(Image source: Robert Sabo/New York Daily News )


BY ZACH GARCIA & GARY GRIGSBY

 

ANCHOR LAUREN ZIMA

The unmistakable pinstripes turn 100.

When the New York Highlanders took the field on April 11, 1912 they were a season away from being called the Yankees.  But they were wearing pinstriped uniforms for the first time.

After the 1912 season the Yankees actually abandoned the pinstripes for a couple of years but went back to them for good in 1915.    

New York’s iconic jerseys have become synonymous with the team’s success over the years. WatchMojo.com explains.

“Nicknamed the Bronx Bombers for their unparalleled hitting, they surpassed the National Hockey League’s Montreal Canadiens’ record of 24 championship wins in 1999.”

And the Yankees’ look is one of the most recognizable in American sports. Derek Jeter, who has worn the pinstripes in more games than any other Yankee, talked with website Yankees 101 about it:

“[Y]ou say pinstripes and the first thing that comes to most people’s mind is the Yankees. There's just so much history there and tradition, it makes it special for us as players.”

Forbes Magazine says the pinstriped Yankees have the highest financial value of any sports franchise internationally.

Forbes ranked New York number one among franchises in their annual Fab Forty rankings, which list the 40 most valuable sports brands.

“We estimate that New York Yankees name is worth $340 million,” said Forbes reporter Mike Ozanian, who added that “[s]ince 2007, the value of the New York Yankees brand has increased 57%.”