New Astros uniforms met with widespread approval
If the initial reaction of players and fans was any indication, the Astros appear to have hit a grand slam with their new look.
The Astros unveiled their new logo, uniforms and color scheme on Friday night, with more than 5,000 fans and several players on hand to watch the team reveal its identity. The Astros will reach into the past by wearing uniforms with the blue-and-orange color scheme that franchise donned on its uniforms from 1962-93.
"I was just talking and saying that I can't wait until Spring Training to put on the new uniforms," said All-Star second baseman Jose Altuve, who modeled the home white jerseys with orange trim and an orange cap with the star logo underneath an "H."
In addition to the home uniform, the Astros will wear road grays with blue piping and an alternate orange jersey with blue piping, which will be used both on the road and at home. But perhaps the most popular jersey is the blue batting practice/alternate top that has the rainbow stripe down the sides.
"Overall, I like it," Astros fan Jason Martin of Houston said. "I like that it's definitely a throwback with some subtle updating. Overall, it was a good impression."
Super fan Ramiro Flores, of Houston, gobbled up one of each of the Astros' three new caps -- the orange cap that will be worn at home, the blue cap with the orange bill that will be worn on the road and with the alternate/batting practice jerseys and the blue cap that will be donned with the home orange top.
"I can't help but love everything about the Astros," Flores said. "I thought they were going to be a different color. I didn't know they were going back to the '70s and '80s, but that was their glory days from what I've learned from watching the Astros broadcasts and coming to the games. I love it."
Astros fan Matthew Ziennicki drove 160 from Austin, Texas, with a pair of his University of Texas classmates to attend the launch party. Like many fans, his favorite part of the new scheme was the alternate blue tops with the rainbow down the side, which was another nod to the team's past.
"The side paneling is great," he said. "It's going to look good in action. I'm excited about the traditional ones as well. I was hoping for a little bit more, but with the blue and orange cap it's going to look great."
Of course, the players will be the ones who are going to have to wear the uniforms on a daily basis beginning in February, so their opinion counts, too.
"It's so vibrant with the orange, and that's cool," outfielder Justin Maxwell said.
Starting pitcher Jordan Lyles modeled the road grays.
"They're pretty simple, but all of them look good and look different in their own way," he said. "Overall, they did a good job with them."
In addition to Maxwell, Altuve and Lyles, the Astros had several of their top Minor Leaguers on hand to model the new look as well. Pitchers Jarred Cosart, infielder Jonathan Singleton and outfielder George Springer came from the Arizona Fall League, and 2012 first-round pick Carlos Correa flew in from his native Puerto Rico.
"For me, it's special," Correa said. "It's my first year as an Astro and being invited here is pretty special. I feel really proud being here with this uniform, and I'm excited."
Singleton said he liked the "old-school spice" to the new uniforms and was looking forward to being able to wear them one day as a player at Minute Maid Park and not just a model.
"It creates a new environment for the whole organization," he said. "It's going to be fun. Hopefully that's the plan, go out there and play hard every day and be playing in the orange and blue some day."
Flores said in years past he's bought everything he could get his hands on with an Astros logo, including hoodies, pullovers, pennants, stockers and shirts. The three hats he took home on Friday night were just the start of his collection of blue and orange gear.
"After a week or two of work, I'll buy more things," he said.