By Phil Hecken, with Rick Pearson and Mike Engle
A couple of weeks ago, following my post on the 1979 All-Star Game in Seattle, there were remarks made about the “powder blue era” in baseball (and one look at the NL All-Star team of that year shows why). Now, I grew up with the powder blues, so seeing this brought back a tide of memories (some good, some bad, and some … well … nightmares). So, I wanted to see how these powder blues would be viewed today, by three generations of Uni Watchers — and I’m joined by sexagenarian Rick Pearson (aka “Ricko”) and twenty-something and ex-pat Mike Engle, who’ll give their perspectives on this era of baseball. (Make sure to check out their pics in the by-line.) I’ll both serve as moderator and commentator, and — since I’m young enough to be Rick’s son, and old enough to be Mike’s dad — provide a three-generation view of these blue bad boys.
Rick will offer his opinions, except where noted, on how he viewed those uniforms at the time of their introduction (he notes privately to me his views have changed in his advanced age), and Mike, having never “experienced” them when they made the scene, will offer the opinions of a different generation — one that may view the blues in much the same way as my generation viewed the time before television, and Ricko’s generation viewed the time before electricity. I’ll introduce the cast of characters, first, and then we’ll look at the baby blue uniforms, by league. We’ll tackle the National League first (since the 1941-42 Cubs were the first team to sport such uniforms), today, and then move on to the American League tomorrow. Age before beauty means Ricko has the floor first:
Rick Pearson: LI Phil, inventive sort that he is, suggested a three-generation look at powder blue road unis in MLB. This is an interesting idea, though given the three folks he chose for the piece he ends up—using a MY THREE SONS template—as square-jawed Steve Douglas (Fred MacMurray was C.C. Beck’s model for Captain Marvel, btw) , with Mike Engle as goofy little Ernie and Ricko as irascible old Uncle Charley. The upside of that, of course, is that if I sound opinionated, cantankerous and crusty, it’s okay; it’s only me staying in character. I’ll now turn the floor over to young Michael. Mike?
Mike Engle: Damn it, Rick and Phil, thanks for the archaic pop culture reference that goes straight over my head because Nick at Nite runs after my bedtime. That’s class. [/sarcasm] Regardless, I have to say, after flipping through the ancient, dusty, yellowing history book scanning old pictures on the internet, wow! What an era! When I was five, I remember asking my dad, “How do the teams know what to wear?” He’d reply: “Home wears white, visitors wear gray.” A beautiful simplicity (well, usually) that does not apply today, when we’re subject to seeing teams in the buff, blue teams wearing black, teams “without” a road uniform, and even cravings for cardboard in pizza boxes pizza in cardboard boxes. Though the white v gray rule will be disregarded in this “sky blue review,” there’s plenty to see and talk about here nonetheless: uniforms from the heavens, uniforms that need to stay in the Clubhouse in the Sky, and uniforms that are, well, as unique as a blue duck. So without further ado, let’s fire up the time machine and welcome our first team down the catwalk, the 1941-42 Chicago Cubs.
The 1941-42 Chicago Cubs, who started off the powder blue ‘experiment’ (but did not begin the ‘craze’). This past week, Paul linked to this newspaper article describing the outfits in less than glowing terms. “Have the Cubs developed a pantywaist inferiority complex?” the article asks. My less than good Photoshop (actually, MS Paint) skills show how the uniform in color may have looked. (Or not, since after that mockup, Larry Bodnovich provided me with screen grabs showing the 1942 Cubs in action [here’s a closeup]. Obviously they were much closer to gray than the powder blues which would follow decades later.) But perhaps because of the comments like those contained in the article, or perhaps because polyester doubleknits hadn’t reared their ugly heads, powder blue as a replacement for a gray road uniform would not return to the baseball diamond until the 1960’s. It’s tough for me to comment on these, but just from what I’ve seen, there are pros and cons — pro: zipper! con: vest. I HATE vests. But that’s just me.
Mike Engle’s take: The powder blue vests are total flops. Just not a good look at all. (I’m not sure I particularly like the look of baseball vests at all, but powder blue vests? Gross.) The wordmark is a good idea (it was kept for the subsequent sleeved gray road uniforms, and looks pretty good), but terribly executed because it rides too low, across the belly instead of the chest. This could have been a really good uniform, but instead, it looks kind of stupid, and probably looked embarrassingly out of place and time in the early ’40s.
Ricko’s thoughts: Despite what some think, I wasn’t around for the Cubs flirtation with powder blue, but they don’t look too bad. I like the white lettering edged in royal. I suspect, though, based on the stories I’ve seen (“panty waist” unis) they might have been jussssst a bit ahead of their time. It took the coming of color TV to make baseball more…colorful. At least they hold the distinction of being the only powder blues vests ever in MLB.
And now, on to the rest of the national league.
Atlanta Braves: The Braves wore powder blues from 1980 through 1986, remaining essentially unchanged for that period. The only major change occurred after 1980, when they wore a two-toned cap and “rounded” ‘A’ in their script “Atlanta.” From 1981 through 1986, their cap was solid blue and the “A” in Atlanta was pointy. The uniforms also appeared to be a slightly darker blue.
RP: First off, I never understood the Braves dropping the red from the roads. It wouldn’t have looked all that great, but it just seemed odd to totally lop off part of the color scheme in an era of such rampant color. Other than that, what can be said other than, “the Braves wore powder blue for a while.” Zzzzzzzz ”¦ Grade: D
ME: the Hank Aaron template with the contrast raglan sleeves and the feathers would have made for a funky powder blue [that’s Phil’s attempt at how that would have looked.]. But instead, reality gives us the blandest of the powder blues). Even though technically, there are two versions of Braves powder blue, it registers as one dull, insipid time in the team’s history in between Hank Aaron and the tomahawk revival. I’ll take the “modern,” pointy A over the round A because (a) it doesn’t result in Hank Aaron’s cap getting “left over” and stuck with these lifeless duds, (b) they still have the pointy A today, so I’m used to it and I like it, (c) it flat out looks cooler, or (d) all of the above. Grade: C (everything else, relatively, is memorably good or memorably bad)
PH: I’m in agreement with both Rick and Mike on these. One thing I do like about them (and which will become apparent as the list progresses) is that I think, with very few exceptions, the only color which goes well with powder blue is actually … blue. The Braves pretty much stuck to that blue-blue script, so they are in no way shape or form on the bottom of my list. On the other hand, there’s nothing about them which stands out either (which isn’t necessarily a bad thing). I prefer the seemingly deeper blue and pointy “A” to the two tone cap and rounded A. Grade: C+
Chicago Cubs: The Cubs (aside from their ‘experimentation’ from 41-42) wore powder blue from 1976 through 1981. For 1976 and 1977, they went with a solid powder blue uniform with block “CHICAGO” across the chest (1976 had the patch Bill Madlock is wearing and 1977 featured the cub head. In 1978, they changed from solid blues to pinstriped blues, (keeping the cub head and from 1979 through 1981 kept the pinstripes but added a red ring around the little bear.
