PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — As it turns out, the leaked images were correct.
The Phillies’ new City Connect jerseys are indeed blue with yellow trim, with “PHILLY” written on the front in a font evoking Ben Franklin’s lightning. The team officially unveiled the much-anticipated design Friday at Citizens Bank Park.
The City Connect uniforms are an effort by Major League Baseball and Nike to present designs unique to big league cities.
Leaked images of the Phillies version were widely panned on social media. Justin Fullmer of Clifton Heights didn’t like the design at first, but it grew on him.
“When you look at them in person, they’re much better than on the internet, I think. But the numbers are a little weird. A little too much like the Union, maybe, but it’s alright. It’s our city’s colors,” he said.
Fullmer was holding two #3 Bryce Harper jerseys. He said he didn’t care for the lightning bolt script. “I wanted a Nola but the 7’s don’t look the best. They look like a 2,” he said.
Regan of Ardmore, who declined to give her last name, appreciated the new fonts and colors.
“I like the lettering. I think it’s not typical Philly colors, so it’s fun,” she said.
Neil Beck of Ardmore was among the first to buy a Phillies City Connect jersey.
“This jersey, when I first saw the leaked image, I wasn’t a fan of it. But seeing it in person I think there are aspects of it that I like and aspects that I would have done a little differently.”
The initial negative reaction on social media isn’t unique to Philadelphia, said Howard Smith, the Phillies vice president of business affairs.
“This was a common theme throughout baseball. The haters came out and said we don’t like what we see,” Smith said. “But when the fans came in and it gave them a chance to connect with the ballpark in a different way, in a different fashion, we knew it would be successful.”
The blue and yellow jerseys were designed with the city flag’s colors in mind, Smith said.
“Obviously it’s sort of like a love letter to the city of Philadelphia through the lens of the flag.”
The Phillies will wear the new City Connect jerseys for Friday home games starting April 12.