John Traub General Manager at Albuquerque Isotopes | Official Website
Minor League Baseball teams are using jersey designs to connect with local communities and reflect regional culture, as highlighted in a recent overview of top-selling jerseys for 2024. While many fans typically buy jerseys based on player popularity, Minor League clubs are finding success by integrating local identity into their merchandise.
“It's taking pride in your community, and that's what it's about,” said El Paso’s David Apodaca. “And I think every Minor League team has that. They have pride in their community.”
The Albuquerque Isotopes’ Mariachis de Nuevo México jersey continues to be a notable example of this trend. The team has won the Copa de la Diversión championship three times since its inception six years ago. Their turquoise version, introduced after an initial pink and black look, features bright blue accents and a sugar skull over the state of New Mexico on the sleeve. General Manager John Traub explained the approach: “It's timeless, it's culturally relevant, and it's been very significant, not just in our community, but across the country,” said Albuquerque GM John Traub. “What we were trying to do was to create a look and an identity that really resonated with fans locally and abroad. And I think we've hit a grand slam with that.”
Other teams also stood out for their distinctive uniforms:
- The El Paso Chihuahuas’ Chucotown jersey draws from pachuco style and incorporates references like area code 915 and sugar-skull detailing.
- Somerset Patriots created a diner-themed kit inspired by New Jersey's classic eateries.
- Toledo Mud Hens collaborated on Peanuts-themed jerseys after fan surveys favored the comic strip.
- Rochester Red Wings celebrated local flora with lilac-themed jerseys during the city’s annual festival.
- Eugene Emeralds’ Exploding Whales alternate identity commemorates a unique regional event from 1970.
- Nashville Sounds merged beer culture with their parent club’s branding in their Brewskis design.
- Tacoma Rainiers maintain consistent sales of their traditional home whites linked to regional brewing history.
- Everett AquaSox’s Frogs jersey adds color inspired by both baseball tradition and fan preferences.
- Buffalo Bisons continue an annual Star Wars Night tradition with elaborate themed jerseys.
Teams frequently use these special designs for theme nights or promotions tied to local events or broader pop culture moments. In many cases, these efforts have led to increased sales year after year as clubs engage both dedicated sports fans and those drawn by cultural connections.
“It's just shows you the devotion and how these fans who are from El Paso or have some ties to El Paso support us in that aspect,” Apodaca added regarding the success of specialty jerseys.
For more details on individual teams' approaches:
El Paso Chihuahuas: https://www.milb.com/el-paso
Buffalo Bisons: https://www.milb.com/buffalo
Eugene Emeralds: https://www.milb.com/eugene
Everett AquaSox: https://www.milb.com/everett
Tacoma Rainiers: https://www.milb.com/tacoma
Toledo Mud Hens: https://www.milb.com/toledo
Rochester Red Wings: https://www.milb.com/rochester
Nashville Sounds: https://www.milb.com/nashville
Somerset Patriots: https://www.milb.com/somerset
