Last Tuesday I had a small Ticker item about how the old Cincinnati Stingers of the WHA used to put first intials. in addition to last names, on the back of every player’s uniform (as you can see in this video clip). That prompted an interesting reply from Bob Halfacre of AIS uniforms, who happens to have some very strong thoughts on the matter:
First initials on jerseys may be my greatest professional pet peeve. My disdain for them rivals your distaste for purple. I have always hated them and will fight clubs from placing them on their jerseys to the bitter end. Clubs that we provide lettering for who don’t use them include the Anahiem Ducks (Niedermayers) and the LA Kings. You also won’t see them on the Mets. To quote the great longtime equipment manger/traveling secretary Charlie Samuels [we’re gonna have to agree to disagree on that assessment of Charlie. — PL], “What the fuck are they wearing numbers for?” I couldn’t agree more. It eventually leads to one of players being out of the lineup or off the club and the other one sporting an initial for no reason.
A few specific experiences:
• The San Francisco Spiders of the old IHL had every player’s first initial on their jerseys. It was at the insistence of the owner’s wife.
• When Reggie Smith was with the Dodgers, he was adamant that his jersey have “R. Smith” on the back. He didn’t care if the Dodgers had another Smith or not.
• Tim Brown of the Oakland Raiders always wore “T. Brown” on the back of his jersey, whether or not the Raiders had another Brown. His first NFL jersey was that way and I think he was superstitious about it.
A specific instance that I remember is when Howard Johnson joined the Mets in 1985: His jersey read “H. Johnson,” but manager Davey Johnson just kept wearing “Johnson” — no initial — which I always interpreted to mean, “I’m the main Johnson around here.” (And please, let’s not have a slew of johnson jokes in the comments section.)
As for the “They’ve got uniform numbers, so why bother with the initial?” gripe, it’s fine as far as it goes, but it’s a bit of a straw man argument. If you take that line of reasoning to its logical conclusion, it becomes, “They’ve got uniform numbers, so why bother putting names on the jerseys in the first place?” I still haven’t heard a completely satisfying answer to that one.
Membership Update: Preparations continue for the launch of the Uni Watch membership program (if you missed the initial announcement, look here), including a new twist regarding the membership card: As I mentioned last week, you can choose your own uniform number for the back of the card, along with your choice of lettering styles for your name (vertically arched, radially arched, NFL-style, subscript [a new offering!], or no name at all). HOWEVER, if the Uni Watch colors aren’t good enough for you, you can instead choose to have your name and number rendered in the style of your favorite team (but we’ll remove the border and bunting around the edge, so the colors won’t clash). There are a few gaps in our typeface collection, but we can do most MLB, NFL, or NHL teams. Unfortunately, no NBA teams for now. And to nobody’s surprise, I will not permit anything involving the Vikings, Ravens, Rockies, or any other purple-inclusive team. Also, please don’t ask for minor league or old historical teams, since we don’t want to drive poor Scott Turner crazy as he prepares the cards.
Personally, I’m kinda hoping you’ll all choose to stick with the Uni Watch colors for your name and number (as I’ll be doing on my own card) — Uni Watch is our team here, after all. But at least now you have some additional options.
And if you want your name to include your initial, that’s okay with me. But we won’t tell Bob Halfacre about it.
Meanwhile, don’t forget that I’m raffling off a free membership as we speak. If you haven’t already done so, go ahead and send an e-mail to uniraffle at earthlink dot net (one per person, please), and I’ll announce the winner when the entire membership program is ready to go, which I hope will be within a few days. Be patient, people — it’s gonna be worth the wait, I promise. (Extra-special thanks to Ben Thoma, who whipped up the super-cool raffle ticket graphic.)
Uni Watch News Ticker: Cinematic report from Jared Peterson, who writes: “The Syracuse Athletic department has put up a gallery of pictures from the set of the upcoming Ernie Davis biopic, with 1959 Syracuse uniforms.” … Greg Evans reports that the Anderson Joes, whose logo was the subject of much discussion here last week, had their home debut over the weekend. Additional photos of their retro-style uniforms are available here. … Brilliant catch by Ferdinand Cesarano, who writes: “I was watching a little of the LSU/Stanford college softball game on ESPN on Saturday and noticed that LSU’s jerseys buttoned in the direction of men’s baseball jerseys [i.e. buttons on the right, buttonholes on the left], but Stanford’s jerseys buttoned the opposite way, like a women’s coat. I watch very little women’s softball, but it seems that most college softball jerseys that I’ve seen button in the same direction as men’s baseball jerseys.” … Rugby update from Caleb Borchers, as follows: “The American tradition of wearing patches to commemorate appearances in championship games is certainly preferable to what went on in rugby this weekend. The Bulls, who won the Super 14 final, wore this jersey. Note that to commemorate the occasion they added the verbose ‘Finaal Bulls v. Sharks Durban 19 MEI 2007.’ (I don’t believe that the Final of May are misspelled. Instead they are in Afrikaans, even though the Super 14 is a primarily English-speaking league.) They also have put each player’s first name on both the front and back of the jersey near the top, something they had not done all season.” … Reprinted from yesterday’s comments: Nice video report here on ambidextrous pitcher Pat Venditte and his special lefty/righty glove. … I loooooove this guy’s baseball uniform drawings. … Anthony Memme has come up with a rare sight: Blue Jays skipper John Gibbons in an actual jersey (instead of that annoying smock he usually wears)! … Uni Watch intern Vince Grzegorek notes that Fausto Carmona tends to leave the MLB hologram sticker on his underbill (additional pics here and here). … Also from Vince: Bernie Williams got an honorary degree from Iona College the other day, leading at least one graduate to wear the Yankees logo on his mortarboard. … “The Capitals signed and introduced 2006 No. 1 pick Nicklas Backstrom on Monday,” writes Michael Alper. “It’s interesting that they had him pose with the current jersey, since the Caps are introducing new ones in a few weeks. It’s also interesting (and pretty sad) that it was a cheap replica jersey, not even a game-issued or authentic one — note the CCM logo on the left sleeve. It’s also dumb that he posed in an empty locker room!” … Interesting documentation of game-used Roger Clemens jersey here — among other things, he likes to have the front shirttail tags removed (courtesy of Kevin Gee). … Tough to see in this screen grab (snapped by Tom Mowbray), but pitcher Winston Abreu was wearing shades during a night game yesterday. … My vote for the Miss Universe pageant is going to the Canadian entrant, Inga Skaya, for obvious reasons (with thanks to Nick Vossbrink). … The double-A New Hampshire Fisher Cats wore a Manchester Police Dept. patch last night in honor of a slain officer, and are also retiring his badge number (with thanks to Eric Martin and Mike Hennessy). … Don Whelan notes that uniform designer and longtime Uni Watch pal Todd Radom designed this really nifty clock as part of a fundraiser for the American Institute of Graphic Arts (you can see the rest of the clocks here).
THANK YOU. I’ve always hated first initials on uniforms.
Is there any meaning behind the numbering on the new uni-raffle ticket? By the way, the membership program keeps getting better and better
[quote comment=”90363″]Is there any meaning behind the numbering on the new uni-raffle ticket?[/quote]
Well, I didn’t design it — no meaning from my perspective. Ben, is there any significance to the number you chose?
I remember first hearing about it link that the NFL supposedly is doing away with the first initial rule for this season.
Neat conversation about initials. I know someone mentioned the Pitt Panthers entire football team sporting a first initial on the nameplate at some time in the 80s but I don’t know what reasoning was given for that.
Another Pittsburgh related item is ex-Pirates’ pitcher Don Robinson. He was the last player to remain with the team following the ’79 World Series and at that time, the Pirates also had Bill Robinson on the roster. Long after Bill left the team Don wore “D. Robinson” on the back of his jersey. I’m thinking eventually he took the “D.” off, but I’m not 100% sure.
I never thought of the school of thought that the initial isn’t necessary because there are different numbers but I also see the “then, you don’t need names at all since there are different numbers”.
To me, I think of it as a personal preference. It seems to me in this day and age of shortening everyone’s name to some short, trendy nickname like “J.Will” or “A-Rod”, that more players would request this even if there wasn’t another player with the same last name.
MSG Network showed parts of Game 6 of the Rangers/Islanders 1979 playoff series. A few uni-related notes from the game:
1) Dave Maloney and Don Maloney had their full first names on their sweaters, since “D” Maloney would not do the trick. (I wonder what Bob Halfacre thinks of that.)
2) The Islanders helmets were far from uniform in color. I’m not talking about slightly different navy blues. There were colors that were not even close.
3) Strange to see Chico Resch in an almost completely white birdcage mask.
No Johnson jokes?
Too bad. I suppose that once you enter that vein it’s just the tip of the iceberg. You never know what might come about!
Seriously, though, classy touch by the Fisher Cats. And the Joes’ unis are STELLAR!!!
Also, it just goes to show that there are one or two intelligent Yankee fans out there (Yankee logo on mortarboard). Blowing holes in my theory that the best way to get rid of a Yankee fan is to pay for the pizza…
In the Ernie Davis pics, nice to see the saltine warrior making an appearance on uniwatch … also, Ryan Field at Northwestern fills in nicely for the Cotton Bowl.
If you hate first initials on uniforms, don’t watch Sevilla. In the UEFA cup final at least half the players had their first initial (like link) or their entire first names (link). None of the other players had the same last name, is that a preference allowed in La Liga?
At Alabama, Shaun Alexander always wore the nameplate “SU. ALEXANDER”. Not quite sure of the reasoning behind it unless there was a Shane or any other Sha… Alexander on the team as well.
What’s with the criticism of the Caps’ Backstrom photos.
They said the new jerseys will be unveiled at the draft. Should they have held off signing Backstrom? No. The now retro-black is fine. And now it’s a weird little footnote in his (and the Caps) history.
Empty locker room gripe? Well the boys have been home for weeks now, and with all new uniforms and equipment on order for next season (not to mention the inclusion of new players) a clean slate locker room is what I’d expect.
I was watching the movie 61* last night as my wife Tivo’ed it becasue she had never seen it. WHile I loved that the uniforms were pretty accurate, the glaring mistake to me was that at parts of the movie the Yankees were playing the Minnesota Twins, then in other parts, different games of course, they were playing the Washington Senators.
This is troublesome to me because these two teams are the same franchise. The franchise moved to Minnesota in 1961, the year of the home run race. If the Senators would have appeared first one could make the argument that it was early in the season and uniforms were in production, blah blah blah, but in the first game of the season they have the Yankees playing the Twins.
It’s a minor issue that bugged me the entire movie.
Randy Bass had “R. BASS” on the back of his Hanshin Tigers jersey despite there not being another Bass on the team, or indeed any other Bass in the history of the league! He must have asked for it for some reason.
Several other players who were known mainly by their first names in Japan used only their first names on their jerseys: Mark Mimbs, Alex Ochoa, and Darwin Cubillan come to mind.
With Orix, link
Can I get a swoosh in place of my name on the membership card?
Kidding!
#12: The Twins-Senators franchise was link in 1961 by an expansion Senators franchise that later became the Rangers. So 61* was fine in that regard.
About 10 years ago, the Braves had 3 Joneses. Andruw, Chipper and hitting coach Clarence. so of course they went with ‘A. Jones’, ‘C. Jones’ (Clarence) and just ‘Jones’ for Chipper. I guess they didn’t want to go with L. Jones for his given name – Larry.
I always thought that was really, really dumb.
MLB managers who wear ‘smocks’ annoy the hell out of me, too. And it’s a bad look. (Not that big old fat guys like Charlie Manuel look good in unis in any event.)
How is that part of the official team uniform? Aren’t all on-field personnel required to wear the same uniform? Or does this apply to players only. You can add to this players who wear those sweatshirt-type uniform tops on the bench if they are on the DL or pitchers who will not be playing that day.
[quote comment=”90380″]I was watching the movie 61* last night as my wife Tivo’ed it becasue she had never seen it. WHile I loved that the uniforms were pretty accurate, the glaring mistake to me was that at parts of the movie the Yankees were playing the Minnesota Twins, then in other parts, different games of course, they were playing the Washington Senators.
This is troublesome to me because these two teams are the same franchise. The franchise moved to Minnesota in 1961, the year of the home run race. If the Senators would have appeared first one could make the argument that it was early in the season and uniforms were in production, blah blah blah, but in the first game of the season they have the Yankees playing the Twins.
It’s a minor issue that bugged me the entire movie.[/quote]
When the ORIGINAL Senators moved to Minnesota, the AL put a expansion team into Griffith Stadiun in 61…named The Senators..thus when the Twins played ‘The Senators’ that year, most of the DC fans probably knew the ‘Twins’ players better than their ‘own’ team…
As bad as initials are…there was a time in the 1970’s when ACC Basketball had a first name and first initial problem. Skip Brown of Wake Forest had his name “Skip” on the back of his jersey, while Howard White of Maryland (later a swoosh exec), just had the letter “H”. Ah, the 1970’s!!
[quote comment=”90389″]#12: The Twins-Senators franchise was link in 1961 by an expansion Senators franchise that later became the Rangers. So 61* was fine in that regard.[/quote]
Thanks for the info. I did not know that as I wasn’t born for another 20 years after that happened. Now I can watch the movie again and not be annoyed.
Those “slinkmoss’ illustrations are wonderful. Am I being presumptuous to suggest that every one of us has done something similar at one point in our lives?
Those purple-over-purple LSU softball uniforms are nearly dead ringers for the baseball uniforms that I wore in high school in the early 1980s. I really need to find a photo of them . . . or could it result in me being banned from the site?
Not uni related, but this morning’s NY/Boston headline made me laugh,
“Wang pulls Yanks closer to Sox”
Why the dis on Charlie Samuels? Is he responsible for the black Mets uniforms?
[quote comment=”90398″]Why the dis on Charlie Samuels? Is he responsible for the black Mets uniforms?[/quote]
He didn’t design them, but he decides what the team wears each day. So when we gripe about the Mets wearing their road cap at home, and never wearing their home cap, etc., we’re really griping about him.
Now I’m irked…should have gone to the open casting call for The Express!! They were calling for former college players to make it look “real”…I think I would have look pretty good in those old ‘cuse jerseys…if I don’t say so myself
I NEED a Joe’s jersey!!!! However, their website store is officially the worst in all of professional baseball.
Here’s a link of the Bulls Super 14 Final jersey with the player’s first name on the back. The Chiefs (Waikato, New Zealand) are the only team in the league that puts the last name on the uniforms.
I can’t wait for the memberships to kick off. However, I fear that I won’t be able to choose what color scheme to use. I love the Uniwatch scheme, but the cards modeled after pro uniforms look amazing, too. I may go crazy trying to decide.
I noticed there was no black on that Mets-inspired Uniwatch membership card . . .
About 10 years ago, the Braves had 3 Joneses. Andruw, Chipper and hitting coach Clarence. so of course they went with ‘A. Jones’, ‘C. Jones’ (Clarence) and just ‘Jones’ for Chipper. I guess they didn’t want to go with L. Jones for his given name – Larry.
