Nostalgia is a hell of a drug.
However when does nostalgia turn into extra than simply idly idealizing your previous? When is it such a strong pull that you just can’t ignore it? When is it greater than eager for what was and extra needing it as a part of your current?
That’s what this final week had me questioning with regards to the s and their old style purple and teal uniforms.
The franchise celebrated the twenty fifth anniversary of their inconceivable World Collection victory over the New York Yankees at Chase Subject this previous Saturday. Everybody was again within the constructing that was residence to a few of their most heroic moments.
Arizona Diamondbacks legendary pitchers g had been hoisting the trophy once more within the infield dust. Luis Gonzalez returned to the scene of the crime the place he robbed Mariano Rivera and the Yanks with a bloop single.
Jay Bell, Steve Finley, Tony Womack and Matt Williams all stepped again into the constructing as properly. Hell, there have been even guys I didn’t bear in mind on the roster who had been there.
There was one obtrusive omission although.
It wasn’t a lacking government, broadcaster, coach or participant. It was the dearth of an look of the Arizona Diamondbacks throwback jerseys made well-known by the 2001 crew.
Positive, the previous timers had been carrying them, however the 2026 rendition of the crew as an alternative ran out on the sphere donning the brand new age purple, black, teal and a small nod to their predecessors by carrying the identical cap they wore when clinching the championship.
It was a missed alternative to honor the previous and provides a nod to the followers who nonetheless wish to see a return to their beloved colours and uniforms.
There are a number of elements that might have impacted the choice. The league and NIKE being chief amongst them.
Or possibly it’s so simple as continued distancing from these colours the crew has completed for the higher a part of twenty years.
Regardless of the case, it was a misplaced likelihood to attach with a fan base that at instances has been transient at greatest.
A return to purple and teal as main colours might be slim to none underneath the present regime. And whereas the present Serpientes uniforms assist scratch that itch, they pale compared to the unique slate of uniforms.
I had all however given up on the dream of a return to the previous uniform that sparked the nostalgia that hooked many people in these early days. Final Saturday’s celebration was simply one other instance of sand passing via the hourglass.
A Glimmer of Hope For Arizona Diamondbacks Throwbacks?
Then, from the least doubtless place, a glimmer of hope returned. The Arizona Diamondbacks’ enlargement brethren, the Tampa Bay Rays, introduced a return to their roots by unveiling a everlasting return to a brand new model of their basic highway uniforms.
That is coming from a franchise who tried to make an even bigger break from their previous than the desert dwellers did. They went so far as to alter the identify from Satan Rays to Rays, ditching their harmful sea brand to at least one representing solar streaks within the Florida sky.
It’s proof that the league and NIKE aren’t afraid to embrace a franchise’s previous – even with odd timing. (Truthfully, who unveils a brand new uniform within the final week of the season?)
Will the Arizona Diamondbacks ever make a return to their basic coloration palette for greater than a throwaway throwback Thursday? Your guess is nearly as good as mine.
They need to, as a result of purple and teal are really distinctive whereas black and purple are a dime a dozen. Folks lengthy for the previous jerseys, and from a enterprise perspective, are able to spend on new gear.
However right here we’re, ready, watching and never even getting throwbacks to have a good time a historic franchise second.
Like I mentioned, nostalgia is a hell of a drug, and this weekend was simply one other empty hit of it.