Down on the Farm: Tennessee Smokies unveil new uniforms; Iowa extends PDC

After an exciting year that demonstrated the development of many young prospects, the Tennessee Smokies have recently unveiled new uniforms for the 2015 season.

The Smokies (66-73) finished second overall in the Southern League North Division, 10 ½ games behind the Huntsville Stars; the Milwaukee Brewers Minor League affiliate. While the team was solid all throughout the year, they failed to win either of the two halves of the season, and as a result, missed the MILB playoffs.

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The bright spots for the Smokies this past season were undoubtedly the exciting, young players that were on display, most notably, Kris Bryant. Others included speedy outfielder Albert Almora, along with one of the latest additions, Addison Russell.  The team will now boast a more legitimate look as the color scheme and logo on their new uniforms are much more comparable to the ones that both the Iowa and Chicago Cubs wear.

The uniforms will reportedly feature a blue bear resting a bat on his back shoulder, with Great Smoky Mountains National Park represented with trees and mountains. The primary colors of the uniform will be Royal Blue, Light Blue, Red and Tan. Smokies General Manager Brian Cox released this statement about the team’s new look.

“Matching our color scheme with the Chicago Cubs further reflects the great partnership we have enjoyed with them since our affiliation with them began in 2007,” Cox said. “It’s an iconic brand, and we expect to continue our relationship with them for many years.”

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As far as change goes, Tennessee wasn’t alone. Just last month, the Iowa Cubs reached an agreement on a two-year extension to the Player Development Contract that they have with the Chicago Cubs. According Iowacubs.com, the deal runs through 2016, but will keep the affiliation at least through the 2018 season.

Also in the last few months, the Cubs organization has moved their short season affiliate from Boise to Eugene, and their Class-A affiliate from Kane County to South Bend, as well as moving the advanced Class-A team from Daytona to Myrtle Beach.