The game of baseball is a beautiful thing, and one of the greatest parts is the uniforms. There is so much history and beauty within the uniforms of our game. However, which MLB uniforms are the best?
Before I get started, I will establish that I am attempting to eliminate all of my bias when it comes to the Los Angeles Dodgers. My bias tells me to rank the Dodgers first, second and third – obviously counteracting common knowledge. Although great, there are certainly better uniforms in the game of baseball. Today we are examining and picking three of baseball’s best. Whether it is because of pure beauty, or because of a historic past, here are three of MLB’s best uniforms.
Also, it should be noted that we are only ranking the top three current MLB jerseys. As much as I love those throwback Astros jerseys, we must limit ourselves.
Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
3. Baltimore Orioles Home Jersey
There is just something that speaks to me about the Baltimore Orioles home jerseys, and I’m not quite sure what it is. I think it is the way the orange in the Orioles pops with the vibrant white. The pants also have that orange seam-line that just looks so clean. The Orioles home jerseys remind me of summertime; the white with the orange clashing reminds me of a cool orangesicle. Sure, this list is pretty subjective, and I am going on personal taste alone, but just look how clean and crisp those uniforms look.
It should be noted, too, how well the Orioles hat looks alongside the jersey. You cannot see it in the above photo, but the black, white and orange with the classic bird looks great. I remember one of my very first (of many) baseball hats was the Orioles home hat. It no longer fits me, as I was 12 years old, but I remember just falling in love with the design. Heck, I even have the Oriole bird sticker on my door. For a Dodgers fan in California to be doing so should be a statement.
John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
2. Kansas City Royals Alternate Jersey
Another personal favorite of mine, the Kansas City Royals’ baby blue alternate jerseys just look so clean. The way the light blue pops with the white Royals name, with the classic hat and properly colored arm sleeves, the jersey has massive potential. The different shades of blue provide an interesting dynamic. Throw in some white pants and stirrups, and I think the Royals have the entire package.
These jerseys not only remind Royals fans of their recent back-to-back trips to the World Series, but to the year 1985 when they won their first World Series. That series win was all the more impactful as they won it against the rival St. Louis Cardinals, making it all the more sweet. The Royals alternate jersey seemingly appears outdated, like it should have been worn 30 years ago and doesn’t fit the dark colors of today. However, I think that makes it even greater.
Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
1. New York Yankees Home Jersey
Although I have filled the other two spots with personal favorites, I had to set myself aside and put the Yankees pinstripes where they belong. When someone on the outside of the baseball realm thinks about baseball, they likely picture the Yankees’ iconic pinstripes. Everyone knows who Babe Ruth is, regardless of how historically inclined you are in the sport. Icons like that are what made the Yankee pinstripes what they are. You know they are great when players feel blessed to wear them.
Think of all the legends to don Yankee pinstripes: Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, Lou Gehrig, Joe DiMaggio, Yogi Berra. These are all just a handful selection of many. Even modern outsiders know these pinstripes, as perhaps the most popular player of the 2000s, Derek Jeter, embraced these stripes for 20 years. There are other teams with historic legends that are similar to the Yankees, but nothing is the same as Yankee pinstripes.
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As polarizing as they may be today, the Yankees are baseball. The Yankees paved the way throughout baseball’s earliest times, and today they are easily the most valuable MLB franchise. If you think of baseball as a whole, you think of the New York Yankees and those illustrious pinstripes.
