The Miami Marlins have always focused on Latin Americans as part of the team’s identity, and now the team – along with Nike – are unveiling a sleek new look. Developed and designed in collaboration with Nike and MLB, the Marlins’ “City Connect” jerseys are a new signature design that the team says “speaks to the legacy, culture, passion, and pride for baseball in South Florida.” The jerseys are a homage to the Cuban Sugar Kings, a Cuban minor-league team that played from 1946 to 1960, and a tribute to that franchise’s legacy and influence on baseball across Latin America. The new red uniform is meant to capture the ‘energetic vibe’ of Latin America.
The Marlins plan to debut the new look this weekend, May 21-23, following Cuban Independence Day on May 20 and including the celebration of Cuban Heritage Night at LoanDepot Park on May 22. Michael Shaw, the Marlins’ vice president of experience and innovation said in a team press release: “Our new City Connect uniform seeks to blend sports and lifestyle fashion, remixing the Sugar Kings’ stylish uniform that embodies the unique sense of energy, passion, and swagger from our community. Thanks to the collaborative efforts with Nike, we developed a refresh of the legendary uniform with a modernized look that embodies the legacy and heritage of past generations and embraces the future of our city.”
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Green says the Miami lettering on the chest is inspired by the handpainted signs that Little Havana is known for, while the patch on the right sleeve is symbolic of the Marlins taking up the Sugar Kings’ crown and ushering in the next generation of Latin American baseball talent.
Fans can purchase the Marlins’ City Connect gear starting today at the New Era Team Store at the stadium, as well as via marlins.com/shop, nike.com, and select retail locations.
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