Phillies Fashion Faux Pas: The Case for Maroon
Yes, we’ll still be doing some critical thinking, but this time it’ll be focused on a different part of the Philadelphia Phillies: their uniforms.
As we march into a new — and potentially worse — era of Phillies baseball, the new-look Phils deserve just that: a new look.
While we may continue to mire in mediocrity, we should at least look good while doing so.
My proposed changes to the Phillies’ uniforms are not major and are a reflection of the few gripes I have with the current slate. While you may not agree with any of my opinions – after all this is an entirely subjective argument from a bored 22-year-old — I ask for argument’s sake that you agree with one: things need to be shaken up. Overall, I think that the Phillies have a solid lineup of uniforms — the home pinstripes, the beautiful cream-colored alternates, and the powder-blue throwbacks all hold a special place in my heart. The Phillies ‘P’ on the cap is iconic and any opportunity to sneak the Liberty Bell into the uniform is always appreciated.
What I dislike about the Phillies’ digs centers on and proliferates from one aberration: those gray road uniforms. These awful gray jerseys lack the spark and imagination found in the other uniforms and are an eyesore when compared to other teams’ road uniforms. Why should we be made to look like spare globs from the cement mixer when other teams fly around visiting ballparks with flashes of color atop the requisite gray pants? Yes, such teams like the Atlanta Braves, Oakland A’s, and Colorado Rockies to name a few often pair their ‘alternate’ or colored jersey atop their gray road bottoms, but why can’t we? And even if we didn’t, why can’t the Phillies have a road uniform that says anything other than blah? At the bare minimum, the Phillies should consider topping their gray pants with an alternate jersey such as their batting practice red. But that isn’t even the tip of the iceberg.
As much as I hate the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Mets, they along with almost every other franchise in Major League Baseball do something the Phils don’t: they put the name of their city across their road jersey. I know, what a novel idea to represent your franchise’s city when playing on the road! It’s like you want the opposing fans to actually know what city you’re proud to be playing for. While the Phillies have not ever done this in their 137-year history, wouldn’t 2021 be a good time to catch up with the rest of the league? Putting “Philadelphia” across the chest in the same script as the ‘P’ atop the hat — and not “Phila” like those 76ers jerseys that look like they were designed by anybody, not from our city — would add some panache to an otherwise dull uniform.
Photo: Steven M. Falk/Philadelphia Inquirer
Now for the part, I know you probably won’t like it; we should switch from red to maroon. Full-time. Before you click off this blog, let me remind you that I am a Phillies’ red native. My first baseball cap was that candy apple red and the Phils have given me a childhood full of success in that color. But that success, much like the color scheme, has soured in the past decade.
The time for change is now.
My proposition is simple: don’t change the basic structure of the Phillies’ uniform other than replacing red with maroon.
(While I’d personally prefer a script font across the chest instead of the bubble-letters, the current font is admittedly iconic). The objective here isn’t to dismantle an already strong slate of uniforms, but just to refresh the Phillies’ brand as we progress into 2021.
The white home uniform will stay the same — albeit with maroon pinstripes instead of red. “Philadelphia” emblazoned in maroon across the chest would make the road grays pop and the cream alternates would still look stellar with the bubble-font “Phillies” in maroon instead of red.
Keep the same cursive ‘P’ across the hat, keep the pinstripes, and keep even the cuffs at the end of the road jersey sleeves — just make it all maroon.
Maroon would tip the cap to the past, appreciate the current jerseys, and distinguish the Phillies from the rest of the league.
Featured Image: Steven M. Falk/Philadelphia Inquirer
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