Reds Relic Report: Leaked City Connect flop makes throwbacks the obvious answer

A number of Major League Baseball teams are altering their City Connect uniforms this season, and the Cincinnati Reds are the latest team to have their new threads leaked to the public at large. So far, the reception has been overwhelmingly negative.

The Reds debuted their all-black City Connect uniforms to immense applause in 2023. The word "Cincy" was scrawled across the chest and a newly stylized wishbone "C" was at the center of an all-black cap. The uniform also featured the city's motto, "Juncta Juvant," which means strength in unity.

If the leaked photos of the updated City Connect jerseys are what Reds fans can expect to see on the field later this season, color me unimpressed. Stepping outside the box a few years ago was fine — though I personally wasn't a fan — but doubling down on that design with an updated color scheme and pinstripes (that are strangely absent from the sleeves) is just a lazy attempt by Nike and MLB to squeeze some extra cash out of unwitting consumers.

The Reds need throwback uniforms, not this City Connect nonsense

Professional baseball was born in the city of Cincinnati. The Red Stockings debuted in 1869 and went 57-0 — the only perfect season in professional baseball history. The Queen City is steeped in baseball tradition. So rather than trying to manufacture something that isn't there, the Reds should lean into the city's rich history and use a throwback uniform as their alternate attire moving forward.

In 2019, the Reds celebrated 150 years of professional baseball. One of the best aspects of the organization's celebration was a look back at the many uniforms the team wore over the years. The Reds donned 15 different uniform combinations that season, and the overall reception was tremendous.

Reds fans got to see their team wear the blue uniforms from 1911, the introduction of the pinstripes from 1919, the sleeveless garments from 1956, and the Big Red Machine apparel from 1976. Fans in Cincinnati love the history of baseball, and more specifically, the history or Reds baseball.

Rather than trying to reinvent the wheel, the Reds should embrace the team's longstanding tradition throughout the game of baseball and use one of the organization's throwback uniforms instead of following this foolish City Connect trend.

The Miami Marlins did just that this season. Miami is recognizing their home games to open the week as "Teal Sundays". The Marlins are going back to the basics with their teal jersey combo, pinstripe pants, and black-colored hats with the traditional marlin behind the front-facing letter "F" for Florida.

The Marlins claim this year's alternates are a tribute to the team's roots, which is exactly the type of attitude the Reds should embrace.