MLB reports that the Philadelphia Phillies will eventually wear a City Connect uniform in 2024. The Cleveland Guardians, Detroit Tigers, Los Angeles Dodgers, Minnesota Twins, St. Louis Cardinals, Tampa Bay Rays, and Toronto Blue Jays are the other nine clubs that will receive them this season. Several clubs have worn City Connect uniforms in the past few seasons; Nike introduced the concept in 2021. All nine teams will be wearing jerseys featuring unique designs that complement the location or feature historical imagery within and around the garments.
It wouldn’t be shocking if the Liberty Bell—or some combination of the Liberty Bell and the notorious cheesesteak—had anything to do with the Phillies’ City Connect uniforms. There may also be some historical events that serve to unite the fan base.
Some iconic City Connect jerseys have been released in the past, such as the Boston Red Sox’s brilliant yellow jersey. They might ultimately decide to scrap those outfits and come up with a completely different design in the future, given how frequently the jersey landscape changes.
These jerseys are intended to honor the city where these clubs play. When introducing anything new, it can be challenging to win over a fan base, particularly when the uniforms are meant to symbolize aspects of their hometown. Whether or not one approves of the introduction of these City Connect uniforms, it’s a fresh look for the league and increases awareness of noteworthy events that have occurred in each city.
