This past weekend, the Cleveland Cavaliers G-league affiliate team, the Cleveland Charge, debuted their “ugly sweater” jerseys for ugly sweater day. The Charge’s inaugural season began this year as the Charge called Canton home for over 10 years. They played nine seasons at the Canton Civic Center. Although the move was sudden, the Charge has a new home in Cleveland, Ohio, with new and returning fans.
The Charge took on the Motor City Cruise (Detroit Pistons G- league affiliate) Saturday night and debuted the brand New Jersey’s for ugly sweater day. The special jerseys worn will also be auctioned off, benefitting local organizations. The jerseys’ inspiration was brought up and created by Bailey Mincer, the Cleveland Cavaliers graphic designer. Mincer, who has been with the Cavaliers since 2020, was tasked with designing the “ugly sweater” jerseys and the other promotional jerseys for the Charges inaugural season in Cleveland.
It's officially ugly sweater weather at the @wolsteincenter!
Want one of these ugly jerseys? Starting at 6pm, game worn and signed Charge ugly sweater jerseys will be available to bid on! Just click the link in our bio🎁
Bidding will end Sunday night. #ChargeUp pic.twitter.com/Xr4bsuBqXT
— Cleveland Charge (@ChargeCLE) December 17, 2021
“They asked the design team and myself to create special jerseys to run throughout the season,” Mincer said. It just so happened the Charge had a game on national ugly sweater day.” Other promotional specialty jerseys coming in the future include “Space Jam” night which will have jerseys inspired by the Tune Squad. Machine Gun Kelly jerseys and even ballpark mustard jerseys are also debuted. “The jerseys turned out cool, but the theme was an ugly sweater, so I hope people realized that when they saw the uniforms,” Mincer said.
Fun project to design some Christmas unis for the @ChargeCLE! 🎄⬇️ https://t.co/ytfAFGPwNV
— Bailey Mincer (@BaileyMincer) December 18, 2021
Bailey Mincer’s Previous Work
The Charlottesville, Virginia native, attended and graduated from Miami University (OH) and interned with the MLB in New York City. Even now, working with the Cavaliers of the NBA and with the MLB previously, she didn’t think her career would end up in the sports world. When the MLB internship opened up, Mincer knew it was an opportunity that could not be passed up.
“I read the job description, and it sounded like a cool opportunity, even though I didn’t think I would get it,” Mincer said. “It was going to be a good experience to be a part of.” She decided the sports world was for her through fun design projects and many experiences over the six-month internship. “I’ve always loved sports, but I saw myself going more with an agency route with graphic design,” Mincer said. “I loved working with the MLB and knew the sports world was where I wanted to stay.”
After finishing her internship, she moved to Cleveland to become a full-time graphic designer for the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Cavaliers’ properties. The Canton Charge, Cavaliers Legion, Cleveland Monsters, and Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse are included. Mincer’s move to Cleveland was motivated by her favorite sport, basketball. Mincer described the Cavaliers and the NBA as the dream job. “I went to Miami (OH). Going back to that area was very familiar to me and fitting,” Mincer said. “The NBA is the dream league, and was it was the perfect opportunity for me to work with them.”
Fans Wearing Her Designs
Looking back a decade ago, Mincer couldn’t imagine the position she’s in with Cleveland today. When she interned with the MLB, she was on vacation in Punta Cana with her family. She noticed that the series she worked on had been held in the Dominican Republic. Her work was all over the airport. She was stunned to see people wearing it outside of the United States. Moments like these are her favorites and moments that feel unreal to her. “That was one of the coolest moments of my life because it wasn’t something I expected,” Mincer said. “It still feels surreal that I get to work on these projects that many people are seeing.”
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Main Image via Cleveland Charge Twitter