ME: Without the pinstripes, they look like scrubs. Seriously, take the number off, and I see a medic for a Chicago Cub Scout troop, not a Chicago Cub ballplayer. With the pinstripes, they’re my least favorite of the powder blues. Ernie Banks would never have wanted to play two in those pajamas, he’d hope for a rain-out each and every time so he could, you know, stay in HIS classier-looking pajamas. My least favorite. Grade: F
RP: Ah, the Cubs. The solid royal roads were just kinda”¦.they’re … not good, not bad. Just solid. But, oh those powder blues with white pins. Personally, I loved em. Not so much because they were so good-looking but they gave something unique a shot, and it sure as hell was distinctive to them. However, lest you think me a total moron, I will admit that probably was a bit too MUCH powder-and-pins. I submit a photo showing that “alts” back then might have been a good idea. Here’s Larry Bowa in a BP jersey and, when you pair those pants with a solid royal jersey ”¦ it ain’t too bad. Grade: C
PH: The Cubs weren’t exactly blessed with ‘classic’ road unis in the 1970’s — even this gray 1972 jobby, with its centered numbers (blecch) and red piping, is nothing to write home about. But the solid blue uniforms weren’t without their charm. As noted before, I prefer blue numbers and letters on a powder blue uni, and these fit the bill. Certainly not the worst of the blues, they were about average. On the other hand, these things beg the question: “Pinstripes on powder blues? Really?” Pinstripes DON’T belong on road uniforms, and they look absolutely ridiculous on powder blue. Ruins whatever good feelings I may have had from the previous two years, and totally brings these down a full grade. Not that they were starting from a very high grade to begin with. Grade: D
Montreal Expos: Yet another club with two distinct iterations of powder blue uniforms. From 1969 through 1978 the Expos wore a simple blue uniform with thin red white and blue piping on the sleeve hem and pants legs, blue numbering (and they even had button down jerseys) and black shoes. In 1979 they switched to red numerals. Then, abruptly, they changed. From 1980 through 1991, they added fat, red and blue stripes from their shoulders to their sleeves, down the sides of their jerseys and extending down their pant legs. In addition, they donned blue shoes.
PH: Well, they went from having one of the nicest uniforms to the worst. Let’s look at the good. First of all, they were born blue, (how’s this for a pre-Photoshop job?) never had much flair on the uniforms in the early years, and always kept the button down jerseys. Black shoes in the early days were a huge plus. I really have to split my grade on this uni set into two groupings — pre fat stripes and post. For the early years, I loved this uniform — Grade: A. Then, beginning in 1980, something went horribly wrong. Those fat-assed stripes turned a gorgeous uniform into a garish joke. Whatever focus group thought this was a good look must have been given one too many mushrooms. Because it’s not. Grade: C-
RP: The Expos were born in powder blue, should have stayed in powder blue til the end. Just looked so right and seemed so right, right down the tri-color hat that, at first, some smarty pants SI writer suggested was minus only a propeller to be perfect. The second version with the broad two-color stripe on the shoulder and continuing all the way down the jersey and pantlegs was the better idea. Considerably more “snap” than the original set (although the original look was worn by one of the great young outfields I ever saw: Warren Cromartie, Andre Dawson and Ellis Valentine). Grade: B+
ME: Got better with time. Let’s go in reverse chronological order. The ones with the long, thick stripes down the side were the best. They completed the Expos’ look, matching the tone set by the wild cap. Add the red numbers, and you have a nice balance of red and blue throughout the uniform. The earlier variations are too blue, and would have looked better with the all blue cap the last Expos wore. While the skinny piping looks nice, it’s too old school for an otherwise new school uniform. (Basically the reverse Washington Nationals, who have an overly-old school cap for a new school uniform.) The red number is better than the blue-with-white-outline number (which looks too dark to match), which is better than the original single-layer royal number. Considering their tweaks from start to finish: Grade: a steady crescendo from B- to A-.
Philadelphia Phillies: The Fightin’s wore their powder blues for a looooooonng time, basically unchanged, from 1973 through 1988 (some sleeve patches changed or disappeared, and they wore white shoes [according to Okkonen] in 1975, with reddish-maroon shoes the rest of the years. Caps and shoes were dark red, with a like colored stripe, surrounded by thin white stripes running down the shoulders and arms, inside of the jersey, and down the pant legs. In 1973, and then again in 1987 and 1988, the jerseys had buttons — the remaining years they featured zippers.
ME: My favorite powder blue?: Philadelphia Phillies, Mike Schmidt era. It’s not just my favorite powder blue uniform — It’s arguably my favorite baseball uniform ever! Maroon and powder blue look amazing together, and the Helvetica font goes perfectly with the curly P logo on the heart and cap. Add vertical arched NOB’s, a well-weighted white border to make the maroon pop out of the blue and match the piping, and REAL BELTS!, and you get an A+ awesome uniform. Grade: A+
PH: Ugh. Perhaps I’m letting my NL East prejudice creep in here, but these things were awful. First of all, the only thing that looks good with baby blue is another shade of blue, preferably dark blue. Certainly NOT burgundy (or maroon or dark red — or whateverthefuck color that is). Yeah … all you West Ham and Aston Villa fans can hate me too. And I don’t care if you think it looked great on Garry Maddox and Dick Allen (I’m not about to tell them it didn’t), but it just so pales in comparison to the current and past Phillies unis. Not a fan of the mix of blue and maroon, didn’t like the baseball in P on the cap or the jersey. Hate the head to toe stripage. Just nothing about this uni is likeable. Sorry. And Rick, they wore white shoes in 1975. Grade: D
RP: I liked the Phillies in powder blue. In my mind, burgundy and powder shouldn’t have worked but it did. Beyond obvious memories of Mike Schmidt and Steve Carlton in those unis, I also think of guys like Garry Maddox, Dave Cash and Tug McGraw. Didn’t like the white shoes with them in ’76 or whenever it was. Grade: C
St. Louis Cardinals: The final National League team (yea, the Brewers are in the senior circuit now, but they weren’t when they wore powder blue) for today, the Cards wore powder blues, basically unchanged, from 1976 through 1984. (In 1976, they sported pill box caps and a patch on their left sleeve.) Their uniform was almost an exact replica of their home unis, with polyester pullover jerseys, thin, red, white and blue stripes on the sleeve hems, collars, and pant legs, and an elastic waist band also in red, white and blue. In 1979 and 1980, they wore TV numbers on their sleeves. Their wordmark was the classic Cardinals’ script with birds on bat. They wore red shoes throughout.
RP: Umm”¦no. Maybe because the Cardinals have such a history of classic unis, maybe because there was navy in there with the red and white”¦don’t know exactly why, but”¦just”¦no. Members of the Gas House Gang must have cringed during that era. Grade: F
ME: This is the “powder blue that never should have happened.” Lou Brock looks so out of place, out of time in powder blue. Dizzy Dean didn’t wear powder blue. Neither did Rogers Hornsby or Stan the Man. Thanks for trying, St. Louis, but now you know to stick to gray for the road. Grade: C-
PH: Our final selection for today. The Cards fall into the same problem as the Phillies, and that is that red doesn’t go with powder blue. Not quite as bad as the Fightin’s, but still not a good combo. Toss in the red shoes, the poly pullovers, the TV numbers … and what you have is not a good look. You can’t just toss on the classic “birds on bat” on the poly pullover and have it work. Rarely will I say that the Mets unis blow away the Cards’, but when the Cardinals wore powder blue, few teams looked as bad. Grade: C-
Well, there you have it. Day one of the true blue review. Obviously, the three of us have widely divergent opinions, as we’re sure you all do. Don’t like what we said? Think one (or all) of us is full of shit? Let’s hear about it.
Because You Nick asked for it: If you didn’t read the link, basically Nick asked for some mock-ups of Mets uniforms, sans all blue. This proved to be a tougher task than originally thought. And, originally, I didn’t know he had wanted to see said mock-up without a black jersey. So a black jersey is included. For my first attempt, I took a rear view of the uni, removed the blue, and kept the white outlining for the numbers. Here’s the result. Moving on, I took on a frontal view of the uniform, keeping the white outlines and removing the drop shadows. Not satisfied, I removed the white outline, just for shits and giggles, and this is the result. My verdict? The first one looks like a Giants ripoff (and not a good one at that), the second is just not a good look, and the third looks like an Orioles alternate. Not that the BFBS combo is any good anyway, but removing all blue from it is just wrong. And not an improvement.
I next moved to the snow white home uniform (also known as an alternate), but at least it’s white and a uniform, not a softball outfit. I won’t even attempt to do a mock-up on the pins, so you will just have to settle for the snow whites. Well, here is what I came up with. Again, I removed the drop shadow and replaced the blue with black. While this doesn’t look as bad as the BFBS jersey treatment, it’s still not the Mets. It’s not the Giants either, but it sure does look a lot like the G-men did when they played in New York. Again, removing the blue is not an improvement in any way. Their snow whites with blue caps and sleeves is not a bad look as it is. This is. Finally, I tacked the road grays and removed the blue (and drop shadows). The result is very interesting. I’m pretty sure I have seen that look somewhere before. I understand the Mets were trying to ‘recreate’ the old Brooklyn and New York teams who moved west when they entered the National League in 1962. It was a great look then and a great look (well, if they actually still looked like that) now. Removing the blue, in my opinion, is NOT a good way for this team to go. And that’s the end of this edition of “Phil’s Mets Uni Concepts.”