I always thought that was really, really dumb.
This year neither Jones’s wears an initial, the way I like it. In years past one might show up with an initial and the other not have one…it often wasn’t consistent.
Not really uni related, but check out this Carson Palmer add my buddy just sent me. Being from Pittsburgh, it makes it that much funnier.
I am not sure if this was discussed or not already but I think the best part and most over looked part of the Joes uniform is the number 8 that is in the middle of the O in Joes.
I believe this is to designate “The Eight Men Out.”
Pretty crazy
link
Not really uni related, but check out linkCarson Palmer add my buddy just sent me. Being from Pittsburgh, it makes it that much funnier.
What’s worse than an initial is when they find it necessary to use the first *two* letters. Example: when Richie Regehr suits up for the Calgary Flames, he has to wear “Ri. Regehr” in deference to his older brother Robyn. I can’t remember if they made Robyn suffer the indignity of wearing “Ro.”
Lord help us if Marian and Marcel Hossa are ever teammates.
[quote comment=”90391″]MLB managers who wear ‘smocks’ annoy the hell out of me, too. And it’s a bad look. (Not that big old fat guys like Charlie Manuel look good in unis in any event.)
How is that part of the official team uniform? Aren’t all on-field personnel required to wear the same uniform? Or does this apply to players only. You can add to this players who wear those sweatshirt-type uniform tops on the bench if they are on the DL or pitchers who will not be playing that day.[/quote]
I vaguely remember Connie Mack not being allowed on the field during the game (dugout was fine) because he wasn’t in uniform (he always wore a suit). So, I guess current managers can wear smocks if they like, but IMHO, they should not be allowed onto the field if they do.
[quote comment=”90411″]About 10 years ago, the Braves had 3 Joneses. Andruw, Chipper and hitting coach Clarence. so of course they went with ‘A. Jones’, ‘C. Jones’ (Clarence) and just ‘Jones’ for Chipper. I guess they didn’t want to go with L. Jones for his given name – Larry.
I always thought that was really, really dumb.
This year neither Jones’s wears an initial, the way I like it. In years past one might show up with an initial and the other not have one…it often wasn’t consistent.[/quote]
And isn’t it done, anyway, to avoid “Larry”?
[quote comment=”90397″]Not uni related, but this morning’s NY/Boston headline made me laugh,
“Wang pulls Yanks closer to Sox”[/quote]
It’s funny, because I think every time Wang pitches, I giggle at the caption the next day……..
Paul, everyone on this board cringed when the Patriots signed Kyle Brady on 3/2/07, but then everyone’s fears were calmed when we heard that Tom would still have “BRADY” on his jersey and not “T. BRADY”.
Wow, the Anderson Joes website is BAD. Six small pics (without prices), that you can’t even click on, and then a non 1-800 number to call……
link
When I was in High School, there were 2 guys on the football team with the same last name, let’s say it was Smith, and their first names were Jim and Jon. The names on their jerseys read ‘SMITH, JIM’ and ‘SMITH, JON’.
Now that’s about as stupid as it gets.
[quote comment=”90422″]Paul, everyone on this board cringed when the Patriots signed Kyle Brady on 3/2/07, but then everyone’s fears were calmed when we heard that Tom would still have “BRADY” on his jersey and not “T. BRADY”.[/quote]
…not sure you can speak for everybody. I’ve always hated the NFL first initial rule, but that fact that it was going to effect Tom Brady didn’t concern me that much.
Much as I’m sure not everybody is eager to see #52 for the Ravens without the “R.” on his jersey (even though with #31 gone, I think he would have been able to do so regardless).
keeping with the first name theme, I can remember the youngblood brothers, jack and joel, playing for the rams in the late 70’s… their nameplates had their full names in small print OVER their last names in much larger print… of course jack youngblood wearing #85 as a DE/OLB was priceless!!
I really DO NOT like suzuki wearing his first name for the mariners… at all!! seems like it puts him before the team. irony is, from all I watch and read, he is a true professional and completely un-assuming…. so, as much as I dislike it, I’ll deal with it.
from yesterday…
[quote comment=”90345″]Does anyone know what whoes LeBron is wearing for the playoffs??[/quote]
he is wearing the lebron zoom soldiers…
link
from today…
for the membership cards. are those team fonts from dafont.com? id like to download them on my pc. what searches did you use to find team appropriate fonts?
what level membership is going to be raffled off?
i noticed that rob brown is portraying ernie davis in that biopic. he is one of those guys who “looks like an athlete and can play any sport in a movie”. which is to say he is this generations wesley snipes and omar epps. you might have seen mr. brown in such uni-relevant movies such as “finding forrester” and “coach carter”.
howard white is not just a nike exec, he is the vice president of jordan brand…
it would have been really odd to see what the headline would have read if torre would have been fired after last nights game.
“torre pulls wang, gets early release”
Pretty much the only uni-related item in this You Tube clip is a guy with a blue Mets hat (at the 23 second mark), but it’s a hilarious clip of the “running of the urinals” at the Preakness race this past weekend.
link
[quote comment=”90378″]At Alabama, Shaun Alexander always wore the nameplate “SU. ALEXANDER”. Not quite sure of the reasoning behind it unless there was a Shane or any other Sha… Alexander on the team as well.[/quote]
Shaun wore SU. Alexander and Shawn Alexander wore SW. Alxander. When ShaWn graduated, ShaUn kept the SU. Alexander on his jersey. He told me on the sidelines during his Sr year when I asked him about it that he was encouraged by some in the student body to keep the SU.. Every time he had a big run,the crowd would say “Suuuuuuuuuuuuuuu” kinda like when David Palmer was here . Everytime he made a big play the crowd would say “Duuuuuuuuuuuce” for his #2.
I really DO NOT like suzuki wearing his first name for the mariners…
We need to be aware of our American bias. Over in Taiwan, Chien-Men Wang is known as “Wang Chien-Men.” So which is his “first” name and which is his “last”?
[quote comment=”90415″]Not really uni related, but check out linkCarson Palmer add my buddy just sent me. Being from Pittsburgh, it makes it that much funnier.[/quote]
its even more interesting that he holds the “carson palmer cornhole classic” too.
link
all jokes aside, ive played the game of cornhole, and it is addicting. great game to tailgate and drink to.
[quote comment=”90413″]I am not sure if this was discussed or not already but I think the best part and most over looked part of the Joes uniform is the number 8 that is in the middle of the O in Joes.
I believe this is to designate “The Eight Men Out.”
Pretty crazy
link
Great catch!
[quote comment=”90432″]
for the membership cards. are those team fonts from dafont.com? id like to download them on my pc. what searches did you use to find team appropriate fonts?
what level membership is going to be raffled off?[/quote]
The fonts are Scott Turner’s. He’s a sports designer, so he has access to all sorts of stuff like that. I’m not going to ask him to share them for downloading — that’s his livelihood.
The raffled membership will be for the $50 level, including the T-shirt. If the winner wants a higher level, s/he can pay the difference.
Hey Paul, it was great to hear your radio interview last night with Chris Ello on XX Sports Radio here in San Diego. I wish they’d archive the interview on their website, but they probably won’t. Thanks for staying up past midnight to do that. I hope it’s not the last time, because I felt you guys had a great conversation.
[quote comment=”90379″]What’s with the criticism of the Caps’ Backstrom photos.
They said the new jerseys will be unveiled at the draft. Should they have held off signing Backstrom? No. The now retro-black is fine. And now it’s a weird little footnote in his (and the Caps) history.
Empty locker room gripe? Well the boys have been home for weeks now, and with all new uniforms and equipment on order for next season (not to mention the inclusion of new players) a clean slate locker room is what I’d expect.[/quote]
The biggest gripes are that (a) The Caps could have used an authentic or game-issued jersey. Instead, they basically took a replica off a store shelf and put Backstron and 19 on it. Pretty cheesy for a #1 pick, and (b)taking pictures in an empty locker room, IMO, is also cheesy. Either pull some jerseys out of storage and hang them up, or just dont do the pictures there.
As a diehard, lifelong Caps fan, this is just another example of how they run a second rate organization.
[quote comment=”90435″]I really DO NOT like suzuki wearing his first name for the mariners…
We need to be aware of our American bias. Over in Taiwan, Chien-Men Wang is known as “Wang Chien-Men.” So which is his “first” name and which is his “last”?[/quote]
Yao Ming is another example of this. I always thought this was the case with Ichiro too, not that he was setting himself apart.
[quote comment=”90431″]
I really DO NOT like suzuki wearing his first name for the mariners… at all!! seems like it puts him before the team. irony is, from all I watch and read, he is a true professional and completely un-assuming…. so, as much as I dislike it, I’ll deal with it.[/quote]
In Japanese, the last name is first in nomenclature. Your family name is the first word spoken followed by your given name.
It’s like saying “I am of the Smith family, and am known as Robert”. It’s the accepted way of nomenclature. In Japanese, his name is Suzuki Ichiro.
I may get smacked around/ IP banned, but I actually don’t mind the bunting around the team team uniforms. I think it would look a little too plain without it.
Here’s another interesting Carson Palmer fact. I was in the doctor’s office today getting my knee checked up after tearing my ACL and I play college basketball and the doctor told me because I play college basketball that I had to have the same knee brace as Carson Palmer. Well they showed me the catalog and his knee brace has bengal stripes on it. Anyone seen this in a game? link
[quote comment=”90435″]I really DO NOT like suzuki wearing his first name for the mariners…
We need to be aware of our American bias. Over in Taiwan, Chien-Men Wang is known as “Wang Chien-Men.” So which is his “first” name and which is his “last”?[/quote]
It’s not a bias; players should have their surnames (family names) on their backs, not their given names, and his family name is Suzuki.
Actually, he began his career wearing “Suzuki” (link), but one of his coaches thought of the idea of his using his “first” name so that he would stand out more — Suzuki is Japan’s most common surname — and it just stuck. Another guy named “Saburo” in Chiba did the same thing; I can’t even remember his last name now. He even took #53 (the “sabu” in “saburo” is the number 3) to match Ichiro’s 51.
[quote comment=”90415″]Not really uni related, but check out linkCarson Palmer add my buddy just sent me. Being from Pittsburgh, it makes it that much funnier.[/quote]
No Johnson jokes!
tee hee.
BTW, regarding the Joes’ jersey, why is the number so small? I love the font, but the size and positioning really looks weird.
Can’t find any pictures, but the Young brothers, Darren and Derek, went with first and surnames, radially arched at Aberdeen in the SPL. And then again at Dunfermline. According to link, they both transferred on the same day. Still need to find some pictures when I get time later though
[quote comment=”90432″]from yesterday…
[quote comment=”90345″]Does anyone know what whoes LeBron is wearing for the playoffs??[/quote]
he is wearing the lebron zoom soldiers…
link
from today…
for the membership cards. are those team fonts from dafont.com? id like to download them on my pc. what searches did you use to find team appropriate fonts?
what level membership is going to be raffled off?
i noticed that rob brown is portraying ernie davis in that biopic. he is one of those guys who “looks like an athlete and can play any sport in a movie”. which is to say he is this generations wesley snipes and omar epps. you might have seen mr. brown in such uni-relevant movies such as “finding forrester” and “coach carter”.
howard white is not just a nike exec, he is the vice president of jordan brand…
it would have been really odd to see what the headline would have read if torre would have been fired after last nights game.
“torre pulls wang, gets early release”[/quote]
Over on Chris Creamer’s site, he has alot of the team fonts stored on the Forums…
[quote comment=”90435″]I really DO NOT like suzuki wearing his first name for the mariners…
We need to be aware of our American bias. Over in Taiwan, Chien-Men Wang is known as “Wang Chien-Men.” So which is his “first” name and which is his “last”?[/quote]
The “Ichiro” isn’t due to any Japanese naming tradition, but because Suzuki is a common surname in Japan. I read that he was like 1 of 7 Suzukis on his team and wore his first name to distinguish himself. He just kept up the habit for the Mariners.
[quote comment=”90452″][quote comment=”90415″]Not really uni related, but check out linkCarson Palmer add my buddy just sent me. Being from Pittsburgh, it makes it that much funnier.[/quote]
No Johnson jokes!
tee hee.[/quote]
It’s not a Johnson joke, it was a Palmer joke. I can’t help it if some peoples minds are in the gutter.
[quote comment=”90446″][quote comment=”90435″]I really DO NOT like suzuki wearing his first name for the mariners…
We need to be aware of our American bias. Over in Taiwan, Chien-Men Wang is known as “Wang Chien-Men.” So which is his “first” name and which is his “last”?[/quote]
Yao Ming is another example of this. I always thought this was the case with Ichiro too, not that he was setting himself apart.[/quote]
And add former Maverick Wang Zhizhi to the list too – his link did not have the Zhizhi on the back.
[quote comment=”90420″][quote comment=”90397″]Not uni related, but this morning’s NY/Boston headline made me laugh,
“Wang pulls Yanks closer to Sox”[/quote]
It’s funny, because I think every time Wang pitches, I giggle at the caption the next day……..[/quote]
Potential awful headlines:
“Cashman, Yanks, Wang Agree on New Deal”
“Torre Pulls Wang Out Early”
“Wang Crushed by Happy Sox”
[quote comment=”90434″][quote comment=”90378″]At Alabama, Shaun Alexander always wore the nameplate “SU. ALEXANDER”. Not quite sure of the reasoning behind it unless there was a Shane or any other Sha… Alexander on the team as well.[/quote]
Shaun wore SU. Alexander and Shawn Alexander wore SW. Alxander. When ShaWn graduated, ShaUn kept the SU. Alexander on his jersey. He told me on the sidelines during his Sr year when I asked him about it that he was encouraged by some in the student body to keep the SU.. Every time he had a big run,the crowd would say “Suuuuuuuuuuuuuuu” kinda like when David Palmer was here . Everytime he made a big play the crowd would say “Duuuuuuuuuuuce” for his #2.[/quote]
Doug, thanks for the info. I never knew there was a Shawn Alexander. Throw in Curtis Alexander, and the team was just full of Alexander surnames.
[quote comment=”90457″][quote comment=”90435″]I really DO NOT like suzuki wearing his first name for the mariners…
We need to be aware of our American bias. Over in Taiwan, Chien-Men Wang is known as “Wang Chien-Men.” So which is his “first” name and which is his “last”?[/quote]
The “Ichiro” isn’t due to any Japanese naming tradition, but because Suzuki is a common surname in Japan. I read that he was like 1 of 7 Suzukis on his team and wore his first name to distinguish himself. He just kept up the habit for the Mariners.[/quote]
If that’s the case, my co-worker from Korea might only be speaking about Korean and Chinese naming. He was certain that the naming was the same in all the Far East countries.
And now he’s cussing in Korean because of his mistake. Too funny. :o)
Aren’t all of these initial/no initial questions cleared up before they’re asked by the four linklinklinklink?
