Chicago Fire Badge #3?
How did they still BOTCH it?
I must admit I find myself DISAPPOINTED.
The “newest” crest for the Chicago Fire was released on Twitter (above) on the 18th of June, a few days ago as of writing this.
I don’t care for copying the flag's colors, although I have always liked the flag on its own. I’ve always appreciated good vexillology. Not to mention this has already been done by another team here in the city.
I wanted the first 3 of the 4 main design points in the new badge, which were also in the original. The C is different from the original and works with the design. The meaning of the crossroads and grid system that we have is cool. I wanted the star incorporated into it just like before in a subdued neutral way. But the cross is wrong. It has the least amount of detail to it, and if you were unfamiliar, it might appear to be flower petals or cross-hairs. Not the more explicit St. Florian cross that is well known across the nation with fire departments. I had even hoped that the cross shape would be more stylized, aiming for a Maltese or Formee Pattee variant.
I find the circular shape overdone in the MLS and wonder if they should have kept the oval. That was one of the best things about the original crest, and no one was going to confuse its outline. It stood alone in style. Looking at the badge in the photo below, it's hard to see the cross and almost looks like two circles of blue around a red C.
As a representative of one of those 77 neighborhoods, I would like to think I helped get rid of the 2nd badge more than I helped create the 3rd badge.
The original colors are mostly back, except that grey was dropped. As well as dropping the gold of the reboot.
I will admit I like the alternative municipal crest in the top right of the photo above in various color combos. But I hope this promo doesn’t mean we will still have the dark navy/purple primary kits of late.
What happened to returning to the 🟥RED🟥 home kits⁉️
So I assume the white “secondary” kit will be back? I did like the subtle flag design within it.
I’m really hoping that the Yellow and black is more than a Chicago Sting easter egg. Possibly a third kit?
A bland crest over a washed-out photo.
Too similar to other sports teams?
I, as those who know me, am NOT a cub fan. Since I hail from the Sox-side of the city. However, I wonder if the choice of a Navy outline was to attract more North-siders to the team.
Apparently, some say the Cubs stole it from the CAA. But I had always assumed they stole it from the White Sox.
You can see the progression of both the Cubs from the White sox logos over the years. And the White Sox had the red C first. Interesting that the new Fire logo C is so similar. (see below)
Don’t even get me started on Harry Caray and Sammy Sosa.
Flag Designs:
We can also talk about the other team logo that are now a bit too similar. I realize some say that this link is a good thing, but I find the lack of individuality a problem. Are all teams going to copy their city flag’s colors? Will pro-sports now be taking their style points from high school or college where every sport uses the same colors?
Are more cities going to copy, Pittsburgh?
The Chicago team from the other PRO League :
I, for one, will be going to Bridgeview, IL, more to see the new Chicago House AC team (CHAC)than to Soldier Field to watch soccer/Futbol. Not only to support the sport but also to support the Relegation and Promotion league of NISA. The way Football is meant to be played (let me hear that roar of the crowd from across the pond).
I would also encourage those in the Chicago Metro and beyond to support the Proper Football movement. By backing, NISA and the nearby teams that are affiliated, it would be a big step in the right direction. Check out the upcoming Independence Cup in JULY. I will obviously be rooting for CHAC first, then a team for the Midwest or Great Lakes. Find the closest team to you and support your LOCALE.
Maybe the 4th time is the charm?
Please subscribe✅, Like👍, and share📤 so that others you know, or don’t, will see and learn just as you have.
