Image via Complex Original
In minor league sports, it isn't easy to fill up an arena or ballpark on a night-to-night basis. First of all, you're in a smaller market, and secondly, you don't have the superstar names of a professional club to help you sell tickets. Essentially, if you're in charge of a minor league team, you have to be creative. You have to be able to figure out ways to appeal to the fans that other teams aren't figuring out. If you want to create a loyal customer base, you need to be the one to reach out to them. Often times, they won't make the first move.
With that thinking in mind, countless minor league teams in both hockey and baseball have found new and interesting ways to interact with their fans or create some buzz for their franchise. You hear of crazy promotional nights all the time in the minor leagues: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Christmas, and even selfies have all taken their turn as a draw for the fans. But, more importantly, they've also been put on the jerseys.
As you can tell from The 20 Most Outrageous Minor League Uniforms, these smaller franchises have no filter about what they put on their jerseys. If it looks good and has the potential to go viral, then it gets the green light. But what do you think of these shirts? Are they shameful, shameless, or spectacular? Take a look for yourself.
Cherry on Top
Team: Kingston Frontenacs
Affiliated with: None
Date worn: 10/21/2009
Don Cherry is one of the most revered personalities in pro hockey, as the former coach, player, and now commentator has been long established as a lifer in the game. So, to honor their fellow Canadian, the Kingston Frontenacs of the OHL decided to have a Don Cherry-themed night, borrowing Cherry's flamboyant style of dress and turning it into a red sweater unlike any you've ever seen before.
Accented by a fake tie and a mess of plaid, the uniforms were a deserved tribute for a man who has become synonymous with the sport.
Happy New Year
Team: Adirondack Phantoms
Affiliated with: Philadelphia Flyers
Date worn: 12/31/2012
New Year's Eve games are probably a drag for an athlete. It's a holiday, and you're ready to celebrate with your friends, but instead you have to come out and play a game in an arena that's likely half-full at best. However, in 2012, the Adirondack Phantoms decided to make the best of it when they took to the ice wearing their own New Year's apparel: jerseys designed to look like fancy tuxs.
In orange, the style was eccentric to say the least, and unfortunately couldn't carry the team to a win. They ended up falling to the Bridgeport Sound Tigers in a shootout.
Hot Doggin'
Team: Reading Phillies
Affiliated with: Philadelphia Phillies
Date worn: 7/10/2011
If you're looking for the winner of the Most Random Jersey Theme Award, you'll find it with the Reading Phillies and the Crazy Hot Dog Vendor unis they donned back in 2011. The team's mascot is the Crazy Hot Dog Vendor, a red-and-white striped red hot slinger who rides around on an ostrich. So, the team thought it would be appropriate to put on his uniform for a day, wearing their own candy-striped shirts with bowties printed right under the neck.
Like it or not, you have to admit that they're pretty unique.
WTF
Team: Fort Wayne TinCaps
Affiliated with: San Diego Padres
Date worn: 6/13/2013
Social media has become an integral part of marketing and fan interaction in professional and semi-professional sports leagues. For an example, look no farther than the Fort Wayne TinCaps, who wore jerseys featuring the Twitter handles of more than 6,000 fans last summer with the tagline, "Fort Wayne TinCaps Baseball...It's All About You!" Along with that, the team name was changed to @TinCaps on the front.
The event gained attention from ESPN, Darren Rovell, and other noted sports outlets, with most praising the team's creativity in the category of fan appreciation.
Here Comes the Bride
Team: Lehigh Valley IronPigs
Affiliated with: Philadelphia Phillies
Date worn: 7/16/2009
Minor league teams are all about giving their fans the best experience possible, so you have to admire the Lehigh Valley IronPigs for their tribute to the wedding of Kelly Johnson and Matt Stoudt, two fans who got married in the club's ballpark. In order to properly celebrate the event, the team decided to wear tuxedo-themed jerseys. After all, what's a wedding without getting dressed up?
Funnily enough, pitcher Kyle Kendrick (who would eventually get called up to the Phillies) had recently popped the question to his own girlfriend around the same time. Love was clearly in the air.
Batman...On Ice!
Team: Tulsa Oilers
Affiliated with: Colorado Avalanche
Date worn: 11/23/2012
In an over-dramatic press release announcing the event, the Tulsa Oilers—or, rather, the "Gotham City Crusaders"—let their fans know that there was a new hero in town. Well, a team of them actually. In a Black Friday game against the Bloomington Blazers, the Tulsa Oilers took to the ice with jerseys designed to imitate the Dark Knight's Batsuit. We're not sure how Bruce Wayne would've done on ice, but we hope he would've fared better than his copycats. The "Crusaders" were unable to hold on for the win, losing 6-5 in overtime.
