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Anthony Gharib, ESPN
The Toronto Blue Jays unveiled their City Connect uniforms Thursday, with a “night mode” theme that pays homage to the city’s nightlife energy.
“Toronto” will be written across the chest of the home jersey for the first time since 2003, along with a number on the front. Toronto’s cap will also have a new logo for the first time since 2011.
The dark blue uniforms will debut Friday against the Pittsburgh Pirates. They will be worn exclusively at night on 14 other outings throughout the season.
“The Blue Jays are at the core of the city and those who call Toronto home know how the city comes alive at night,” said Marnie Starkman, Blue Jays executive vice president of business, in a news release. “Our new City Connect uniform aims to emulate that ‘Night Mode’ feeling in the vibrant colours, the rhythmic skyline reflecting off the lake, and all the distinct details that make our city so dynamic.”
Toronto’s design was leaked on social media earlier this week. The team poked fun at the leak with a post after its official reveal.
No leak…just drip 💧 #TOTHECORE pic.twitter.com/tEwmpqofAe
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) May 30, 2024
The Blue Jays searched for a design that brought a new style that “captures the rhythm, culture, vibe, and spirit of the city,” Starkman said.
The new lettering font across the chest is inspired by the “TORONTO” sign at Nathan Phillips Square. The font also has details similar to the Blue Jays split font.
Toronto’s cap resembles its typical bird head look — though the decal is included as a patch on the shoulder.
The “T” on the cap refers to the pillars of city hall on the Toronto flag. The maple leaf in the center of the design reflects “the Blue Jays playing for an entire nation.” There is also a skyline outline under the brim of the cap. The pant stripes line up with the “T” on the jersey sleeve to mirror the matching cap.
The Blue Jays also pay homage to the city flag’s double stripes, which have been part of the club’s uniform since 1977. The “T” on the cap is double striped and runs across the sleeves of the jersey.
“Diversity Our Strength” is written across the uniform’s collar, which comes from the Toronto coat of arms. According to the Blue Jays, the phrase is purposely placed on the closest feature to the wearer, “representing who we are at our core as a city and country.”