The Arizona Diamondbacks unveiled their Nike MLB City Connect Series uniforms, designed in collaboration with Nike to highlight the franchise’s desert roots, the state’s Hispanic culture and the bond between the team and its fans. The D-backs will first wear the Serpientes uniform this Friday, June 18, and will also wear the uniforms at various points throughout the season, including during Hispanic Heritage Weekend, Sept. 24-26.
The Nike Arizona Diamondbacks City Connect Jersey’s colors bring forward the Sonoran desert sand and utilize the term “Serpientes” – a Spanish translation of snakes — winding across the chest. The uniform patches feature Arizona’s state flag and a nod to Phoenix’s moniker, The Valley of the Sun.
“We are proud to be among the first teams to launch our City Connect uniforms that pay homage to so much of what makes life in Arizona unique,” said D-backs President & CEO Derrick Hall. “This concept is about bringing our community together, with respect for the past and an eye toward the future.”
In unveiling the uniform, the team utilized several of its high-profile Hispanic players (David Peralta, Eduardo Escobar and Joakim Soria), local products with Hispanic heritage (Josh Rojas who was raised in Goodyear), young players (Tim Locastro and Carson Kelly), team legends (Luis Gonzalez), Manager Torey Lovullo and future stars (top prospect Geraldo Perdomo). The players took part in video and photo shoots at South Mountain and Chase Field, while several other fans and influencers were involved in various shoots around the city.
According to the most recent U.S. Census, more than 42 percent of Arizona residents identify as Hispanic while the team’s 40-man roster features players from the United States, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Cuba and Panama.
“Arizona is on track to be a minority majority state and the Arizona Diamondbacks are actively practicing diversity and inclusion by reflecting their player and fan base,” said Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Monica Villalobos. “Leaning in to our state’s diverse cultures as a strength, as the Diamondbacks have done, drives a thriving economy.”
The Chase Field Team Shop will be open at 11:30 a.m. today with Serpientes merchandise available. In addition to the authentic and replica jerseys now on sale, T-shirts and hoodies featuring the Serpientes graphic are now available on Nike app/.com, MLBShop.com, MLB Flagship Store (NYC) and select retail locations.
The D-backs and Fanatics will host an official launch party that is open to all fans at Four Peaks Brewing Co. in Tempe on June 18 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. In addition to merchandise available for sale, there will be a limited edition Serpientes beer on tap for fans to enjoy. The restaurant is located at 1340 E. 8th St. #104, Tempe, AZ 85281.
In addition to June 18, the D-backs will wear the Nike MLB City Connect Series uniforms on July 16 vs. the Cubs, July 30 vs. the Dodgers, Aug. 13 vs. the Padres and for the three-game series against the Dodgers during Hispanic Heritage Weekend from Sept. 24-26, which includes Roberto Clemente Day.
Beginning today, fans can use the hashtag #Serpientes on Twitter and the team’s logo will automatically follow, similar to the club’s English-language hashtag #RattleOn.
The Nike MLB City Connect Series is a celebration of the powerful synergy between teams and the cities that support them. In the inaugural season, seven jersey designs will be released and the D-backs are the fifth of those teams. Previously, the Red Sox, Marlins, White Sox and Cubs have unveiled their City Connect uniforms, with the Giants and Dodgers coming later this summer.
To complete players’ uniform designs, long-time MLB Authentic Collection partners New Era and Stance have worked in collaboration with the teams, MLB and Nike to develop the official on-field City Connect caps and socks. These authentic pieces of apparel, as well as replica fan gear, will be available at retail after each respective unveiling.
For more information and to watch numerous videos displaying the City Connect Series jerseys, hoodies, t-shirts and more, visit dbacks.com/serpientes or losdbacks.com/serpientes.
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