Mets wear uniforms of Brooklyn Royal Giants
The Mets' Kirk Nieuwenhuis bats against Pirates starter Gerrit Cole in the first inning on Saturday, June 28, 2014 in Pittsburgh. Credit: AP / Keith Srakocic
The Mets and Pirates paid tribute to the Negro Leagues Saturday by wearing uniforms from the Brooklyn Royal Giants and the Pittsburgh Crawfords. The Mets' distinctive blue uniforms -- with matching blue pants -- were part of Pittsburgh's Heritage Weekend celebration.
The Royal Giants played from 1905 to 1942 as a member of the National Association and the Eastern Colored League. They also played as an independent franchise for some of their history.
Their best days came during the dead-ball era, when they were considered a top East Coast team. The club once beat Connie Mack's Philadelphia Athletics in a pair of exhibition matchups.