OK, just kidding with the last one…
[quote comment=”90460″][quote comment=”90452″][quote comment=”90415″]Not really uni related, but check out linkCarson Palmer add my buddy just sent me. Being from Pittsburgh, it makes it that much funnier.[/quote]
No Johnson jokes!
tee hee.[/quote]
It’s not a Johnson joke, it was a Palmer joke. I can’t help it if some peoples minds are in the gutter.[/quote]
I was joking. Duh.
The Ripkens when all three were together with Orioles never had an initial. link, link, and link.
I know these are Replicas but they are correct from my memory. link, link, and link.
[quote comment=”90437″][quote comment=”90415″]Not really uni related, but check out linkCarson Palmer add my buddy just sent me. Being from Pittsburgh, it makes it that much funnier.[/quote]
its even more interesting that he holds the “carson palmer cornhole classic” too.
link
all jokes aside, ive played the game of cornhole, and it is addicting. great game to tailgate and drink to.[/quote]
I second that. Cornhole was one of our favorite lazy Saturday afternoon drinking games. We even made custom boards for our off campus house. And we lived in Massachusetts, I like to think that we were single handedly responsible for bringing cornhole to Worcester.
Here’s a quick report, with a couple of pictures, on the vintage base ball game I played in on Saturday: link. It was a great time, though our team lost 9-4. The guys from the Old Cowtown Museum team(s) were very period, including wearing spikes that strapped over their boots. There were a couple of guys on their team who wore gloves, which were not wore in 1860, the rules under which we were playing (of course most of the footwear wore by our team were NOT period!). My adidas cleats at least looked closer to period as I painted over the stripes and other branding marks the night before.
As I feared my pants were too short, leaving an unauthentic 2″ gap between the cuffs and the top of my socks. After the game a gentleman came up and gave me a business card offering to make me authentic pants if we played again next year.
“High Pockets”
My link jersey name.
There shouldn’t need to be any debate on the initial/no initial question. These arguments were settled before they began by link, link, link, and link.
I love the unis, old or new, sans nomen.
Very odd coincidence… Right now I’m dealing with initials with jerseys in a side project of mine. Currently, I am lettering jersey textures for a link, and due to how Second Life has you choose from a list of last names, The owner of the virtual team and I decided to use initials to make the jersey more personal. I tossed up a few screenshots link, linkand link
[quote comment=”90397″]Not uni related, but this morning’s NY/Boston headline made me laugh,
“Wang pulls Yanks closer to Sox”[/quote]
Today’s NY Times Headline (on the web, at least) is “For at Least a Night, Wang and the Yanks Have Control”
I think we need to make a rule – when Wang is pitching, the headline writers need to call the team the “Yankees.”
Of course, they probably love getting away with the double entendre.
I was driving home from the North Sunday Night and caught the Yankees-Mets on ESPN radio, Dan Shulman was saying Jorge Posada was working with the ‘engineers’ on desiging a new Titanium catchers mask as the “hockey mask-like ones aren’t really good against concussions” ie[Mike Matheny]. That’s all I got..
[quote comment=”90433″]Pretty much the only uni-related item in this You Tube clip is a guy with a blue Mets hat (at the 23 second mark), but it’s a hilarious clip of the “running of the urinals” at the Preakness race this past weekend.
link
Well I happened to notice a Pirates hat with the red bill and an Indians hat as well
Paul, many thanks for describing my observation on the softball jerseys as “brilliant”! Now here is yet another brilliant thought from my fecund mind: uniforms should not have player names, and “They’ve got uniform numbers, so why bother putting names on the jerseys in the first place?” is actually a pretty good argument for this position.
It seems to me that player names on uniforms serve no logical purpose if each player has a unique number. Also, they don’t do anyone any good, since they are too small for spectators in the park to read, and they are superfluous for the viewers at home, thanks to announcers and on-screen graphics.
Furthermore, there is the philosophical argument that the player’s “name”, in the context of the game, is his number. To have his real name on the jersey too kind of causes a Costanza-esque “worlds colliding” thing.
Finally (and perhaps most importantly) there is the aesthetic argument against numbers. Pictures from the early 70s and earlier have taken on a majesty that is absent in more recent shots. The number 41 in blue and orange meant Seaver; number 24 in the Giants’ font meant Mays; etc. Seeing their names written above would have only detracted from the beauty of those images.
Of course, some teams still do it right. There are the Red Sox and Giants at home, and until this season we also had the Cubs and Dodgers at home. But, the standard-bearers are of course the Yankees (which makes me gag at the sight of those goofballs who wear t-shirts that say “JETER 2”, or even “MANTLE 7” or “RUTH 3”!). Behold the beauty of Yankee opening day, or, even better, of Old Timers’ Day, when the baseline is lined with uniforms with only numbers and no names.
[quote comment=”90450″]Here’s another interesting Carson Palmer fact. I was in the doctor’s office today getting my knee checked up after tearing my ACL and I play college basketball and the doctor told me because I play college basketball that I had to have the same knee brace as Carson Palmer. Well they showed me the catalog and his knee brace has bengal stripes on it. Anyone seen this in a game? link[/quote]
Cool…I KNOW Paul would get the fade design…purple to pink…of course ;) So, tell us, which design did you go for? Going to make it match your college team colors?
Check out the link… could be the new Capitals sweaters
link
Finally (and perhaps most importantly) there is the aesthetic argument against numbers.
Duh on me. Of course I meant “…against names.”
[quote comment=”90450″]Here’s another interesting Carson Palmer fact. I was in the doctor’s office today getting my knee checked up after tearing my ACL and I play college basketball and the doctor told me because I play college basketball that I had to have the same knee brace as Carson Palmer. Well they showed me the catalog and his knee brace has bengal stripes on it. Anyone seen this in a game? [/quote]
I doubt that we would be able to see the game-worn knee brace since it would have to be under the sock (as seen in link photo). However, this pre-cheap shot (j/k Steelers fans) link shows that he wore a brace on that knee in college as well. The brace appears to be maroon in that pic. Finally, I did find this link of him in a black brace during practice last year.
As far as those ads are concerned, they are horrible. There are a couple of commercials running during the Reds games that feature him in a replica jersey. I’m glad he is a better QB than an actor.
[quote comment=”90472″][quote comment=”90460″][quote comment=”90452″][quote comment=”90415″]Not really uni related, but check out linkCarson Palmer add my buddy just sent me. Being from Pittsburgh, it makes it that much funnier.[/quote]
No Johnson jokes!
tee hee.[/quote]
It’s not a Johnson joke, it was a Palmer joke. I can’t help it if some peoples minds are in the gutter.[/quote]
I was joking. Duh.[/quote]
Me too. Duh
[quote comment=”90490″]Check out the link… could be the new Capitals sweaters
link
Uhh…Yuck?
[quote comment=”90495″][quote comment=”90490″]Check out the link… could be the new Capitals sweaters
link
Uhh…Yuck?[/quote]
Ditto
Here’s the white Capitals Sweaters as well… and yes they are just as ugly as the other ones I just posted
link
I know this a promotional item but I like this Steelers helmet with the grey facemask:
link
[quote comment=”90374″]In the Ernie Davis pics, nice to see the saltine warrior making an appearance on uniwatch … also, Ryan Field at Northwestern fills in nicely for the Cotton Bowl.[/quote]
It’s good to see someone else recognize Ryan field as the new home of the syracuse orange. As a student I have known about this film for a while. They have been filming all around campus, so if you decide to see the film, called the EXPRESS, know that the campus is actually northwestern, and that the Clevland General Hospital is actually a residence hall. Talk about a disturbing experience, I accidentally walked onto the set when the residence hall said cleveland general hospital, and there were a ton of 50s cars in the parking lot. Needless to say I was a little disturbed.
[quote comment=”90447″][quote comment=”90431″]
I really DO NOT like suzuki wearing his first name for the mariners… at all!! seems like it puts him before the team. irony is, from all I watch and read, he is a true professional and completely un-assuming…. so, as much as I dislike it, I’ll deal with it.[/quote]
In Japanese, the last name is first in nomenclature. Your family name is the first word spoken followed by your given name.
It’s like saying “I am of the Smith family, and am known as Robert”. It’s the accepted way of nomenclature. In Japanese, his name is Suzuki Ichiro.[/quote]
Japanese does not follow the same practice as the other asian countries. Yao’s first name is Ming, as evident by his familie’s restaraunt entitled Yao’s. Japan however addresses people like the US does…first name first, last name last.
[quote comment=”90483″]I was driving home from the North Sunday Night and caught the Yankees-Mets on ESPN radio, Dan Shulman was saying Jorge Posada was working with the ‘engineers’ on desiging a new Titanium catchers mask as the “hockey mask-like ones aren’t really good against concussions” ie[Mike Matheny]. That’s all I got..[/quote]
I heard the same thing – there wasn’t much after that, just how Posada prefers the “old school” look to the hockey style mask, well except for the titanium part
Then there was something about catchers looking out for one another
Interesting none the less
This initial talk reminds me of Sammy Moore, a speedy WR for Washington State in ’02 and ’03. His longtime nickname was “S-Dot” (as in S-Dot-Moore), so he always requested to have “S. Moore” on his jersey, even though he was the only Moore on the team.
Needless to say, he was repeatedly turned down — not only because it was stupid, but because the name on his jersey would’ve basically said S’more.
[quote comment=”90477″]There shouldn’t need to be any debate on the initial/no initial question. These arguments were settled before they began by link, link, link, and link.
I love the unis, old or new, sans nomen.[/quote]
I love the PSU reference!
[quote comment=”90501″]Here’s the white Capitals Sweaters as well… and yes they are just as ugly as the other ones I just posted
link
The only thing I like about the logo is that they incorperated a hockey stick in it. I am very scared of this league wide overhaul of jerseys, especialy for Original 6 teams.
Nice work finding this though.
As far as names on the back of jerseys, the only reason there is an argument for them is so a coach can say, “The name on the front is more important than the name on the back.”
[quote comment=”90490″]Check out the link… could be the new Capitals sweaters
link
They are not. Those have been up on a Caps message board for over three months. Someone Photoshopped it as an example of what they may look like.
Paul, what are your thoughts on the XFL allowing guys to use whatever they wanted on the backs of their jerseys?
link
It looks like I’m going to be the first to argue in favor of the occasional first initial on the back of uniforms.
My reasons are entirely personal — my last name also happens to be a fairly common first name. I’ve had the experience of having my gym clothes (with just the last name on them) get stolen and some guy with that first name be my chief suspect. So that’s why all my customized jerseys include the first initial — so they’re mine and nobody else’s. Maybe that’s why some players prefer using the initial (not that they would ever get their gym clothes stolen).
Havings said that, the worst example I can remember is the Chargers of the early ’80s, who would put the first initial *after* the last name. I’m having a terrible time finding photos of this, but Gary Johnson wore “Johnson, G.” and Mike Williams wore “Williams, M.”
Blasphemy!!!!!
Those are faux stirrup socks on shoeless joe!
Well…just when you thought it would be hard to fu** up Red White and Blue…double yuck…why the busy logo…I mean the captital building with the logo outlined…barf. Why not link or these ….sigh….
[quote comment=”90510″]Paul, what are your thoughts on the XFL allowing guys to use whatever they wanted on the backs of their jerseys?
link
one of the many reasons the XFL was a complete joke, in my opinion.
[quote comment=”90509″][quote comment=”90490″]Check out the link… could be the new Capitals sweaters
link
They are not. Those have been up on a Caps message board for over three months. Someone Photoshopped it as an example of what they may look like.[/quote]
Glad to hear it… those are awful
[quote comment=”90471″]Aren’t all of these initial/no initial questions cleared up before they’re asked by the four linklinklinklink?
OK, just kidding with the last one…[/quote]
I have a major problem with Penn State’s pants. The players’ tucked-in shirts and jockstraps should not be visible. Texas also suffers from this problem.
link a YouTube clip from CBS about our favorite ambidexterous pitcher. He’s got his pants pajama style, but at least some of his opponents show off their socks.
The last couple of seasons at BYU both QBs had the last name BECK they also shared a first initial John (who was drafted by Miami) and Jason a JC transfer who never got much playing time. Anyay, they wore the first two letter of their first name Jo. Beck and Ja. Beck. I always (well for the last 2 years anyway) thought this was really lame. My brothers and dad used to call him crying Jo, due to him (JOhn) crying at a press conference after a loss. It would seem more reasonable to use a middle intial oh well
Sorry, I couldn’t find any pics
The Joes unis look pretty good and its is nice to see that all of the players go without the pajama pants look.
But, the mascot is still a lame, modern furball. When the California League’s Stockton Ports were briefly the Mudville Nine, they at least went retro even with their mascot (the mascot was very close to the logo).
link
I remember Anastacio Martinez going with the first initial for the ’04 Red Sox. I never did see Pedro with a “P” on his jersey, though.
Another intersting thing about that season was tha the Sox had Anastacio Martinez, Pedro Martinez, and Pedro Astacio. So close to a three-way loop.
[quote comment=”90438″][quote comment=”90413″]I am not sure if this was discussed or not already but I think the best part and most over looked part of the Joes uniform is the number 8 that is in the middle of the O in Joes.
I believe this is to designate “The Eight Men Out.”
Pretty crazy
link
Great catch![/quote]
I think the 8 is just coincidental. Look at the O in Red Sox, and it make a similar shape. You will get that with most lettering styles that have spikes in their shapes.
[quote comment=”90515″][quote comment=”90509″][quote comment=”90490″]Check out the link… could be the new Capitals sweaters
link
They are not. Those have been up on a Caps message board for over three months. Someone Photoshopped it as an example of what they may look like.[/quote]
Glad to hear it… those are awful[/quote]
God do I hate the new NHL template!
A few years ago, there were at least 3 Johnsons (Paul, I’m resisting) on the Penn State roster, and it didn’t matter, because they all had the nice, plain, nameless jerseys.
Here’s a pic of Larry Johnson in his college days:
link
[quote comment=”90534″][quote comment=”90438″][quote comment=”90413″]I am not sure if this was discussed or not already but I think the best part and most over looked part of the Joes uniform is the number 8 that is in the middle of the O in Joes.
I believe this is to designate “The Eight Men Out.”
Pretty crazy
link
Great catch![/quote]
I think the 8 is just coincidental. Look at the O in Red Sox, and it make a similar shape. You will get that with most lettering styles that have spikes in their shapes.[/quote]
Agreed!
[quote comment=”90510″]Paul, what are your thoughts on the XFL allowing guys to use whatever they wanted on the backs of their jerseys?
link
Yawn.
A couple things…The Giles bro’s on the Padres just wear there last name on the back. I remember seeing an image of Isaih Thomas with his full name on the back of the jersey below the numbers, i think it was early 80’s. Also, I noticed that Blue Jays catcher Jason Phillips wears the old style mask but with his helmet facing forward.
