New age is thumping tradition in the early stages of the season for the Chattanooga Lookouts.
The Lookouts have new uniforms this year that feature an antique look at home games, the traditional gray on the road and an alternate uniform that features black jerseys with “NOOGA” across the front. Chattanooga wore its alternate uniforms at AT&T Field for the first time Thursday night in an 11-8 comeback triumph over the Jackson Generals.
“The black ones are the favorites,” Lookouts second-year manager Doug Mientkiewicz said. “The grays are nice, and the cream ones are going to have to grow on us a little bit. We actually wore the black ones a lot in Biloxi, and our guys were excited about them.
“We’re going to do our best to try and keep them from wearing the black ones all the time.”
The Lookouts take their alternate uniforms on road trips in case inclement weather forces them to play a doubleheader.
Chattanooga’s alternate uniforms include black hats that contain the popular eyes logo but without the “C.” Lookouts general manager Rich Mozingo said this week that he already has reordered more alternate hats for the newly expanded gift shop due to high demand.
Changing the uniforms was a focus this past offseason for Mozingo and team owners Jason Freier and John Woods. Freier and Woods took over six weeks before the start of last season and did not have enough time to change the team’s appearance, so the Lookouts played last year looking like the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Chattanooga was partnered with Los Angeles for six years but before last season became affiliated with the Minnesota Twins. The owners and Mozingo made the decision to stop emulating uniforms of the parent clubs and to build off a Lookouts history that dates back to 1885.
“Any time you get new uniforms, it’s something to look forward to,” Lookouts second baseman Levi Michael said. “Last year was somewhat of an interesting look, but I’m excited to go back to the black and red.”
Said first baseman Dalton Hicks: “We’re excited. The Dodger blue last year was a little different.”
Hicks homered Thursday for the second straight game for the Lookouts (3-5), who rallied from an 8-2 deficit. Mitch Garver had two hits and walked twice for the winners.
Lookouts uniforms in recent years were made by Russell Athletic, but the new looks have been provided by Rawlings. Although 90-degree temperatures have yet to arrive this season, Mientkiewicz believes the uniforms – even the black alternates – will be able to combat the heat.
“They did a great job with them,” Mientkiewicz said. “They are very thin, and all three of them are really comfortable, so the thickness of them are perfect.”
Contact David Paschall at dpaschall@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6524.