By Pam Wright
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Chatham-Kent Barnstormers will be looking sharp when they take to the field in less than a month’s time.
The team’s new vintage-themed uniforms, that pay homage to the Chatham Coloured All-Stars, feature jerseys with black and white pinstripes with red accents for travel games, and a dusty cream colour with black trim for playing at home.
The Barnstormers’ official insignia is red, gold, black and white.
Owner Dom Dinelle said he wanted the uniforms to reflect C-K’s rich baseball history.
“First of all, I wanted to keep it historical and get back to the Chatham All-Stars,” said Dinelle, noting the Coloured All-Stars uniforms featured pin stripes back in the day, adding the cream is a vintage colour that’s gaining in popularity.
“I didn’t want to have the regular blue and red that everybody is wearing,” he said, adding the design was also inspired by U.S. colleges, particularly Vanderbilt University.
“It looks a little bit like Vanderbilt and I really like the colours,” Dinelle explained. “This is what I like and thought it would have a good effect in the community.”
Dinelle said the players will wear high cut pants at home in another nod to the All-Stars.
The Barnstormers’ away uniforms are sponsored by Main Street Credit Union, with Kent & Essex Mutual Insurance stepping up to sponsor the at-home uniforms.
The countdown is on. The fledgling Barnstormers will take first flight against the Brantford Red Sox May 17, with the home opener set for the following day when C-K takes on the Kitchener Panthers at Fergie Jenkins Field. The May 18 game begins at 7:05 p.m.
The newest addition to the Intercounty Baseball League, the Chatham-Kent Barnstormers join eight other teams from across Southwestern Ontario. The team will play 42 games in the regular schedule.
Tickets are still available and can be purchased online.
