In 2021, Major League Baseball debuted a new uniform set called “The Nike MLB City Connect” series. Last season, seven teams were chosen were take part in this series, receiving a brand new jersey put together by MLB, Nike, New Era, and Stance that is meant to “celebrate the bond between each Club and its city.”
In 2022, seven new teams were chosen to debut their own City Connect jerseys, including the Los Angeles Angels. The Angels have not yet revealed what their uniform will look like. Last season, the L.A. Dodgers were one of the seven teams to wear a City Connect uniform, unveiling an all-blue look that celebrated the Latino heritage of Los Angeles.
The other six teams joining the Angels in this year’s City Connect series are the Colorado Rockies, Houston Astros, Kansas City Royals, Milwaukee Brewers, San Diego Padres, and Washington Nationals. Of these teams, only the Nationals have already revealed their jerseys, honoring Washington D.C.’s annual cherry blossom festival.
While none of the other six teams — including the Angels — have unveiled their uniforms or chosen a date to unveil them, all seven have dates in which they will wear those jerseys for the first time in a game.
The Nationals are kicking things off by debuting their uniforms on April 9. The Astros will follow in a game against the Angels on April 20. Next up are the Royals, whose City Connects will see the diamond on April 30. The Rockies will take the next slot on June 4, putting over a whole month between debuts.
The Angels will debut their City Connect jerseys in a game on June 11, when they face the New York Mets at Angel Stadium. After the Halos, the Brewers will take their turn on June 24. The series will finish up with the Padres on July 8.
If last season — and the Nationals’ unveiling — is any indication, the Angels jersey will surely come with an exciting look. With the Dodgers celebrating Latino culture, it has not yet been said what the Angels will be celebrating with their jerseys.
Shohei Ohtani named Opening Day starter
In other exciting Angels news, two-way star Shohei Ohtani has been named the Opening Day starting pitcher. After a historic 2021 season as both a hitter and pitcher, Ohtani will have the honor of taking the mound for the first game of the regular season.
When he does so, he’ll likely also bat lead-off, as Joe Maddon hinted that Ohtani could be the team’s leadoff batter to begin the 2022 season.
