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Ranking MLB’s Best Powder Blue Jerseys

Baseball fashion has always had a unique niche to it. For so long teams had uniforms that were either grey or white. In the 1940s, the Chicago Cubs decided to experiment and introduce a third color option, powder blue. While the trend may not have stayed with the team, the rest of the league took notice. While the movement was slow, powder blues became popular in the 1970s and 1980s. Despite fizzling out, they have come back in the past few years. In 2022, eight different teams regularly wore powder blue jerseys. Here are my rankings for the best powder blue jerseys in baseball today.

Powder Blue Jerseys

8) Tampa Bay Rays

The Tampa Bay Rays introduced a powder blue jersey in 2011. Their three other jerseys consisted of white, grey, and dark blue. Since the franchise’s inception in 1998, they have experimented with green and black. Powder blue became a staple in the uniform they would wear on Sundays. Ultimately, this jersey is lower on the list due to a change in 2022. The Rays removed the word Rays and replaced it with a ray of sunshine on the upper left portion of the jersey. It’s also worth noting that the 2020 Tampa Bay Rays were the first team since the 1985 Kansas City Royals to wear a powder blue jersey in a World Series game.

7) Milwaukee Brewers

The Milwaukee Brewers have worn a plethora of uniforms and logos since 1969. During their first season in Milwaukee, they introduced a powder blue uniform. The Brewers would use these jerseys until 1988. In 2022, the Brewers introduced a City Connect jersey in powder blue. The jersey has Brew Crew across the chest with the letters MKE on their hat. While it was a great alternative, the powder blue uniforms are not as great as their classic navy and gold.

6) Toronto Blue Jays

Powder Blue jerseys have been a part of the Toronto Blue Jays‘ identity from the beginning. Coming into the league in 1977 during the peak of the powder blue craze, they remained their primary jersey until 1988. Prior to the 2020 season, the Blue Jays decided to re-introduce powder blue jerseys with something they call New Blue. The jersey combines the blue from the 70s and 80s with today’s logos and formatting.

5) Texas Rangers

The Texas Rangers decide to introduce a powder blue in 1977 and worn regularly until 1983. After the 2019 season, the Rangers unveiled new powder blue uniforms to wear for Sunday home games. This uniform does a great job of using its three primary colors blue, red, and white. The look is paired with the classic Texas T on the hat. This has been something the team has worn for a few years now and could wear for years to come.

4) Minnesota Twins

The Minnesota Twins have experimented with their fair share of uniforms, from dark blue, pinstripes, red, and white. Minnesota first used powder blue in 1973. They wore these jerseys as road uniforms until 1976. Despite the odd throwback night, powder blue uniforms didn’t come back until 2020. These uniforms have a powder blue background, red lettering, and iconic Twins across the chest. A nice touch is the red and white stripes at the end of the sleeve.

3) Kansas City Royals

Arguably this team is best known for its powder blue uniforms. In their fifty-five-year history, the Kansas City Royals have had powder blue jerseys for thirty-five years. Starting as a road jersey in 1973, the Royals used powder blue road jerseys until 1992. During this era, stars like George Brett and Bo Jackson donned these uniforms. Ahead of the 1992 season, the team opted for a darker blue road jersey. In 2008, the team brought back their powder blue jerseys and they have been with the team ever since, where a new generation of Royals stars wore this jersey. What makes this jersey great is how the blue and white complement each other. Ultimately, it’s legends that have worn this jersey that make it great.

2) Philadelphia Phillies

The Philadelphia Phillies are an organization that is known to take to risks. Originally adopting the powder blue road jerseys in 1972. This was the first time in thirty years, the team wore the color blue. There was even talk that the powder blue uniforms would not last past 1972.

However, the jerseys became so popular that they tried to wear them for a home game in 1972, but the Phillies lost 15-3 to the Atlanta Braves. The powder blue jerseys stopped in 1992 but were not worn at home again until 2018. This jersey has the retro P on the upper left side of the jersey, with a red stripe on either pant leg of the uniform. It has become a fan favorite in Philadelphia, as the team wore them during Game 5 of the 2022 World Series.

1) St. Louis Cardinals

Many fans know the St. Louis Cardinals for their uniform choices. With their iconic bird and bat logo, on their main crest, they tried something different in 1976. The powder blue road jersey, this jersey became a part of the St. Louis Cardinals’ uniforms and was pretty popular. The jerseys lasted until 1995 when they were replaced with grey uniforms. After the 2019 season, the powder blue jersey made a comeback. This is my favorite powder blue jersey because of the use of the red trim down the middle. It has the iconic two birds on a bat but bends the L in St. Louis.

Main photo:
Embed from Getty Images

Players mentioned:

George Brett, Bo Jackson

 

Justin Merrlles

Justin Merrlles

Justin grew up a fan of the Toronto Blue Jays. He's begun writing to express his opinions and engage with his fellow readers. Follow Justin on Twitter @J_Merrlles

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