Alternate Logos
MLB alternate logos have played a significant role in adding variety and uniqueness to the visual identity of each team. Let's delve into the history of MLB alternate logos and explore how they have evolved and contributed to the branding of Major League Baseball.
In the early days of the MLB, alternate logos were not as prevalent as they are today. Teams primarily relied on their primary logos, which often featured the team's initials or a symbol representing their city or mascot. However, as the league expanded and teams sought ways to further establish their brand, alternate logos began to emerge.
During the 1970s and 1980s, MLB teams started experimenting with alternate logos to offer fans alternative designs while maintaining a strong brand presence. The New York Yankees, known for their iconic interlocking "NY" primary logo, introduced an alternate logo featuring a detailed baseball bat crossed over a baseball. This alternate logo allowed the Yankees to showcase their connection to the game while honoring their traditional symbol.
In the 1990s and early 2000s, MLB alternate logos became more elaborate and distinct. Teams began incorporating more intricate designs and creative elements into their alternate logos. The Atlanta Braves, for example, introduced an alternate logo featuring the iconic Braves' tomahawk, paying homage to the team's Native American-inspired branding. This alternate logo became a beloved symbol of the Braves' identity and resonated with fans across the country.
In recent years, MLB alternate logos have continued to evolve, with teams focusing on creating unique and eye-catching designs. Some teams have introduced alternate logos that pay tribute to their city's rich history or incorporate local landmarks. The Chicago Cubs, for instance, unveiled an alternate logo featuring the team's iconic "C" inside a circle, reminiscent of the famous Wrigley Field marquee. This alternate logo celebrates the team's deep-rooted connection to Chicago and its historic ballpark.
MLB alternate logos have become an integral part of each team's branding strategy, allowing them to showcase different facets of their identity and connect with fans on a deeper level. These logos provide teams with the opportunity to be more creative and experimental, adding visual interest and excitement to their brand. From simple variations of the primary logo to intricate designs that capture the essence of the team, MLB alternate logos continue to evolve and contribute to the rich visual tapestry of Major League Baseball.
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Arizona Diamondbacks
A red diamondback snake head biting on a white baseball trimmed in tan.
Atlanta Braves
Crossed red tomahawks with blue trim and yellow string on a blue circle with the wordmark "ATLANTA BRAVES" on the bottom in white and "1876" on the top in red. Worn on the sleeves of home alternate / throwback uniform.
Baltimore Orioles
Cartoonish black and orange Oriole bird in cleats and a baseball cap swinging a orange baseball bat.
Boston Red Sox
Red letter "B" with a heavy blue outline in a pica font. The letter "B" represents the city of Boston.
Chicago Cubs
Angry blue cub walking inside of red letter "C." The letter "C" represents the city of Chicago.
Chicago White Sox
A white sock on a black baseball diamond with white and silver outline.
Cincinnati Reds
Reds player with baseball head walking with a bat on wishbone letter "C" with a red background. The letter "C" represents the city of Cincinnati.
Cleveland Guardians
Custom font letter "C" in red with white outline.
Colorado Rockies
Black and white baseball going past the purple mountain rockies, with a black arch on top and the silver wordmark “COLORADO” inside. On the bottom is the wordmark “ROCKIES” in silver with a black outline framed with two different lengths of a black line.
Detroit Tigers
Orange, blue and white tiger walking through calligraphed "D" in navy blue. The letter "D" stands for the city of Detroit.
Houston Astros
A roundel with a white letter "H" on a 3D orange star on solid blue circle and a orange ring. The letter "H" represents the city of Houston.
Kansas City Royals
Letter link “KC” on a blue shield with gold crown over a slightly angled blue wordmark “Royals” scripted with a tail in blue.
Los Angeles Angels
The "Big A" logo with a halo in the center on a white background. The roundel is a red ring and a silver and blue trim and the wordmark "ANGELS" and "BASEBALL" in white. Also the founding year of the Angels "1961" is in the center with "19" on one side and "61" on the other side. Angels Baseball patch, worn on all uniforms.
Los Angeles Dodgers
A wordmark script "Dodgers" is on a diagonal incline with a white and red baseball above with red streaking lines inside a blue circle.
Miami Marlins
A blue, red, and black marlin leaping around a black with blue and red trim letter "M."
Milwaukee Brewers
A navy and yellow blue baseball with yellow wheat in place of the regular stitching on a baseball.
Minnesota Twins
A navy blue letter "M" representing the state of Minnesota below a red star representing the North Star.
New York Mets
Wordmark "Mets" in blue with orange trim.
New York Yankees
"NEW YORK" in white with blue border above red scripted "Yankees" with a diagonal red bat as part of the "k" in Yankees.
Oakland Athletics
A forest green elephant with a yellow "A's" holding a green bat, standing on a baseball. The letter "A" stands for the team nickname Athletics.
Philadelphia Phillies
Scripted wordmark "Phillies" in red with blue trim and a ball streaking around the script. Two blue stars for the dot on the "i."
Pittsburgh Pirates
Jolly Roger, a pirate wearing a red and black polka dot bandana with an yellow earring and two crossed yellow baseball bats behind his head.
San Diego Padres
Swinging Friar logo in brown and white with a yellow outline around the friar.
San Francisco Giants
Span of the Golden Gate Bridge in orange on a black background, "GIANTS" wordmark arched below in orange. Worn on sleeve of San Francisco Giants black alternate uniform starting in 2015.
Seattle Mariners
Arced wordmark "SEATTLE" above navigation star that is on top of a white baseball above the wordmark "MARINERS" in blue.
St. Louis Cardinals
A red cardinal perched on a yellow bat looking left.
Tampa Bay Rays
The yellow sunburst taken off the primary logo. The sunburst has been enlarged from the primary logo.
Texas Rangers
State of Texas map in blue with white and light blue trim with the initials "TX" in white with red and blue highlights and a white with red highlight star.
Toronto Blue Jays
Blue jay bird head in navy and royal blue with a large red maple leaf off to the side inside a red baseball
Washington Nationals
Interlocking initials "DC" in red with a blue border. The letters "DC" represent the city of District of Columbia.