MLB Power Rankings: Each Team's Primary Logo from Worst to Best

A team's logo is part of their history, tradition, and future.

While some logos have changed drastically over the years, others have stayed the same or only saw minor changes. 

Everyone has their favorite team, whether it be the team they grew up watching and idolizing or another team that they happened upon one day and fell in love with.

With spring training right around the corner, what could be more fun than taking a look at all 30 team logos and ranking them from worst to best. 

We all have our opinions.

What's yours?

Enjoy!

30. Miami Marlins

There is not much to say about this one.

Created in 2011 as the Marlins go to a new home and a new look, this has to be one of the ugliest logos in all of sports.

The colors are a bad combination, the M is very bland, and it is just hard to look at. The past logo and color scheme may not have been fan favorites, but they were vastly superior to this mess.

29. San Diedo Padres

This is one of those logos that makes me shake my head. 

The Padres had a great logo from 2004-2011 with the ocean incorporated into the bottom of a home plate.  In fact, any of the logos from 1990 on were far and away better than this one.  Those logos can all be viewed here.

The change makes absolutely no sense. 

28. Texas Rangers

This is another logo that makes me wonder...

The Rangers had an incredible logo from 1994-2002, which seen here, incorporated a diamond with a metallic star insides of it.  That logo truly captured the essence of the Texas Rangers.

This logo, however, created in 2003, has very little connection to the Texas Rangers except in the colors.

27. Tampa Bay Rays

Created in 2008, this logo does not do the Tampa Bay Rays justice.

The previous two logos that Tampa Bay used were so much better than this atrocity.  It really makes no sense.  Why is there a little bit of yellow in the "R"?  Does it really mean "rays of light"?  From 1998 to 2007, the Devil Rays had a couple of the best and most interesting primary logos in baseball.

Please Tampa Bay, go back to being the Devil Rays.

26. Baltimore Orioles

Hear me out...

I really like the combination of orange and black that Baltimore uses, and I have always been a sucker for the classic look,  but the oriole on top is just too plain. 

Baltimore could do so much more with this logo and still keep the cursive team name in the middle.

On a good note, Baltimore does have some pretty cool looking alternate logos that they use each year, and they can be seen here.

25. Oakland Athletics

Created and updated as recently as 1993, this is a pretty iconic logo in the baseball community.

While I realize it is hard for the "A's" to do much when their team nickname is the "Athletics", they have to do something.

The elephant that they put on the sleeve of their jersey could play more of a role in their primary logo. 

I bet that has a really interesting tradition and should be part of their entire identity. 

24. Milwaukee Brewers

I don't think there is any question about this one.

The Brewers logo from 1978-1993 is one of the best looking logos in all of sports, and you can view it here. 

The current one is a travesty to an incredibly proud franchise.

Whenever the Brewers wear their alternate uniforms, it takes me back to when I was just a little kid.  If they still used that logo as their main logo, they would be in the top 5.  No doubt.

23. Cincinatti Reds

While tradition is something to be respected and admired, there is not much to love about the Reds' current logo. 

This logo has been updated roughly 12 different times in the franchise's history, but I believe it pales in comparison to logo used from 1954-1960, which can be viewed here. Even though it is currently being used as an alternate logo, I would love to see this on their helmets as their primary logo. 

22. Houston Astros

In the past, the Houston Astros have had some of the best logos in all of sports. 

Who can forget the long-time logo used from 1975 to 1993?  The orange and blue combination with the late 70s to early 80s style font was unforgettable.

Now, let's fast-forward to the year 2000 when the Astros decided to change their colors, logo, and typeface to something that does this storied franchise a disservice. 

Rumors have been swirling about new uniforms and a new logo once the Astros are introduced to the American League in 2013.  I hope they are true.

21. Minnesota Twins

Upon receiving a brand new stadium in 2010, the Twins decided to alter their primary logo. 

The alteration make little sense, as they simply added a blue background, changed the typeface of "Minnesota" and added the words "Baseball Club." 

What was wrong with the logo they used for 22 years before?  If anything, they should use their alternate logo, the interlocked "T" and "C", as their primary logo because at least that logo represents something unique to their state.

20. San Francisco Giants

The San Francisco Giants have seen a lot of improvement in the last 10 years. 

However, their primary logo hasn't seen much. 

In 2000, the Giants decided to update their logo by changing the typeface of "GIANTS" and changing the accent colors of the baseball behind the team name. 

While I respect the fact that these changes mirror their current uniforms very closely, it is still a logo that they rarely use and does not represent their amazing organization. 

