Astros' Sehgal on record-setting sales for Space City jerseys: 'The details and storytelling within the uniform is what really makes it special'

The launch of the Houston Astros' new City Connect jerseys earlier this month yielded record-setting sales, according to a team-issued press release.

The release said that the Astros' space-themed jerseys designed by Nike, which the defending American League (AL) champions unveiled on April 10, topped the previous launch record by +329%. 

Essentially, the Astros recorded the best sales launch out of the nine franchises selected by Major League Baseball (MLB) to don a City Connect uniform thus far, per the release.

"Our #SpaceCity launch was out of this world," the Astros' official Twitter account announced.

Astros senior vice president of communications and marketing Anita Sehgal said in the release that the jerseys, which bear Houston's famous "Space City" moniker on the front, are the team's first new uniforms in more than half a decade. 

"The details and storytelling within the uniform is what really makes it special," Sehgal said, according to the release. "Our Space City, City Connect uniforms are inspired by the spirit of Houstonians, while celebrating what makes us unique.”

The Astros made the jerseys and hats available for purchase to the public at their team store hours before a street festival and watch party they hosted for fans at Minute Maid Park.

According to the release, from the Astros team store perspective, the debut of the Space City threads outdid the 2017 World Series Champion Gold Rush event by +73% and came second to the day after the team won the Fall Classic at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles.

First baseman Jose Altuve's jersey easily raked in the most sales of the launch, with third baseman Alex Bregman and designated hitter Yordan Alvarez landing in the second and third spots, respectively, the franchise said. 

The Astros wore the uniforms for the first time in a 6-0 loss to the L.A. Angels on April 20.

 The team will take the field in the uniforms for Monday home games throughout the 2022 season.