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Camden: City of Dreams (at least for one night)

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Let’s just say I could have used an extra bullpen session. Or at least a quick game of catch.

We’ll get to my minor league debut in a minute, but first I’ll tell you about the other aspects of yesterday’s “Old-School Baseball Night” promotion in Camden, New Jersey.

I arrived at Campbell’s Field at about 5:30 and was quickly ushered into the clubhouse, where the Riversharks players were puzzling over the stirrups I’d arranged for them to wear. Pretty nice, right? But as you can see here, most of the players didn’t have proper sanitaries. Other problems: Everyone had really long pants (I had to show several of them how to cuff the pant legs properly, so they wouldn’t be all bunched up like this), and several players had removed the elastic from their cuffs, which made the high-cuffed look a bit more of a challenge.

Still, most of the players were agreeable enough. Here’s a sampling of some of the commentary that was buzzing around the room as they pulled on their hose:

I don’t know if my pants are baggy enough. ”¦ Does the smaller opening go in the front or the back? ”¦ You look like SpongeBob. ”¦ Dude, you’ve got, like, the biggest calves I’ve ever seen. Never noticed that before. ”¦ My pants are too fucking long. ”¦ Does the smaller opening go in the front or the back? ”¦ It don’t help that my legs are so stubby. ”¦ I look like fuckin’ Babe Ruth. ”¦ Can I borrow your low-tops? I can’t wear high-tops with these. ”¦ Last time I wore these was in Little League. ”¦ If we lose, we’ll have a fucking bonfire with these out in the parking lot. ”¦ Does the smaller opening go in the front or the back?

And so on. I kept waiting for the players — several of whom said they’d literally never worn stirrups before in their lives — to tell me, “Thank you, kind sir, for letting us look like real live baseball players for once!” Oddly, no such expressions of gratitude were forthcoming, but I guess the fellas were too busy putting on their game faces. Still, I think it’s fair to say that this was clearly the best-looking clubhouse in southern New Jersey, if not all of independent A-level baseball (further evidence here, here, here, and here), and I don’t mind saying I was just a little bit proud.

Two players deserve special notice: This guy (I wasn’t able to get everyone’s name, unfortunately) taped up his cuffs, creating an interesting bloused effect that I kinda liked.

This being the Atlantic League, the team economized by not ordering stirrups for starting pitchers who weren’t slated to appear in the game. Most of those pitchers just wore their pants long, but one of them seemed genuinely distraught over the prospect of being left out. “Fuck this,” he said, heading over to an equipment locker, “I’ll make my own motherfucking stirrups.” In a display of ingenuity that brought a tear to my eye (or it would have, if I hadn’t been busy scarfing a cookie from the food spread), he pulled on some navy socks, whipped out some light blue tape, and proceeded to create a semi-reasonable facsimile of what his teammates were wearing. He was so pleased with the results that he then got some white tape and created some makeshift sanitaries. It was at this point that the clubbie somehow produced a real pair of stirrups for him to wear.

From there it was on to the field, where the Sharks looked sharp, especially compared to the visiting York Revolution. True, a few players had a bit of trouble with their sannies (additional disturbing pics here and here), but on the whole I’d say the experiment was a success. The Sharks even won, so presumably no bonfire was necessary.

In a move that will not go down as one of my better decisions in life, I agreed to participate in a chicken wing eating contest after the 6th inning. It was sort of a culinary version of “Name That Tune”: The idea was to taste four batches of “wings” (actually boneless gutbomb thingies that I’m fairly certain were devoid of chicken and am completely certain had zero wing content) and match them to the flavors listed on a little ballot sheet. I won, but the prize was 35 free wings, which is sort of like winning an all-expenses-paid trip to Darfur, so I passed.

Now then: the first pitch. I was actually one of two first pitchers — the other one was a small planetoid who I believe plays for Philadelphia’s arena football team, although I was too busy trying to avoid his gravitational field to catch all the details. Anyway, as you can see, they gave me a cap and a jersey, which was nice (I’d actually offered to wear a full uniform, including the stirrups, but they didn’t have pants in my size and didn’t want to order a special set). It was hard not to be inspired by the moment, what with the Ben Franklin Bridge in back of me and this stirring tableau in front of me.

So I wound up and ”¦ Well, let’s just say that if there’d been a left-handed batter up there, I would’ve plunked him pretty good. In the head. Next time I’ll be sure to warm up with at least a couple of practice tosses.

Incidentally: While I was in the clubhouse, I chatted with former Mets catcher Jason Phillips (whose name is misspelled on his locker nameplate — another one of those minor league indignities). Two uni-related things I learned about him: (1) He no longer wears goggles, because he got lasik surgery last winter, although he keeps a pair of goggles with him, “because everyone always asks me about them.” (2) I asked him why he wears his catcher’s helmet with the brim facing forward, and he said he started doing it when he played in Pittsfield, where it was often rainy. The rain would splatter against the goggles, so he turned his helmet around to shield his lenses. Even though he no longer wears the goggles, he still wears the helmet this way.

Ãœber-duper thanks to Morris Levin, who was the prime mover behind this whole thing, and who took most of the photos you just clicked through; to reader Erik Shmukler, who attended the game and took the other photos; to Riversharks marketing assistant JC Williams, who coordinated things with the team (and also got in the spirit of the occasion); to jersey historian Bill Henderson, who I finally got to meet (and who wore his awesome Phillies road prototype jersey, complete with ultra-generic NOB); and to any and all who attended. Sorry I didn’t get to meet all of you.