Or is it? In honor of today’s topic, I wondered how bad the Mets would have looked had they succumbed to the powder blue craze of yesteryear. Well I got my answer when I mocked that up. Thank god they stuck to the gray. Because here’s what they would have looked like in powder blue. They’d get an F.
That’s all for today, folks. Enjoy the draft. Discuss the new football unis. Tell us how bad the powder review is. But above all, enjoy your Saturday. Rick & Mike and I will be back tomorrow to discuss the American League.
Ricko, AKA link?
link
Just found this on the 49ers shop, can’t wait to see the rest of it!
[quote]powder blue as a replacement for a gray road uniform would not return to the baseball diamond until the 1960’s.[/quote]
Wait, what about the link and their blue satin unis? Or did those never actually see game action?
The three-generation approach is a gem. Thanks, guys.
The NL really wasn’t the powder blue league. Of the batch, yes, the early Expos clearly were the best. While I clearly preferred it (plus that fantastic flannel) over the fat stripes, I wouldn’t have been so harsh on the fat stripe era. There was something about that number font that made things worse. A+ early; B- late.
Still both are SO-O-O-O much better than what the Nationals have thrown together.
Phillies: Must have been the burgandy. It DID work.; And I did like the Helvetica font. But I like the current rendition better. For me, solid B.
Braves: Yeah, bland. For the pullover era, I liked the feathers on the sleeves softball look. But when they went to the red and navy and added the tomahawk, A+++++
Cubs: The Cubbies never have had a good road uniform. Even today, it seems they’re unsure what to do. But the powder blues with pins, that had to be B on thought, D on execution.
Cardinals: Never was I happier to see a team go back to gray, even in the pullover era. The blue was hideous. F
Again terrific entry, guys. Thanks.
[quote comment=”325959″]http://www.shop49ers.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3555013
Just found this on the 49ers shop, can’t wait to see the rest of it![/quote]
What is up with the sleeve striping on that thing? Looks defective. :)
[quote comment=”325958″]Ricko, AKA link?[/quote]
If ever a photo needed a disclaimer…LOL
At the end of the summer season my 55+ softball bunch has an annual “Old and/or Ugly Uniform Day.” A couple years ago I opted for that total mismatch, a comprehensive hodgepodge of every uni-color imaginable. The t-shirt is neon green and the hat is, yes, purple. Pants stripe doesn’t show, but it was maroon. Messed up, though, not wearing any kelly green or navy (could have accomplished it with the wristbands, I suppose, but that might have clashed). And I guess I also left out old gold and brown. And gray. And maybe…
—Ricko
What the heck logo is in link? looks like it just says, “baseball”. schmidt needed a reminder he wasn’t on the golf course, eh?
[quote comment=”325960″][quote]powder blue as a replacement for a gray road uniform would not return to the baseball diamond until the 1960’s.[/quote]
Wait, what about the link and their blue satin unis? Or did those never actually see game action?[/quote]
Okkonen’s color is a bit off. Those Dodger satins weren’t powder blue. They were darker than that, closer (almost) to Air Force Blue…or Varsity Blue or Korea WBC Blue or whatever we’ve decided to call it.
—Ricko
I gotta admit — until today, I was convinced he was “Lil’ Phil,” not “LI Phil.” :)
And not to pick, because you guys ARE awesome…but the MS Paint “link” made me laugh :)
The Reading Phillies wear powder blues on the road, or at least did in the 2008 season, and also wear it at select home games, too, just like the Toronto Blue Jays.
[quote comment=”325967″]And not to pick, because you guys ARE awesome…but the MS Paint “link” made me laugh :)[/quote]
Maybe with the sleeve graphics white?
link
—Ricko
I have to disagree with this assessment of the Expos’ unis:
[quote]. Black shoes in the early days were a huge plus.[/quote]
…and not because black isn’t in their color scheme. *wink*
I’m a huge fan of blue shoes for blue teams. I’m glad the Royals came to their senses and went back to blue shoes because link > link
Oh, and one last* thing…
I completely agree that pinstripes do not belong on road uniforms, but I always thought that if the Cubs had gone with royal pins instead of white, those uniforms would have looked a hell of a lot better.
*until I post another inane comment
[quote comment=”325969″][quote comment=”325967″]And not to pick, because you guys ARE awesome…but the MS Paint “link” made me laugh :)[/quote]
Maybe with the sleeve graphics white?
link
—Ricko[/quote]
looks like crayons *still giggling*
So I was watching Baseball Tonight the other night, and during their opening montage they show a word mark or logo of each team. Look at what they have chosen to represent the Brewers this year:
link
I don’t believe they put every cities name in the opening montage, so why would they use the city script when the Crew don’t even use it (except on their road gray sleeve patch)??
I am wishful thinking here, but maybe they are trying to phase it in for next year. One can only hope. They already have the damn logo… so throw it on the uni already!
If the Cubs’ powder blues had white lettering, then the photos we saw were the players in greys, not the blues.
Off today’s topic, but just saw this link is under armor the official outfitter of the FBI now?
[quote comment=”325973″]So I was watching Baseball Tonight the other night, and during their opening montage they show a word mark or logo of each team. Look at what they have chosen to represent the Brewers this year:
link
I don’t believe they put every cities name in the opening montage, so why would they use the city script when the Crew don’t even use it (except on their road gray sleeve patch)??
I am wishful thinking here, but maybe they are trying to phase it in for next year. One can only hope. They already have the damn logo… so throw it on the uni already![/quote]
Yeah, and they use the block letters for Kansas City. link instead of the fancy script. link
*anticipates hitting the mute button each time Chris Berman speaks during the draft today*
Phil, can I ask a favor? An op on link in powder blue. If it were me, I’d color in the grey with the dark blue. I don’t think it would look half bad.
Couldn’t be worse than atlanta’s babyblues, right?
I really miss the old Cubbie head logo. link
[quote comment=”325978″]Phil, can I ask a favor? An op on link in powder blue. If it were me, I’d color in the grey with the dark blue. I don’t think it would look half bad.
Couldn’t be worse than atlanta’s babyblues, right?[/quote]
Forget that – I fired up my MS paint myself. And gave it a shot. Terrible. Geez.
I guess it’s a generational thing, but I, too, love the Expos and Phillies powder blues. They always seemed to look good on TV. I remember a few years ago the Braves and Phillies had a throwback game with Atlanta’s feather sleeves and Philly’s powder blues, and I loved it. Nice use of color out on the diamond.
[quote comment=”325959″]http://www.shop49ers.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3555013
Just found this on the 49ers shop, can’t wait to see the rest of it![/quote]
Are you kidding me?! Not only did they f*ck that thing up but they ruined a treasured classic in the process. And what is up with the Elvis collar?
I’m about as exhausted with these failed uni intros as I am with the Lions first pick!
Awesome idea and post today guys.
[quote comment=”325972″][quote comment=”325969″][quote comment=”325967″]And not to pick, because you guys ARE awesome…but the MS Paint “link” made me laugh :)[/quote]
Maybe with the sleeve graphics white?
link
—Ricko[/quote]
looks like crayons *still giggling*[/quote]
Well, duh, it’s Paint, not Photoshop. The idea is to create an approximation, that’s all. “Your pencil sketch doesn’t look like a photograph.” No shit, really?
[quote comment=”325982″][quote comment=”325959″]http://www.shop49ers.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3555013
Just found this on the 49ers shop, can’t wait to see the rest of it![/quote]
Are you kidding me?! Not only did they f*ck that thing up but they ruined a treasured classic in the process. And what is up with the Elvis collar?
I’m about as exhausted with these failed uni intros as I am with the Lions first pick![/quote]
^5
is it just me, or did the 49ers buy old surplus Cardinals jerseys? I hope they aren’t that maroon color for real.
