The Detroit Tigers reveal their new ‘Motor City’ uniforms as part of the City Connect series.

Since Henry Ford founded the Ford Motor Company in 1903, Detroit has been known as the “automotive capital of the world” — and the Detroit Tigers are rebranding to tap into that reputation.

On Monday, the Tigers unveiled their new City Connect uniform, showcasing the franchise’s “exciting future” and honoring Detroit’s automotive heritage. In the coming season, the uniforms will be worn during every home Friday game against the Houston Astros.

The City Connect uniforms represent Detroit’s unique combination of muscle and innovation and pay homage to the city that put the world on wheels, according to Tigers president and CEO Ryan Gustafson. “The uniforms are symbolic of the revitalization and exciting future ahead for the Tigers and our great city.”

#MotorCity 📲 #WallpaperWednesday pic.twitter.com/adJdZjF5hT

— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) May 8, 2024

Through technology, youthful energy and optimism, the Tigers are building something special as they drive an “era of excellence.”

Several elements of the electric blue and dark navy blue uniform accomplish this. For the first time in franchise history, “Motor City” appears across the chest. Tiger eyes are located on the right side of the uniform and under the brim of the cap.

Detroit is in the midst of an electric vehicle renaissance, coinciding with the Tigers’ revival, which explains the jersey’s “beautiful” shade of electric blue. Governor Gretchen Whitmer has set a goal of 2 million electric vehicles in the state by 2030, emphasizing accessibility.

“Electric blue really represents what’s happening in Detroit across the auto industry, in the city itself, and in the team,” Jackson said.

Although the Tigers last made the playoffs in 2014, they have selected in the top five picks of the MLB draft five of the past six years, including Casey Mize at No. 1 in 2018 and Spencer Torkelson at No. 1 in 2020.

The aforementioned shade is featured on tire treads that run down the middle of the jersey and provide a pop of color. The racing stripes are a nod to Detroit’s central role in the racing industry and a symbol of youthful energy and speed.

The cap and uniform feature a faux “vehicle identification number” — 190135456884. 

The “1901” represents the Tigers’ inaugural season as American League founding members. Season-ticket members identify themselves as “1901 society members.” The other numbers represent Detroit’s World Series championships in 1935, 45, 68, and 84.

“We are immersed in auto every day, since we are in Detroit … so when I think about what is a unique element that is distinctly auto, I mean, that’s really unique.” Jackson said.

Detroit Tigers Navy 2024 City Connect Baseball Jersey

A baseball diamond-shaped patch with the numerals 313 is stitched on the side of the sleeve. It represents the Detroit area code, with the 3s more reflective. The 1 stands out to represent the M-1, a Michigan highway more commonly known to Detroiters as Woodward Avenue. In 1909, it became the first paved road in America and runs 27 miles from south Detroit to north Pontiac. Comerica Park, the Tigers’ home stadium, is located at 2100 Woodward Avenue. I really like the way [the sleeve patch] nods to both of those things that are so special to people from here,” Jackson said. When players saw the electric blue running down the uniform, they reacted with amazement.

According to Jackson, they saw every aspect of it as thoughtful, beautiful, and something they were excited and proud to wear for the debut on Friday.

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