It's the Least Wonderful Time of the Year
Team: Florida Everblades
Affiliated with: Carolina Hurricanes, Tampa Bay Lightning
Date worn: 12/10/2010
When you look at these Christmas jerseys from the Florida Everblades, don't be too quick to judge. Remember, they live in Florida. Maybe they just don't know how Christmas is supposed to look! Though, while we don't want to be too hard on these guys, it has to be acknowledged that these holiday sweaters are hot garbage.
Featuring a kiwi-lime color scheme as well as some unwelcome mistletoe, these jerseys would've served as a suitable substitute for coal if you were looking to punish anyone come December 25.
Lincoln?
Team: Bakersfield Condors
Affiliated with: Edmonton Oilers
Date worn: 11/10/2013
Of all the things to put on a jersey, why a picture of Abraham Lincoln with the Gettysburg Address? In fairness, the Bakersfield Condors were attempting to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the landmark document. However, that doesn't mean they needed to blow-up an image from the History Channel and smack it right across their chests. It was an ugly, ill-conceived tribute to a President who undoubtedly deserved better.
However, proceeds from a jersey auction went to the benefit of a local support organization for mentally-challenged citizens. Along with that, military personnel were allowed to attend the game for free. So, while the actual product may have been poor, you have to applaud the organization for their execution of the event.
Out of this World
Team: Toledo Mudhens
Affiliated with: Detroit Tigers
Date worn: May 4-5, 2013
Last year, the Toledo Mudhens went through a dilemma that we all face on an annual basis: how to properly pay tribute to the Star Wars franchise. Because that's a totally normal problem to have, right? In any case, the Mudhens solved it by looking deep into their inner-Wookie, and coming out with a Chewbacca-themed jersey, complete with a fake bandolier printed into the design. Wearing them for a weekend series in May of 2013, the team brought out all the big guns to honor the galaxy far, far away.
They incorporated Star Wars sound effects and music throughout the game, as well as appearances from Darth Vader, Princess Leia, and, of course, Chewy himself.
Christmas Came Early
Team: Lowell Spinners
Affiliated with: Boston Red Sox
Date worn: N/A
Christmas in July? Why? Having an ugly holiday sweater is one thing, but having a jersey with an ugly Christmas sweater designed on it is a whole new monster. However, the Lowell Spinners will be breaking these unis out of the closet on July 24 for their "Christmas Eve in July" game against the Hudson Valley Renegades. Better yet, they'll also be giving them away to their first 1,000 fans who show up for the game. Don't be afraid to arrive fashionably late on July 24.
Behind Bars
Team: Las Vegas Wranglers
Affiliated with: Phoenix Coyotes
Date worn: 1/30/2009
When the infamous Rod Blagoevich scandal was unfolding in 2009, the national press and politically-minded citizens of America weren't the only ones taking notice. Even the Las Vegas Wranglers of the ECHL decided to have some fun with the entire federal corruption fiasco, as they hosted a "Former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich Prison Uniform Night" in order to properly immortalize the now-incarcerated ex-politician.
It wasn't just the home team dressing up either. The Wranglers wore black and white barred jerseys, but the visitors also put on orange jumpsuit-style sweaters, while the refs wore jerseys designed to look like cop uniforms. On top of that, there were also metal bars put up around the penalty box so that it would resemble an actual jail cell. You have to respect their commitment to detail.
The Gods Are Pleased
Team: Memphis Redbirds
Affiliated with: St. Louis Cardinals
Date worn: 6/7/2014
As an Egyptian city, Memphis was a key capital of the storied civilization, having been settled right along the banks of the Nile delta. So, in honor of its namesake, the Memphis Redbirds (of Memphis, Tenn., mind you) decided to wear Egyptian-style jerseys for their "Tribute to Memphis, Egypt Night". With blue-and-gold collars and sleeves, as well as their logo redone in the style of a hieroglyphic, the team will be doing their best to look absolutely ancient come June 7.
The Nightmare Before Christmas
Team: Las Vegas Wranglers
Affiliated with: Phoenix Coyotes
Date worn: 12/18/2010
Can you think of anything more strangely terrifying than seeing Santa come charging at you on skates, ready to deliver you right into the boards? You'd learn soon enough that Father Christmas does not fuck around. The Idaho Steelheads must've had a similar experience when they suited up against the Las Vegas Wranglers in December of 2010. With a powerful beard running right down the chest, these sweaters featured Santa in his Grizzly Adams or ZZ Top phase.
