The 2020 College Baseball season came to a swift, unexpected end in mid-March due to concerns around the coronavirus pandemic. The season was suspended right before conference play was set to begin, but Mississippi State did get in four weeks of non-conference play. In 16 games, the Bulldogs finished with a 12-4 record and wore 7 total uniform combinations.
If the season had been played to completion, the Bulldogs would've likely ended up with 9 total uniform combinations, but as it stands, the Bulldogs' 7 combinations worn in 2020 were two fewer than the 9 worn in 2019, one fewer than the 8 worn in 2018, but still one more than the 6 worn in 2017.
If the season had been played to completion, the Bulldogs would've likely ended up with 9 total uniform combinations, but as it stands, the Bulldogs' 7 combinations worn in 2020 were two fewer than the 9 worn in 2019, one fewer than the 8 worn in 2018, but still one more than the 6 worn in 2017.
2020 Uniform Combinations: Maroon 85 over White Maroon 85 over White Pins White STATE White 85s White "State" Pinstripes All-Black "Nickelblacks" Gray Script "State" | Additions in 2020: Gray Script "State" Jersey M/W/M-Striped Gray Pants Double-Striped White Pants | Subtractions from 2019: Alex Wilcox Teal Jersey Gray Pinstripes Gray Sleeveless Vests Single-Striped Gray Pants |
Read more below for a more in-depth look at Mississippi State's 2020 Baseball Uniform
Mississippi State's 2020 Baseball Uniforms
Maroon 85 over White Pants 4 Games, 3-1 (.750) Record The classic Maroon 85 over White look remained the Bulldogs' primary look in 2020, with one minor change. While the jerseys remained the exact same as in 2019, with the M over S logo on the right sleeve and consistently sized double white stripes on the sleeves and collar, the stripe on the white pants was changed from a single maroon stripe to a double maroon stripe. This change was an improvement to an already incredible look; making the double-stripe idea consistent across the board was a great idea, and was very well executed by Mississippi State this season. The Maroon 85 over White combination was worn in every Friday game this season; its four appearances made it the Bulldogs' most worn combination of the shortened 2020 season. It finished with a 3-0 record in home games; its one loss game in the Friday game at Long Beach. In that game, Long Beach wore black pants, so the Bulldogs wore white pants to maximize contrast; State would've presumably worn gray pants with the Maroon 85 jerseys in later road Friday night games. |
White STATE 3 Games, 3-0 (1.000) Record Based on the design worn in the 1950s, the White STATE jerseys were first introduced in 2019 and returned without any changes for the 2020 season. Just like in 2019, the White STATE jerseys were worn in the second game of every home series this season. The Bulldogs actually did not lose a Saturday game in 2020; they won one on the road and three at home. All three of the home Saturday wins came in the White STATE jerseys, giving them a final undefeated record of 3-0 on the season. |
All-Black "Nickelblacks" 3 Games, 2-1 (.667) Record The most polarizing uniform in the Bulldogs' set, the All-Black "Nickelblack" uniforms were State's standard Sunday look in 2020, just as it was in 2019, with no design changes. However, unlike 2019, in which the look was worn in every Sunday game and finished the season with a pristine 10-0 record, the 2020 season saw the Bulldogs both play a Sunday game in a different uniform (more on that in the "Maroon 85 over White Pinstripes" section) and lose one Sunday game in All-Black. The loss came in the Sunday game against Oregon State, after the Bulldogs had already clinched the series by winning on Friday and Saturday. The loss was actually the Bulldogs' first in All-Black since the loss to Oregon State in Omaha in 2018. State rebounded two Sundays later with a win over Quinnipiac in All-Black, bringing the season record in All-Black up to 2-1, record in the current version to 12-1, and all-time record up to 21-4. |
White "State" Pinstripes 2 Games, 2-0 (1.000) Record After not being worn in any April, May, or June games in 2019, the White "State" Pinstripes were back like they never left in 2020, being worn in both Wednesday midweek games to a 2-0 record. The design of the White Pinstripes in 2020 was the exact same as the one worn in five games early in the 2019 season. With the season being cut short, the White Pinstripes ended up being worn in the final game of the season, a 3-2 win over Texas Tech in Biloxi. |
