This weekend, the Chicago Cubs will be representing their nearby neighborhoods with a fresh new look.
Yesterday, the Cubs released their Nike City Connect jersey, the fourth jersey released by Nike as part of their 2021 Nike MLB City Connect Series. Combining local and state iconography, the new Cubs jersey and apparel aim to represent all 77 of Chicago’s distinct neighborhoods.
The jersey is a “Nod to Second City Symbolism and Cubbie Culture” Nike said, “Because Wrigleyville is not just a place, it’s a feeling.”
In the video above, poet E’mon Lauren Black, @laurenlikepolo, and rapper Matt Muse, @MattMuse12, wrote and performed a spoken word poem that describes Wrigley Field and Chicago imagery. Throughout the video, Chicago landmarks, local businesses, and citizens flash by before the new jersey makes an appearance.
Explaining the symbols showing up in their Cubs apparel collection, Nike notes that, “The collection features the Chicago municipal device – a century-old symbol hidden in plain sight throughout the city, whose design nods to Wolf Point where the north and south branches of the Chicago River meet. Across the chest, and stitched in the shape of the iconic Wrigley Field Marquee, is the place where we play and connect through the game we love. And on our caps you’ll find the six-pointed red star, taken from the flag that flies over our beautiful city.”
The Cubs will wear their new jersey when they take on the St. Louis Cardinals at home on Saturday, June 12. The remaining 2021 Nike MLB City Connect Jerseys to be announced are the Arizona Diamondbacks, the San Francisco Giants, and the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Diamondbacks will be the next to debut their yet to be unveiled jerseys on Friday, June 18, at home against the Dodgers.
