This Friday, May 9th, the Arizona Diamondbacks are set to debut their highly anticipated City Connect uniforms in what promises to be a big moment. It’s no coincidence the reveal lines up with a marquee matchup against their division rivals, the Los Angeles Dodgers.
But this isn’t just another alternate jersey drop. According to the latest leaks making its rounds in social media, the D-backs may be diving deep into their roots — reviving the franchise’s iconic purple color scheme from the late '90s and early 2000s. It’s a throwback that fans have been begging for, and if the teasers are accurate, Arizona might be delivering in a big way.
A retro revival with a modern twist is the kind of bold move that turns a jersey release into a cultural moment. The Chicago White Sox just unveiled an incredible concept collaborating with the Chicago Bulls 90’s uniforms.
Leaked Diamondbacks City Connect jersey has fans fired up
Of course, the rumored design hasn’t come without its share of debate. Reactions have been mixed — some fans are already calling it one of the best City Connect uniforms ever, while others think it falls short of the timeless magic of the original 1998 look. Yes, it's an homage — but it’s not a replica, nor is it meant to be. City Connect is about storytelling, not just nostalgia. And love it or hate it, this new look is doing exactly what it’s supposed to do. Spark conversation and connect a team’s identity to its roots in a fresh, bold way.
If this is the actual direction, it tracks. It’s a modernized tribute to the 1998 Diamondbacks, complete with updated flair. Let’s look at some fans' reactions to the leaked uniforms.
Some fans would rather see the team go all-in and just bring back the original 1998 jerseys in full. But let’s be real — that would be a throwback, not a City Connect.
If you’ve spent any time in MLB The Show, you’ll understand this comparison way too well.
And many seem to love this take. Pop-Tarts anyone?
Still, if the leaks hold true, plenty of fans are fully on board with this new take.
In fact, the positive reception might just outweigh the criticism — even if some of the negative reactions have been downright hilarious (and, admittedly, not entirely wrong). Both things can be true here. These may not hit the same nostalgic high as the original '98 look, but they still have the potential to be one of the most creative and eye-catching City Connect concepts MLB has seen to date.
Of course, there’s still one big question left unanswered — what pants and cap will complete the look? That detail could make or break the entire aesthetic.
Either way, all eyes will be on the desert come Friday, May 9th, when the Arizona Diamondbacks officially unveil their City Connect uniforms under the bright lights against the Dodgers. It could be a swing-and-miss — or an instant classic.