Albuquerque Isotopes Unveil Pueblo-Designed Jerseys for Native American Heritage Night

The Albuquerque Isotopes will celebrate New Mexico’s Native communities with a new specialty jersey created in collaboration with the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center and acclaimed potter Evone “Snowflake” Martinez.

Martinez (San Ildefonso and Cochiti Pueblos) is known for keeping Pueblo pottery traditions and imagery alive through her work. Her jersey design carries that artistry into the ballpark and gives the Isotopes’ Native American Heritage Night a direct connection to New Mexico’s Pueblo communities.

Players will wear the limited-edition design during the team’s Native American Heritage Night game on Saturday, August 8. The evening will also include Native dance performances, a Pueblo-designed hat giveaway and a post-game fireworks show presented by the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center.

After the game, the Isotopes will auction signed jerseys worn by players during the event. Bidding will open online at 5:30 p.m. on August 8 and close at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, August 12.

The auction will also include a jersey signed by Orbit, the team’s mascot, along with a jersey and baseball autographed by the team. Proceeds will support the Bob Chavez Scholarship for the Arts, which provides educational opportunities for young artists.

Fans will also be able to purchase replicas of the Native American Heritage jerseys at the Isotopes Pro Shop during the game. The jerseys will only be available in the store that evening, and 10 percent of sales will benefit the scholarship fund.

Isotopes General Manager Chrissy Baines said the collaboration allows fans to recognize the cultures of New Mexico’s Native peoples while helping future artists pursue their education. The jersey sales and game-worn auction will extend the celebration beyond the ballpark by directing money toward creative opportunities for the next generation.

Native American Heritage Night begins when gates open at 5:30 p.m. The first 2,500 fans will receive a specialty hat presented and designed by the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. Native dancers will perform throughout the game, followed by fireworks after the final inning.

Children will also be invited onto the field for the Kids Fun Run following the game, weather permitting.