The new alternate jerseys draw inspiration from the 1984 World Series team and will be worn at select home and road games this season, as well as during spring training alongside MLB-designed Grapefruit League caps.
Over 18 months, fans and players shared their thoughts and opinions through surveys, focus groups and testing, MLB reported. While there was strong interest in new alternate designs, respondents emphasized the importance of honoring the Olde English “D” and the club’s history, particularly the 1984 championship team.
The orange home alternate features the Olde English “D” in navy across the chest, mirroring its placement on the traditional white home jersey. The navy road alternate showcases the familiar “Detroit” script in orange with white trim, a nod to the road gray jerseys worn since the 1990s.
Both jerseys incorporate elements from the 1984 team, including three-color sleeve striping, V-necks and a circular Detroit Tigers patch reminiscent of the club’s 1961–93 Tiger logo. The striping also appears on the accompanying white and gray pants.
The alternate caps complete the look with an orange Olde English “D” and orange bill, similar to a style worn in the 1990s. The caps and jerseys will go on sale before the regular season.
Outside of the City Connect/Motor City jerseys introduced two years ago, the Tigers are one of only two MLB teams without a regular alternate uniform, according to MLB. The new orange alternates will join the Motor City jerseys in the home rotation for a third season.
“We’re proud to introduce these new uniforms, which have been years in the making,” Ilitch Sports + Entertainment president and CEO Ryan Gustafson said in a statement. “We believe it’s important to ask fans what matters to them, and constantly hear responses centered around getting more creative with merchandise, exploring alternate jerseys, incorporating more elements from uniforms worn by the 1984 team, and steering into the color orange.”
“What you see today is a result of nearly everyone being drawn to the alignment between our existing uniforms and new alternates — These uniforms are thoroughly rooted in our tradition — fresh takes on Detroit classics — pushing us to evolve with authenticity in mind, just like our city has for centuries.”