[quote comment=”325985″][quote comment=”325982″][quote comment=”325959″]http://www.shop49ers.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3555013
Just found this on the 49ers shop, can’t wait to see the rest of it![/quote]
Are you kidding me?! Not only did they f*ck that thing up but they ruined a treasured classic in the process. And what is up with the Elvis collar?
I’m about as exhausted with these failed uni intros as I am with the Lions first pick![/quote]
^5
is it just me, or did the 49ers buy old surplus Cardinals jerseys? I hope they aren’t that maroon color for real.[/quote]
It seems to me that the only thing they got right on those was the elimination of the terrible dropshadowed/three-color numbers. Everything else is a step backwards. Or at best, a lateral move.
I’m really interested in seeing how
shittythose sleeve stripes will look on the field.[quote comment=”325982″][quote comment=”325959″]http://www.shop49ers.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3555013
Just found this on the 49ers shop, can’t wait to see the rest of it![/quote]
Are you kidding me?! Not only did they f*ck that thing up but they ruined a treasured classic in the process. And what is up with the Elvis collar?
I’m about as exhausted with these failed uni intros as I am with the Lions first pick![/quote]
Yeah, what’s wrong with “Montana red”? We have to live with this “ruby” or whatever it is?
re: Lions. Stafford is closest thing to a franchise QB in a draft that appears to be really lacking at the “skill positions.” So the Lions, being the Lions, pay through the nose for the illusion not the reality.
Nice to see some things never change.
But at least that have an upgraded logo and a spiffy new numeral font.
—Ricko
Oh, nice work on the title/headline today. Who came up with that one?
Again, terrific post. I can’t wait until tomorrow’s AL selections.
Here’s another idea I’m sure you can hit out of the park. What about a roundup of hapless franchises than can never get their uniforms right. Off the top of my head, I can think of the Nets, Clippers, Texas Rangers, Padres D-backs, Falcons. I’m certain there’s a host of others.
Despite what Jim Bouton said, I liked the old Pilot unis.I wonder if any athletes inserted clauses in their contracts about stupid uniforms, or sought uniform redesigns.
[quote comment=”325988″]Oh, nice work on the title/headline today. Who came up with that one?[/quote]
It was not, as one could conclude, Minnesota boys sticking together resulting in a Zimmerman lyric being elevated to U-W headline status.
So it was either ME or PH (whoever the heck THEY are).
—Ricko
[quote]I’m really interested in seeing how shitty those sleeve stripes will look on the field.[/quote]
you’re of course, assuming, there will actually be sleeves (hint: think pittsburgh’s “sleeves”)
[quote]nice work on the title/headline today. Who came up with that one?[/quote]
despite ricko’s propensity to drop robert zimmerman quotes into his posts…twas mine
[quote comment=”325967″]And not to pick, because you guys ARE awesome…but the MS Paint “link” made me laugh :)[/quote]
and tony — that was my first attempt, literally, at MS Paint — ever (i think the subsequent jobs on the mets unis are a slight improvement)
[quote comment=”325992″][quote comment=”325967″]And not to pick, because you guys ARE awesome…but the MS Paint “link” made me laugh :)[/quote]
and tony — that was my first attempt, literally, at MS Paint — ever (i think the subsequent jobs on the mets unis are a slight improvement)[/quote]
For what its worth, they are pretty cool – I kind of like the New York Baseball Giants look anyway.
I think I’m just spoiled by all the photoshop bugs that buzz here, dig?
[quote comment=”325989″]Again, terrific post. I can’t wait until tomorrow’s AL selections.
Here’s another idea I’m sure you can hit out of the park. What about a roundup of hapless franchises than can never get their uniforms right. Off the top of my head, I can think of the Nets, Clippers, Texas Rangers, Padres D-backs, Falcons. I’m certain there’s a host of others.
Despite what Jim Bouton said, I liked the old Pilot unis.I wonder if any athletes inserted clauses in their contracts about stupid uniforms, or sought uniform redesigns.[/quote]
Don’t know ’bout that, but evidently high school kids have so much clout regarding the number they want to wear that we now see duplicate NCAA football numbers, so long as one plays defense and the other plays offense (or at least they aren’t on the field at the same time). Now I ask you, honestly, is that an unbelievable joke or what?
“I’ll only play for you if can wear my famous #2.”
Yeah, a number for all time with the Screaming Creepers of South Cudzu High.
—Ricko
[quote comment=”325991″][quote]I’m really interested in seeing how shitty those sleeve stripes will look on the field.[/quote]
you’re of course, assuming, there will actually be sleeves (hint: think pittsburgh’s “sleeves”)
[quote]nice work on the title/headline today. Who came up with that one?[/quote]
despite ricko’s propensity to drop robert zimmerman quotes into his posts…twas mine[/quote]
Hey, I quoted Dylan once, and then one more time because was relevant to a subesquent commment.
I mean, jeez, how many years can a mountain exist before it is washed to sea? ;)
—Ricko
[quote comment=”325995″][quote comment=”325991″][quote]I’m really interested in seeing how shitty those sleeve stripes will look on the field.[/quote]
you’re of course, assuming, there will actually be sleeves (hint: think pittsburgh’s “sleeves”)
[quote]nice work on the title/headline today. Who came up with that one?[/quote]
despite ricko’s propensity to drop robert zimmerman quotes into his posts…twas mine[/quote]
Hey, I quoted Dylan once, and then one more time because was relevant to a subesquent commment.
I mean, jeez, how many years can a mountain exist before it is washed to sea? ;)
—Ricko[/quote]
This just in: The P on the Pirates hat is not yellow, its chicken
[quote comment=”325960″][quote]powder blue as a replacement for a gray road uniform would not return to the baseball diamond until the 1960’s.[/quote]
Wait, what about the link and their blue satin unis? Or did those never actually see game action?[/quote]
i considered that…
but it’s hard to say whether or not this is powder blue
plus…only ricko actually ever saw them in action…
[quote comment=”325997″][quote comment=”325960″][quote]powder blue as a replacement for a gray road uniform would not return to the baseball diamond until the 1960’s.[/quote]
Wait, what about the link and their blue satin unis? Or did those never actually see game action?[/quote]
i considered that…
but it’s hard to say whether or not link is link
plus…only ricko actually ever saw them in action…[/quote]
Lotta “white out” from the flash in that photo. This is more what the color was…
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—Ricko
[quote comment=”325991″][quote]I’m really interested in seeing how shitty those sleeve stripes will look on the field.[/quote]
you’re of course, assuming, there will actually be sleeves (hint: think pittsburgh’s “sleeves”)[/quote]
Actually, I was assuming that there won’t be real sleeves. Will they still try to incorporate that lopsided look into something link or is that just an acknowledgement of the fact that sleeves will be nonexistent and this was done to somehow compensate for that?
[quote comment=”325997″]
i considered that…
but it’s hard to say whether or not link is link[/quote]
yeah, “powder” is probably a bad description. “sky” is maybe more like it.
“yeah, “powder” is probably a bad description. “sky” is maybe more like it.”
That’s what I’d call it: on the light-to-dark scale (“value”), about midway between powder and the Dodger version of royal. And, of course, it gets brighter because of the reflective properties of satin compared to flannel or doubleknit.
—Ricko
—Royal
I HATED the Cardinals powder blue pajamas back then. Hated ’em and they are my hometown team. Now, looking back, since I absolutely love really bad uniforms, they are my favorite of all the Cards unis! Real attempts (not stuff like that futureistic crap) that flop are conversational pieces for years, you wear one at the stadium and people point it out and love it (at least they did before the throwbacks became commonplace).