Uni Watch News Ticker: Check out this awesome shot of the New York Original Celtics. Further details here (with thanks to Claude Johnson). ”¦ Reprinted from yesterday’s comments: Big Brown jockey Kent Desormeaux will be wearing the Hooters logo (along with the UPS logo, which he’s already worn during the Kentucky Derby and Preakness) when he saddles up for tomorrow’s Belmont Stakes. ”¦ Small write-up here of my recent butchery chart reading. ”¦ “This screen shot from the upcoming Madden 09 concerns me,” writes Marhsall Offutt. “Is that Larry Fitzgerald? If so, what ‘throwback’ uniforms do the Cardinals have? It more resembles the 49ers from the ’50s. Do you know something about this?” Nope, but I bet someone else does. Anyone..? ”¦ If you really love Chris Osgood, you’ll want to bid on this (with thanks to John Muir). ”¦ Giants equipment guru Joe Skiba will be featured on tonight’s installment of the History Channel’s Modern Marvels, which will focus on football technology. ”¦ Interesting trademark dust-up here. “Just so happens to coincide with the NBA Finals,” says Black Fives prexy Claude Johnson. “But we would have never known had the Lakers not been in the playoffs. [Kareem] and his people are well aware of Black Fives’ trademark rights, because they’ve corresponded repeatedly with me requesting a potential business relationship.” ”¦ Hate to pick on the Rays, esp. when they’ve been playing so well, but couldn’t they have given their top draft pick a current cap? ”¦ “I just got this e-mailed to me,” writes Brad Denny. “I think GCU now has the worst mascot of all time.” Hard to disagree. ”¦ Yet another ball found its way between a set of buttons, as Mike Jacobs prepared to field a Mark Teixeira grounder and had it momentarily end up inside his jersey. By the time he fished it out, the ump had ruled the play dead and Teixeira was awarded a single (with thanks to Austin Cohoon). ”¦ Reprinted from yesterday’s comments: The Hurricanes plan to reitre Glen Wesley’s number. ”¦ Check out the extra bell-bottom panel sewn into James Shields’s pant leg.

 
  
 
Comments (127)

    I hate to ask this, but I honestly don’t know and I’m on this blog to learn such things, so here is my all important question:

    Does the smaller opening go in the front or the back?

    Yesterday it was mentioned that a hat that the Rays first pick, Tim Beckham, was wearing in a picture was an NBA hat from either the Timberwolves or the Grizzlies. I said I thought it was a hat from his high school. So, I emailed his high school coach, Jaimie Cassady and asked him. He said that it was an NBA hat. Although he didn’t specify which team, I suspect it’s the Griz.

    [quote comment=”274362″]I hate to ask this, but I honestly don’t know and I’m on this blog to learn such things, so here is my all important question:

    Does the smaller opening go in the front or the back?[/quote]

    Front.

    Ok, as a former GCU employee. YIKES! Take one of the best purple logos in all of sports and add THAT monstrosity to it? Ok, I think I may go barf now. Would have never happened in the old days. Seriously looks like something from the 1980s.

    [quote comment=”274365″]Ok, as a former GCU employee. YIKES! Take one of the best purple logos in all of sports and add THAT monstrosity to it? Ok, I think I may go barf now. Would have never happened in the old days. Seriously looks like something from the 1980s.[/quote]

    “Thunderlope”?

    And I suppose second choice was “Antelightning”?

    God….Those Stirups looked great Paul. Tears of joy to my eyes. Congratulations on this great event.

    NOW we wait to get called up to the BIGs…

    Sorry I couldn’t make it…I think I am still stuck to Bob and Barbara’s floor.

    [quote comment=”274363″]Yesterday it was mentioned that a hat that the Rays first pick, Tim Beckham, was wearing in a picture was an NBA hat from either the Timberwolves or the Grizzlies. I said I thought it was a hat from his high school. So, I emailed his high school coach, Jaimie Cassady and asked him. He said that it was an NBA hat. Although he didn’t specify which team, I suspect it’s the Griz.[/quote]

    I remember that picture, it was a Minnesota Timberwolves hat for sure though. I just can’t find the picture on espn.com anymore.

    Loved the stirrups…

    Being an Orlando Predators fan I HATE the Soul and I hate even more that he was wearing their Airport code/Pheonix Suns ripoff alternate jersey to throw out the pitch!

    Very sweet story about your trying to bring stirrups to the minor league masses, Paul. The photos with ones wearing ankles under theirs were truly frightening.

    [quote comment=”274371″][quote comment=”274363″]Yesterday it was mentioned that a hat that the Rays first pick, Tim Beckham, was wearing in a picture was an NBA hat from either the Timberwolves or the Grizzlies. I said I thought it was a hat from his high school. So, I emailed his high school coach, Jaimie Cassady and asked him. He said that it was an NBA hat. Although he didn’t specify which team, I suspect it’s the Griz.[/quote]

    I remember that picture, it was a Minnesota Timberwolves hat for sure though. I just can’t find the picture on espn.com anymore.[/quote]

    link

    Re: Tim Beckham wearing Devil Rays cap

    The MLB Draft is NOTHING like the NFL, NHL, or NBA drafts — potential first round picks aren’t hanging out at the festivities. The Rays hadn’t even decided on the top pick until Thursday morning, so I highly doubt that they sent Beckham an old cap to wear.

    More than likely a member of his family picked up a few caps from the top teams in anticipation of him being selected. Perhaps you could contact the Rays or Beckham’s representatives instead of making assumptions?