[quote comment=”90395″]Those “slinkmoss’ illustrations are wonderful. Am I being presumptuous to suggest that every one of us has done something similar at one point in our lives?[/quote]
They’re pretty cool, except he had Shoeless Joe Jackson in faux stirrups! Ack!
Oh my god, that Hitchock clock is the greatest thing I’ve ever seen.
[quote comment=”90410″]I noticed there was no black on that Mets-inspired Uniwatch membership card . . .[/quote]
I sometimes feel like I’m one of the few (if not the only) Mets fan on here who doesn’t have a problem with the black. For example, if/when I get my membership card, if I go with a Mets-themed one, I actually would like the name and number to have the drop shadow on it.
I feel like that caveman from the Geico commercial: “What, liking the black makes me less of a Mets fan?????”
[quote comment=”90497″][quote comment=”90495″][quote comment=”90490″]Check out the link… could be the new Capitals sweaters
link
Uhh…Yuck?[/quote]
Ditto[/quote]
Huh. I don’t think they’re bad at all. Not inspired or anything, but I’ve seen far worse.
In 2000 – 2001 the Cardinals had brothers Andy and Alan Benes. I seem to remember that they wore AN. BENES and AL. BENES on their jerseys for a time. I also think that in a different season they wore their names fully spelled out, ANDY BENES and ALAN BENES. I couldn’t find any photographic evidence.
Generally, I think you’re better off going with last name only or nameless.
I’m a firm believer that in baseball the home jersey shouldn’t have a name on it. I was most disappointed this season when the Cubs put names back on their home uni’s. As far as initials go, I don’t really have a strong opinion either way.
[quote comment=”90431″]keeping with the first name theme, I can remember the youngblood brothers, jack and joel, playing for the rams in the late 70’s… their nameplates had their full names in small print OVER their last names in much larger print… of course jack youngblood wearing #85 as a DE/OLB was priceless!!
I think you mean Jim Youngblood…Joel was a baseball player.
[quote comment=”90552″]In 2000 – 2001 the Cardinals had brothers Andy and Alan Benes. I seem to remember that they wore AN. BENES and AL. BENES on their jerseys for a time. I also think that in a different season they wore their names fully spelled out, ANDY BENES and ALAN BENES. I couldn’t find any photographic evidence.
Generally, I think you’re better off going with last name only or nameless.[/quote]
Didn’t they almost have Adam Benes as well? I think he was in their minor league system at the time.
Would’ve been worse, though, if they had Elaine Benes.
[quote comment=”90553″]I’m a firm believer that in baseball the home jersey shouldn’t have a name on it. I was most disappointed this season when the Cubs put names back on their home uni’s. As far as initials go, I don’t really have a strong opinion either way.[/quote]
As someone who flips from channel to channel watching games on DirecTV, I feel names should be present on the backs of all jerseys. It is frustrating to switch to a game and be unable to tell who is on the mound, and I do not feel toting updated rosters with me so that I can determine who is pitching at any given time.
Ferdinand has said it better than I could with regards to names on jerseys. I wish my Cubs would bring back the traditional jerseys instead of these silly name-adorned ones that I thought they had given up.
BTW, I had a post disappear earlier with a picture of Ichiro’s original jersey, which had his surname “Suzuki” on the back: link). Supposedly one of his coaches thought that using his “first” name would stand out more; Suzuki is Japan’s most common surname. Another guy named “Saburo” in Chiba did the same thing; and wears #53 (the “sabu” in “saburo” is the number 3) to match Ichiro’s 51.
[quote comment=”90558″][quote comment=”90552″]In 2000 – 2001 the Cardinals had brothers Andy and Alan Benes. I seem to remember that they wore AN. BENES and AL. BENES on their jerseys for a time. I also think that in a different season they wore their names fully spelled out, ANDY BENES and ALAN BENES. I couldn’t find any photographic evidence.
Generally, I think you’re better off going with last name only or nameless.[/quote]
Didn’t they almost have Adam Benes as well? I think he was in their minor league system at the time.
Would’ve been worse, though, if they had Elaine Benes.[/quote]
haha
A few weeks back, we were discussing people buying Yankees jerseys with names on the back (which drives me crazy). I said that the only Yankees replica jersey that I can cope with having the name on the back is a #00 jersey with “Constanza” on the back!
[quote comment=”90444″][quote comment=”90379″]What’s with the criticism of the Caps’ Backstrom photos.
They said the new jerseys will be unveiled at the draft. Should they have held off signing Backstrom? No. The now retro-black is fine. And now it’s a weird little footnote in his (and the Caps) history.
Empty locker room gripe? Well the boys have been home for weeks now, and with all new uniforms and equipment on order for next season (not to mention the inclusion of new players) a clean slate locker room is what I’d expect.[/quote]
The biggest gripes are that (a) The Caps could have used an authentic or game-issued jersey. Instead, they basically took a replica off a store shelf and put Backstron and 19 on it. Pretty cheesy for a #1 pick, and (b)taking pictures in an empty locker room, IMO, is also cheesy. Either pull some jerseys out of storage and hang them up, or just dont do the pictures there.
As a diehard, lifelong Caps fan, this is just another example of how they run a second rate organization.[/quote]
Well, the moment they pulled a black jersey out of the box…be it authentic or replica…they crossed that “cheesy” threshold. (This coming from another “life-long Caps fan” here.)
Can’t wait until those black unis are gone for good!
I was actually kind of hoping that Backstrom would get #16…kind of an homage to Bengt Gustafson, who played for the Caps in the 80s, and is now the head of the Sweedish National Team (or at least he was until recently…not sure if he still is).
[quote comment=”90431″]keeping with the first name theme, I can remember the youngblood brothers, jack and joel, playing for the rams in the late 70’s… their nameplates had their full names in small print OVER their last names in much larger print… of course jack youngblood wearing #85 as a DE/OLB was priceless!!
I really DO NOT like suzuki wearing his first name for the mariners… at all!! seems like it puts him before the team. irony is, from all I watch and read, he is a true professional and completely un-assuming…. so, as much as I dislike it, I’ll deal with it.[/quote]
Uh, it was Jack and JIM Youngblood for the Rams. Joel Youngblood played baseball. His most famous feat was getting two hits for two different teams on the same day.
[quote comment=”90559″][quote comment=”90553″]I’m a firm believer that in baseball the home jersey shouldn’t have a name on it. I was most disappointed this season when the Cubs put names back on their home uni’s. As far as initials go, I don’t really have a strong opinion either way.[/quote]
As someone who flips from channel to channel watching games on DirecTV, I feel names should be present on the backs of all jerseys. It is frustrating to switch to a game and be unable to tell who is on the mound, and I do not feel toting updated rosters with me so that I can determine who is pitching at any given time.[/quote]
I agree
Rich: As someone who flips from channel to channel watching games on DirecTV, I feel names should be present on the backs of all jerseys. It is frustrating to switch to a game and be unable to tell who is on the mound, and I do not feel toting updated rosters with me so that I can determine who is pitching at any given time.
Jeff: I agree.
Don’t they have graphics and announcers on the games you guys watch?
[quote comment=”90553″]I’m a firm believer that in baseball the home jersey shouldn’t have a name on it. I was most disappointed this season when the Cubs put names back on their home uni’s. As far as initials go, I don’t really have a strong opinion either way.[/quote]
I agree with you for any team that has a history of not having names on jerseys (like the Yankees), but for other teams like my Astros who came into being after jersey names became widely prevalent, it would just look silly for them not to have a nameplate.
[quote comment=”90450″]Here’s another interesting Carson Palmer fact. I was in the doctor’s office today getting my knee checked up after tearing my ACL and I play college basketball and the doctor told me because I play college basketball that I had to have the same knee brace as Carson Palmer. Well they showed me the catalog and his knee brace has bengal stripes on it. Anyone seen this in a game? link[/quote]
I had my ACL done by Palmers doctor, Dr. Lonnie Paulos. He used to practice here in Salt Lake at the TOSH and he was the doctor for the U.S. Ski Team, Snowboard Team and Speed Skating Team. So after I blew it out snowboarding I went to him. He then moved to Houston a few years later.
Ferdinand, you took the words out of my mouth. Names served their purpose in the 1960s when on-screen graphics weren’t possible like they are now. Today it’s trivial to add the names of the pitcher and batter to the screen — just in the last five years, almost all TV stations ahve switched to continuous display of the score, outs, count, and baserunner situation. No reason to defile the jerseys just to benefit TV channel-surfers.
Intersting how the Rocket is being led to the mound by a Met fan in link photo.
[quote comment=”90575″][quote comment=”90553″]I’m a firm believer that in baseball the home jersey shouldn’t have a name on it. I was most disappointed this season when the Cubs put names back on their home uni’s. As far as initials go, I don’t really have a strong opinion either way.[/quote]
I agree with you for any team that has a history of not having names on jerseys (like the Yankees), but for other teams like my Astros who came into being after jersey names became widely prevalent, it would just look silly for them not to have a nameplate.[/quote]
The last thing we’d want is for the Astros to look link.
[quote comment=”90524″]The last couple of seasons at BYU both QBs had the last name BECK they also shared a first initial John (who was drafted by Miami) and Jason a JC transfer who never got much playing time. Anyay, they wore the first two letter of their first name Jo. Beck and Ja. Beck. I always (well for the last 2 years anyway) thought this was really lame. My brothers and dad used to call him crying Jo, due to him (JOhn) crying at a press conference after a loss. It would seem more reasonable to use a middle intial oh well
Sorry, I couldn’t find any pics[/quote]
And 1280 ‘The Zone’ called him Jo Beck almost exclusively for two years also.
[quote comment=”90504″]
Japanese does not follow the same practice as the other asian countries. Yao’s first name is Ming, as evident by his familie’s restaraunt entitled Yao’s. Japan however addresses people like the US does…first name first, last name last.[/quote]
Actually, they are just like other Asians. It’s just that when they “romanize” their names, they follow Western standards of “personal” names first. I’ve read that some Japanese are starting to follow the Chinese and keeping their family names first like how they would say it in Japanese.
[quote comment=”90497″][quote comment=”90495″][quote comment=”90490″]Check out the link… could be the new Capitals sweaters
link
Uhh…Yuck?[/quote]
Ditto[/quote]
Love ’em.
[quote comment=”90581″][quote comment=”90575″][quote comment=”90553″]I’m a firm believer that in baseball the home jersey shouldn’t have a name on it. I was most disappointed this season when the Cubs put names back on their home uni’s. As far as initials go, I don’t really have a strong opinion either way.[/quote]
I agree with you for any team that has a history of not having names on jerseys (like the Yankees), but for other teams like my Astros who came into being after jersey names became widely prevalent, it would just look silly for them not to have a nameplate.[/quote]
The last thing we’d want is for the Astros to look link.[/quote]
I happen to love those uniforms, including the white cleats that go with them and I was ecstatic when they wore them as throwbacks last year (sans the white cleats): link
[quote comment=”90490″]Check out the link… could be the new Capitals sweaters
link
This has been around for a while, and its not the jersey. Just somebody’s photoshop work.
[quote comment=”90590″][quote comment=”90490″]Check out the link… could be the new Capitals sweaters
link
This has been around for a while, and its not the jersey. Just somebody’s photoshop work.[/quote]
Whoever they are did a good job of making the home jersey look real..but on the away (white) you can see, particularly on the red shoulder area, where the uniform is photoshopped.
[quote comment=”90571″]Rich: As someone who flips from channel to channel watching games on DirecTV, I feel names should be present on the backs of all jerseys. It is frustrating to switch to a game and be unable to tell who is on the mound, and I do not feel toting updated rosters with me so that I can determine who is pitching at any given time.
Jeff: I agree.
Don’t they have graphics and announcers on the games you guys watch?[/quote]
Announcers do not give the pitcher’s name very frequently, and definitely not often enough to be of help to someone flipping from game to game.
Similarly, there is no omnipresent graphic identifying the pitcher.
A quick goole search for new nhl jerseys brought up link. I know we have to wait for the official announcment, but if this is what people are already speculating, things are going to be very scarry.
I don’t mind an initial on a uni, what really looks gross is having your first and last name. But I am glad Eli Manning chose not to have an initial.
[quote comment=”90430″][quote comment=”90422″]Paul, everyone on this board cringed when the Patriots signed Kyle Brady on 3/2/07, but then everyone’s fears were calmed when we heard that Tom would still have “BRADY” on his jersey and not “T. BRADY”.[/quote]
…not sure you can speak for everybody. I’ve always hated the NFL first initial rule, but that fact that it was going to effect Tom Brady didn’t concern me that much.
Much as I’m sure not everybody is eager to see #52 for the Ravens without the “R.” on his jersey (even though with #31 gone, I think he would have been able to do so regardless).[/quote]
Don’t be so sure that “NFL owners recently voted that players with the same last name no longer needed to be distinguished by having the first initial of their first name on the jersey. So Tom Brady’s jersey won’t change.”
Technically, it was probably the Competition Committee and not “the owners” who voted, but, do we know for a fact that such a rule exists in the first place, or is the initial placed on the uni customarily?
I wish I could quickly come up with a specific example, but the Boston Globe from time to time has these factoids that end up being incorrect. When first reported, I emailed the writer – Mike Reiss – for the who, what, when of this – and not that he has to answer all emails – he did not respond. Other than his mention, I couldn’t find anything else on the web about the change. He may be absolutely right, but I find it odd that seemingly out the blue, that NFL owners actually held a vote on the issue.
I’m wondering if these “rules” exist in a form that fans can access. Where is the official “book” that says Reggie Bush cannot wear #5, and that if two players have the same last name that it had to be preceded by an initial? As an aside:
Baseball has an inside book (see: Wikipedia; “Baseball business rules”) the contents of which are not very public (I know I could have viewed a copy at the HOF). MLB Player transaction rules (Rule 5, waivers, options) often completely baffle sports writers who should know the rules better than I do.
[quote comment=”90594″][quote comment=”90571″]Rich: As someone who flips from channel to channel watching games on DirecTV, I feel names should be present on the backs of all jerseys. It is frustrating to switch to a game and be unable to tell who is on the mound, and I do not feel toting updated rosters with me so that I can determine who is pitching at any given time.
Jeff: I agree.
Don’t they have graphics and announcers on the games you guys watch?[/quote]
Announcers do not give the pitcher’s name very frequently, and definitely not often enough to be of help to someone flipping from game to game.
Similarly, there is no omnipresent graphic identifying the pitcher.[/quote]
And with Minor league call-ups and Free Agency coming on in (I believe) 1976 players move around so much anymore, it can be hard to follow.
On the initial discussion:
Since the concept is uniform, I have no problem with a team that puts every player in initial/last name mode; otherwise, every player should be in last name only.