BTW, always loved the Cubs white pins. Probably for the same reason as above. And the Cub head logo. Something Art Deco about it.
damn, i only got through the expos, but i have to go umpire 7 softball games, so i have to finish this later. but one quick comment…
ricko! you just gave me a total falshback to playing wiffle ball. my favourite team to be with my cheap plastic helmet was le expos with valentine, comartie, and dawson. an all time classic kick ass team. i am going to be thinking about that all day, thanks man.
ooops, cRomartie. how do i mess up my favourite of all
[quote comment=”326001″]I HATED the Cardinals powder blue pajamas back then. Hated ’em and they are my hometown team. Now, looking back, since I absolutely love really bad uniforms, they are my favorite of all the Cards unis! Real attempts (not stuff like that futureistic crap) that flop are conversational pieces for years, you wear one at the stadium and people point it out and love it (at least they did before the throwbacks became commonplace).
BTW, always loved the Cubs white pins. Probably for the same reason as above. And the Cub head logo. Something Art Deco about it.[/quote]
As much as I dislike the Cards’ current navy cap, I suspect that their powder blue unis would have looked a lot better with it than the red cap. Or — even better — navy crown, red brim and white logo (with red trim).
I’m with Phil in recoiling from those Philly baby blues. Although they were distinctive, there was something sickly about that color scheme, making me think of Christmas candy (the home set was cool, though). Weirdly though, I don’t mind those same damn colors on West Ham United (or Aston Villa) – I even “picked” West Ham as a UK team to root for partly because of their colors… maybe the blue is slightly different? But when the Phillies finally went to their current new/old look it felt like a huge breath of fresh air.
The Cubs in powder blue pins were so funny. How did anyone fail to notice that they were wearing pajamas? With a cute little bear on them? I seem to recall a baseball card featuring big Rick Reuschel wearing those & it was almost enough to turn a kid away from baseball.
FWIW I only like the Expos in baby blue (out of the NL). Not every old style was a good style. Good riddance baby blue (well, looking ahead, maybe Toronto’s were OK too).
I think red and maroon (claret) look fine with powder blue. One of the high schools in the area has Columbia blue and red as school colors and it looks pretty sweet. Of course, their football team can’t be bothered with a “sissy” color like Columbia blue and replaces it with black. And I think Aston Villa and West Ham are both in the top six of EPL uniforms.
Surprisingly, a color that doesn’t look to bad with sky/powder blue is brown. Behold the Tufts University Jumbos.
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A tip of the cap to you gentlemen on a marvelous post!
I loved the powder blue era…just so much fun with those unis.
My Cubbies in powder blue pin-stripes are my faves! Cards & ATL just didn’t look right in that soft hue. Expos are my second favorite in that bunch.
Thank he good Lord we didn’t get an Astros or Mets powder blue road uni.
[quote comment=”325977″]*anticipates hitting the mute button each time Chris Berman speaks during the draft today*[/quote]
That’s what the NFL Network is for
In honor of today’s entry, a repost of me in my powder blue Phillies jersey
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[quote comment=”325987″][quote comment=”325982″][quote comment=”325959″]http://www.shop49ers.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3555013
Just found this on the 49ers shop, can’t wait to see the rest of it![/quote]
Are you kidding me?! Not only did they f*ck that thing up but they ruined a treasured classic in the process. And what is up with the Elvis collar?
I’m about as exhausted with these failed uni intros as I am with the Lions first pick![/quote]
Yeah, what’s wrong with “Montana red”? We have to live with this “ruby” or whatever it is?
[quote comment=”325962″][quote comment=”325959″]http://www.shop49ers.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3555013
Just found this on the 49ers shop, can’t wait to see the rest of it![/quote]
What is up with the sleeve striping on that thing?
Looks defective. :)[/quote]
Praying that isn’t legit… and thinking it might be a “fashion” jersey. Description says “Team Color Jersey.” Grasping at straws, but I’ll take anything to explain those sleeve diagonals away right now…
With all the jersey eff-ups in Washington, it’s time to start a movement to bring sanity back to baseball.
Bring back the Expos. ‘Nuff said. :o)
(even though I know it will never happen)
Nice rundown. I love all those unis. They each get an A in my book. Even as a kid, I never got why powder blue was a neutral color, but who cares. They define that era and they look great. I wish a few teams would go back to road blues.
[quote comment=”325978″]Phil, can I ask a favor? An op on link in powder blue. If it were me, I’d color in the grey with the dark blue. I don’t think it would look half bad.
Couldn’t be worse than atlanta’s babyblues, right?[/quote]
tony…is this what you were looking for?
or did you want the blue jersey itself powder blue (cuz i refuse to do that ;) )
1)Standing my for the 1pm launch.
2)Choosing between Pizza Guys and Papa Murphys. No
decision yet. Will advise.
3)Have multiple tabs and Twitter open. Who here is on Yahoo IM? GTalk? AOL IM?
4)Live just outside SF..so I am, um, nervously awaiting uni unveil in Santa Clara. Shoulda driven down there. Erp.
[quote comment=”326010″][quote comment=”325987″][quote comment=”325982″][quote comment=”325959″]http://www.shop49ers.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3555013
Just found this on the 49ers shop, can’t wait to see the rest of it![/quote]
Are you kidding me?! Not only did they f*ck that thing up but they ruined a treasured classic in the process. And what is up with the Elvis collar?
I’m about as exhausted with these failed uni intros as I am with the Lions first pick![/quote]
Yeah, what’s wrong with “Montana red”? We have to live with this “ruby” or whatever it is?
[quote comment=”325962″][quote comment=”325959″]http://www.shop49ers.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3555013
Just found this on the 49ers shop, can’t wait to see the rest of it![/quote]
What is up with the sleeve striping on that thing?
Looks defective. :)[/quote]
Praying that isn’t legit… and thinking it might be a “fashion” jersey. Description says “Team Color Jersey.” Grasping at straws, but I’ll take anything to explain those sleeve diagonals away right now…[/quote]
I don’t mind the collar…but WHAT THE HELL IS UP WITH THE SLEEVE STRIPES?!?!?!?! NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! Tell me that’s not gonna happen! Phil? Mr.Lukas? Please assure me they aren’t gonna do that!
Hey, just in the nick of time.
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The draft was held on December 4, 1961 in Chicago.
My sister (4 or 5 years old at the time) took one look at the Expos’ uniforms in the early 70’s, and called the team the “Bubble-Gums”, presumably because their colors reminded her of the wrapper of a pack of Bazooka gum.
Going with Pizza Guys. Just thought you’d wanna know.
You think COLOR-ON-COLOR looks weird on an MLB diamond? Ponder this combination, which actually was possible in ’78 and ’79. Anyone know if it ever really happened?
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—Ricko
Did anyone ever figure out why teams decided to wear powder blue on the road? It seems like wearing gray was the way it was always done, and so simple, as Mike said. Why did these teams–especially the ones without significant blue in their color scheme (Phillies and Cards)–decide that powder blue made sense as a road color?
[quote comment=”326021″]Did anyone ever figure out why teams decided to wear powder blue on the road? It seems like wearing gray was the way it was always done, and so simple, as Mike said. Why did these teams–especially the ones without significant blue in their color scheme (Phillies and Cards)–decide that powder blue made sense as a road color?[/quote]
You know how the price of dvd players, cellphones, laptops and, now, HD TVs keep getting lower and lower?
Think about color televisions the same way.
Color, for the first time, because an element to be deal with when thinking about the way your telecasts were received in everyone’s living room. Color was good, especially because teams generally televised far more of their road games than home.
That, including a general increase of color across everything in life—fashion, housewares, automobiles–at the time was the way things were. Color TV was a big element in all of it.
—Ricko
[quote comment=”325959″]http://www.shop49ers.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3555013
Just found this on the 49ers shop, can’t wait to see the rest of it![/quote]
Could be link.
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I am sure Stafford will wear 7.
The Niners are going for an evolution of the classic look- not a straight return to it, it would seem. Since the helmet logo is cardinal red, not cherry, and it is unchanged, then it stands to reason the rest of the outfit is cardinal. Just don’t draft another Alex Smith.
Please.
[quote comment=”326024″]http://www.nflshop.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3563500&cp=2237409.2237485&parentPage=family
I am sure Stafford will wear 7.
The Niners are going for an evolution of the classic look- not a straight return to it, it would seem. Since the helmet logo is cardinal red, not cherry, and it is unchanged, then it stands to reason the rest of the outfit is cardinal. Just don’t draft another Alex Smith.