    [quote comment=”274367″]Why was that jersey not tucked in, Mister?!?[/quote]
    If Paul had tucked in, he’d have looked like Philadelphia mayor Michael “Mom Jeans” Nutter …

    link

    Never been inside of Campbell’s Field. Have driven by it countless times going into Jersey from Philadelphia on the Ben Franklin Bridge. Maybe I’m just a snob for affiliated baseball.

    What a great story. Charming. A beautiful slice of Americana.

    Like the journals of Johnny Appleseed…only it’s present day and with, you know, stirrups. I could see this as a summer long tour, from Camden to Fresno and all points in between.

    That bridge in the outfield is awesome.

    Those stirrups were magnificent!!!
    I did especially like the “bloused” effect.
    link
    Kudos Mr. Lukas!

    Yesterday there were some pics of Manny Ramirez wearing David Ortiz’z wristband. There is a picture on boston.com today of him wearing two of them. I don’t know how to link it, but if you look at the slideshow that chronicles the bad blood between the Sox and the Rays it is picture number 10.

    Thursday June 12th, The Chicago Cubs will be having a throw back game wearing their 1948 throwbacks. There will be festivities, music and even food PRICED at 1948 prices!
    link

    More info here

    link

    I can’t wait to see this!

    [quote comment=\”274374\”][quote comment=\”274371\”][quote comment=\”274363\”]Yesterday it was mentioned that a hat that the Rays first pick, Tim Beckham, was wearing in a picture was an NBA hat from either the Timberwolves or the Grizzlies. I said I thought it was a hat from his high school. So, I emailed his high school coach, Jaimie Cassady and asked him. He said that it was an NBA hat. Although he didn\’t specify which team, I suspect it\’s the Griz.[/quote]

    I remember that picture, it was a Minnesota Timberwolves hat for sure though. I just can\’t find the picture on espn.com anymore.[/quote]

    Here it is.[/quote]

    The hat is clearly a Timberwolves hat, and not a Grizzlies hat. Logos for comparison:

    Timberwolves

    Grizzlies

    Check this out, they have these statue of liberty mini statues covered in MLB team logos. Who would buy such a thing? Paul as a New Yorker, what do you think?

    link

    [quote comment=”274380″]Those stirrups were magnificent!!!
    I did especially like the “bloused” effect.
    link
    Kudos Mr. Lukas![/quote]

    What works better (“bloused effect”) is to tape the pants while they’re inside out up around your knees/at top of your calf. Then pull them up as you stand. We also sometimes would use U.S. Army “blousing rubbers”, which are mini-bungee-cords used for blousing fatigues so you don’t have to tuck them into your boots. Those that I have actually are from my Army days, but I think they can be found in most surplus stores. If not there, then at any PX.

    Maybe that’s why today’s players don’t like stirrups. Too much work, plus you gotta mess with sanitaries.

    Speaking of that, yes, the guys with the fallen socks under stirrups bring up a question (sadly largely rhetorical) almost as old as baseball itself: How can anyone be so clueless that they’d be anywhere on the field looking like that?

    [quote comment=”274364″][quote comment=”274362″]I hate to ask this, but I honestly don’t know and I’m on this blog to learn such things, so here is my all important question:

    Does the smaller opening go in the front or the back?[/quote]

    Front.[/quote]

    As does the rose, big guy.

    [quote comment=”274383″][quote comment=”274369″]guess whats coming back?

    link
    Bases Loaded was better.[/quote]

    Blasphemy!!!

    Something I noticed during Wednesday’s Reds game – Bronson Arroyo came into the game as a pinch runner (do the Reds do this often, Robert?) wearing a double flap helmet. I Tivo-ed Baseball Tonight but haven’t taken a snapshot of it yet.

    So flipping through the channels last night I saw the last inning of the Nationals/Cardinals game just as Dukes hit the walk off HR. Not sure who was catching for the Cards but he was wearing navy shin guards, with a red chest protector and mask. Anyone know who was catching and if this is common with him. I don’t recall seeing a catcher without matching gear before.

    [quote comment=”274387″]Check this out, they have these statue of liberty mini statues covered in MLB team logos. Who would buy such a thing? Paul as a New Yorker, what do you think?

    link

    That is just sooooo wrong on so many levels.

    When I was playing ball, back in the 70’s, we all stretched our stirrups. I’d start by pulling them up over my knees, then I would turn my pants inside out and put them on legs first. After this I would fold down the tops of my stirrups over the pant legs. To finish, I would pull the pants up and I’d have a nice sharp fold right where I wanted it with the top of the stirrup opening right at the fold in my pants. I never used tape — it would have been too constricting. My brother was the only player in our league who wore low stirrups. A man before his time.

    “Fuck this,” he said, heading over to an equipment locker, “I’ll make my own motherfucking stirrups.”

    Best. Quote. Ever.

    This clearly should be the mantra for Uniwatch from this point forward!

    I’ll see Grand Canyon University’s campus Tuesday night. Seattle Sounders play the Arizona Sahuaros in a US Open Cup first-round match (that’s soccer for the uninitiated). I can pick up some Thunderlopes gear if anyone wants it. :)

    [quote comment=”274396″]When I was playing ball, back in the 70’s, we all stretched our stirrups. I’d start by pulling them up over my knees, then I would turn my pants inside out and put them on legs first. After this I would fold down the tops of my stirrups over the pant legs. To finish, I would pull the pants up and I’d have a nice sharp fold right where I wanted it with the top of the stirrup opening right at the fold in my pants. I never used tape — it would have been too constricting. My brother was the only player in our league who wore low stirrups. A man before his time.[/quote]

    Think everyone had their own way of getting their stirrups/pants relationship just so, didn’t they. Honestly it was part of the fun of it, the preparation, the pre-game ritual. I dunno, maybe that a little bit of what’s missing today, those moments where you sat there getting everything just right, the way so many ballplayers had done before you.