Booooo! I can’t get Vikings colors on my membership card? I understand it’s your blog and you can gripe about purple all you want. I’m a daily reader here and I love it. Even though I do happen to like purple and, like I said, love the Vikes. I grew up in the suburbs of New York (NJ & CT), but I’ve loved the Vikings since I was a tyke. Why? Because of the purple uniforms. That’s never carried over to any other purple-clad squads because, really, the Vikes are THE purple team. Anyway, since you’re asking for our support, I think this is one time you should put aside your purple bias. Everyone else can get their favorite team, this is discrimination. Cry blasphemy all you want, but now I’m holding out on my membership.
[quote comment=”90602″][quote comment=”90594″][quote comment=”90571″]Rich: As someone who flips from channel to channel watching games on DirecTV, I feel names should be present on the backs of all jerseys. It is frustrating to switch to a game and be unable to tell who is on the mound, and I do not feel toting updated rosters with me so that I can determine who is pitching at any given time.
Jeff: I agree.
Don’t they have graphics and announcers on the games you guys watch?[/quote]
Announcers do not give the pitcher’s name very frequently, and definitely not often enough to be of help to someone flipping from game to game.
Similarly, there is no omnipresent graphic identifying the pitcher.[/quote]
And with Minor league call-ups and Free Agency coming on in (I believe) 1976 players move around so much anymore, it can be hard to follow.[/quote]
I am torn. I agree that it can be confusing when just turning into a game, but I like the nameless look better. I think, reluctantly, I would go for practicality in this case and side with having the names on the back. Just barely, though.
[quote comment=”90613″][quote comment=”90602″][quote comment=”90594″][quote comment=”90571″]Rich: As someone who flips from channel to channel watching games on DirecTV, I feel names should be present on the backs of all jerseys. It is frustrating to switch to a game and be unable to tell who is on the mound, and I do not feel toting updated rosters with me so that I can determine who is pitching at any given time.
Jeff: I agree.
Don’t they have graphics and announcers on the games you guys watch?[/quote]
Announcers do not give the pitcher’s name very frequently, and definitely not often enough to be of help to someone flipping from game to game.
Similarly, there is no omnipresent graphic identifying the pitcher.[/quote]
And with Minor league call-ups and Free Agency coming on in (I believe) 1976 players move around so much anymore, it can be hard to follow.[/quote]
I am torn. I agree that it can be confusing when just turning into a game, but I like the nameless look better. I think, reluctantly, I would go for practicality in this case and side with having the names on the back. Just barely, though.[/quote]
Quoting myself. Even duringc the game it can be confusing with all the changes during the game. I would rather have names on the back than permanent graphics on my TV screen, anyway.
[quote comment=”90468″][quote comment=”90457″][quote comment=”90435″]I really DO NOT like suzuki wearing his first name for the mariners…
We need to be aware of our American bias. Over in Taiwan, Chien-Men Wang is known as “Wang Chien-Men.” So which is his “first” name and which is his “last”?[/quote]
The “Ichiro” isn’t due to any Japanese naming tradition, but because Suzuki is a common surname in Japan. I read that he was like 1 of 7 Suzukis on his team and wore his first name to distinguish himself. He just kept up the habit for the Mariners.[/quote]
If that’s the case, my co-worker from Korea might only be speaking about Korean and Chinese naming. He was certain that the naming was the same in all the Far East countries.
And now he’s cussing in Korean because of his mistake. Too funny. :o)[/quote]
To bridge the two items at hand here (Initials on jerseys and the names of Asian players), there is a standard in the English Premiership for the Korean Players. Lee Young-Pyo of Spurs and Park Ji-Sung of Manchester United have their names rendered as link, respectively
I like the team-customized cards, any chance for college specific ones?
[quote comment=”90610″]Booooo! I can’t get Vikings colors on my membership card? I understand it’s your blog and you can gripe about purple all you want. I’m a daily reader here and I love it. Even though I do happen to like purple and, like I said, love the Vikes. I grew up in the suburbs of New York (NJ & CT), but I’ve loved the Vikings since I was a tyke. Why? Because of the purple uniforms. That’s never carried over to any other purple-clad squads because, really, the Vikes are THE purple team. Anyway, since you’re asking for our support, I think this is one time you should put aside your purple bias. Everyone else can get their favorite team, this is discrimination. Cry blasphemy all you want, but now I’m holding out on my membership.[/quote]
I would think “I am willing to pay for a purple card” would trump “I don’t like the color purple”, but maybe not……
long time reader, first post.
I couldn’t find a photo of him in one of the jerseys, but the old WHA New England Whalers had Gordie Howe wear his entire name on the back of the jerseys
Here’s some logic for the “They’ve got uniform numbers, so why bother with the initial?†school of thought:
What if the last name on the jersey is used by most of the fans as their primary point of reference, and the number serves as a secondary point? In other words, when trying to distinguish who a player is, fans look at the name and then the number, in that order.
To take an example, let’s say a Chicago Bears fan sees a defender who just made a great hit. The back of the jersey says “Brown”, so it could be DE Alex Brown or S Mike Brown. The fan then looks at the number, and (if remotely educated about the team) could tell who it is by seeing if the player is wearing #96 or #30.
This argument works because remembering which number goes with which “Brown” is much easier than memorizing the name corresponding to every number on the team, which is what would be required for identification if there were no names at all on the back of the jerseys. However, even casual fans would know that Mike Brown isn’t #96, and Alex Brown isn’t #30.
The straw man argument assumes that fans either know everything about a player, or nothing. I think the reality is somewhere in between.
[quote comment=”90399″][quote comment=”90398″]Why the dis on Charlie Samuels? Is he responsible for the black Mets uniforms?[/quote]
He didn’t design them, but he decides what the team wears each day. So when we gripe about the Mets wearing their road cap at home, and never wearing their home cap, etc., we’re really griping about him.[/quote]
I’m sorry if this has been discussed already (I didn’t see it discussed through today’s comments), but I thought it was the starting pitcher who choose what colors the team wore? Or do the Mets choose differently cause they have 14 different styles to wear?
I am a little disappointed by the subscript offering for the membership cards. It gives merit to the ridiculous tactics of the WNBA selling out and eliminating what little individuality was left in the league… “Adidas’ New Design Enhances Recognition of World’s Greatest Female Basketball Playersâ€Â. Sorry, I wasn’t aware that there was ANOTHER women’s league that the World’s Greatest Female Basketball Players were getting confused with… unless of course due to the long, baggy shorts they were getting confused with guys. Right, of course not!
When Vince Young entered the NFL last year, he wanted his jersey to read “V. Young,” as it did at Texas (where there was at least one other Young on the team). However, the League wouldn’t let him becuase the Titans didn’t have another Young on the team. Thus began the running jokes that the Titans were going to bring Steve Young out of retirement.
cool thing about the youngbloods were how they had their first name on their jersey’s … on top of thier surname
link
[quote comment=”90543″]A couple things…The Giles bro’s on the Padres just wear there last name on the back. I remember seeing an image of Isaih Thomas with his full name on the back of the jersey below the numbers, i think it was early 80’s. Also, I noticed that Blue Jays catcher Jason Phillips wears the old style mask but with his helmet facing forward.[/quote]
The Giles brothers, the Hoffman brothers (link is the 3rd base coach) & Mike Cameron and Kevin Cameron just wear their last names for the Padres
MLB is a lot more liberal with names (they let Ichiro Suzuki put his first name on the jersey). Which leads to a hypothetical: if a player wanted to go nameless on a jersey that usually carries a name, would MLB allow it?
[quote comment=”90610″]Booooo! I can’t get Vikings colors on my membership card? … Everyone else can get their favorite team, this is discrimination.[/quote]
Yes, that’s precisely what it is.
And if you choose not to join, that’s completely up to you. But purple will never appear on a Uni Watch membership card. The End.
[quote comment=”90626″][quote comment=”90399″][quote comment=”90398″]Why the dis on Charlie Samuels? Is he responsible for the black Mets uniforms?[/quote]
He didn’t design them, but he decides what the team wears each day. So when we gripe about the Mets wearing their road cap at home, and never wearing their home cap, etc., we’re really griping about him.[/quote]
I’m sorry if this has been discussed already (I didn’t see it discussed through today’s comments), but I thought it was the starting pitcher who choose what colors the team wore? Or do the Mets choose differently cause they have 14 different styles to wear?[/quote]
Each team has a different policy regarding this. Teams like the Astros and I think the Diamondbacks are fairly regimented in terms of what uniforms get worn for a game. Other teams such as the Rangers and 2006 Cubs let the picthers decide, which is why the Rangers wore the vest jerseys for almost every Kevin Millwood start last year (he prefers them) and why the Cubs ALWAYS wore the blue jerseys when Carlos Zambrano pitched (ditto).
For the Mets, from my understanding, it’s largely up to the equipment manager. He prefers the black hats if the team will be wearing it’s dugout jackets as he believes the blue hats clash with the black jackets.
[quote comment=”90619″][quote comment=”90610″]Booooo! I can’t get Vikings colors on my membership card? I understand it’s your blog and you can gripe about purple all you want. I’m a daily reader here and I love it. Even though I do happen to like purple and, like I said, love the Vikes. I grew up in the suburbs of New York (NJ & CT), but I’ve loved the Vikings since I was a tyke. Why? Because of the purple uniforms. That’s never carried over to any other purple-clad squads because, really, the Vikes are THE purple team. Anyway, since you’re asking for our support, I think this is one time you should put aside your purple bias. Everyone else can get their favorite team, this is discrimination. Cry blasphemy all you want, but now I’m holding out on my membership.[/quote]
I would think “I am willing to pay for a purple card” would trump “I don’t like the color purple”, but maybe not……[/quote]
I’m a Texas Christian University graduate (colors purple and white) and also a loyal Uni Watch follower. I put up with the purple bashing, but no one would ever say anything bad about the unis of my favorite pro team, the classy Dodgers. That said, I think I’ll stick with Uni Watch colors for my membership card.
And as an aside to Broker75’s mention of Dan Shulman calling the NYM-NYY game, can ESPN seriously use him for more MLB games?? His radio call is miles better than Jon Miller/Joe Morgan.
Growing up, the first time I remember a player with something other than their last name on their jersey was link Olajuwon on Houston’s PHi Slamma Jamma teams.
Then there’s Andy Messersmith’s link.
[quote comment=”90633″][quote comment=”90610″]Booooo! I can’t get Vikings colors on my membership card? … Everyone else can get their favorite team, this is discrimination.[/quote]
Yes, that’s precisely what it is.
And if you choose not to join, that’s completely up to you. But purple will never appear on a Uni Watch membership card. The End.[/quote]
Wow! Layin’ down the law. It’s Paul’s world, and we’re living in it.
Seriously, it’s like trying to get a Yankees jersey in Mets colors, isn’t it?
[quote comment=”90633″][quote comment=”90610″]Booooo! I can’t get Vikings colors on my membership card? … Everyone else can get their favorite team, this is discrimination.[/quote]
Yes, that’s precisely what it is.
And if you choose not to join, that’s completely up to you. But purple will never appear on a Uni Watch membership card. The End.[/quote]
“Everybody has a price, (evil laughter)” – Million Dollar Man
(thanks for the info Matthew)
I’m surprised the Stanford softball jerseys have buttons . . . after all, the baseball jerseys have been pullovers forever.
Regarding post #150:
link
[quote comment=”90633″][quote comment=”90610″]Booooo! I can’t get Vikings colors on my membership card? … Everyone else can get their favorite team, this is discrimination.[/quote]
Yes, that’s precisely what it is.
And if you choose not to join, that’s completely up to you. But purple will never appear on a Uni Watch membership card. The End.[/quote]
You have to admire Paul’s dedication to his lunacy.
Looking to the other end of his color spectrum, Paul, when are we going to see a photo of you in front of the green car? A Galant, was it?
[quote comment=”90509″][quote comment=”90490″]Check out the link… could be the new Capitals sweaters
link
They are not. Those have been up on a Caps message board for over three months. Someone Photoshopped it as an example of what they may look like.[/quote]
Yeah I was going to say. That font looks terribly generic. And the colors are really drab & the logo colors look especially “flat”.
It’s looking like most of the initials that show up are either a personal or a team choice–is the NFL the only league that has a hard and fast rule about it?
I had always wondered why the Anaheim Duck Niedermeyers didn’t have initials…you learn so much from Uniwatch.
[quote comment=”90437″][quote comment=”90415″]Not really uni related, but check out linkCarson Palmer add my buddy just sent me. Being from Pittsburgh, it makes it that much funnier.[/quote]
its even more interesting that he holds the “carson palmer cornhole classic” too.
link
all jokes aside, ive played the game of cornhole, and it is addicting. great game to tailgate and drink to.[/quote]
Wow, I have never heard of cornhole before. Sounds like a great game! I can draw a comparison to link, also a horseshoes-based game popular in Texas. I had never heard of or seen washers until I came to college in Texas and I’ve since seen it everywhere – at tailgates, dorms, frat houses, concerts. And there’s even a national organization for it – long live link!
I had my first initial on my hockey uniform in high school because my older brother played on the team – but he did not have his initial (he says “I was here first – they know who I am, you do the first initial – nobody knows who the hell you are.”) I left it on after he graduated because it was part of my jersey – like my number, which I would NEVER change. Sadly, that jersey has been misplaced and I’ll never wear it again, but it had a lot of meaning to me to have that first initial on there.
I wasn’t planning on getting a membership (college student, very strict budget)but after seeing what appears to be a template for a NY Rangers themed membership card, I might just have to splurge.
MLB managers who wear ‘smocks’ annoy the hell out of me, too. And it’s a bad look. (Not that big old fat guys like Charlie Manuel look good in unis in any event.)
How is that part of the official team uniform? Aren’t all on-field personnel required to wear the same uniform? Or does this apply to players only. You can add to this players who wear those sweatshirt-type uniform tops on the bench if they are on the DL or pitchers who will not be playing that day.
You’re right. I hate this too.
The worst, which I didn’t understand one bit was last season the day that Bobby Abreu was traded.
I was in the stands and it was no less than 96 degrees out.
Then Bobby appears from the dugout to wave to the fans, and he’s wearing a smock/jacket type item.
Horrible!
[quote comment=”90510″]Paul, what are your thoughts on the XFL allowing guys to use whatever they wanted on the backs of their jerseys?
link
It was good for a joke…but the XFL was a joke. Rod Smart (He Hate Me) actually turned into a decent return man for the Panthers.
[quote comment=”90620″]long time reader, first post.
I couldn’t find a photo of him in one of the jerseys, but the old WHA New England Whalers had Gordie Howe wear his entire name on the back of the jerseys[/quote]
link from a Swedish newspaper.
[quote comment=”90575″]…for…teams like my Astros who came into being after jersey names became widely prevalent, it would just look silly for them not to have a nameplate.[/quote]
The Colorado Rockies didn’t have names on the backs of their home uniforms in 1993, their first season. Can’t find any visual evidence of this, but you can read in link team history timeline where it mentions that the names were added to the backs of the jerseys before the 1994 season.
[quote comment=”90620″]long time reader, first post.
