It’s been almost one week since the Red Sox started wearing yellow jerseys for their most crucial stretch of the season. They intend to keep them on for as long as they continue winning.
On Merloni and Fauria Wednesday, Alex Cora explained how the team’s City Connect jerseys came about. A couple of weeks ago, the Red Sox noticed multiple teams, including the Giants, White Sox and Cubs, were wearing their special alternate jerseys with some regularity. With that in mind, they decided to inquire whether they could join the trend.
After some discussion with members of the front office, the decision was made: the Red Sox would be yellow for their series against the Orioles.
They’re still wearing them seven wins later.
“We decided it was going to be for the Baltimore series,” Cora said. “Then on Monday, I texted Tommy [Goodwin] and said, ‘Tommy, we’re going yellow tomorrow?’ He’s like, ‘Let me talk to Sam [Kennedy]. Then I texted Bogie and said, ‘Yellow tomorrow.’ He said, ‘Of course we are.’ It’s one of those. That’s how it works.”
The Red Sox’s yellow uniforms — complete with blue lettering and a “617” patch on the shoulder in the style of a runner’s bib — were unveiled as a tribute to the Boston Marathon. But now, they’re good luck charms. In a sport dominated by analytics, the Red Sox are relying on some good old fashioned superstition.
Even Chris Sale, who has a history of cutting up uniforms, is fully on board.
“I love them. I do," Sale told reporters Wednesday following his fifth win since returning from Tommy John surgery. “I know that might be a surprise to some people, but I think it's great. Obviously what it represents means even more to us. It's kind of crazy, right?”
Crazy indeed. With a two-game lead in the wild card, the Red Sox seem primed to ride their yellow jerseys to the postseason. Maybe they’ll make an appearance in October as well.
“Hopefully we have a chance to ask,” Cora said.
With a few more wins, they will.