    Whoa, getting kinda “Field of Stirrups” there, wasn’t I.

    [quote comment=”274394″]So flipping through the channels last night I saw the last inning of the Nationals/Cardinals game just as Dukes hit the walk off HR. Not sure who was catching for the Cards but he was wearing navy shin guards, with a red chest protector and mask. Anyone know who was catching and if this is common with him. [/quote]

    They put box scores on the internet now. New thing.

    link

    [quote comment=”274387″]Check this out, they have these statue of liberty mini statues covered in MLB team logos. Who would buy such a thing? Paul as a New Yorker, what do you think?

    link

    This New Yorker thinks they’re hideous. The least they could have done is use the retro Brewers logos, like they did for the 2003 All-Star Game in Chicago.

    I presume that they’ll be putting larger versions of these Lady Liberties all around town….

    Did anyone catch the HUGE trophy logo in the Lakers-Celtics game last night? I think this goes back to our NCAA logo discussion, only worse This looks horrible.

    [quote comment=”274383″][quote comment=”274369″]guess whats coming back?

    link
    Bases Loaded was better.[/quote]

    I was a dedicated Avalon Hill Status Pro Baseball player. Good stuff.

    [quote comment=”274397″]“Fuck this,” he said, heading over to an equipment locker, “I’ll make my own motherfucking stirrups.”

    Best. Quote. Ever.

    This clearly should be the mantra for Uniwatch from this point forward![/quote]

    I say get that guy an honorary lifetime membership.

    [quote comment=”274378″][quote comment=”274367″]Why was that jersey not tucked in, Mister?!?[/quote]
    If Paul had tucked in, he’d have looked like Philadelphia mayor Michael “Mom Jeans” Nutter …

    link
    [/quote]

    Have to agree.

    If you’re wearing matching uniform pants, you keep that jersey tucked in at all times.

    If you’re wearing any other pants, the shirttails needs to remain freely swinging.

    [quote comment=”274393″][quote comment=”274383″][quote comment=”274369″]guess whats coming back?

    link
    Bases Loaded was better.[/quote]

    Blasphemy!!!

    Something I noticed during Wednesday’s Reds game – Bronson Arroyo came into the game as a pinch runner (do the Reds do this often, Robert?) wearing a double flap helmet. I Tivo-ed Baseball Tonight but haven’t taken a snapshot of it yet.[/quote]

    The Reds have used Arroyo as a pinch-runner at least twice this year, and maybe more. He has also pinch-hit at least once, in the 18-inning game. He is a good athlete, and Dusty Baker doesn’t hesitate to use him so that he doesn’t have to burn a bench player.

    [quote comment=”274387″]Check this out, they have these statue of liberty mini statues covered in MLB team logos. Who would buy such a thing? Paul as a New Yorker, what do you think?

    link
    I’m a huge pirate fan, but this is honestly one of the most hideous things I have ever seen. I’m still not a big fan of the “Angry Pirate”

    link

    Not sure if it has been mentioned at all, but the ECHL’s SC Stingrays have decided it best to go modern with their new logo:

    link

    [quote comment=”274407″][quote comment=”274387″]Check this out, they have these statue of liberty mini statues covered in MLB team logos. Who would buy such a thing? Paul as a New Yorker, what do you think?

    link
    I’m a huge pirate fan, but this is honestly one of the most hideous things I have ever seen. I’m still not a big fan of the “Angry Pirate”

    link

    Tacky. Sort of “sanctioned graffitti” on one of the things we’d most like to see stay graffitti-free.

    Seriouly, in very, very bad taste. Especially at at time we have both a huge number of our Armed Forces in harm’s way, and dissent being somehow unpatriotic again.

    Hey, don’t you burn that flag, but I can I interest you in defaced Statue of Liberty souvenir?

    Unfortunately, I was not able to attend. Honestly, I didn’t feel like driving into Camden alone. It looks like it went well.

    [quote comment=”274404″][quote comment=”274397″]“Fuck this,” he said, heading over to an equipment locker, “I’ll make my own motherfucking stirrups.”

    Best. Quote. Ever.

    This clearly should be the mantra for Uniwatch from this point forward![/quote]

    I say get that guy an honorary lifetime membership.[/quote]

    Awesome…That’s the kind of stuff that I miss most about playing ball in college…the stupid locker room shit that goes on is classic!

    Also…please don’t ever do the tuck, unless you’re playing.

    The ingenious Fuck This kid is sitting next to seom pretty cool kicks:
    1. Nike Air Zoom 5 Tool cleats
    2. Nike Air Zoom Flight 96 hoops shoes

    The catcher in the first pitch pic NEEDS to lose the Jordan wristbands however his Nike Zoom Turf shoes are pretty cool, although they’re for football.

    The marketing dude wearing the old school Camden jersey also has some decent Nike Air Max 90’s on although they’ve seen better days.

    The guy who “bloused” his pants and taped them…that’s literaaly “bush league” and so are his high top Huarache 2k5 cleats.

    And lastly, I don’t like the contrasting sleeves on the Sharks’ jerseys.

    However, great setting and I too love the bridge in the background!

    What a beautiful site first thing in the morning… you could not have picked a better looking stirrup for those unis. And the fact that the guys were willing to get into the fun just reminds me of what is so special about the minor leagues.

    i’m no osgood fan, but i’d love to letter a jersey with “so good” instead…

    [quote comment=”274360″]Good morning all,

    Does anyone have a good photo of Jerry Rice in a Broncos uni?[/quote]

    Hope you like mesh…

    link

    Just wanted to say that this is one of the best articles you’ve written in the past two years, Paul. Also, I would love to see the stirrups promotion at some more minor league games. Some of my favorite local teams, the Brooklyn Cyclones and Long Island Ducks both come to mind. Perhaps we can make it happen?