When I think of the Giants, I think of the interlocking S and F, and their new script logo is something for all fans to be excited about.  You can view it here. 

19. Kansas City Royals

The best thing about the current Kansas City logo is the unique crown featured at the top, which is also represented in the Royals' scoreboard in center field. 

While their alternate logo features the same design without the script "Royals" below it, it is that alternate logo that looks more crisp and "regal," if you will, which can be seen here.

The Royals have some great colors to work with, and I for one would love to see them work some powder blue back into their primary logo. 

18. Atlanta Braves

When baseball fans think about baseball in the 90s, it is impossible to avoid thinking about the Atlanta Braves and that blue and red tomahawk.

This logo has been around since 1990 and is seen everywhere in the South. 

Even though it is hard to imagine the Braves ever making a significant change to this logo, the alternate logo which simply features the letter A is a much more common logo and is more representative of the Braves' organization.

17. St Louis Cardinals

This current Cardinals' logo has been around forever in some way, shape, or form. 

St. Louis has made small changes to this logo in order to adapt to changing times and cultures, but it is still recognizable everywhere in the nation.

In my opinion, the logo used from 1967 to 1997, which can be viewed here, is a more classic look. 

A look that the Cardinals really should have kept around.

16. Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pirates are one of the oldest franchises in Major League Baseball. 

They have had countless primary logos throughout their history, but if one were to choose the best logo, that person would probably choose this current version.

However, the Pirates have used some amazing alternate logos in the past.  From 1997-2010, the Pirates featured an alternate logo that had a skull and crossbones sitting on a waving black flag. 

If that were their primary logo, they would be much higher on this list.

15. Chicago White Sox

Is there even a question about the best White Sox logo ever used? 

From 1976 to 1990, the White Sox had one of the most unique logos in all of baseball, and it is still recognizable to all fans, no matter their location.

While some fans did not appreciate the colors that were used, they could all appreciate the retro look, which put them above the rest of the pack when it came to originality. 

I would love to see Chicago alter that logo and bring it back as their primary one. 

14. Cleveland Indians

For as long as anyone can remember, the smiling Indian has been a staple of the Cleveland Indians. 

Cleveland has done a great job of only slightly altering the logo through time, which shows they are committed to their tradition and history.

But, they have also done a good job at using alternate logos, such as the block C and the various different typefaces they have used throughout the years. 

13. Arizona Diamondbacks

This logo is one of the most unique and crisp logos in all of baseball, and it has absolutely no words. 

The unique style of font for the letter A is impressive, as is the diamond pattern on the left side, which is meant to symbolize the diamondback snake. 

This logo is new to the team in 2012, as they decided to take out the typeface below the actual logo. 

In my opinion, the alternate logos shown here featuring the "db" resembling a snake head and the diamondback snake in the form of a D (which is new in 2012) are much better logos, and I hope to see them often for years to come. 

12. Philadelphia Phillies

The current Phillies logo, which appeared in 1992, has to be near the middle of this list. 

Incorporating a piece of the city's rich history into the logo, which can be seen in the use of the liberty bell, is something that has to be admired and respected. 

But, the logo itself leaves something to be desired, as the cursive font is a little bland and the baseball shaped outer portion is rather plain. 

In my opinion, the logo used from 1984 to 1991, which can be viewed here, offers a more creative, retro look that the Phillies pull off well. 

11. Seattle Mariners

The Seattle Mariners have one of the more unique logos in the league.  When it first appeared in 1993, the new colors, as well as logo, were a favorite among baseball fans.

But the logo used from 1987-1992 was a pretty amazing logo too, even though it only featured a baseball with "M's" inside of it.  Using a team's nickname in a primary logo is a genius idea and one that many teams may do in the future. 

The colors used in the logo, and the fact that they implemented a maritime compass, makes the current edition visually appealing and creative. 

10. Los Angeles Angels

First brought around in 2005, this new primary logo of the Angels is very modern, crisp, and team oriented. 

The use of the halo atop the script "A" is a unique way to illustrate the mascot of the Angels, as well as the city (or cities) that represent them. Also, the dark blue accent around logo really makes the rest of the logo more appealing.

But who can forget watching "Angels in the Outfield" and seeing the interlocking "C" and "A"?  That was truly a classic look and is one many fans look forward to seeing each year when the Angels bring out the throwback uniforms. 

9. Washington Nationals

Even though the Nationals have only been around for seven years, they have done an amazing job at creating a unique logo.

Washington's current primary logo was implemented in 2011 and is a great improvement over the original.

The use of colors, which are obviously in relation to the team's location in Washington D.C., and the script "W" truly make this logo one of the best in the league.  Moreover, the alternate logo the Nationals use, which can be seen here, is one of the best looking alternate logos in baseball. 