Please.[/quote]
And, to be fair, the current jersey usually appears more burgundy online than it actually appears in person. Just browse that link above and you’ll notice that even the current jersey seems to be different shades in different pictures. Let’s hope the same holds true with that picture of the new jersey.
[quote comment=”326024″]http://www.nflshop.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3563500&cp=2237409.2237485&parentPage=family
I am sure Stafford will wear 7.
The Niners are going for an evolution of the classic look- not a straight return to it, it would seem. Since the helmet logo is cardinal red, not cherry, and it is unchanged, then it stands to reason the rest of the outfit is cardinal. Just don’t draft another Alex Smith.
Please.[/quote]
Let’s look at it this way. 49ers wore a solid scarlet for, what, 50 years? Built a dynasty wearing it in the ’80s and ’90s. How have things gone since they moved away from it?
—Ricko
[quote comment=”326025″][quote comment=”326024″]http://www.nflshop.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3563500&cp=2237409.2237485&parentPage=family
I am sure Stafford will wear 7.
The Niners are going for an evolution of the classic look- not a straight return to it, it would seem. Since the helmet logo is cardinal red, not cherry, and it is unchanged, then it stands to reason the rest of the outfit is cardinal. Just don’t draft another Alex Smith.
Please.[/quote]
And, to be fair, the current jersey usually appears more burgundy online than it actually appears in person. Just browse that link above and you’ll notice that even the current jersey seems to be different shades in different pictures. Let’s hope the same holds true with that picture of the new jersey.[/quote]
So, I’m an idiot. I meant the Niners link, not the Lions link.
[quote comment=”326002″]damn, i only got through the expos, but i have to go umpire 7 softball games, so i have to finish this later. but one quick comment…
ricko! you just gave me a total falshback to playing wiffle ball. my favourite team to be with my cheap plastic helmet was le expos with valentine, comartie, and dawson. an all time classic kick ass team. i am going to be thinking about that all day, thanks man.[/quote]
Wasn’t Al Oliver on that team too?
[quote comment=”326016″]Hey, just in the nick of time.
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The draft was held on December 4, 1961 in Chicago.[/quote]
Love these shots…pre-pre helmet phone!!
[quote comment=”326024″]http://www.nflshop.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3563500&cp=2237409.2237485&parentPage=family
I am sure Stafford will wear 7.
The Niners are going for an evolution of the classic look- not a straight return to it, it would seem. Since the helmet logo is cardinal red, not cherry, and it is unchanged, then it stands to reason the rest of the outfit is cardinal. Just don’t draft another Alex Smith.
Please.[/quote]
The more I look at those Lions jerseys and with the thought in mind that most players are migrating to the tank top look I’m thinking those silver stripes will evolve into silver sleeves. In the words of Key Johnson…C’mon man!
well, Stafford wears 9.
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MY CORRECTION/CLARIFICATION
REGARDING THE METS and THEIR WEARING BLACK
Yesterday I posted that upon my very first sighting og the Mets incorporating Black into their unis, and upon seeing the revolting sight of the mixture of Blacl/Blue/Orange and White, my first thought was that the Mets should DITCH THE BLUE on their alternate jerseys. That posting was meet with howls from longtime Mets fans, with proposals involving my banning for the mention of such blasphemy. I apologize for any insult to Mets loyalists that want the true, Blue identity of the Mets to return. I too share that desire. That said, I stand by my thoughts on the subject, and with this clarification perhaps you may begin to soften your opposition.
First, my original sighting involved not a Black Mets Jersey – which I believe needs to go away altogether – but the Mets wearing a regular home uni with wording, cap, numbers and EVERYTHING trimmed with both Black and Blue. My thoughts involved simply replacing the Blue of the regular home uni with alternate Black, thus creating a Black/Orange/White alternate uni, and saving us entirely from the four color monstrosity.
Second, insofar as the Black jersey, Black hat/Black helmet alternate is concerned, the ditching of any element can’t save that uni from being the beer league softball uni that it really is.
My comment on DITCHING THE BLUE solely involves my Black/Orange/White or Gray alternate proposal relative to a White or Gray jersey uniform, which is made for one reason only – to save us from the Black/Blue/Orange combo.
OBJECTIVELY SPEAKING, and SEEING, which of the alternatives are worse, my Black/Orange/White or Gray alternate proposal that temporarily eliminates the Blue from the alternate,or the Black/Blue/Orange and White or Gray combo that currently plagues us?
Video of the unveiling now up at the 49ers website. Some impressions from the bit of grainy video I could see:
— The pants stripes are more narrow than in the ’80s, but thicker than in the ’60s and early ’70s. Think the width of the current Packers/Cowboys pants stripes.
— Doesn’t look like any stripes on the socks.
— Stripes on the sleeves do appear tapered, but it allows the stripes on the modern cut-off sleeves to look horizontal, so it kind of works.
new washington husky uniforms
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Also, the gold on the pants appears shinier than the flat gold of the ’60s-’80s.
Stafford: “I get 42mill guaranteed..and I am meeting ERIN ANDREWS.”
I am also old enough to remember the birth of the baby blues and my high school team went to Columbia blue jerseys — it was considered the height of fashionability. (Of course, the school colors were Columbia blue and red.)
I thought they were beautiful and I stand with those who think light blue and red work really well — unless you’re the St. Louis Cardinals.
[quote comment=”326034″]new washington husky uniforms
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I like – although, those mannequin’s look rather feminin. Really funny looking!
KC–Cassel. Seahawks-? Browns-Quinn. Bengals-Palmer. Raiders-Russell. Jags-? Packers-Rodgers.
The Hawks and Jags (not in love anymore with Gerrard?)-could take Sanchez. If not, the Niners will.
There aren’t any male mannequins in Seattle for UW to use for their jersey unveilings?
Whoops, forgot the Jets. Never mind.
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Similar, but not the same as, the Montana-era uniforms. Thinner leg stripes, but I can’t tell if the pants are matte or shiny. The black shadowing has been mercifully dropped.
Ya know the most entertaining aspect of the draft HAS to be the melodramatic antics of the Jets fans. Sup with the dude wearing throwback and primary jerseys?
Conversation between the Seahawks management this morning:
Guy #1- So, I really like Sanchez, but this Curry guy from Wake is really talented. What do you think?
Guy #2- I like him too. What about Crabtree? Can you imaging him and TJ together?
Guy #3- This is all fine and dandy, but did you remember to bring the “snot green” M&M’s to New York and put them on the table?
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The Yankees normally don’t allow manufacturer logos on their actual on-field uniforms. Today, however, Angel Berroa, a minor league call-up to replace DL-bound Cody Ransom, is sporting a Majestic Athletic logo on his left sleeve below the Yankee Stadium patch. (That’s the normal position for retail jerseys.) Guess the equipment guys had to scramble to get him a jersey for today’s game. Maybe the Fenway souvenir stand?
[quote comment=”326042″]link
Similar, but not the same as, the Montana-era uniforms.
Thinner leg stripes, but I can’t tell if the pants are matte or shiny. The black shadowing has been mercifully dropped.[/quote]
Link is 404
“OUTLOOK: Niners aren’t good enough to pass up best player, no matter his position. They’re also not thin enough to force them into drafting for one needy position, although most think San Francisco could use a receiver with game-breaking speed.” Bingo. Crabtree. Just win, Baybee. Gooooo Niners.
itd be nice to see just a little gold on the jerseys… maybe trim on the sleeves… first look makes me think nebraska not niners
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yup thats crabtree
[quote]Bingo. Crabtree[/quote]
nice pick…i think….all i know is i’ll never forget the catch
what?
you thought i meant this?
/fast forward to about 6:10 if you can’t wait for the money shot
[quote comment=”326051″][quote]Bingo. Crabtree[/quote]
nice pick…i think….all i know is i’ll never forget link[/quote]
plus 1
i wonder if the 9ers used a focus group for the uni redesign. it just seems so obvious to me that they should simply revert back to the exact montana era uniform. why half-ass it? anyone hear anything on miami’s redesign? (if there actually is one.) god, al davis has lost his mind. why not trade down to get that guy? the redskins just picked the best player in the entire draft.