I couldn’t find a photo of him in one of the jerseys, but the old WHA New England Whalers had Gordie Howe wear his entire name on the back of the jerseys[/quote]
I think that’s because there was also Mark and Marty Howe playing at the same time, and if you went with the letters until there was a difference, you would have to have “MARK” on the jersey.
[quote comment=”90366″][quote comment=”90363″]Is there any meaning behind the numbering on the new uni-raffle ticket?[/quote]
Well, I didn’t design it — no meaning from my perspective. Ben, is there any significance to the number you chose?[/quote]
Honestly, there isn’t any significance behind the ticket number. It simply was what was printed on the initial ticket.
Thinking about it now, perhaps it should be ‘20070517’
Should have put that half second more of thought into it.
[quote comment=”90671″][quote comment=”90575″]…for…teams like my Astros who came into being after jersey names became widely prevalent, it would just look silly for them not to have a nameplate.[/quote]
The Colorado Rockies didn’t have names on the backs of their home uniforms in 1993, their first season. Can’t find any visual evidence of this, but you can read in link team history timeline where it mentions that the names were added to the backs of the jerseys before the 1994 season.[/quote]
Quoting myself! Also, if you click the link to the Rockies timeline, check out the picture of the stirrups with the “CR” Rockies logo on them. :)
From 1983 through ’86, both Sutter twins — link (#15) and link (#14), two of the six Sutter brothers who played in the NHL — played for the Flyers and had their full names on their sweaters. link a shot of Rich’s jersey from St. Louis, when apparently Ron played there with him as well.
Trivia: What’s the name of the one Sutter brother who never played in the NHL? (Even Teebz might not know this one…)
[quote comment=”90681″]From 1983 through ’86, both Sutter twins — link (#15) and link (#14), two of the six Sutter brothers who played in the NHL — played for the Flyers and had their full names on their sweaters. link a shot of Rich’s jersey from St. Louis, when apparently Ron played there with him as well.
Trivia: What’s the name of the one Sutter brother who never played in the NHL? (Even Teebz might not know this one…)[/quote]
Gary Sutter, I believe.
[quote comment=”90601″][quote comment=”90430″][quote comment=”90422″]Paul, everyone on this board cringed when the Patriots signed Kyle Brady on 3/2/07, but then everyone’s fears were calmed when we heard that Tom would still have “BRADY” on his jersey and not “T. BRADY”.[/quote]
…not sure you can speak for everybody. I’ve always hated the NFL first initial rule, but that fact that it was going to effect Tom Brady didn’t concern me that much.
Much as I’m sure not everybody is eager to see #52 for the Ravens without the “R.” on his jersey (even though with #31 gone, I think he would have been able to do so regardless).[/quote]
Don’t be so sure that “NFL owners recently voted that players with the same last name no longer needed to be distinguished by having the first initial of their first name on the jersey. So Tom Brady’s jersey won’t change.”
Technically, it was probably the Competition Committee and not “the owners” who voted, but, do we know for a fact that such a rule exists in the first place, or is the initial placed on the uni customarily?
[/quote]
As far as I know, yes, it is NFL mandated (at least until this year). When an NFL team has two memebers with the same last name, each player must use the first initial as well. At one time, when two players existed on the same team with the same first initial last name combo, two letters would be used (ie. JE LEWIS and JA LEWIS of 2001 Ravens), although I beieve now the entire first name is used in this case.
[quote comment=”90601″]
I wish I could quickly come up with a specific example, but the Boston Globe from time to time has these factoids that end up being incorrect. When first reported, I emailed the writer – Mike Reiss – for the who, what, when of this – and not that he has to answer all emails – he did not respond. Other than his mention, I couldn’t find anything else on the web about the change. He may be absolutely right, but I find it odd that seemingly out the blue, that NFL owners actually held a vote on the issue.
[/quote]
I too am in the “I’ll believe it when I see it camp”, as I don’t trust small blurbs like this until I’ve seen official confirmation, much like the rumor that the O’s will be putting “Baltimore” on thier road jerseys next season.
[quote comment=”90681″]From 1983 through ’86, both Sutter twins — link (#15) and link (#14), two of the six Sutter brothers who played in the NHL — played for the Flyers and had their full names on their sweaters. link a shot of Rich’s jersey from St. Louis, when apparently Ron played there with him as well.
Trivia: What’s the name of the one Sutter brother who never played in the NHL? (Even Teebz might not know this one…)[/quote]
Gary I belive – because I used to always chuckle at Gary SUTER thinking he was the other Sutter brother.
I also vote for keeping the Uniwatch-themed bunting around the membership card edge. I actually think using team colors and typefaces is a bit over-the-top and serves those teams better than UniWatch.
Paul, you’re right. The team we’re all on is UniWatch, and therefore I don’t understand the team colors offering.
(Also, it seems like a nightmare to manage for Scott. I hope he’s getting a good cut of the dues.)
I’ll have a card with the navy blue pinstripes, thanks.
I’m sure this has been discussed before, but not today.
I’ve heard that the NHL will go back to having the home team wear white and the visitor wear the dark sweaters, reversing the flip-flop from a few years ago.
[quote comment=”90654″][quote comment=”90437″][quote comment=”90415″]Not really uni related, but check out linkCarson Palmer add my buddy just sent me. Being from Pittsburgh, it makes it that much funnier.[/quote]
its even more interesting that he holds the “carson palmer cornhole classic” too.
link
all jokes aside, ive played the game of cornhole, and it is addicting. great game to tailgate and drink to.[/quote]
Wow, I have never heard of cornhole before. Sounds like a great game! I can draw a comparison to link, also a horseshoes-based game popular in Texas. I had never heard of or seen washers until I came to college in Texas and I’ve since seen it everywhere – at tailgates, dorms, frat houses, concerts. And there’s even a national organization for it – long live link![/quote]
Washers is a terrific game. I first heard of it when I was at Penn State. Now we play it before every home game!
[quote comment=”90671″][quote comment=”90575″]…for…teams like my Astros who came into being after jersey names became widely prevalent, it would just look silly for them not to have a nameplate.[/quote]
The Colorado Rockies didn’t have names on the backs of their home uniforms in 1993, their first season. Can’t find any visual evidence of this, but you can read in link team history timeline where it mentions that the names were added to the backs of the jerseys before the 1994 season.[/quote]
1/13/1994 – Responding to fan requests, the Rockies alter their uniforms. Names are placed on the backs of the home jerseys, while the road uniform’s lettering is changed from silver to purple.
Gee, that’s the same day Paul started hating their road jerseys. What a coincidence!
Paul, what are your thoughts on the lakers purple unis … i have always been bothered by the ravens and such, but the lakers purple never bothered me.
also, speaking about classic unis, any comment on the celts when they where white kicks?
[quote comment=”90678″][quote comment=”90671″][quote comment=”90575″]…for…teams like my Astros who came into being after jersey names became widely prevalent, it would just look silly for them not to have a nameplate.[/quote]
The Colorado Rockies didn’t have names on the backs of their home uniforms in 1993, their first season. Can’t find any visual evidence of this, but you can read in link team history timeline where it mentions that the names were added to the backs of the jerseys before the 1994 season.[/quote]
Quoting myself! Also, if you click the link to the Rockies timeline, check out the picture of the stirrups with the “CR” Rockies logo on them. :)[/quote]
Those stirrups are link
Gotta love those olden Rockies days, when we actually mattered and did cool stuff.
just saw this auction…
link
funny. ive never seen this jersey worn by the angels. even if its a bp jersey, ive never seen it worn, plus back then most bp jerseys were mesh and not polyester like the game jerseys.
now, i know there are a lot of m&n fakes on ebay, but jeez, this is pretty authentic looking…
[quote comment=”90684″][quote comment=”90681″]From 1983 through ’86, both Sutter twins — link (#15) and link (#14), two of the six Sutter brothers who played in the NHL — played for the Flyers and had their full names on their sweaters. link a shot of Rich’s jersey from St. Louis, when apparently Ron played there with him as well.
Trivia: What’s the name of the one Sutter brother who never played in the NHL? (Even Teebz might not know this one…)[/quote]
Gary I belive – because I used to always chuckle at Gary SUTER thinking he was the other Sutter brother.[/quote]
Correct! I think Gary was the second oldest of the seven (he was at least older than Darryl, Duane and the twins), so it’s not as though he failed to follow in his family’s footsteps.
Seeing the membership card(s) on the lower right made me cringe because of link, even though he didn’t even wear #27 with the Phillies.
[quote comment=”90688″]I’ll have a card with the navy blue pinstripes, thanks.[/quote]
I hope you plan on paying full price for this one Rudy.
[quote comment=”90682″][quote comment=”90681″]From 1983 through ’86, both Sutter twins — link (#15) and link (#14), two of the six Sutter brothers who played in the NHL — played for the Flyers and had their full names on their sweaters. link a shot of Rich’s jersey from St. Louis, when apparently Ron played there with him as well.
Trivia: What’s the name of the one Sutter brother who never played in the NHL? (Even Teebz might not know this one…)[/quote]
Gary Sutter, I believe.[/quote]
I was gonna go with Bruce…
When I see those mock ups of Uniwatch membership cards in Rangers colors with #7, I think: “No one can have that. That’s Rod Gilbert’s number and it is retired.”
[quote comment=”90490″]Check out the link… could be the new Capitals sweaters
link
are you kidding me????? :-(
I had my first initial on my hockey uniform in high school because my older brother played on the team – but he did not have his initial …
Should have followed the example of link. Now there was a case of clearly distinguishing players by number only! (In this case, I believe their ages — but I’m sure true Chiefs fans will keep me honest …)
The name LUKAS with 27 looks odd. That could never happen. I thought Mr. Lukas’ favorite numbers are the odd primes.
If I go for a card, I would put my team allegiances aside and go with the Uni Watch color scheme. It’s really a nice font, and I appreciate how the maroon is definitely an accent color, because with the dark green, it could have looked like Yuletide, which for me, truly would be blasphemous (draw your own conclusion from there). Vertically arched last name (nice!), and I’LL take 27.
[quote comment=”90633″][quote comment=”90610″]Booooo! I can’t get Vikings colors on my membership card? … Everyone else can get their favorite team, this is discrimination.[/quote]
Yes, that’s precisely what it is.
And if you choose not to join, that’s completely up to you. But purple will never appear on a Uni Watch membership card. The End.[/quote]
That is re-damn-diculous. If you’re going to shut out ONE fanbase from getting what it wants, then the equitable thing to do would be to shut out ALL fanbases and just leave it as a membership card with Uni Wtach colors and logos/fonts.
It’s one thing to say “I don’t like purple, so I’m NEVER, EVER, NOT IN A MILLION YEARS going to wear purple clothing or uniforms”; it’s another to say “You want something purple? Well, I don’t like it, and if you don’t agree with me, then I’m picking up my ball and going home”. I understand it’s your website and all, but that attitude is quite childish.
I’m sure you don’t give a crap about what I think, but some things just need to be said.
[quote comment=”90715″][quote comment=”90490″]Check out the link… could be the new Capitals sweaters
link
are you kidding me????? :-([/quote]
Don’t fret. Those are definitely fake. For one thing, they look too much like the All-Star template, which makes it a prime candidate for having gotten Photoshop surgery. Also, no graphics designer worth his/her salt would employ horizontal words on a hockey jersey (yes, I am implying that the Ducks should have gone with a big D). Finally, where’s the jock tag? That’s right, it’s not there. I do not think this is legitimate.
Unofficial poll: What would be more damaging to his career?
(A) Rudy Giuliani, lifelong Yankees fan, spotted in a Red Sox little league uniform
or
(B) High school senior Paul Lukas with a purple tie, along side his prom date, who is sporting a purple dress
[quote comment=”90704″]just saw this auction…
link
funny. ive never seen this jersey worn by the angels. even if its a bp jersey, ive never seen it worn, plus back then most bp jerseys were mesh and not polyester like the game jerseys.
now, i know there are a lot of m&n fakes on ebay, but jeez, this is pretty authentic looking…[/quote]
I always thought the Angels BP jerseys were dark blue for that time period.
I think the frayed edges on the “n” and “l” give it away as being a fake. No way in hell M&N would let something with that shoddy quality go out like that……
[quote comment=”90723″]Unofficial poll: What would be more damaging to his career?
(A) Rudy Giuliani, lifelong Yankees fan, spotted in a Red Sox little league uniform
or
(B) High school senior Paul Lukas with a purple tie, along side his prom date, who is sporting a purple dress[/quote]
Now THAT was funny.
To the folks who think that baseball uniforms should be suited to channel-flippers – why?
Baseball is a game of nine innings, folks. It should cater first and foremost to those who stay with all nine of those innings.
I’m against first initials on jerseys too. Any fan worth his/her salt is going to be able to tell the players apart. (Plus, several teams do just fine with no names at all on the jerseys.)
That said, though, my favorite jersey is my link throwback, with “G. BRETT” on the back (his brother Ken was a pitcher on the Royals at the time). I don’t think that makes me a hypocrite, since the reason I like the jersey is not the “G”, but the crazy sick season Brett had in 1980.
[quote comment=”90638″]I’m a Texas Christian University graduate (colors purple and white) and also a loyal Uni Watch follower. I put up with the purple bashing, but no one would ever say anything bad about the unis of my favorite pro team, the classy Dodgers. That said, I think I’ll stick with Uni Watch colors for my membership card.
[/quote]
I went to law school with a TCU grad. I got a little tired of seeing something purple on him every single day. (He said he did it in honor of his alma mater.)
Oy. (I like purple, but got tired of the daily barrage.)
[quote comment=”90716″]I had my first initial on my hockey uniform in high school because my older brother played on the team – but he did not have his initial …
Should have followed the example of link. Now there was a case of clearly distinguishing players by number only! (In this case, I believe their ages — but I’m sure true Chiefs fans will keep me honest …)[/quote]
Nope, actually the line from the film was “I’m in the middle, Steve’s 20 and Jeff’s 18” when Reg Dunlop (Paul Newman) asks them if they are triplets. Their numbers were 16,17 and 18 and Steve was 17.
[quote comment=”90695″][quote comment=”90671″][quote comment=”90575″]…for…teams like my Astros who came into being after jersey names became widely prevalent, it would just look silly for them not to have a nameplate.[/quote]
The Colorado Rockies didn’t have names on the backs of their home uniforms in 1993, their first season. Can’t find any visual evidence of this, but you can read in link team history timeline where it mentions that the names were added to the backs of the jerseys before the 1994 season.[/quote]
1/13/1994 – Responding to fan requests, the Rockies alter their uniforms. Names are placed on the backs of the home jerseys, while the road uniform’s lettering is changed from silver to purple.
Gee, that’s the same day Paul started hating their road jerseys.
What a coincidence![/quote]
That was a totally necessary change, though. The silver lettering totally blended into the gray jersey; on TV (or live from any distance) it looked like they were wearing plain jerseys with no lettering at all. A lot of jerseys (e.g. most that have drop shadowing) that might look okay from 10 or 20 feet away are horrible from a distance or on TV, something more teams should consider when designing uniforms.
