Chicago is known for many things worldwide, from day games at Wrigley Field to its rich blues music scene and its contribution to the evolution of music. This summer, the Cubs are blending their history with a tribute to the blues by introducing a new alternate uniform.
The uniform, which was revealed on Thursday night ahead of the Cubs Convention, features a baby blue jersey, marking its return to the team’s rotation for the first time since 1981.
The Cubs were the first Major League team to wear a baby blue jersey in 1941. The color made a comeback at times in the 1970s but disappeared after 1981. It returned briefly in 2014 as part of Wrigley Field’s 100th anniversary celebration, and now, it’s back for good.
This new uniform will be worn for the first time on April 5 against the Padres, in the second home game of the season. After that, it will become a regular feature for Friday day games throughout the summer. This will replace the “Wrigleyville” alternate uniform that the team has worn in recent seasons.
The design of the new uniform is filled with meaning. The Cubs’ logo on the left chest of the jersey and hat—a red “C” with a star at its center and blue lettering to complete the team name—pays homage to the club’s logos from the early 1900s. The designers also took inspiration from the electric guitar brands, amplifiers, and microphones from the same era.
This new uniform is also a tribute to the Chicago blues movement, which became prominent in the early 20th century. The sleeve patch on the jersey features the name “Chicago” inside the shape of a guitar pick, with an electric bolt to symbolize the electrification of blues music.
The team also took input from the players on the design of the uniform. The on-field socks feature the phrase “Sweet Home Chicago,” along with a stripe resembling a six-string guitar. The hat is designed with a blue brim and back, with a white front and a red button on top. The players’ names and numbers are styled with a blues-era typography to reflect the music and baseball culture of the past.
The Cubs plan to officially introduce these new uniforms at the Cubs Convention, which takes place this weekend, starting on Friday and running through Sunday at the Sheraton Grand Chicago downtown. The new jerseys will be available for purchase at the event and at the team’s store at Gallagher Way outside Wrigley Field.