White 85 2 Games, 1-1 (.500) Record Just like the Maroon 85 over White combination, the White 85s saw a slight design change in 2020: double maroon stripes on the pants instead of a single maroon stripe. This change worked really well when paired with the White 85 jersey, which also features double maroon stripes on the collar and sleeves. The White 85s were already my personal favorite look in the Bulldogs' arsenal, and this change solidified that even more. The White 85s were worn in both Tuesday games of the season, finishing with a 1-1 record after being worn in games on the complete opposite end of the spectrum: a loss to SWAC Texas Southern and a win over #2 Texas Tech. |
Gray Script "State" 1 Game, 1-0 (1.000) Record The Bulldogs' only brand new uniform in 2020 was the Gray Script "State" jerseys. Featuring the same "State" script as the White Pinstripe jerseys, the Bulldogs' new gray uniforms featured M/W/M stripes on the sleeves and pants, player names on the back, and maroon numbers outlined in white. The Gray Script jerseys, newest in a long line of gray jersey designs for Mississippi State, are nothing short of incredible; Coach Lemonis and staff really knocked it out of the park with this one. Every detail is well thought out to the point that I don't even have any nitpicks. It's just a really well-designed uniform that I hope stays in the rotation for years to come. These uniforms were debuted in the 9-0 Saturday win over Long Beach. Unfortunately, as this was the last road series before the season was cut short, they were only able to see the field that one time. |
Maroon 85 over White Pinstripe Pants 1 Game, 0-1 (.000) Record In the Sunday game at Long Beach, the Dirtbags elected to wear black jerseys, preventing the Bulldogs from wearing their usual All-Black on Sunday. So, instead of All-Black, Mississippi State brought back the Maroon 85 over White Pinstripes combination for the first time since 2018. The fifth iteration of the Maroon 85 over White Pinstripes combination was a pretty good look for the Bulldogs, definitely one I would've hoped to see again if the season had lasted longer. As is, the combination was only worn in the one loss, and still has not been worn in a win since 2015. |
For more on Mississippi State's baseball uniform history, visit the Baseball Uniform History page.
For more Mississippi State's postseason baseball uniform history, visit the Postseason Uniform History page.
For more Mississippi State's postseason baseball uniform history, visit the Postseason Uniform History page.
Ranking the 2020 Uniforms
Last season, I decided that the most appropriate way to rank the Bulldogs' uniforms was through a tiered system, rather than a straight best to last list. This year, I'm keeping that concept and just updating it to this year's uniform set (so taking out Gray Pinstripes and Gray Vests, adding Gray Script).
Last season, I decided that the most appropriate way to rank the Bulldogs' uniforms was through a tiered system, rather than a straight best to last list. This year, I'm keeping that concept and just updating it to this year's uniform set (so taking out Gray Pinstripes and Gray Vests, adding Gray Script).
Elite: White 85s Maroon 85s White "State" Pinstripes Gray Script "State" I believe the Bulldogs wore four elite uniforms in 2020, up one from 2019 with the addition of the fantastic Gray Script jerseys. These four uniforms are four of the best in college baseball; they all have an excellent uniqueness to them and have basically every detail correct. |
Very Good: White STATE In the "Very Good" tier, I have the White STATE uniforms. While these uniforms are very well designed, have all the details correct, and would be the best uniform on a lot of college baseball uniform sets, they're almost too clean. Both the White 85s and White Pinstripes are more unique and slightly better takes on a home white uniform for Mississippi State. But again, the White STATE jerseys are still very good, and more than deserve a spot in the Bulldogs' uniform set. |
Meh: All-Black "Nickelblacks" My position on the All-Black look over the past few seasons has basically been "it looks bad, but if it works it works." With its 10-0 record and consistency improvements last season, I listed it in the "okay" tier. This season, its pristine record was shattered, so I'm moving it down to the "meh" tier. Based on looks alone, it should be in a "bad" tier, but with the sentimental value that still surrounds it, I'm keeping it in "meh" for now. |
What We Potentially Missed with the Season Being Shortened
So, in the shortened 2020 season, Mississippi State ended up wearing 7 different uniform combinations and 6 different jerseys. As I alluded to in the opening spiel, I do that those numbers would've been a little higher if the season had been played to completion. I don't know that there would've been any new uniforms (the new Gray Script jersey was probably our one new uniform of 2020), but I do think that some of the uniforms that appeared to not be retained *were* still available.