And best of all, the Wranglers came out victorious against Idaho, pummeling the Steelheads by a score of 4-1.
Homers in a Half-Shell
Team: Fresno Grizzlies
Affiliated with: San Francisco Giants
Date worn: 8/2/2014
Who didn't enjoy watching Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles as a kid? The radioactive sewer-dwellers have been remembered best for their video games, television shows, and awesome toys. However, it probably won't be these uniforms from the Fresno Grizzlies that fans pick out as their favorite TMNT moment. With a jersey available in either Michelangelo, Raphael, Donatello, or Leonardo, these shirts comes in four shades of ridiculous
Be on the lookout for their official debut August 2.
The Force is a Little Too Strong in This One
Team: Durham Bulls
Affiliated with: Tampa Bay Rays
Date worn: 5/4/2014
If there's one thing you'll discover from this list, it's that minor league teams, whether they play hockey or baseball, absolutely love Star Wars. In keeping with that tradition, the Durham Bulls have decided to wear R2-D2-style jerseys on May 4, featuring everyone's favorite droid front and center. The date has been dubbed "Star Wars Night" by the club, and will probably be attended by more than a few fan-geeks gleefully shouting out, "May the 4th be with you." Hey, if it sells tickets, who are we to say that it's wrong?
Who You Gonna Call?
Team: Toledo Mudhens
Affiliated with: Detroit Tigers
Date worn: 5/30/2014
This year, we lost a comedy legend when Harold Ramis—the multi-talented writer and director known for films like Groundhog Day, Caddyshack, National Lampoon's Vacation, Animal House, and Ghostbusters—unfortunately passed away from complications with autoimmune inflammatory vasculitis. As you can see from his resume, the man was a defining figure in comedy, whose influence over the past 35 years places him among the all-time greats.
So, of course, it's time to honor him with a minor league uniform, right? Apparently, that's what the Toledo Mudhens think, as the team will be donning Ghostbusters unis in memory of Ramis next month. Complete with faux straps and ectoplasm stains printed into the design, the jersey is a fitting, if strange, tribute to Ramis' legacy.
Santa Suits
Team: New Britain Rock Cats
Affiliated with: Minnesota Twins
Date worn: 7/22/2013
Last summer, in two games against the Portland Sea Dawgs, the New Britain Rock Cats decided they would put a unique spin on the "Christmas in July" idea by dressing up as St. Nick himself. With gold-buckles, red suits, and white beards printed onto the jersey, the team was doing a convincing impression of Santa all throughout their doubleheader against Portland. Unfortunately, the Rock Cats couldn't manage to win either game, proving that not even Kris Kringle can always get what he wants.
Say Cheese
Team: Kalamazoo Growlers
Affiliated with: None
Date worn: 7/24/2014
It's hard to dispute selfies' status as a current social phenomenon, but does that really mean we need to see them on a minor league uniform? For the Kalamazoo Growlers, a collegiate summer league baseball team in Michigan, the answer is yes. To be worn as a part of their upcoming "Salute to Selfie Night," the team has collected a collage of selfies from their fans that they will now be committing to a cotton blend.
The Price is Wrong
Team: Fresno Grizzlies
Affiliated with: San Francisco Giants
Date worn: 6/2/2007
The Price is Right has been around for decades; at this point, the show is an American institution. Even when Drew Carey took over for Bob Barker back in 2007, the program never lost its stride, remaining as strong as ever despite the transition. To pay tribute to Barker's departure in 2007, the Fresno Grizzlies decided to don these cash-inspired jerseys, complete with money signs, name tags, and sleeve artwork that mimicked the show's famous wheel.
Yes, it's excessive. But have you seen the people who show up on The Price is Right? In comparison, this tribute is tame.
Pigs in a Blanket
Team: Lehigh Valley IronPigs
Affiliated with: Philadelphia Phillies
Date worn: N/A
Bacon is great for a lot of things. Jerseys? Maybe not so much. However, the Lehigh Valley IronPigs have decided to give America's favorite breakfast food the spotlight throughout the 2014 season, as their bacon-themed uniforms will be broken out every Saturday home game during this year. Featuring bacon strips down the sides of the pants, a bacon strip on the hat, and a strip worked into the logo on the shirt, the team displays an enthusiasm for pork unparalleled in athletics.