    Either way, as usual, thanks for living my dream and writing about uniforms as a career. I truly envy you.

    [quote comment=”274367″]Why was that jersey not tucked in, Mister?!?[/quote]

    I find that, when wearing jeans, it’s always best to go untucked.

    Okay, I have more old-style pants and stirrups and hats than I know what to do with, so I’ll leave it to this bunch for suggestions, because I never can decide…

    What uni should I wear for one of my one-man Turn Back the Clock’s at old guy Sunday morning softball this week?

    Not like I think I’m center of the universe, I really am curious to see what kind of ideas I’d get from U-W’ers (btw, don’t try to say “U-W’ers” aloud, your jaw kinda double-clutches).

    Jax Jags players and coaches are wearing special hats that honor the victims of the tornado in Parkersburg, Iowa. Parkersburg (pop. 1,800) is home to 4 NFL players, including Jags’ center Brad Meester. The hats are being sold to the public to raise money for the relief fund.

    Story and pic of hat:
    link

    [quote comment=”274407″][quote comment=”274387″]Check this out, they have these statue of liberty mini statues covered in MLB team logos. Who would buy such a thing? Paul as a New Yorker, what do you think?

    link
    I’m a huge pirate fan, but this is honestly one of the most hideous things I have ever seen. I’m still not a big fan of the “Angry Pirate”

    link

    At least the Marlins one is teal

    [quote comment=”274403″][quote comment=”274383″][quote comment=”274369″]guess whats coming back?

    link
    Bases Loaded was better.[/quote]

    I was a dedicated Avalon Hill Status Pro Baseball player. Good stuff.[/quote]
    Still have my Status Pro cards and board! And found a couple of places where you could download new card sets! Playing with my original cards is always a solid reminder of how much the 1982 Yankees REALLY sucked!!!

    [quote comment=”274387″]Check this out, they have these statue of liberty mini statues covered in MLB team logos. Who would buy such a thing? Paul as a New Yorker, what do you think?

    link

    Well, seeing as I have two of the Cows on Parade (space themed… I work for NASA), I imagine a lot of people! They did little Imndy Cars one year at Indy too – we drove all over town looking for various ones. Turns out they are for the All Star Game – link.

    [quote comment=”274412″][quote comment=”274407″][quote comment=”274387″]Check this out, they have these statue of liberty mini statues covered in MLB team logos. Who would buy such a thing? Paul as a New Yorker, what do you think?

    link
    I’m a huge pirate fan, but this is honestly one of the most hideous things I have ever seen. I’m still not a big fan of the “Angry Pirate”

    link

    Tacky. Sort of “sanctioned graffitti” on one of the things we’d most like to see stay graffitti-free.

    Seriouly, in very, very bad taste. Especially at at time we have both a huge number of our Armed Forces in harm’s way, and dissent being somehow unpatriotic again.

    Hey, don’t you burn that flag, but I can I interest you in defaced Statue of Liberty souvenir?[/quote]

    …and a Toronto Blue Jays Statue of Liberty doesn’t even make sense…

    link

    [quote comment=”274426″][quote comment=”274387″]Check this out, they have these statue of liberty mini statues covered in MLB team logos. Who would buy such a thing? Paul as a New Yorker, what do you think?

    link

    Well, seeing as I have two of the Cows on Parade (space themed… I work for NASA), I imagine a lot of people! They did little Imndy Cars one year at Indy too – we drove all over town looking for various ones. Turns out they are for the All Star Game – link.[/quote]

    Of course, the Cows on Parade was the first… not sure I woudl have even bought the Peter Max Indy Car if they had made those small.

    But really… who buys mini Statues of Liberty anyway, guys? Tourists! Unfortunately, it will probably be a cash cow…!

    [quote comment=”274427″]…and a Toronto Blue Jays Statue of Liberty doesn’t even make sense…

    link

    At least it’s 90% blue, which is more than we can say for the actual BLUE Jays uniform…

    And did anyone else notice that it looks like the “Mets” sleeve circle logo on Jason Phillips’ jersey appears to have a black dropshadow on the “Mets” wordmark? I’m talking about the one where he’s posing with the bat.

    link

    I ask because I’ve seen some sleeve patches (talking about the orange and blue ones; the black and blue do have an orange dropshadow) where the “Mets” does have a dropshadow and some where it doesn’t. Is that a recent change?

    [quote comment=”274360″]Good morning all,

    Does anyone have a good photo of Jerry Rice in a Broncos uni?[/quote]

    Google images . . .

    link

    [quote comment=”274408″]Plenty of link still available[/quote]

    Typical of minor league games, where the seating area behind homeplate is virtually empty. The percentage of no-shows in the minors has got to be pretty high.

    [quote comment=”274407″][quote comment=”274387″]Check this out, they have these statue of liberty mini statues covered in MLB team logos. Who would buy such a thing? Paul as a New Yorker, what do you think?

    link
    I’m a huge pirate fan, but this is honestly one of the most hideous things I have ever seen. I’m still not a big fan of the “Angry Pirate”

    link

    I kind of get the impression that the designer of these would be the same person who (should be shot) designed the Turn Ahead The Clock uniforms.