There are three uniforms that were worn in 2019 that were not worn in 2020:
The Alex Wilcox uniforms were always a one-time deal and were auctioned off after they were worn, so they were never expected to return.
With the Gray Pinstripes, however, I have it on good authority that they would've returned for a fifth season had the Bulldogs had more road opportunities. The current Gray Pinstripes were first worn in 2016, and were by far the longest-tenured jersey in the Bulldogs' rotation. With the season cut short, they did not get to see the field in 2020; the only road games the Bulldogs played all season were at Long Beach, and I've been told that the gray pinstripe pants had not been tailored in time for that series. If they had been, I think they probably would've been worn in the Sunday game instead of the Maroon 85 over White Pinstripes look. While I definitely think that the Gray Script uniforms were going to be State's primary gray uniform in 2020 regardless, I do think that the Gray Pinstripes would've seen action in road midweek games (three were scheduled) and road Saturday game threes (two were scheduled).
The one I'm really not sure about is the Gray Sleeveless Vests. They were just introduced last season, so it would be odd for them to be retired after just one season, but I don't know that there would've been room for them in the rotation. The Gray Script uniforms provided a better solid gray option, and as I said I believe the Gray Pinstripes would have returned. State has never had three gray uniforms in a single season- which makes sense because that's really too many. So I don't have any real information here either way, but seeing as how they were the weakest non-black uniform in the Bulldogs' set last season, I'm going to assume that the Gray Vests were meant to be replaced by the Gray Script uniforms and would not have returned in 2020.
Additionally, had the Bulldogs played additional Friday night road games, I think they would've worn the Maroon 85 over Gray combination, which I think would've looked really good with the new M/W/M-striped gray pants. Hopefully that's a look we get to see in action in 2021.
So, if the Gray Pinstripes and Maroon 85 over Gray combinations would've had an opportunity to see the field, we probably would've ended up with 7 different jerseys and 9 total combinations in 2020, which is a pretty standard year for the 2016-present era.
So, in the shortened 2020 season, Mississippi State ended up wearing 7 different uniform combinations and 6 different jerseys. As I alluded to in the opening spiel, I do that those numbers would've been a little higher if the season had been played to completion. I don't know that there would've been any new uniforms (the new Gray Script jersey was probably our one new uniform of 2020), but I do think that some of the uniforms that appeared to not be retained *were* still available.
There are three uniforms that were worn in 2019 that were not worn in 2020:
- Alex Wilcox Teal
- Gray Pinstripes
- Gray Sleeveless Vests
The Alex Wilcox uniforms were always a one-time deal and were auctioned off after they were worn, so they were never expected to return.
With the Gray Pinstripes, however, I have it on good authority that they would've returned for a fifth season had the Bulldogs had more road opportunities. The current Gray Pinstripes were first worn in 2016, and were by far the longest-tenured jersey in the Bulldogs' rotation. With the season cut short, they did not get to see the field in 2020; the only road games the Bulldogs played all season were at Long Beach, and I've been told that the gray pinstripe pants had not been tailored in time for that series. If they had been, I think they probably would've been worn in the Sunday game instead of the Maroon 85 over White Pinstripes look. While I definitely think that the Gray Script uniforms were going to be State's primary gray uniform in 2020 regardless, I do think that the Gray Pinstripes would've seen action in road midweek games (three were scheduled) and road Saturday game threes (two were scheduled).
The one I'm really not sure about is the Gray Sleeveless Vests. They were just introduced last season, so it would be odd for them to be retired after just one season, but I don't know that there would've been room for them in the rotation. The Gray Script uniforms provided a better solid gray option, and as I said I believe the Gray Pinstripes would have returned. State has never had three gray uniforms in a single season- which makes sense because that's really too many. So I don't have any real information here either way, but seeing as how they were the weakest non-black uniform in the Bulldogs' set last season, I'm going to assume that the Gray Vests were meant to be replaced by the Gray Script uniforms and would not have returned in 2020.
