the game. I am here for it — and more importantly — a fresh look — a more stylish look — is one way to grow the game for the next generation.
To date, there have been twelve City Connect uniforms released. And I’m about to rank them all, the Black Baseball Mixtape way. In other words: What uniform is the most appealing to true hip-hop heads. My rankings are not based on which uniform will sell the most. My ranking is what uniform has the most sauce and is rooted in a local story.
#12. Los Angeles Dodgers: Let’s just keep it real here, the Dodgers didn’t do much. We’re used to the “Los” in the NBA. West Coast heads love the Dodger blue, but come on, son. This is very basic. Do better.
#11. San Francisco Giants: It’s got the bridge, it’s got the fog, it’s got the fade, but I’m not feeling it. Again, it’s too basic. San Fran has so much potential, and this is not it.
#10. Chicago Cubs: See my comments about the Dodgers. The uniform missed the mark…too basic. I love the “Wrigleyville” message, but that’s it. There is so much more that could have been done. The hats are cool tho.
#9. Los Angeles Angels: If you want to rank this one higher, I understand. Southern Cali Surfer Vibe — I get it. I don’t love the lettering, but the overall look is clean. Retro SoCal. No real risk here tho.
#8. Arizona Diamondbacks: Now we’re in the category of I really like all of these uniforms. No wack unis from now until #1. I really rock with the “Serpientes” across the chest. The gold color reminds me of throwback unis of yesteryears. This uniform is new but it looks vintage. I rock with it.
#7. Boston Red Sox: If there was an award for risk-taking, Boston would win it. This is the biggest departure from the traditional Red Sox uniform, I’ve ever seen so far. And I dig it. I just don’t really love the actual uniform; it’s a lot of yellow — a lot. Probably too much. Yeah, it’s too much yellow.
#6. Houston Astros: Houston, we have a problem. Naugh, I’m trippin. These Space City uniforms are fire. What’s not to like? A perfect nod to the city and NASA. It pays homage to the old Astros unis of the 80s and the new school of today. Very well done.
#5. Kansas City Royals: This is where I’m going to receive some hate, and I don’t care. I love these Royals joints. Well Cheats, isn’t it basic, like the Dodgers and the Cubs? Yes and no. There is a thin line between basic and clean It’s not basic, it’s simple and clean. It’s fire. The unis are well done and pay homage to the jazz and art culture of KC. Is it safe? Yes. But it is clean. Very clean.
#4. Miami Marlins: Don’t touch these fire red joints, they are too hot. The uniforms pay tribute to the Sugar Kings, a AAA affiliate of the Reds that played in Cuba from 1946 through 1960. This is just a good-looking uniform. It’s different. And it pays homage to the culture.
#3. Colorado Rockies: Okay, I know what you’re thinking: You thought this would be #1. Well, it’s not. I dig the mountains, but the green colors is not my favorite. There is a lot going on with this design. And, while it’s a dope baseball uniform, it’s a stretch to see people rocking this in the street (there is always one). I love the creativity. It’s different. It’s unique. But it’s not #1.
#2. Washington Nationals: Call me a homer, because I am. The Nats Cherry Blossom uniforms are fire. DC could have gone a number of different ways —it is Chocolate City, the home of Go-Go music, but the Bloom is also universal. And the colors and detail in the uniforms are crazy. Well done, DC.
#1. The Chicago White Sox: It pains me that this uniform is so damn cool. Really, do the Sox really need more heat? They got the colors. They got the culture. They are the cool kids from the Southside. Now, they have the #1 City Connect uniform. What is there not no to like? Southside is in the building, and it’s perfect. This uniform can be worn by anyone/anywhere. It breathes hip-hop culture. It’s damn near perfect.
So, there it is. I will be updating my rankings are new City Connect jerseys hit the market. Let me know what you think of my list. And while you’re at it, rank your own.