Via Twitter, SI’s Don Banks:
This just in: Matthew Stafford will wear No. 9 for the Lions. For 200-9, maybe? Kid you not, a Lions PR man just confirmed his signing. Thx.about 3 hours ago from web
Orakpo to the skins…finally I got a pick prediction right…sheesh!!
you mean you didnt predict stafford to detroit?
[quote comment=”326057″]you mean you didnt predict stafford to detroit?[/quote]
LOL, NO! Even after the pick I picked Curry. Course I live in the D so I’m still in denial ;D
Hi
I know that were all NFL today with the draft etc, but is it just me or does anyone think the “NEW YORK” on the Yankees road jerseys is to straight and should have an arch to it, I check back a few years and it seems that the arch of the letters seem to have straightend the same year as Majestic took over manufacturing rights.
Les
……………and the Indians just scored again.
quiet les, adults are talking.
Sorry, I meant the Red Sox, 2 HRs incl a Slam in the inning against the Evil Empire. (Got MLB on the TV and the draft on the PC. Twitter is burning up, emails from Phil zooming in, SFGate en fuego due to the Crabtree pick, we’re blazin’ by the Bay.
[quote comment=”326051″][quote]Bingo. Crabtree[/quote]
nice pick…i think….all i know is i’ll never forget link[/quote]
Greatest moment of my life. Admittedly, almost dying down on the field afterward wasn’t great, but it was still awesome.
[quote comment=”326063″][quote comment=”326051″][quote]Bingo. Crabtree[/quote]
nice pick…i think….all i know is i’ll never forget link[/quote]
Greatest moment of my life. Admittedly, almost dying down on the field afterward wasn’t great, but it was still awesome.[/quote]
Got my curiosity piqued…how did you almost die?
Great stuff today guys. And since I have been lately looking at the very early baseball uniforms I find all of this fascinating.
[quote comment=”325966″]I gotta admit — until today, I was convinced he was “Lil’ Phil,” not “LI Phil.” :)[/quote]
Haha me too
No Crabtree jersey yet; from Niners site.
Disclaimer: The player’s number is subject to change and the jersey will not ship until the rookie signs and an official number is issued
Sporting this San Francisco 49ers #1 Draft Pick team color replica jersey by Reebok® lets everyone know you’re a hardcore fan. It’s made with breathable, quick-drying mesh and designed with official player and team graphics screen-printed on the chest, back, and shoulders.
someone needs to offer up grades to all these draft hats. By my count right now I’ve seen three I hate.
1) S’quawks lime green job
2) Skins yellow monstrosity
3) Bucs khaki piece of shit — seriously can’t we find a better PMS match for the color “pewter”?
im surprised that tampa didnt have a black hat! and the ‘hawks hat matches the new threads right??
[quote comment=”326069″]’hawks hat matches the new threads right??[/quote]
HAHA! Yes and I hear lime away pants too!
So seriously on the Bucs color choice for pewter. How bout PMS 417?? Any takers on that?
what?? thats like silver… i like the color, they just need to figure out what its actually called and name it that, or just go with ‘bucs baige”
[quote comment=”326071″]what?? thats like silver… i like the color, they just need to figure out what its actually called and name it that, or just go with ‘bucs baige”[/quote]
Yeah but the actual element of pewter (if it is an element) is more like silver. I guess do a search on cannon balls and look at the color cause that is what they’re trying to match.
On the subject of accurate PMS colors…do we have one for the Jags’ new helmet color? Should we borrow from Ed Roth’s color palette and call it “Torquish Teal”? HA!
[quote comment=\”326038\”][quote comment=\”326034\”]new washington husky uniforms
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I like – although, those mannequin\’s look rather feminin. Really funny looking![/quote]
just talked to the assistant director of athletic communications at Washington State and he said that they are going to reveal their new nike uniforms pretty soon
HOLY MOTHER I KNOW WHERE THE JAGS GOT IT! it looks like its from some carnival ride… cant remember oh my god what was it….
and cannonball gray would be boring. i think its supposed to be like sand…
Don’t know if this has been posted, but along the lines of the Draft caps, nflshop.com has AFL 50th Anniversary caps as well:
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As far as the Draft caps go, I actually really like the Redskins cap:
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I HATE San Fran, Seattle, St. Louis, and Indy.
NFLshop also has the wrong logo on their Lions draft day cap.
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youd think the ravens would salute the pirates with a black and yellow draft hat…
[quote comment=”326068″]someone needs to offer up grades to all these draft hats. By my count right now I’ve seen three I hate.
1) S’quawks lime green job
2) Skins yellow monstrosity
3) Bucs khaki piece of shit — seriously can’t we find a better PMS match for the color “pewter”?[/quote]
I was half expecting today’s topic to be a retrospective of draft day hats since their early 80s debut. File that one away for next year.
the ravens just picked the second best player in the draft. also, is it just me or should they eliminate the purple jersey and just go with the black. after all, ravens are black.
lions have old logo on hat
[quote comment=”325964″]What the heck logo is in link? looks like it just says, “baseball”. schmidt needed a reminder he wasn’t on the golf course, eh?[/quote]
As I recall, the fluttering red & blue flag logo was for the centennial of MLB/organized baseball in 1976. Still googling around for confirmation.
i cant tell if i like or hate the colts use of black in their stuff, im leaning towards hate
[quote comment=”326077″]youd think the ravens would salute the pirates with a black and yellow draft hat…[/quote]
Not on ESPN…it was purple. For the record, that Oher had me tearing up a bit…sucks cause I’m such a huge Steelers fan. Why couldn’t they have taken an asshole! DAMNNIT!!
[quote comment=”326081″][quote comment=”325964″]What the heck logo is in link? looks like it just says, “baseball”. schmidt needed a reminder he wasn’t on the golf course, eh?[/quote]
As I recall, the fluttering red & blue flag logo was for the centennial of MLB/organized baseball in 1976. Still googling around for confirmation.[/quote]
Yup I remember that MLB logo. Don’t recall it’s specific usage tho.
love this pick by miami.
I don’t know if this as been mentioned, but as anyone seen the new GMC commericals with the people wearing inside-out/rally cap hats. They look like your standard New Era Cap just turned inside out.
What about the Dolphins? Weren’t they supposed to get updated uniforms for 2009?
[quote comment=”326087″]What about the Dolphins? Weren’t they supposed to get updated uniforms for 2009?[/quote]
exactly! someone get lukas outta his communist party meeting! what is up? nothing on dolphins.com yet except for the 10% off their proshop. sorry for any bad punctuation but i’m on my 6th right now. I NEED INFO!
i hope Pitt’s leshon mccoy is available for miami in the second round. i think he’s the second (behind knoshawn) best RB avail.
if anyone is wondering, we are in the middle of a 4 team streak of teams that wear blue picking in the draft
[quote comment=”326088″][quote comment=”326087″]What about the Dolphins? Weren’t they supposed to get updated uniforms for 2009?[/quote]
exactly! someone get lukas outta his communist party meeting! what is up? nothing on dolphins.com yet except for the 10% off their proshop. sorry for any bad punctuation but i’m on my 6th right now. I NEED INFO![/quote]
sixth what??
and lukas commy hahaha
[quote comment=”326091″][quote comment=”326088″][quote comment=”326087″]What about the Dolphins? Weren’t they supposed to get updated uniforms for 2009?[/quote]
exactly! someone get lukas outta his communist party meeting! what is up? nothing on dolphins.com yet except for the 10% off their proshop. sorry for any bad punctuation but i’m on my 6th right now. I NEED INFO![/quote]
sixth what??
and lukas commy hahaha[/quote]
Plus one…I’m still laughin at the Commy accusation
Have yet to see the whole Niners uni as I am at work. We have all kinds of blocking software here and I have only seen tha shirt. Any way someone could send me a pic of the other uni components (helmet and pants)? link
Niners look more cherry red here;
link
And updated Lions logo IS on Staff’s cap:
link
[quote comment=”325962″][quote comment=”325959″]http://www.shop49ers.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3555013
Just found this on the 49ers shop, can’t wait to see the rest of it![/quote]
What is up with the sleeve striping on that thing?
