In 1998, the Durham Bulls made the jump to the Triple-A level, becoming an affiliate of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. 20 seasons later, the partnership between the two teams still holds strong. In 2017, the Bulls will honor that relationship, donning specially-designed Bulls jerseys inspired by those worn by the Rays.
Inspired by the Rays' light blue alternates, Durham's newest uniform prominently features 'Bulls' in block lettering across the jersey's chest. Just as the Rays feature a sunburst in their 'R,' Durham will feature a sunburst in the 'B.'
On the right sleeve the jersey prominently displays a commemorative patch, symbolizing the 20 seasons of partnership between the Rays and Bulls. The cutout in the number zero is the Water Tower that looms over the DBAP, while a Ray swims at the bottom of the numbers. At the base of the patch, four diamonds represent the four Governors' Cups the Bulls have won as a Rays affiliate (2002, 2003, 2009, 2013), while the single yellow diamond in the middle signifies the team's 2009 Triple-A National Championship.
The numbers on the back of the jersey are the same font as the Rays' alternates, further signifying the unison between the two organizations.
The Bulls will also don a new hat in association with their light blue jerseys. The raised logo is a newly-designed mashup of the Bulls and Rays, by combining Durham's iconic block 'D' and a Ray. The 'D' and Ray are filled with Tampa Bay's solid navy, and trimmed in white and yellow, while the Ray features a hint of light blue.
In an ode to the Rays, the Bulls will wear the 20th anniversary uniforms for Sunday home games throughout the season, beginning on April 30. That day, the Bulls will celebrate 20 seasons of partnership with Tampa Bay.
The jerseys will be auctioned off online during the Bulls' final home weekend of the season (Aug. 25-27), with all proceeds going to charity. Details of the auction will be released closer to the date of the auction.