Leaked images of Phillies' alternate jerseys are sure to raise eyebrows

But why blue and yellow? Some suspect it has something to do with the colors of the city’s flag. Others think it’s a nod to the Frankford Yellow Jackets, the city’s first professional football team. 

Neither is likely since most Philadelphians are unfamiliar with their flag and the Phillies have no reason to honor a team from another sport.

Most likely, the new uniforms are intended to pay homage to the city’s Scandinavian roots. According to mlbcollectors.com, the Phillies wore a blue and yellow version of their uniform in 1938 to celebrate the tricentennial of the Swedish arrival in Philadelphia.

The team was called the "Quakers" from its inception in 1883 through 1889. The home jerseys had a standard “P” on the front but road jerseys featured a cursive “Phillies” across the chest. The left arm also had a blue and yellow patch with a picture of William Penn.

The new uniform has a patch on the left sleeve as well. It’s also blue and yellow but pays tribute to the famous Love Park statue and Liberty Bell. 

If sports talk radio is any indication, Phillies fans aren’t in love with this new design. Some believe it’s a look best served in minor league baseball while others want the team to scrap the jersey altogether.

Of course, once Bryce Harper puts one on, all bets are off.