    [quote comment=”274424″][quote comment=”274407″][quote comment=”274387″]Check this out, they have these statue of liberty mini statues covered in MLB team logos. Who would buy such a thing? Paul as a New Yorker, what do you think?

    link
    I’m a huge pirate fan, but this is honestly one of the most hideous things I have ever seen. I’m still not a big fan of the “Angry Pirate”

    link

    At least the Marlins one is teal[/quote]

    Just what I want… A NYC icon Statute of Liberty on Parade figure wrapped in Boston Red Sox logos.

    Or, how about a Tampa Bay Rays one?

    [quote comment=”274369″]guess whats coming back?

    link

    Two thoughts here:

    1. Anyone want to trade an XBox 360 for a Wii? Sure, my kids will cry, but if it means RBI, how can I resist?

    2. With RBI coming back, can Double Dribble and Techmo Bowl be far behind?

    [quote comment=”274426″][quote comment=”274387″]Check this out, they have these statue of liberty mini statues covered in MLB team logos. Who would buy such a thing? Paul as a New Yorker, what do you think?

    link

    Well, seeing as I have two of the Cows on Parade (space themed… I work for NASA), I imagine a lot of people! They did little Imndy Cars one year at Indy too – we drove all over town looking for various ones. Turns out they are for the All Star Game – link.[/quote]

    Thanks for the article.

    They did this in 2003 for the All-Star Game in Chicago, only they were large bobbleheads decorated in the same team-wrap design.

    But heck, anything to help dispel the mistaken notion which some of my Garden State brothers try to spread, that the Statue of Liberty is actually in New Jersey….

    [quote comment=”274425″][quote comment=”274403″][quote comment=”274383″][quote comment=”274369″]guess whats coming back?

    link
    Bases Loaded was better.[/quote]

    I was a dedicated Avalon Hill Status Pro Baseball player. Good stuff.[/quote]
    Still have my Status Pro cards and board! And found a couple of places where you could download new card sets! Playing with my original cards is always a solid reminder of how much the 1982 Yankees REALLY sucked!!![/quote]

    I still play APBA.

    [quote comment=”274404″][quote comment=”274397″]“Fuck this,” he said, heading over to an equipment locker, “I’ll make my own motherfucking stirrups.”

    Best. Quote. Ever.

    This clearly should be the mantra for Uniwatch from this point forward![/quote]

    I say get that guy an honorary lifetime membership.[/quote]

    I second the motion (without having read the rest of the posts). Starting Pitcher Dude, welcome aboard!

    P.S. It was bittersweet to watch the Celtics-Lakers game last night. I want KG to win a championship, but oh, how I wish it were with the T-wolves.

    P.P.S. Speaking of T-Wolves, the hat that Beckham is wearing looks more like the T-Wolves logo than that of the Grizzlies.

    Now that I’ve read the rest…The Statue of Liberty minis are an abomination unto the Uni God, and indeed, all that is sacred and holy in baseball. But, it’ll bring in a few bucks, so that’s that.

    I like the old Stingrays logo better than the new one because it’s goofy and has character. The new one is so…blah.

    Hey, Minna H…haven’t noticed u here since u asked if I was from Twin Cities.

    [quote comment=”274439″]Hey, Minna H…haven’t noticed u here since u asked if I was from Twin Cities.[/quote]

    Ricko1, I flit in and out at odd times, but I am here. I read every day (at least what Paul writes), and I have been commenting on and off since the inception of the blog. If there is a post in praise of black unis, then it’s probably me.

    I am from the Twin Cities, too, obviously. I make no bones about that!

    [quote comment=”274440″]That said, we don’t need to talk about the Orioles series.[/quote]

    Ricko1, yeah, I try to ignore all the bad things the hometown teams do. Unfortunately, that’s most of the games these days. Though the Wild! did make it to the playoffs. And promptly lost.

    Oh well.

    Wild were just applying the Wolves Post-Season Formula. You’d think we’d be used to it by now.

    [quote comment=”274436″][quote comment=”274425″][quote comment=”274403″][quote comment=”274383″][quote comment=”274369″]guess whats coming back?

    link
    Bases Loaded was better.[/quote]

    I was a dedicated Avalon Hill Status Pro Baseball player. Good stuff.[/quote]
    Still have my Status Pro cards and board! And found a couple of places where you could download new card sets! Playing with my original cards is always a solid reminder of how much the 1982 Yankees REALLY sucked!!![/quote]

    I still play APBA.[/quote]

    Played in high school. Just re-purchased the baseball game and found an old football game on eBay. Going to start a replay of the 1984 Cubs’ season here before too long.

    Tried Strat-O-Matic. Wasn’t as simple. Just didn’t take with me, maybe it suffered from comparison to APBA.

    And I looked this up before, but I forget the name of the game (might have been an Avalon Hill game, which also had a pretty good NBA and football games) but during the 1981 strike, a couple of buddies and I had a league with another game that had great players of the past. I was just getting into baseball then, and that was my first exposure to names like Home Run Baker and Jimmie Foxx.

    [quote comment=”274430″][quote comment=”274360″]Good morning all,

    Does anyone have a good photo of Jerry Rice in a Broncos uni?[/quote]

    Google images . . .

    link

    They have the internet on computers now?

    [quote comment=”274445″][quote comment=”274430″][quote comment=”274360″]Good morning all,

    Does anyone have a good photo of Jerry Rice in a Broncos uni?[/quote]

    Google images . . .

    link

    They have the internet on computers now?[/quote]

    Somebody around here claims you can even find out the scores to last nights’ games on these things – even the West Coast contests!

