The imminent 100-year anniversary of an exhibition baseball game hosted at Everton's iconic Goodison Park has provided the inspiration for the Club's new third kit, released today.
On 23 October 1924, the players of the Chicago White Sox and New York Giants stepped out on to the stadium's famous turf as Goodison Park became the Goodison ballpark.
And, a century on, the curious contest has influenced the style and colour scheme for a kit that also celebrates the stadium’s place in wider sporting lore.
The strip, which is available in Pro and Replica versions, goes on sale online at evertondirect.com and in store at Everton One and Everton Two, operated by Fanatics, from today (Friday 23 August).
The shirt's neutral colour palette and subtle pinstripe lend from a classic baseball look, while a flat-front waistband on the shorts and matching cushioned-heel socks complement the style. A contemporary charcoal V-neck collar with yellow pinstripe is repeated in detailing on the shirt sleeves, shorts and socks.
The accompanying goalkeeper kit – also out today - brings together a two-tone viola purple shirt, featuring a striking diagonal pattern, with matching shorts and socks.
To mark the launch of the kit, Everton players including Dwight McNeil, Beto and Justine Vanhaevermaet modelled the look, posing on-set with vintage baseball paraphernalia. The campaign's tagline 'Grand Old Team' borrows from the lyrics of the popular Everton chant of the same name - a nod to both the stadium's rich history and the storied teams to have played there.
On that autumn afternoon in 1924 it wasn't revered footballers but pitchers and batters who took to the turf, the White Sox overcoming the Giants 16-11 in what was the opening game of a European tour. Everton Heritage Society research confirms that, during its 132-year history, the stadium has also opened its doors to rugby, boxing and, reportedly, even American football.
Early FA Cup semi-finals took place at what was England’s first purpose-built football stadium, while, in 1966, the Grand Old Lady famously played host to Pele’s Brazil and Eusebio’s Portugal as the World Cup came to Merseyside. In December 1920, Dick, Kerr Ladies inflicted a 4-0 defeat on St Helens in front of 53,000 Goodison Park spectators - a record attendance for a women’s fixture that would stand for 99 years.
Tom Beahon, Co Founder of Castore, said: "We have used Goodison as our inspiration for all three of this season's kits. The home kit is a classic Everton look but with a nod to the Club's first ever crest. The away kit is inspired by great Goodison night matches and the famous atmosphere created under the lights. This kit is about acknowledging Goodison's versatility and the stage it has provided over more than 130 years.
"We wanted to remind people that it has not only hosted the great Everton teams of decades gone by but been a part of the wider sporting fabric and story."
The Pro version of Everton's 2024/25 third kit is available in adult sizes only and incorporates Castore precision technology that aims to provide comfort and aid the pursuit of peak sporting performance. Replica versions, available in men's, women's, junior, infant and baby sizes, are non-textured with woven applique detailing, allowing the kit to be worn for both leisure and casual sports.