Additionally, had the Bulldogs played additional Friday night road games, I think they would've worn the Maroon 85 over Gray combination, which I think would've looked really good with the new M/W/M-striped gray pants. Hopefully that's a look we get to see in action in 2021.
So, if the Gray Pinstripes and Maroon 85 over Gray combinations would've had an opportunity to see the field, we probably would've ended up with 7 different jerseys and 9 total combinations in 2020, which is a pretty standard year for the 2016-present era.
No Jerseys with the M over S Logo on the Chest in 2020?
One interesting note about the 2020 season is that it ended up being the first season since 2007 in which the M over S logo was not once worn on the front of a jersey. The primary reason for this, I have to believe, is that Adidas is pushing for their logo to be on the left chest on all baseball jerseys. This causes problems because, traditionally, a single logo like the M over S goes on the left side of a baseball jersey.
State has dealt with this is in a variety of ways since Adidas started pushing it in 2018:
The final solution, placing the M over S logo on the right sleeve, is the one that has really worked. That was just a great idea- it's created consistency among the Bulldogs' uniforms and has created a prominent spot for the classic M over S logo to be displayed until it's able to fit on the left chest again.
Again, I do believe that the Gray Pinstripes would've been worn had the season gone it's full length, but as it stands, 2020 joins 2005, 2006, and 2007 (the first three years under Russell Athletic) as the only seasons since the White M over S jersey was first introduced in 1988 where the Bulldogs have not worn a single jersey with the M over S logo on the chest.
One interesting note about the 2020 season is that it ended up being the first season since 2007 in which the M over S logo was not once worn on the front of a jersey. The primary reason for this, I have to believe, is that Adidas is pushing for their logo to be on the left chest on all baseball jerseys. This causes problems because, traditionally, a single logo like the M over S goes on the left side of a baseball jersey.
State has dealt with this is in a variety of ways since Adidas started pushing it in 2018:
- The 2018 Maroon M over S Jerseys had a smaller M over S logo underneath the Adidas logo, which didn't work great. They were only worn twice.
- The 2019 Gray Sleeveless Vests had the M over S logo on the right chest, which didn't necessarily look bad but looked wrong. They were only worn three times.
- The 2016 Gray Pinstripes, which still feature the Adidas logo on the right chest and M over S logo on the left chest, have continued to be worn without tweaks.
- Most new uniforms, including every single uniform worn by the Bulldogs in 2020, feature a horizontal chest wordmark or script and the M over S logo on the right sleeve.
The final solution, placing the M over S logo on the right sleeve, is the one that has really worked. That was just a great idea- it's created consistency among the Bulldogs' uniforms and has created a prominent spot for the classic M over S logo to be displayed until it's able to fit on the left chest again.
Again, I do believe that the Gray Pinstripes would've been worn had the season gone it's full length, but as it stands, 2020 joins 2005, 2006, and 2007 (the first three years under Russell Athletic) as the only seasons since the White M over S jersey was first introduced in 1988 where the Bulldogs have not worn a single jersey with the M over S logo on the chest.
Looking Forward to 2021
As I said in the first article of this season- Mississippi State has finally found a great deal of consistency in their baseball uniforms, and I am here for it. The Bulldogs have four elite jerseys- White 85s, Maroon 85s, White Pinstripes, and Gray Script, that have all of the details right and need to stick around for a long time. The White STATE jerseys are also great right down to the details and should definitely stay for another season or two.
While I still don't like the idea of black pants being worn every single Sunday- essentially taking around 10 games a season away from better, more traditional options- I don't see that "tradition" going away any time within the near future. Maybe when the entire 2018/2019 roster is gone, but that will probably be 2023 with all of the madness that is going on with eligibility and this season essentially being canceled.