    GCU’s jerseys aren’t much better than their new name, at least not on the lacrosse field. Gigantic numbers and a Uni-watch no-no with purple. I have better pictures at home from our game against them, but this will have to do:

    Does anyone have the schedule of special jersey dates for the MLB season on hand? I’ve been searching for it without much luck so far. Thanks in advance!

    [quote comment=”274434″][quote comment=”274369″]guess whats coming back?

    link

    Two thoughts here:

    1. Anyone want to trade an XBox 360 for a Wii? Sure, my kids will cry, but if it means RBI, how can I resist?

    2. With RBI coming back, can Double Dribble and Techmo Bowl be far behind?[/quote]

    You’re a little behind the curve – if you have a Wii you CAN d/l Tecmo Bowl from the Virtual Console.

    link

    And – Tecmo Bowl 2008 is coming out on the PS3.

    link

    Also, what the F. I have no buttons!

    Someone mentioned the Braves-Cubs 1948 throwback game earlier. Both teams wore zippered unis in ’48. Will the throwbacks have zippers, or will they stick with buttons? Kinda relevant considering Paul’s recent ESPN article that mentioned zippers.

    [quote comment=”274451″]Someone mentioned the Braves-Cubs 1948 throwback game earlier. Both teams wore zippered unis in ’48. Will the throwbacks have zippers, or will they stick with buttons? Kinda relevant considering Paul’s recent ESPN article that mentioned zippers.[/quote]

    I’d be stunned if they went with zippers. Most teams seem okay to go with replicas “inspired” by a certain era, without getting right down to authenticity. They do make some concessions to modern technology and realities already (they’re not going to put them in flannel).

    They will however, not let Derrek Lee play and will bring in Bob Feller to lob mortars at Koskue Fukudome, just to get in the spirit of ’48.

    (Joke, joke, please don’t get upset and go running to the teacher.)

    looks like the camden event was a lot of fun. sorry i missed it – would have been there had my adult b-ball league team not made the semis. but we did, and we won, so it’s on to the finals (because i know you all care!)

    paul, could this be an annual thing going forward?

    Wichita State vs FSU college baseball on espn2, WSU has the W backwards on their Under Armour unis..

    [quote comment=”274455″]Wichita State vs FSU college baseball on espn2, WSU has the W backwards on their Under Armour unis..[/quote]

    I didn’t notice that. I just can’t get past the fact that they’re wearing black jerseys in the middle of what’s got to be an incredibly hot and humid day in Florida.

    [quote comment=”274456″][quote comment=”274455″]Wichita State vs FSU college baseball on espn2, WSU has the W backwards on their Under Armour unis..[/quote]

    I didn’t notice that. I just can’t get past the fact that they’re wearing black jerseys in the middle of what’s got to be an incredibly hot and humid day in Florida.[/quote]

    They seem to be doing alright though. Up 8-3 in the 6th.

    [quote comment=”274445″][quote comment=”274430″][quote comment=”274360″]Good morning all,

    Does anyone have a good photo of Jerry Rice in a Broncos uni?[/quote]

    Google images . . .

    link

    They have the internet on computers now?[/quote]

    What’s the internets?

    [quote comment=”274452″]Any helmet lovers for high school might want to check this out…

    link

    Gave it a quick browse. Fun site. Saw one great combination of school and nickname for sure:

    Shadow Mountain “Matadors”

    Does roll off the tonque nicely.

    [quote comment=”274459″][quote comment=”274452″]Any helmet lovers for high school might want to check this out…

    link

    Gave it a quick browse. Fun site. Saw one great combination of school and nickname for sure:

    Shadow Mountain “Matadors”

    Does roll off the tonque nicely.[/quote]

    Great site. I’ve seen some for other states too.

    The only bad thing about sites like this is that it exposes the schools to those entities that wish to keep their logos tight to their chests and allow no one to use them without substantial payments. Yes, I know, it’s the law. On the other hand, it might give the art students at the school a project to design a new logo.

    [quote comment=”274389″][quote comment=”274380″]Those stirrups were magnificent!!!
    I did especially like the “bloused” effect.
    link
    Kudos Mr. Lukas![/quote]

    What works better (“bloused effect”) is to tape the pants while they’re inside out up around your knees/at top of your calf. Then pull them up as you stand. We also sometimes would use U.S. Army “blousing rubbers”, which are mini-bungee-cords used for blousing fatigues so you don’t have to tuck them into your boots. Those that I have actually are from my Army days, but I think they can be found in most surplus stores. If not there, then at any PX.

    Maybe that’s why today’s players don’t like stirrups. Too much work, plus you gotta mess with sanitaries.

    Speaking of that, yes, the guys with the fallen socks under stirrups bring up a question (sadly largely rhetorical) almost as old as baseball itself: How can anyone be so clueless that they’d be anywhere on the field looking like that?[/quote]

    Paul, how do you wear your stirrups? In pics of you in stirrups, it looks like you wear sweatpants. If so, how do you fold them up? I would be as clueless as the Shark’s players, but I want to start wearing them to my softball games.

    Also, anyone know good places to get stirrups? The big chain sporting good stores around Minneapolis don’t have much. Anyone recommend a good website? And what exactly are sanitaries (more than just white socks, I assume)?

    I love the look of stirrups, but I just don’t know enough about them to wear them yet. Please help!

    [quote comment=”274461″][quote comment=”274389″][quote comment=”274380″]Those stirrups were magnificent!!!
    I did especially like the “bloused” effect.
    link
    Kudos Mr. Lukas![/quote]

    What works better (“bloused effect”) is to tape the pants while they’re inside out up around your knees/at top of your calf. Then pull them up as you stand. We also sometimes would use U.S. Army “blousing rubbers”, which are mini-bungee-cords used for blousing fatigues so you don’t have to tuck them into your boots. Those that I have actually are from my Army days, but I think they can be found in most surplus stores. If not there, then at any PX.