1. I missed an interview on XX with you last night? :( I was awake, even… I hope they archive it.
2. The team font/colors feature is SWEET…now which team to pick? :/
[quote comment=”90751″][quote comment=”90695″][quote comment=”90671″][quote comment=”90575″]…for…teams like my Astros who came into being after jersey names became widely prevalent, it would just look silly for them not to have a nameplate.[/quote]
The Colorado Rockies didn’t have names on the backs of their home uniforms in 1993, their first season. Can’t find any visual evidence of this, but you can read in link team history timeline where it mentions that the names were added to the backs of the jerseys before the 1994 season.[/quote]
1/13/1994 – Responding to fan requests, the Rockies alter their uniforms. Names are placed on the backs of the home jerseys, while the road uniform’s lettering is changed from silver to purple.
Gee, that’s the same day Paul started hating their road jerseys.
What a coincidence![/quote]
That was a totally necessary change, though. The silver lettering totally blended into the gray jersey; on TV (or live from any distance) it looked like they were wearing plain jerseys with no lettering at all. A lot of jerseys (e.g. most that have drop shadowing) that might look okay from 10 or 20 feet away are horrible from a distance or on TV, something more teams should consider when designing uniforms.[/quote]
Are you listening, Toronto?
I had my first initial on my hockey uniform in high school because my older brother played on the team – but he did not have his initial …
Should have followed the example of link. Now there was a case of clearly distinguishing players by number only! (In this case, I believe their ages — but I’m sure true Chiefs fans will keep me honest …)
Nope, actually the line from the film was “I’m in the middle, Steve’s 20 and Jeff’s 18″ when Reg Dunlop (Paul Newman) asks them if they are triplets. Their numbers were 16,17 and 18 and Steve was 17.
Thanks — and you didn’t even need their names (or first initials) on their jerseys to know!
[quote comment=”90721″][quote comment=”90633″][quote comment=”90610″]Booooo! I can’t get Vikings colors on my membership card? … Everyone else can get their favorite team, this is discrimination.[/quote]
Yes, that’s precisely what it is.
And if you choose not to join, that’s completely up to you. But purple will never appear on a Uni Watch membership card. The End.[/quote]
That is re-damn-diculous. If you’re going to shut out ONE fanbase from getting what it wants, then the equitable thing to do would be to shut out ALL fanbases and just leave it as a membership card with Uni Wtach colors and logos/fonts.
It’s one thing to say “I don’t like purple, so I’m NEVER, EVER, NOT IN A MILLION YEARS going to wear purple clothing or uniforms”; it’s another to say “You want something purple? Well, I don’t like it, and if you don’t agree with me, then I’m picking up my ball and going home”. I understand it’s your website and all, but that attitude is quite childish.
I’m sure you don’t give a crap about what I think, but some things just need to be said.[/quote]
Sigh. The membership program is voluntary. If you don’t like anything about it, including the lack of purple-themed designs on the back of the card, don’t join. I’m not taking my ball and going anywhere — I’m right here and you can either come over and play or stay where you are.
I think you’re really going out of your way to focus on the fly intead of the ointment here. I mean, the original plan was to offer simply the Uni Watch colors — one color scheme, one option, no personalization choices except for the name lettering style. Today I announced literally DOZENS of new options. Did I also place a few options specifically off-limits? Purple and Uni Watch don’t mix, and that’s simply the way I feel. Zero-tolerance, baby! But c’mon, what about those dozens of other options..?
And like I said, my hope is that most of you will go with the Uni Watch color scheme anyway.
Jeez,
Paul
[quote comment=”90763″][quote comment=”90721″][quote comment=”90633″][quote comment=”90610″]Booooo! I can’t get Vikings colors on my membership card? … Everyone else can get their favorite team, this is discrimination.[/quote]
Yes, that’s precisely what it is.
And if you choose not to join, that’s completely up to you. But purple will never appear on a Uni Watch membership card. The End.[/quote]
That is re-damn-diculous. If you’re going to shut out ONE fanbase from getting what it wants, then the equitable thing to do would be to shut out ALL fanbases and just leave it as a membership card with Uni Wtach colors and logos/fonts.
It’s one thing to say “I don’t like purple, so I’m NEVER, EVER, NOT IN A MILLION YEARS going to wear purple clothing or uniforms”; it’s another to say “You want something purple? Well, I don’t like it, and if you don’t agree with me, then I’m picking up my ball and going home”. I understand it’s your website and all, but that attitude is quite childish.
I’m sure you don’t give a crap about what I think, but some things just need to be said.[/quote]
Sigh. I’m not taking my ball and going anywhere — I’m right here and you can either come over and play or stay where you are. Your call, not mine. The original plan was to offer simply the Uni Watch colors — one color scheme, one option. Today I announced literally dozens of new options. Did I also place a few options specifically off-limits? Yes. If that leads anyone to boycott, I’m pefectly prepared to live with that. Purple and Uni Watch don’t mix, and that’s simply the way it is. Zero-tolerance, baby!
And like I said, my hope is that most of you will go with the Uni Watch color scheme anyway.
Jeez,
Paul[/quote]
Besides, the Uni Watch color scheme is quite possibly the best thing out there.
[quote comment=”90553″]I’m a firm believer that in baseball the home jersey shouldn’t have a name on it. I was most disappointed this season when the Cubs put names back on their home uni’s. As far as initials go, I don’t really have a strong opinion either way.[/quote]
Agreed. Baseball in the one sport that teams should go nameless on the back.
[quote comment=”90725″][quote comment=”90704″]just saw this auction…
link
funny. ive never seen this jersey worn by the angels. even if its a bp jersey, ive never seen it worn, plus back then most bp jerseys were mesh and not polyester like the game jerseys.
now, i know there are a lot of m&n fakes on ebay, but jeez, this is pretty authentic looking…[/quote]
I always thought the Angels BP jerseys were dark blue for that time period.
I think the frayed edges on the “n” and “l” give it away as being a fake. No way in hell M&N would let something with that shoddy quality go out like that……[/quote]
And I don’t recall batting practice jerseys from the 1980s being personalized, either. I don’t think it was even possible.
Paul, I have been a long time reader of your column and I have checked this website regularly. However, I must say that I am fed up with your attitude and great sense of self importance.
You write about sports uniforms… It’s not as big a deal as you think is and your stubbornness and standoffish attitude are ridiculous. Just because you have a column on espn.com doesn’t mean that anyone gives a damn about you, and it certainly doesn’t make you a celebrity. It is sad that you have let whatever small taste of fame you have go to your head.
I don’t like any teams that wear purple, and I wouldn’t even consider becoming a member anyways, but it is ridiculous that you won’t allow people who are willing to give you money to have their favorite sports team on a stupid card that YOU will never have to see. Frankly, your membership idea is dumb and I don’t see why people want a card with their name on the back anyways… I could make one of those by my self if I really wanted one.
You are closed minded and admitted that discrimination is your intention… Your hatred toward the color purple is stupid to begin with, honestly, who cares? it’s just a color. And your discrimination not only makes your look like a self centered prick, but it borders on homophobia.
You have lost a reader today, and I hope that others follow me in denouncing the pathetic existence of this site.
[quote comment=”90542″][quote comment=”90510″]Paul, what are your thoughts on the XFL allowing guys to use whatever they wanted on the backs of their jerseys?
link
Yawn.[/quote]
Yeah, glad he did a lot of research for that pic.
[quote comment=”90725″]
I always thought the Angels BP jerseys were dark blue for that time period.
I think the frayed edges on the “n” and “l” give it away as being a fake. No way in hell M&N would let something with that shoddy quality go out like that……[/quote]
Yep, 80’s Angels BP/spring training jerseys were blue mesh, and didn’t have the number on the front. Just said “Angels” across the front, and had a stripe going from the neck to the end of the sleeve on each shoulder.
And speaking of names on jerseys, Michigan wide receiver Ben Wright has his full name on the back of his football jersey. Bryan Wright, the kicker, has just Wright, I believe. Neither gets any playing time, though Bryan may be this coming season.
[quote comment=”90565″][quote comment=”90444″][quote comment=”90379″]What’s with the criticism of the Caps’ Backstrom photos.
They said the new jerseys will be unveiled at the draft. Should they have held off signing Backstrom? No. The now retro-black is fine. And now it’s a weird little footnote in his (and the Caps) history.
Empty locker room gripe? Well the boys have been home for weeks now, and with all new uniforms and equipment on order for next season (not to mention the inclusion of new players) a clean slate locker room is what I’d expect.[/quote]
The biggest gripes are that (a) The Caps could have used an authentic or game-issued jersey. Instead, they basically took a replica off a store shelf and put Backstron and 19 on it. Pretty cheesy for a #1 pick, and (b)taking pictures in an empty locker room, IMO, is also cheesy. Either pull some jerseys out of storage and hang them up, or just dont do the pictures there.
As a diehard, lifelong Caps fan, this is just another example of how they run a second rate organization.[/quote]
Well, the moment they pulled a black jersey out of the box…be it authentic or replica…they crossed that “cheesy” threshold. (This coming from another “life-long Caps fan” here.)
Can’t wait until those black unis are gone for good!
I was actually kind of hoping that Backstrom would get #16…kind of an homage to Bengt Gustafson, who played for the Caps in the 80s, and is now the head of the Sweedish National Team (or at least he was until recently…not sure if he still is).[/quote]
I feel the same about the Flyers black jersey. When it was first introduced as the 3rd jersey, it was OK for occasional use. Then when they made it the permanent 2nd jersey and ditched the orange, it became ‘Ughhhh!’ I’d rather they use the current orange 3rd jersey with the 3D logo as their primary home/road jersey.
[quote comment=”90581″][quote comment=”90575″][quote comment=”90553″]I’m a firm believer that in baseball the home jersey shouldn’t have a name on it. I was most disappointed this season when the Cubs put names back on their home uni’s. As far as initials go, I don’t really have a strong opinion either way.[/quote]
Those are the best uniforms ever! They even matched the seating in the Astrodome.
I agree with you for any team that has a history of not having names on jerseys (like the Yankees), but for other teams like my Astros who came into being after jersey names became widely prevalent, it would just look silly for them not to have a nameplate.[/quote]
The last thing we’d want is for the Astros to look link.[/quote]
[quote comment=”90773″]Paul, I have been a long time reader of your column and I have checked this website regularly. However, I must say that I am fed up with your attitude and great sense of self importance.
You write about sports uniforms… It’s not as big a deal as you think is and your stubbornness and standoffish attitude are ridiculous. Just because you have a column on espn.com doesn’t mean that anyone gives a damn about you, and it certainly doesn’t make you a celebrity. It is sad that you have let whatever small taste of fame you have go to your head.
I don’t like any teams that wear purple, and I wouldn’t even consider becoming a member anyways, but it is ridiculous that you won’t allow people who are willing to give you money to have their favorite sports team on a stupid card that YOU will never have to see. Frankly, your membership idea is dumb and I don’t see why people want a card with their name on the back anyways… I could make one of those by my self if I really wanted one.
You are closed minded and admitted that discrimination is your intention… Your hatred toward the color purple is stupid to begin with, honestly, who cares? it’s just a color. And your discrimination not only makes your look like a self centered prick, but it borders on homophobia.
You have lost a reader today, and I hope that others follow me in denouncing the pathetic existence of this site.[/quote]
I’ve never claimed to be a celebrity or to be doing something important. I’m simply doing something I enjoy. Those who want to pay attention are welcome to do so; those who don’t, like yourself, are welcome to pay attention to something else. No problem.
I’m a Ravens fan. I’m a uniwatch fan. I’ll be just fine with a classic card.
Quote “Your hatred toward the color purple is stupid to begin with, honestly, who cares? it’s just a color. ”
Hey you are fighting a blog war about a color. What does that say about you? Go outside and get some fresh air.
Paul, keep up the great work.
Mets with the black jerseys on the road…
THat really has to be their most unappealing uni combination: Black tops with grey pants.
[quote comment=”90800″][quote comment=”90773″]Paul, I have been a long time reader of your column and I have checked this website regularly. However, I must say that I am fed up with your attitude and great sense of self importance.
You write about sports uniforms… It’s not as big a deal as you think is and your stubbornness and standoffish attitude are ridiculous. Just because you have a column on espn.com doesn’t mean that anyone gives a damn about you, and it certainly doesn’t make you a celebrity. It is sad that you have let whatever small taste of fame you have go to your head.
I don’t like any teams that wear purple, and I wouldn’t even consider becoming a member anyways, but it is ridiculous that you won’t allow people who are willing to give you money to have their favorite sports team on a stupid card that YOU will never have to see. Frankly, your membership idea is dumb and I don’t see why people want a card with their name on the back anyways… I could make one of those by my self if I really wanted one.
You are closed minded and admitted that discrimination is your intention… Your hatred toward the color purple is stupid to begin with, honestly, who cares? it’s just a color. And your discrimination not only makes your look like a self centered prick, but it borders on homophobia.
You have lost a reader today, and I hope that others follow me in denouncing the pathetic existence of this site.[/quote]
I’ve never claimed to be a celebrity or to be doing something important. I’m simply doing something I enjoy. Those who want to pay attention are welcome to do so; those who don’t, like yourself, are welcome to pay attention to something else. No problem.[/quote]
I, for one, say good riddance. I swear people need something to bitch about in order to be happy. Do people forget that the site will be free and that membership isn’t required? Since that’s the case, Paul can have whatever rules he pleases. If I really didn’t like them, then I wouldn’t pay to join, but I would still keep reading this great site. I sure wouldn’t cry like a little baby about the whole thing.
And for the record, I’m a Univ. of Washington alum and HUGE fan…so I love purple. I don’t give a shit that Paul (and other’s) don’t like purple.
Not that you need me to tell you, but keep up the good work Paul…and don’t worry about pricks like that guy.
[quote comment=”90800″][quote comment=”90773″]P but it borders on homophobia.
[/quote]
WTF? What are you talking about? How’s does not liking the color purple make you a homophobe? I dont like yellow, what does that say about me?
[quote comment=”90805″][quote comment=”90800″][quote comment=”90773″]Paul, I have been a long time reader of your column and I have checked this website regularly. However, I must say that I am fed up with your attitude and great sense of self importance.
You write about sports uniforms… It’s not as big a deal as you think is and your stubbornness and standoffish attitude are ridiculous. Just because you have a column on espn.com doesn’t mean that anyone gives a damn about you, and it certainly doesn’t make you a celebrity. It is sad that you have let whatever small taste of fame you have go to your head.
I don’t like any teams that wear purple, and I wouldn’t even consider becoming a member anyways, but it is ridiculous that you won’t allow people who are willing to give you money to have their favorite sports team on a stupid card that YOU will never have to see. Frankly, your membership idea is dumb and I don’t see why people want a card with their name on the back anyways… I could make one of those by my self if I really wanted one.
