By Morris Levin
The Phillies introduced their current uniform set in 1992 when they returned to their classic red pinstripes with star-dotted chain-stich Phillies across the front.
Russell manufactured the 1992 jerseys and the Russell tag appears in all official jerseys through the 1999 season. This is a game worn 1993 Curt Schilling Phillies jersey; the Russell logo is visible beneath the 1993 World Series patch on the right-sleeve.
In 2000, Majestic became the official supplier of on-field MLB jerseys. This is Keviln Milwood pitching at Vet Stadium in 2003. The Majestic logo is visible under the number 34 on his left-sleeve.
Majestic introduced a lighter-weight version of the MLB authentic jerseys in 2006 which it called “Cool Base”. Cool Base jerseys are lighter than the regular-issue, can be distinguished by the textured light-weight fabric, and the Cool Base-specific Majestic manufacturer’s logo as seen in this picture.
Majestic initially issued Cool Base alternatives to the Major League clubs for the primary home jersey only. It was a new product and the limited distribution allowed the company and League to test out both player and consumer responses. The Phillies first wore Cool Base for home games in 2006 and continue to wear them in 2012. You can have your own customized with all any of the current players or your choice of name and number here on PLA’s online shop.
In November 2007, Jimmy Rollins, Cole Hamels, and Robin Roberts modeled a new alternate uniform to be worn for the first time in 2008. This is the home alternate which the Phillies continue to wear today. It was inspired by the team’s 1946 to 1949 home jersey. You can purchase your own 2012 Phillies Cool Base home alternate jersey here.
In 2008, Majestic introduced road gray Cool Base alternatives for all thirty teams. Paul Lukas summarized this change on March 28, 2008 on ESPN’s Page2. PLA offers the authentic Phillies Cool Base road jersey here.
Not all thirty Major League teams wear Cool Base alternatives. Neither the Toronto Blue Jays nor the New York Yankees 2012 wear Cool Base versions of their home and road (and in the case of Toronto, alternate) jerseys.
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Mark Thursday, May 10 as the next date of Pro League Authentics four-part exhibition series "Jerseys as Art." The second installment features former Mitchell & Ness president and throwback uniform expert Peter Capolino discussing and exhibiting jerseys going back decades to the all-flannel era, and a collector's look and presentation of virtually all of the commemorative jersey patches ever worn by the current 30 major league clubs.
The event begins at 6:00 pm at our
Center City store location (137 S. 13th St - between Walnut/Sansom),
with refreshments provided and in-store discounts on all authentic MLB
products. We hope to you see you there.
