The Baby Blue Braves Jersey is a Throwback to the ’80s
One of the most important aspects of any baseball team’s kit is its jersey. For Atlanta fans, the baby blue jersey is a constant reminder of the ’80s. In fact, it’s a sartorial icon. Whether it’s the ol’ tomahawk, the swoosh or the “Braves” logo, the blue and white combo is the unofficial color of the club. The jersey is worn by players and coaches alike, and the team has been known to make an appearance in the color during the season’s opening homestand.
On April 20 of this year, the Braves will celebrate their 35th anniversary of breaking the record for most consecutive games played. It will be one of the most memorable events in the history of Atlanta’s beloved sports team. A pennant commemorating the feat will be unveiled before the game, and the players will be awarded championship rings. They’ll also be able to wear a special gold-accented version of their usual attire during the season opener. As for the jersey itself, it’s a satin material that’s ideal for night games.
While it’s not an exact replica of the ’80s-era road uniforms, it is a throwback to an era that is nearly forgotten. While the team hasn’t donned a pair of red, white and blues since the 1990s, they’ve gotten their share of throwbacks over the years. Some of the more notable examples include a two-tone pullover jersey worn by Hank Aaron during the infamous April 8, 1974 “Double Play” that featured a sleeve and armpit slits.
The ’80s saw the rise and fall of the baby blue uniform, with the team first wearing it in 1980. During the early ’90s, the team made a few tweaks to the look, including adding pinstripes and a tomahawk. Finally, in 1993, the team made the jump to winning and began a trend that would last well into the next decade.
To this day, the baby blue jersey is still the team’s mascot. Since the team’s re-introduction to the baseball scene in 2014, the jersey has been a constant reminder of the past. Among other things, it has become a symbol of the state’s proud baseball legacy. And while the new ’80s uniforms may not be quite as flashy as their predecessors, the team has a few ’80s-themed promotional trinkets on tap for fans to enjoy, including a snazzy World Series ring.
While the Atlanta Braves haven’t been as savvy with their marketing as their sexier competitors, the organization has taken the time to put out some ’80s-themed gear that’s not too shabby. From the ’80s-themed jerseys to a special edition gold-accented version of the team’s usual attire, fans can expect to see a lot of nostalgia in the making during the team’s upcoming season. But if you’re looking to recapture the glory days of yore, it might be a good idea to shop around. Thankfully, you can find a plethora of retro-styled items online. Fortunately, the ’80s era is far from the end of the line, and you have until July 29 to take advantage of the team’s one-of-a-kind offerings.