CLEVELAND — When Josh Naylor saw the Guardians' City Connect uniform, he immediately blurted out. “Can I wear that to every home game?” When everyone in the room chuckled, he was forced to correct himself, “No, I'm actually listening.”
The new thread couldn't get any hotter in the Cleveland clubhouse. And now fans have a chance to get their own. The Guardians officially unveiled their new uniforms Sunday night as part of the 2024 Nike MLB City Connect Collection. City Connect merchandise will be available at the team store and online at MLBshop.com starting Monday at 10 a.m. ET.
The Guardians will wear their new uniforms for the first time Friday against the Twins. I plan on wearing it again on Sunday.
City Connect uniforms are designed to celebrate the history, culture and spirit deeply rooted in our team's cities. In the third season, named Guardians, the organization wanted to pay homage to the origin of its nickname, the Guardians of Transportation statue on his Memorial Bridge.
Guardians' goal was to design a simple concept that honors their history with a modern flair. But the most important message to portray was how Clevelanders wear their city pride like a badge of honor. That's why “CLE” is written on the chest.
The new kit is red and blue to stay true to the club's history, but features richer colors than the other kits. The color of his pants and the texture of his top are both sandstone, influenced by the Berea sandstone from which the bridge columns were carved over 90 years ago. “EST 1901” is printed on the jersey collar to commemorate the organization's first anniversary. Above the tag, which is tucked into the player's waistband, reads “THE LAND,” a common nickname for the city.
The art deco font for “CLE” on the front of the jersey and the name and number on the back of the jersey was inspired to have a similar look to the pylons that support the Guardians of Traffic.
The uniforms also feature intricate decorations that reflect Cleveland's history as a ball club. The sides of the jersey and pants are woven, not only featuring the intricate design seen on the statue, but also giving a nod to the team's strength and excitement in the early 1990s. The inside of the hat has the same weave and texture as the jersey. The cap features the team's new diamond “C” design, connecting the past and present of the franchise's history.
Players who lift their pants to reveal their socks will have two Guardian statues to show off. Each sock features a sketch of a Guardian statue holding a bat. The top of the sock reads “EST. 1901.”
Guardians began working on this design in December 2021. The final design was finalized by December of the following year, and the 2023 season was geared towards producing, merchandising and launching the new design. The Guardians will now be one of nine clubs participating in the 2024 City Connect Series, including the Tigers, Dodgers, Twins, Mets, Phillies, Cardinals, Rays and Blue Jays.
These uniforms will be worn at least every Friday home game. Guardians players will be able to decide whether to wear them for other games at Progressive Field. These uniforms will remain in Cleveland's rotation for three seasons.
The Guardians will kick off their City Connect celebration with a Fanatics pregame party on Friday at Gateway Plaza. The Big Don Band will headline the event, and the public will be able to participate in speed pitches, face painting activities, and interact with balloon artists and mascots. Fans will also get an early look at a City Connect-inspired mural designed and painted by local artist Lisa Quine. The mural will be displayed just inside the left field gate at Progressive Field for the remainder of the season. The day ends with fireworks set to a song with the same theme of staying home.
For fans looking to secure future City Connect promotions, the following benefits have been added to the schedule.
May 17: Free shirt inspired by City Connect (10,000 fans)
May 18: Jose Ramirez City Connect Bobblehead (12,500)
June 19th: City Connect Tote Bag (10,000 pieces)
July 25th: City Connect Beach Towels (10,000 pieces)
August 14th: City Connect Belt Bag (10,000 pieces)
August 24: City Connect Flag (15,000)
