Marlins to retire 'Sugar Kings' City Connect uniforms

[Ely Sussman]

After four seasons of wearing their popular red uniforms for Saturday home games, the Marlins will reportedly introduce a new City Connect uni in 2025.

The final Miami Marlins Saturday home game of the 2024 season will also be the final time that the team wears its Cuban Sugar Kings-themed City Connect uniforms, as announced on Tuesday night. A new City Connect uniform is being introduced in 2025, Billy Gil of the Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz reports.

The red unis debuted on May 21, 2021. They honored the "legacy" of the Cuban Sugar Kings, who played in the Triple-A International League from 1954-1960. The unis used Legacy Red, Miami Blue and Midnight Black in their color scheme along with white pinstripes. The caps featured a crown with the initials "MM" (for Miami Marlins).

Many City Connect products are discounted on MLB Shop in the aftermath of this news.

The Marlins have posted an all-time record of 22-26 while wearing their City Connects (pending the Sept. 21 finale vs. the Atlanta Braves).

Seven MLB teams were part of the initial wave of City Connects in 2021. The Marlins join the Washington Nationals and San Francisco Giants among those who have confirmed that they are "retiring" their initial designs.

My speculation is that the 2025 City Connect reboot will incorporate elements of the "Florida Marlins" era. The Sugar Kings campaign had a high approval rating, but something that leans into the signature teal from the franchise's early years could be even sexier. Nonetheless, it's frustrating that the uniform contract between Major League Baseball and Nike limits the number of different designs teams can use within a single season.

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[THOMAS JOSEPH]

Perhaps a precursor to resurrecting  "Florida?" It's certainly at least a behind-closed-doors topic relating to drawing in-state fans. Especially as the team improves, the WS legacies are, at least theoretically, potential draws.