Through the middle of the 1970 season the Pirates continued to wear sleeveless jerseys over a
turtleneck sweatshirt introduced in 1957. The Cincinnati Reds had introduced the uniforms a year
earlier. The Pittsburgh Press offered this fashion review in its package of 1957 opening day
coverage: "There was one thing missing from the new uniforms- sleeves... The style would make
Christian Dior jealous." The opening of Three Rivers Stadium prompted management to come up
with something revolutionary. Designers at Rawlings just happened to have something in mind.
The idea was radical. It was a baseball uniform with no buttons or belt. The now familiar form-
fitting knits caused great debate when thy were unveiled on July 16, 1970. The style was likened to
ski wear. It was much lighter than traditional flannel uniforms and the stretchy fabric allowed a
better fit. Red's first baseman Tony Perez took one look at the new uniforms and decided the
Pirates looked like sissies.
The Post-Gazette took this view: " Maybe to some people the Pirates have gone Hollywood with
there selection of uniforms."
The knits were here to stay, though. They were easier to care for and the players preferred the comfort. Within a few years, every team would be wearing similar uniforms.
In retrospect, the design of the uniform was not that radical. The Pirates maintained the same color scheme although the gold was now darker. The jerseys had sleeves but the numbering and lettering pattern remained the same. There were black and gold rings around the sleeves that matched those on the no-belt waistband. The biggest change was the caps. The black cap was gone, replaced by a mustard-crowned cap with a black visor and black letter.