One thing I wouldn't mind seeing in 2021 is moving the White Pinstripes to home Saturdays and the White STATE jerseys moved into that midweek role. As I laid out in a concept last season, I think that the ideal home uniform rotation for Mississippi State is Maroon 85 over White on Friday, White Pinstripes on Saturday, White 85s on Sunday, White STATE as the primary midweek option and Maroon 85 over White Pins as the secondary midweek option. Obviously having black on Sunday messes that up, pushing White 85s to midweek and Maroon 85 over White Pins to auxiliary usage such as the Game 3 at Long Beach this season. This isn't a change that has to be made by any means; the rotation is pretty great as is. It's just something that I've seen a bunch of people ask for on Twitter, and something with which I tend to agree.
For road games, I definitely want to see the Maroon 85 over Gray combination with the M/W/M-striped gray pants on Friday nights in 2021. I think that the Gray Script "State" jersey should stay in the Saturday slot, and Gray Pinstripes (or, I suppose, Sleeveless Vests) should return to the Saturday Game 3 and road midweek slot.
So, what new uniforms could be added in 2021? Mississippi State has had at least one new uniform each of the last 16 seasons, so it stands to reason that there will be at least one new one in 2021. I think two prime options are either a cream jersey or a second maroon jersey. I think making the White STATE jerseys cream would probably give them a uniqueness factor that could make them elite-level; that's something I wouldn't mind seeing. You could add a second maroon jersey for midweek games with either a "State" or "Bulldogs" script. If you figure out the Adidas logo on the left chest problem, you could add an updated version of the cream, white, or maroon M over S jerseys, or finally update the Gray Pinstripes. There are plenty of options here- I have no doubt Coach Lemonis and staff will come up with something great!
Until then, Hail State, and stay safe! (and sports please come back soon)
As I said in the first article of this season- Mississippi State has finally found a great deal of consistency in their baseball uniforms, and I am here for it. The Bulldogs have four elite jerseys- White 85s, Maroon 85s, White Pinstripes, and Gray Script, that have all of the details right and need to stick around for a long time. The White STATE jerseys are also great right down to the details and should definitely stay for another season or two.
While I still don't like the idea of black pants being worn every single Sunday- essentially taking around 10 games a season away from better, more traditional options- I don't see that "tradition" going away any time within the near future. Maybe when the entire 2018/2019 roster is gone, but that will probably be 2023 with all of the madness that is going on with eligibility and this season essentially being canceled.
One thing I wouldn't mind seeing in 2021 is moving the White Pinstripes to home Saturdays and the White STATE jerseys moved into that midweek role. As I laid out in a concept last season, I think that the ideal home uniform rotation for Mississippi State is Maroon 85 over White on Friday, White Pinstripes on Saturday, White 85s on Sunday, White STATE as the primary midweek option and Maroon 85 over White Pins as the secondary midweek option. Obviously having black on Sunday messes that up, pushing White 85s to midweek and Maroon 85 over White Pins to auxiliary usage such as the Game 3 at Long Beach this season. This isn't a change that has to be made by any means; the rotation is pretty great as is. It's just something that I've seen a bunch of people ask for on Twitter, and something with which I tend to agree.
For road games, I definitely want to see the Maroon 85 over Gray combination with the M/W/M-striped gray pants on Friday nights in 2021. I think that the Gray Script "State" jersey should stay in the Saturday slot, and Gray Pinstripes (or, I suppose, Sleeveless Vests) should return to the Saturday Game 3 and road midweek slot.
So, what new uniforms could be added in 2021? Mississippi State has had at least one new uniform each of the last 16 seasons, so it stands to reason that there will be at least one new one in 2021. I think two prime options are either a cream jersey or a second maroon jersey. I think making the White STATE jerseys cream would probably give them a uniqueness factor that could make them elite-level; that's something I wouldn't mind seeing. You could add a second maroon jersey for midweek games with either a "State" or "Bulldogs" script. If you figure out the Adidas logo on the left chest problem, you could add an updated version of the cream, white, or maroon M over S jerseys, or finally update the Gray Pinstripes. There are plenty of options here- I have no doubt Coach Lemonis and staff will come up with something great!
Until then, Hail State, and stay safe! (and sports please come back soon)