San Jose Thrust Unveil New Jerseys

SAN JOSE -- The San Jose Thrust unveiled new home and away jerseys for the 2012-2013 FBA season today in a ceremony at their new venue, Rabbit Valley Pavilion II, in downtown San Jose, California.

The new jersey design also includes a change in team colors for the Thrust, who have used purple, black and white since their introduction to the league in 1995. The new team colors replace black with a midnight blue.

"With the team's relocation to the Bay Area," said Thrust general manager Rick Felis (Yellow Labrador) at the press conference, "we saw a need to rebrand to connect with our new fan base."

The Stanislaus Thrust were founded in Modesto, California as part of a major league expansion in 1995 that attempted to bring more fans to the FBA from the large furry rural communities in North America. While the team struggled at first, they've had much improved success in recent years with eight playoffs appearances in a row and two Finals visits in three years, including a championship in 2011.

The relocation of the team came as a surprise to many who thought the recent success of the team would ensure the club staying put in California's Central Valley, home to many large furry communities. But Mr. Felis explained that plans to relocate had begun immediately after the team was purchased by billionaire and former model Foo-Foo (Dog).

"The plan from the beginning was to relocate the club to the Bay Area," Mr. Felis told reporters. "But with the Clefs in Santa Cruz, the FBA Central Office wouldn't approve the relocation. The building of Alpo Arena was always intended as a stopgap measure until a move was possible. And with the Clefs now in Kansas City and the popularity of the FBA growing in the large furry community of San Jose, the time was finally right."

Team captain Buck Hopper (Rabbit, G) arrived to show off the team's new away jersey with Mr. Felis explaining how the new colors bring a "sophistication" to the team. "We've kept the purple we've always been known as, but the deep blue adds an elegance that our new urban furry fans deserve. The arrows on the side keep the connection with our team name."

Mr. Felis also revealed the team will be keeping the same alternate jersey developed two seasons ago. "Our last major jersey change was the new alternate we revealed in 2010, and it was a major hit," he told reporters. "Because of that, we're keeping the jersey as it is, in the original black color." He also showed off the team's two throwback jerseys, showing off the club's original home and away designs used from 1995 to 2001.

The event was overshadowed by questions regarding the team's financial situation. Many have noted that the Thrust overspent last year, with the current payroll over the $80 million cap. Reporters asked questions how the team will handle the financial problem, including rumors that the team could give up their superstar Buck Hopper, though his presence at the event seemed to indicate the team was still committed to him.

Despite it, Mr. Felis refused to comment. "We are not here to discuss the team's finances. We're here to celebrate our new home in San Jose and show our new uniforms."

And that's a swish.

--T.matt.L

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Artwork AND all jersey designs by the incredibly talented  d.chestnut!

T-Kast came up with the amazing black alternate jersey for the Thrust in previous commissions, and so I knew she was the right artist for the job of making new uniforms for the team. And she was incredible!! I love how this came out!!