8. Colorado Rockies

While the Colorado Rockies have kept their logo unchanged since their inception in 1993, it is one of the best logos in baseball because of its use of contrasting colors and creative design.

This logo accurately displays how balls have a tendency to fly out of Coors Field, as the air is much thinner because of the high elevation.

I respect the fact that Colorado has made very few changes to anything they use to illustrate their team, including their logo, alternate logos, and uniforms.  There is a lot to be said for tradition and being proud of your history, and the Rockies and their fans definitely have pride in their franchise.

7. Los Angeles Dodgers

Once again, tradition has a tendency to catapult a team's logo up my list. 

First implemented in 1958, and slightly updated for the upcoming season, the Dodgers have a logo that has been practically unchanged through history.

Even though the logo itself appears old in nature, it still recognizable anywhere in the country. 

They haven't needed to make any drastic changes because their fans are incredibly supportive, and they realize their logo is a part of their identity. 

6. Boston Red Sox

First of all, the Red Sox have one of the most interesting logos in all of baseball because it is the only one currently in use that has absolutely no words or letters.

The use of the side-by-side traditional-style socks are a very creative way to implement a team's mascot into the primary logo. 

More interestingly, the Red Sox are now using their former primary logo, which was used from 1976-2008 and can be seen here, as their alternate logo. 

5. New York Yankees

The New York Yankees have one of the richest histories in all of professional sports.

Since its introduction in 1947, the Yankees primary logo uses a unique combination of colors and illustrations to represent their mascot. 

The creative use of stars and stripes in the hat helps catapult the current logo up the list, as it is a reference to the rich history behind the Yankees.

However, the dark blue and white interlocking "N" and "Y" is quite possible the most recognizable and famous logos in all of sports today.  It is also the best looking Yankees logo, and can be viewed here.

4. Chicago Cubs

The Chicago Cubs are one of the oldest teams in major league baseball, and they have done a great job of keeping their logo roughly similar through countless generations.

All of the Cubs' logos since 1903 have had tremendous similarities, and their current logo, which was implemented in 1979, truly captures the teams' rich history. 

The shades of red and blue work incredibly well together, and the retro style logo is still one of the most popular and best looking logos in the game today. 

The Cubs' alternate logo, which can be found here, also uses a similar style, as it is a large "C" with a bear cub in the middle.  This is a creative use of the mascot and can usually be found on the sleeves of the Chicago players. 

3. New York Mets

While this is one of the older logos in baseball, it is also has to be considered one of the best as well.

Since the founding of the franchise in 1962, the primary logo has gone unchanged over the past 50 years, which I find incredibly impressive. 

The use of the city's backdrop in the middle of a baseball is one of the most creative ways to show pride in the team's home. One could also argue that the blue and orange combination is one of the best in all sports.

The Mets feel very strongly about their tradition, and that is evident in the fact that their logo has stayed the same for so long.  I wouldn't look for this to change any time soon.

2. Toronto Blue Jays

The Blue Jays have had some amazing logos in their team's history, but this one is by far the best, as it represents both the old and the new simultaneously. 

First of all, this logo will be the new primary logo of the Toronto franchise beginning in 2012.  The Blue Jays have basically updated and slightly modernized their former primary logo that was used from 1977-1996, which can be shown here. 

I am sure the Blue Jays are hoping that this logo will help them relive some of the success their organization had in the late 80s and early 90s.  I have always admired the Blue Jays and their originality when it came to all five of the primary logos (seen here) they have used over the past 35 years. 

Toronto hit the jackpot when they brought this logo back to the team.

1. Detroit Tigers

When it comes to logos that have gone practically unchanged through time, the Detroit Tigers are near the top of the list.

In their rich history that spans over 110 years, the Tigers use of the old English "D" has stayed with the team in some way, shape, or form. While they haven't always used the "D" as their primary logo, including 1934-1993, it has been a staple on their uniforms, hats, and most importantly, the city of Detroit for countless years.

The Detroit Tigers are the only team in major league baseball that do not incorporate all of their colors (blue, white, and orange) into their primary logo and their home uniform (logo and home uniforms have no orange).

Is there a better looking home uniform in all of sports than those of the Detroit Tigers?  The navy blue "D" embroidered on the white background of the home uniform is one of the cleanest and most beautiful jerseys in professional sports. 

The old English "D" not only represents the rich history and tradition of a proud franchise, but it also represents the history of the city of Detroit. It is for these reasons that the logo of the Detroit Tigers is number one on my list.

What is number one on yours?