The Toronto Blue Jays revealed their new “night mode”-inspired City Connect uniforms on Thursday, and the design evoked some mixed reactions among fans.
The uniform, featuring a dark blue base and a brighter blue Toronto skyline design with red text on top, also includes a cap with a City Hall-inspired “T” and maple leaf. There are other small details throughout the uniform, including an embroidered Toronto skyline inside the cap and “Diversity is our strength” inside the collar of the jersey. The new collection was announced with a launch video narrated by Toronto’s own Simu Liu.
The skyline.
The neighbourhoods.
The people.
The heartbeat of the city. @SimuLiu knows what our City Connects mean to Toronto! #TOTHECORE pic.twitter.com/0tvrltdZMB— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) May 30, 2024
“The Blue Jays are at the core of the city and those who call Toronto home know how the city comes alive at night. 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,” Marnie Starkman, Executive Vice President, Business Operations, Toronto Blue Jays, said in a statement. “Toronto’s City Connect uniform breaks from our beloved lineup of traditional uniforms and introduces a bold new fashion statement that captures the rhythm, culture, vibe, and spirit of the city.”
Although the new uniforms are meant to evoke the city’s lively energy, they’re generating mixed reactions online. Some are praising the night mode theme:
“I like the story that goes with their creation. Toronto is definitely an amazing city at night – if you’ve never been, go! I think wearing them for Toronto night games will set the vibe” one X user wrote.
“Totally makes sense with the “Night Mode” theme. I like them! Love the black!” another wrote.
Other X users weren’t fans of the design elements:
“Looks like something I’d find on the discount rack at Bargain Harold’s,” one X user wrote, unimpressed.
I’m glad it ain’t a everyday jersey cause …..damn there ugly
— Jeremiah Peters Sr 🇨🇦 (@jeremiahpeters_) May 31, 2024
Others gave ideas about how the uniforms could be improved:
“They’re just ok. Some white accents, and white pants with the navy blue stripes down the side and they would have looked incredible. IMO,” an X user wrote.
The uniforms feature several unique designs to capture the energy of Toronto — including the iconic dome of Rogers Centre, the home of the Blue Jays, sitting at the centre of the design beneath the CN Tower. And for the first time since 2003, the chest of a home Blue Jays uniform dons Toronto’s name. The new font is inspired by the vibrant landmark Toronto sign at Nathan Phillips Square. The “pitch blue” colour of the jersey is apparently inspired by the hue of Lake Ontario at night, and the shoulder of the jersey features a “hyperized” bird head — a modern version of the logo that has been core to the Blue Jays brand for nearly 50 years.
The Jays will debut their new uniforms Friday night against the Pittsburgh Pirates, and will also wear the jerseys in select games throughout the season.