You are closed minded and admitted that discrimination is your intention… Your hatred toward the color purple is stupid to begin with, honestly, who cares? it’s just a color. And your discrimination not only makes your look like a self centered prick, but it borders on homophobia.
You have lost a reader today, and I hope that others follow me in denouncing the pathetic existence of this site.[/quote]
I’ve never claimed to be a celebrity or to be doing something important. I’m simply doing something I enjoy. Those who want to pay attention are welcome to do so; those who don’t, like yourself, are welcome to pay attention to something else. No problem.[/quote]
I, for one, say good riddance. I swear people need something to bitch about in order to be happy. Do people forget that the site will be free and that membership isn’t required? Since that’s the case, Paul can have whatever rules he pleases. If I really didn’t like them, then I wouldn’t pay to join, but I would still keep reading this great site. I sure wouldn’t cry like a little baby about the whole thing.
And for the record, I’m a Univ. of Washington alum and HUGE fan…so I love purple. I don’t give a shit that Paul (and other’s) don’t like purple.
Not that you need me to tell you, but keep up the good work Paul…and don’t worry about pricks like that guy.[/quote]
Oh, and you can bet I’ll be in line to get a memberhsip when they are available.
Did I come in here at a bad time?
I know it is a little late in the day to be posting, but I’m working a night shift tonight.
Here’a late entery into the uniform number reason article:
Houston Astros rookie Hunter Pence wears number 9 becase of link. He’s a big fan of the movie aparently.
Can’t find a good picture of it right now, but the New Hampshire Fisher Cats’ regular jersey patch features the famed Old Man in the Mountain, and is pretty cool, IMO.
For the record, I can’t hate purple. I’m from New Orleans. LSU and Mardi Gras are staples of our livelihood, and both feature purple predominantly.
I read Mr. Lukas’ articles because I enjoy his writing but especially his attention to detail. I especially love seeing details I never would have otherwise seen, like the 8 in the “JOES” uniforms. (Kind of like the arrow in FedEx. Go ahead. Find a picture and find the arrow for me.)
Keep up the good work, Mr. Lukas. If I can scrape together $50, I would be more than happy to help keep your website going. I already “get it;” what’s wrong with tangible tokens with the iconic striped stirrup?
[quote comment=”90784″]Yep, 80’s Angels BP/spring training jerseys were blue mesh, and didn’t have the number on the front. Just said “Angels” across the front, and had a stripe going from the neck to the end of the sleeve on each shoulder.[/quote]
Yes, those are the BP jerseys I remember, the blue ones with the stripes down the sleeves.
But… apparently the Angels at one time used a BP jersey that had stripes around the neck (and presumably sleeves) as evidenced by link picture of Don Baylor.
In any case, that supposed M&N jersey looks fake.
[quote comment=”90821″](Kind of like the arrow in FedEx. Go ahead. Find a picture and find the arrow for me.)[/quote]
the “E” and the “x” form the arrow. i’d never noticed it before when when actually looking for it, it jumped right out at me.
Paul, there is no way to please everyone. Keep it simple, my man; Its Team Uni Watch.
[quote comment=”90828″][quote comment=”90821″](Kind of like the arrow in FedEx. Go ahead. Find a picture and find the arrow for me.)[/quote]
the “E” and the “x” form the arrow. i’d never noticed it before when when actually looking for it, it jumped right out at me.[/quote]
Exactly, super sleuth. You get a gold star. (With a maroon and green stripe pattern, of course!)
The Fed Ex arrow is relatively simple to spot. Once I began to see it, it’s all I notice about the fed ex logo. Sort of like looking for stirrups once you regularly reading UniWatch
[quote comment=”90800″][quote comment=”90773″]Paul, I have been a long time reader of your column and I have checked this website regularly. However, I must say that I am fed up with your attitude and great sense of self importance.
You write about sports uniforms… It’s not as big a deal as you think is and your stubbornness and standoffish attitude are ridiculous. Just because you have a column on espn.com doesn’t mean that anyone gives a damn about you, and it certainly doesn’t make you a celebrity. It is sad that you have let whatever small taste of fame you have go to your head.
I don’t like any teams that wear purple, and I wouldn’t even consider becoming a member anyways, but it is ridiculous that you won’t allow people who are willing to give you money to have their favorite sports team on a stupid card that YOU will never have to see. Frankly, your membership idea is dumb and I don’t see why people want a card with their name on the back anyways… I could make one of those by my self if I really wanted one.
You are closed minded and admitted that discrimination is your intention… Your hatred toward the color purple is stupid to begin with, honestly, who cares? it’s just a color. And your discrimination not only makes your look like a self centered prick, but it borders on homophobia.
You have lost a reader today, and I hope that others follow me in denouncing the pathetic existence of this site.[/quote]
I’ve never claimed to be a celebrity or to be doing something important. I’m simply doing something I enjoy. Those who want to pay attention are welcome to do so; those who don’t, like yourself, are welcome to pay attention to something else. No problem.[/quote]
UNI WATCH FOREVER!!!
Initials on a jersey look bad but sometimes they’re necessary. My opinion is 50/50 on names since they are far from ruinig anything, even if most of my childhood heroes had only numbers on their back. What I don’t understand is why so many readers complain about it while namely membership card seems so important to them?
[quote comment=”90800″][quote comment=”90773″]Paul, I have been a long time reader of your column and I have checked this website regularly. However, I must say that I am fed up with your attitude and great sense of self importance.
You write about sports uniforms… It’s not as big a deal as you think is and your stubbornness and standoffish attitude are ridiculous. Just because you have a column on espn.com doesn’t mean that anyone gives a damn about you, and it certainly doesn’t make you a celebrity. It is sad that you have let whatever small taste of fame you have go to your head.
I don’t like any teams that wear purple, and I wouldn’t even consider becoming a member anyways, but it is ridiculous that you won’t allow people who are willing to give you money to have their favorite sports team on a stupid card that YOU will never have to see. Frankly, your membership idea is dumb and I don’t see why people want a card with their name on the back anyways… I could make one of those by my self if I really wanted one.
You are closed minded and admitted that discrimination is your intention… Your hatred toward the color purple is stupid to begin with, honestly, who cares? it’s just a color. And your discrimination not only makes your look like a self centered prick, but it borders on homophobia.
You have lost a reader today, and I hope that others follow me in denouncing the pathetic existence of this site.[/quote]
I’ve never claimed to be a celebrity or to be doing something important. I’m simply doing something I enjoy. Those who want to pay attention are welcome to do so; those who don’t, like yourself, are welcome to pay attention to something else. No problem.[/quote]
I will never stop paying attention to this site. I love this site. It friggin rules and connects to me on a friggin biblical level. Gnome sane?
I respect Paul’s opinion, the same way I respect my art history teacher’s opinion on the interpretive movement. I don’t have to like it, but I love an opinionated environment.
God bless America.
That being said. I’m sure Jewph would take umbrage at the lack of tolerance for all things purple.
link
How about the Boston fan who, in the lead up to the draft, held up a personalized Celtics #20 Oden jersey!
HAHAHAHAHA.
You’ve been great, Boston. Enjoy Yi Jianlan!
[quote comment=”90854″]How about the Boston fan who, in the lead up to the draft, held up a personalized Celtics #20 Oden jersey!
HAHAHAHAHA.
You’ve been great, Boston. Enjoy Yi Jianlan![/quote]
Let’s save some fodder for tomorrow. Haha.
Regarding the battle that seems to have popped up around the Uni Watch cards, I think the best thing to do is just limit them to the Uni Watch Colours. I think they’re a great combo, and that way, no one can complain about being discriminated against (which we purple lovers/likers/tolerators are). Paul managed to open a Pandora’s box by offering limited choices. All or nothing!
[quote comment=”90862″]Regarding the battle that seems to have popped up around the Uni Watch cards, I think the best thing to do is just limit them to the Uni Watch Colours. I think they’re a great combo, and that way, no one can complain about being discriminated against (which we purple lovers/likers/tolerators are). Paul managed to open a Pandora’s box by offering limited choices. All or nothing![/quote]
Could I get a card with the Mets’ black jersey design? Haha, I would never get that as a Yankees fan, but if Mr. Lukas were to take all purple jerseys out of “circulation,” then he needs to take the black Mets a non-option as well.
Why do you hate purple so much?
I actually think purple in nature is quite nice — eggplants, violets, plums, etc. But purple in man-made design applications has always struck me as really tacky. Like, seriously, have you ever seen a purple car? A total nightmare. Same goes for purple clothing, especially uniforms.
Don’t you realize purple is the color of royalty?
Sure, but so what? I live in America, a country whose very conception was predicated on anti-royalty sentiment. Maybe that’s why, as I like to point out, not a single U.S. state uses purple as one of its official state colors. If that doesn’t fill your heart with patriotic pride, nothing will.
A little defense for Paul
[quote comment=”90865″][quote comment=”90862″]Regarding the battle that seems to have popped up around the Uni Watch cards, I think the best thing to do is just limit them to the Uni Watch Colours. I think they’re a great combo, and that way, no one can complain about being discriminated against (which we purple lovers/likers/tolerators are). Paul managed to open a Pandora’s box by offering limited choices. All or nothing![/quote]
Could I get a card with the Mets’ black jersey design? Haha, I would never get that as a Yankees fan, but if Mr. Lukas were to take all purple jerseys out of “circulation,” then he needs to take the black Mets a non-option as well.[/quote]
Make that ‘make the black Mets a non-option as well.’ This website needs a way to edit your post and/or a way to delete your own post.
[quote comment=”90843″][quote comment=”90800″][quote comment=”90773″]Paul, I have been a long time reader of your column and I have checked this website regularly. However, I must say that I am fed up with your attitude and great sense of self importance.
You write about sports uniforms… It’s not as big a deal as you think is and your stubbornness and standoffish attitude are ridiculous. Just because you have a column on espn.com doesn’t mean that anyone gives a damn about you, and it certainly doesn’t make you a celebrity. It is sad that you have let whatever small taste of fame you have go to your head.
I don’t like any teams that wear purple, and I wouldn’t even consider becoming a member anyways, but it is ridiculous that you won’t allow people who are willing to give you money to have their favorite sports team on a stupid card that YOU will never have to see. Frankly, your membership idea is dumb and I don’t see why people want a card with their name on the back anyways… I could make one of those by my self if I really wanted one.
You are closed minded and admitted that discrimination is your intention… Your hatred toward the color purple is stupid to begin with, honestly, who cares? it’s just a color. And your discrimination not only makes your look like a self centered prick, but it borders on homophobia.
You have lost a reader today, and I hope that others follow me in denouncing the pathetic existence of this site.[/quote]
I’ve never claimed to be a celebrity or to be doing something important. I’m simply doing something I enjoy. Those who want to pay attention are welcome to do so; those who don’t, like yourself, are welcome to pay attention to something else. No problem.[/quote]
UNI WATCH FOREVER!!![/quote]
Thank you Mike, it appears that instead of making more people leave the site, you increased the Uni Watch spirit even more. I thank you, and would like everyone to know that im sticking around and hanging with my Uni Watch brothers(and sisters).
I think the 8 is just coincidental. Look at the O in Red Sox, and it make a similar shape.
I like how there are two smaller B’s in the B on the Red Sox hat. They stand for “Base Ball.” I swear.
Grrr…I’d gone half the week without finding out who won the Super 14 Final so I could watch it when I had time, and the last place I expected to see it was on Uni Watch. Damn damn damn!
[quote comment=”90783″][quote comment=”90542″][quote comment=”90510″]Paul, what are your thoughts on the XFL allowing guys to use whatever they wanted on the backs of their jerseys?
link
Yawn.[/quote]
Yeah, glad he did a lot of research for that pic.[/quote]
WTF are you talking about? I used the XFL jersey pic that everyone knows. Big freaking deal.
[quote comment=”90681″]From 1983 through ’86, both Sutter twins — link (#15) and link (#14), two of the six Sutter brothers who played in the NHL — played for the Flyers and had their full names on their sweaters. link a shot of Rich’s jersey from St. Louis, when apparently Ron played there with him as well.
Trivia: What’s the name of the one Sutter brother who never played in the NHL? (Even Teebz might not know this one…)[/quote]
“Even Teebz might not”… c’mon, we’re talking about the Sutters here, the first family of hockey. :o)
Gary Sutter, the oldest of the Sutter brothers, never made the NHL. Gary was the only defenceman of the Sutter clan, and was generally regarded as the most talented hockey player of the seven boys. He turned down an offer to leave the farm, and never pursued hockey as a living. The six brothers who did were Brian, Duane, Darryl, Brent, Ron and Rich. On October 30th, 1984, Duane and Brent of the NY Islanders played against Ron and Rich of the Philadelphia Flyers for the most siblings to play in one NHL game.
Brian’s son, Shaun, was drafted 102nd overall by the Calgary Flames in 1998, but he never got to play for his Uncle Darryl as he only made it through to the AHL. Shaun is now playing in the EIHL in England. Brett Sutter, Brent’s son, was drafted 179th overall in 2005 by the Calgary Flames as well.
[quote comment=”90633″][quote comment=”90610″]Booooo! I can’t get Vikings colors on my membership card? … Everyone else can get their favorite team, this is discrimination.[/quote]
Yes, that’s precisely what it is.
And if you choose not to join, that’s completely up to you. But purple will never appear on a Uni Watch membership card. The End.[/quote]
Fair enough. I guess one of my problems is there is a club feel here that is reinforced with the membership, but it is obviously not a democracy and the single opinion that certain jerseys are second class because of the color purple is the line in the sand. There’s also the mild sense of entitlement I sometimes feel. You are, to quote a friend, the David Stern of sports uniform discourse.
A quick ctrl+F showed that no one had commented yet about the unavailability of NBA teams for UniWatch membership cards. Will that be an option in the future? I couldn’t care less about the NFL and the NHL, and the Yankees don’t have names on their jerseys so it’d be pointless to get a card with their decor. I would probably get a UniWatch-themed card anyway, but it’d be nice to have the option of getting a Magic-themed one. Anyway. I guess it must not be a big deal, seeing as how I’m the first person out of 250 to mention it.
Cool blog. Was hipped to it by the Boston Herald’s newest Sox scribe Rob Bradford who, after citing an All-Star pic of Pudge Fisk in a Brewers hat, wrote simply. “I love Uniwatch.” Couldn’t agree more.
In the mid-1980s, after the Islanders drafted Monty Trottier, brother of Bryan, I believe Bryan wore “B. Trottier” for a while … Monty never made it.
I’m pretty sure Ozzie Smith always wore O. Smith on his back, whether or not the Cardinals had another Smith on the roster. Most of the time, with Lonnie or Lee, they had another one.
Loved the old pre taco bell Astros jersey the best. I live Kentucky but each summer my parents would ship me off to my grandparents in Houston and each night we would go to the dome. Brings back memories of Joe Morgan, Doug Rader, Cesar Cedano. I wish that the stros would have went back to that uni.