Birmingham, Alabama, has been known as the Magic City since the late 1800s, when miners discovered that all the three major components of steel—iron ore, coal, and limestone—could be found in the area. The city’s population exploded from just 100 in 1865 to a quarter million in 1878, earning it the magical nickname.
Today the double-A Birmingham Barons unveiled black jerseys that pay homage to the city’s moniker. The team will wear the alternates with black caps featuring a red beak and a white block B, a throwback to the city’s Black Barons Negro Leagues team from 1920 to 1960.
The jersey’s sleeve will feature text that replicates an iconic sign found in downtown Birmingham. The original sign was torn down more than 60 years ago before being replaced in 2016.
“Both the jersey and the cap not only pay homage to traditional baseball attire and typography, but also to Birmingham and it’s iconic Terminal – which is what the Rotary Trail sign now embodies,” said Matt Harris of Big Communications, which created the uniforms.
The Barons, an affiliate of the Chicago White Sox, will debut the alternate uniforms on the field when the Southern League season kicks off next spring.