Major League Baseball teams are debuting their “City Connect Series” uniforms this year in collaboration with Nike to honor clubs’ city, culture and fandom. The Chicago White Sox unveiled their South Side-inspired jersey Friday.
The dark gray base paired with classic white pinstripes is the inverse of the team’s usual home set. In Gothic-style font, “Southside” is scripted on the front of the uniform accompanied by the player’s number. The new black caps have “Chi” in white and gray, scripted diagonally to align with the traditional “Sox” logo.
“Providing a fresh take on the iconic White Sox pinstripes, the color scheme and pattern create texture to symbolize the team’s brand identity and pay tribute to the look that has permeated through Hip Hop and youth culture,” said Wil Green, Nike Senior Creative Director – MLB.
Every detail from the colors and typeface, down to the single white sock on the left sleeve and high socks, was inspired by the city’s fans and Greystone architectural style.
“The South Side mentality: It’s grit and hard work,” Nike Baseball wrote on social media. “Ready to change the game. The jersey’s dark grey body sets a serious tone; the subtle, pinstripes shows that sense of style that runs through everything. An old-school look, a new-school mentality. The Southside. Forever.”
“The White Sox’s identity – black and white, gothic script and pinstripes – is so strong that it has resonated beyond the game of baseball,” said Green. “Their uniforms speak to the strength and hardworking nature of the Southside of Chicago – without saying a word. We wanted to harness the Southside’s personality for the Nike MLB City Connect Series and introduce its attitude to newer, younger fans.”
The White Sox will debut the uniform Saturday, June 5 when they take on the Detroit Tigers at Guaranteed Rate Field.
Contact Analis Bailey at aabailey@usatoday.com or on Twitter @analisbailey.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: White Sox City Connect jerseys: New Chicago uniforms honor South Side