    Maybe that’s why today’s players don’t like stirrups. Too much work, plus you gotta mess with sanitaries.

    Speaking of that, yes, the guys with the fallen socks under stirrups bring up a question (sadly largely rhetorical) almost as old as baseball itself: How can anyone be so clueless that they’d be anywhere on the field looking like that?[/quote]

    Paul, how do you wear your stirrups? In pics of you in stirrups, it looks like you wear sweatpants. If so, how do you fold them up? I would be as clueless as the Shark’s players, but I want to start wearing them to my softball games.

    Also, anyone know good places to get stirrups? The big chain sporting good stores around Minneapolis don’t have much. Anyone recommend a good website? And what exactly are sanitaries (more than just white socks, I assume)?

    I love the look of stirrups, but I just don’t know enough about them to wear them yet. Please help![/quote]

    Here’s a retty good supplier of solids. Stripes tough to find. I scrouge Play It Again, Instand Replay and such…but mostly find them on the Internet.

    link

    Joe S…I’m in Eden Prairie. Have a few extras, esp. Maroon and Orange, for some reason. You looking for something in a hurry?

    [quote comment=”274465″]Joe S…I’m in Eden Prairie. Have a few extras, esp. Maroon and Orange, for some reason. You looking for something in a hurry?[/quote]
    I don’t need anything in a hurry. Our team wears gold and white, so I would like something in gold. I’ll be looking around the internets to see what I can find.

    Just remembered, Joe S., I also have a box of black with three equal white stripes and a few brown with three equal orange stripes…bought a box of each cheap on ebay a couple years ago. Not selling, they’ll be free; just looking to help you find something you can use to get started. Sanis you can get at Sports Authority or Dick’s, but ask someone. The true thin ones we used to wear aren’t as easy to find as the updated versions, but you’ll get something you can use there.

    Light gold? Think I might have a pair with white stripes. Always reminded me of the original Bad News Bears’ stirrups. I’ll have to dig when I get home.

    I assume you noticed Anaconda does have “gold” (which is Light Gold/Steeler Gold).

    [quote comment=”274468″]Light gold? Think I might have a pair with white stripes. Always reminded me of the original Bad News Bears’ stirrups. I’ll have to dig when I get home.[/quote]
    We wear this:
    link
    Sorry, that’s the best pic I could find online. So if they are that color, I’d be interested in checking them out.

    [quote comment=”274430″][quote comment=”274360″]Good morning all,

    Does anyone have a good photo of Jerry Rice in a Broncos uni?[/quote]

    Google images . . .

    link

    blasphemy.

    link

    Man, I had a pair of thoe Nike turf shoes in red with gray trim- the Reds clubhouse mgr gave them to me. AMAZINGLY COMFY.

    Do they still exist @ retail?

    [quote comment=”274463″]Huh? (at james worthy’s jersey on the left side)

    link

    “Laker Blue”? :)

    [quote comment=”274472″]Here you go…gold with white Northwestern stripes.
    link
    Ordered! Thanks for the info.

    The “Meats” shirt that Paul is wearing from the link of the meat article is awesome…I gotta find one of those!

    Check out the extra bell-bottom panel sewn into James Shields’s pant leg.

    I think this strip of fabric is known as the “douchebag triangle” among tailors.

    Reds reliever Gary Majewski is rockin’ the red stirrups tonight against the Marlins. Not sure if he always does that (on the road), but he’s wearing them tonight.

    [quote comment=”274404″][quote comment=”274397″]“Fuck this,” he said, heading over to an equipment locker, “I’ll make my own motherfucking stirrups.”

    Best. Quote. Ever.

    This clearly should be the mantra for Uniwatch from this point forward![/quote]

    I say get that guy an honorary lifetime membership.[/quote]

    Seconded.

    That alone had to make the whole thing worth it. I vote UniWatch Player of the Month.

    We need a name!

    [quote comment=”274382″]Thursday June 12th, The Chicago Cubs will be having a throw back game wearing their 1948 throwbacks. There will be festivities, music and even food PRICED at 1948 prices!
    link

    More info here

    link

    I can’t wait to see this![/quote]
    yeh, and I’ll be at the June 14th game against the Blue Jays, hopefully the Cubs will not wear their dark shirts..and the Blue Jays(home jersey) needs ALOT of help!!)

    Looks like even though I am way late to the party, I am the first to say it. You gotta throw that first pitch from the rubber. Just sayin’

    paul,

    great site but i am calling you out! in my local baseball league 18+, (i am 46)i wear stirrups and have for years. stirrups lend class to to a player and team and yours are great however, you need to wear real baseball pants and a real jersey instead of the stuff you are wearing. a real social faux paux! buy a pair of eastons and and wear the stirrups like a pro!! keep up the great work, don

    I don’t know why people like stirrups… anyone who has worn them knows that wearing “soccer socks” when playing baseball is a million times easier compared to wearing sanitaries and stirrups. It is almost inevitable that there will be at least one person who will not wear them correctly. And sanitaries *and* stirrups? Why not where two undershirts? Or a do-rag and a hat? Or two jockstraps?

    Has anyone seen the new Nike batting gloves that A-Rod and Mark Texiera have been wearing lately? Also if anyone here has been in a clubhouse and they have any pictures, I would like to look at them.

    Paul,
    My stirrups were just delivered today, but I don’t understand how to cuff the pants. Can you post some illustrated instructions?

    John

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