On the morning of April 25th, 2022, the Kansas City Royals unveiled the Nike City Connect uniform, which they are the third of seven teams who are scheduled to reveal them during the 2022 season. The Royals debuted these uniforms on April 30th, 2022, vs. the New York Yankees.
Where did the design inspiration come from?
Nike presented the Royals with multiple themes which included barbecue and jazz, but instead the team went with a theme that was inspired by the Kansas City fountains and art décor architecture. Now the navy blue on these jerseys pays homage to the baseball past in the city, like the Monarchs, Blue Sox, Athletics, Packers and Blues, which the design is a nod to the team’s past uniform history.
Also the team at Nike and the Royals made Kansas City’s “City of Fountains” as the nickname for the primary focus of the uniform’s design. A powder blue fountain is incorporated onto the “jack tag” on the front lower-left corner of the jersey. Navy blue is the dominant color of this jersey set; this is a nod to the professional baseball teams which had called Kansas City their home before the Royals expansion. The Powder blue acts as a secondary color which is an homage to the Royals’ uniform history.
“This design is one that fans of any age can truly appreciate”. “From the fountains that are a part of Kansas City’s heritage to the colors of the jersey signifying the rich history of baseball and the Kansas City Royals. The Uniform showcases the distinct elements of our community”, said John Sherman, Chairmen and CEO of the Kansas City Royals.
Each sleeve features three thick stripes, one that is powder blue with two white on either side, a nod to the sleeve striping on the pullover jerseys worn by the 1985 World Series Championship team. Also on the right sleeve is a letter “R” which is the original Royals logo. Now inside the back collar are the words “HEY HEY HEY HEY”, a reference to the 1964 song by the Beatles which they play following every Royals home win.
