With new uniforms, Astros go back to the future

The Houston Astros have some big changes on tap for 2013: a move to the American League and -- as unveiled at a Minute Maid Park event on Friday night -- a new logo, uniform set and mascot.

The new brand identity harkens back to several design elements from the team's history. The cap logo, consisting of an "H" in front of a star, is almost identical to the one worn from 1965-1993. The color scheme of dark blue and orange is also a throwback, and the side paneling of the batting practice jersey incorporates the "rainbow" pattern that was present in one form or another from 1975-1993.

The orange alternate jersey, which will be worn on Fridays, arrives at the height of what seems to be the biggest color-related MLB fashion craze of the moment. In 2009, no teams had orange jerseys. Now, there are four: the Giants, Marlins, Orioles and Astros.

And finally, Houston is bringing back a friend from the past who is, ironically, futuristic. Returning to serve as mascot (after causing an Astros logo crop circle, crashing his ship and being recovered by NASA, according to the introductory video) will be Orbit, a furry green alien who was previously with the team from 1990-99.

For a preview of the new uniforms in action, check out this simulation from MLB 13: The Show:

-- Dan Wohl /  MLB.com