Looks defective. :)[/quote]
thats just because its a replica jersey. they’ll be straight on an authentic. its just because of the shape of the sleeve.
check it out in the middle here:
link
[quote comment=”326092″][quote comment=”326091″][quote comment=”326088″][quote comment=”326087″]What about the Dolphins? Weren’t they supposed to get updated uniforms for 2009?[/quote]
exactly! someone get lukas outta his communist party meeting! what is up? nothing on dolphins.com yet except for the 10% off their proshop. sorry for any bad punctuation but i’m on my 6th right now. I NEED INFO![/quote]
sixth what??
and lukas commy hahaha[/quote]
Plus one…I’m still laughin at the Commy accusation[/quote]
guinness. that’s how we do in east tennessee. and as for the commie thing i know cuz it takes one to smell one.
seventh.
[quote comment=”326094″]Niners look more cherry red here;
link
And updated Lions logo IS on Staff’s cap:
link
first time in my life i’ve googled “bubbles” and “money shot” and come up with a lions logo
/hakeem nicks? really?
//what, no trade for anquan or is that coming?
I was watching on a bad TV, a long ways away, but I think ESPN used the old Lions logo on screen for their second pick (20).
Also, they just had a shot of the Titans draft table, and they had a Titans helmet and an Oilers helmet on either side of the team name stand.
and ireland
ZIGGY HOOD!!! I love this!!!
[quote comment=”326101″]ZIGGY HOOD!!! I love this!!![/quote]
the rick get richer. damn.
[quote comment=”326102″][quote comment=”326101″]ZIGGY HOOD!!! I love this!!![/quote]
the rick get richer. damn.[/quote]
not rick, rich! damn guinness.
nine rounds with jose cuervo
did anyone else notice the AFL helmets on the tables and the AFL logos that were flashed on the screen behind the commish after the AFL teams would make their picks?
[quote comment=”326100″]and ireland[/quote]
took me a few minutes but i finally got that. slow down tho cuervo is a beast. hope yer off work tommorow. i ain’t.
its me and my boss drinkin so its all good, we may open late tomorrow
fellas…lets call an end to the drinks discussion, k? thx
will do sorry. what is it with basketball teams having the team name on the ass of the shorts?
sorry. are we boring you? there’s probably like 5 people actually on this thread at the moment tho, so unless you have something pertinant to add (miami uni update). . .k?
[quote comment=”326028″][quote comment=”326002″]damn, i only got through the expos, but i have to go umpire 7 softball games, so i have to finish this later. but one quick comment…
ricko! you just gave me a total falshback to playing wiffle ball. my favourite team to be with my cheap plastic helmet was le expos with valentine, comartie, and dawson. an all time classic kick ass team. i am going to be thinking about that all day, thanks man.[/quote]
Wasn’t Al Oliver on that team too?[/quote]
of couse “scoops” was, well after the tony perez era, which means after that outfield was all together, but if you look at it as an era of late 70’s/early 80’s, then yes. rodney scott, chris speier,tony bernazard, ron laflore, rowland office etc. i always tried a little harder when i was the expos. except when perms carter came up, always hated him. did they have a catcher named blackwell? i might have benched carter on backyard wiffle ball.
rained about halfway through my shift, it’s been over an hour and i can’t stop shakinbg from the cold.
damn phil, i’m sorry. i can be an ass when i dr–oops! there i go again! my bad.
looks like mccoy is gonna be avail. to miami. hope to see him wearing the aqua,white and orange. . .and navy.
[quote comment=”326113″]looks like mccoy is gonna be avail. to miami. hope to see him wearing the aqua,white and orange. . .and navy.[/quote]
Don’t you mean TEAL? Let the rage begin!!
TEAL? HULK SMAAAASH!!!!!!!!!!!!AAAAAAAARGH!!!!!!!!!!
i don’t mind the pat white pick tho. can you say athlete!
no screen grab, but Papelbon was NOT wearing 5950 gray underbill (100% wool) tonight
okay, i finished the review, and i am just amazed at how much i disagree with my man phil on something. not that you are wrong, but our opinions differ. i didn’t much care for the phightin’s uni either as a uni, and prefer the current look, but the colour combo is awesome. i was inches from pulling the trigger yesterday on tck “ivy league” stirrups with alternating burgundy and columbia stripes. that way i could switch the colour scheme of my softball team from one team i hate(michigan) to another, and why i torture myself in this way i will never know. for what it is worth, the original expo is far and away the best powder uni(a+), and the cubs(non pins) the worst(f–).
link
Your post today got me thinking.
How close do you consider “Columbia blue” to “powder blue”? Because one of my favorite jerseys of all time, the link, is apparently “Columbia blue.”
[quote comment=”326119″]Your post today got me thinking.
How close do you consider “Columbia blue” to “powder blue”? Because one of my favorite jerseys of all time, the link, is apparently “Columbia blue.”[/quote]
it’s a “catchall”…
the st. louis blue hue was known as “victory blue” and im sure other teams may have called their ‘powder’ blues something else
basically any team that sported a uniform that fell into the color spectrum which roughly met the definition of “powder blue” was included
[quote comment=”326095″][quote comment=”325962″][quote comment=”325959″]http://www.shop49ers.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3555013
Just found this on the 49ers shop, can’t wait to see the rest of it![/quote]
What is up with the sleeve striping on that thing?
Looks defective. :)[/quote]
thats just because its a replica jersey. they’ll be straight on an authentic. its just because of the shape of the sleeve.
check it out in the middle here:
link
Makes sense, and looks rather decent for the 99% of players who have elastic on the bottom of their sleeves, and curl them under there pads. There are though, a number of QB’s who let there sleeves hang (Romo, Brady, and the Niners potential starting QB, Shawn Hill). Could potentially look bad on QB’s.
Niners’ website is showing Crabtree #15 jerseys.
link
Damn, Padres throwbacks lookin’ NICE. Bob Walk of FSN Pittsburgh said it best, they should keep these.
Sorry, bad link.
link
I was at the Red Sox vs. Yankees game today, and Usain Bolt threw out the first pitch, he’s in town for a Puma event tomorrow. Anyways, best part of the whole thing is that he wore a Red Sox jersey with the number 9.69, which is his 100 meter world record time. Picture here: link
Tonight is link the bobblehead has him wearing the link, but in tonights game, the diamondbacks are wearing their link seems like poor promo planning on somebody’s part.
[quote comment=”326123″]Damn, Padres throwbacks lookin’ NICE. Bob Walk of FSN Pittsburgh said it best, they should keep these.[/quote]
peep the stirrups too:
link
link
Funniest conversation at the O`s vs Texas link game
Fan #1: Oh look at that name!
Fan #2: I dont even know how you say it…
Fan #1: I think it’s Salto-something
Me: It’s Saltalamacchia (pronouncing it corectly for them)
Fan #1: Wow – and look, his link literally goes from buttcheek to buttcheek!!
I got some random questions for the Uni Watch Faithful. When did MLB start using fitted caps and why? Also, why do some teams use nameplates, and some do not? When did nameplates first start being used?
[quote comment=”326128″]Funniest conversation at the O`s vs Texas link game
Fan #1: Oh look at that name!
Fan #2: I dont even know how you say it…
Fan #1: I think it’s Salto-something
Me: It’s Saltalamacchia (pronouncing it corectly for them)
Fan #1: Wow – and look, his link literally goes from buttcheek to buttcheek!![/quote]
Corrected second link
speaking of the Texas Texases…..
if you go to any MLB page and look at a news article, there is a box that says (team name) news, with team name being in team font. every site is either nickname or city plus nickname except for texas, which is TEXAS news. the whole thing pisses me off
link
if you were wondering i was looking at every team’s to see if anyone other than atlanta says city + nickname in team font there (yes im bored) and so far only braves and cardinals
[quote comment=”326127″][quote comment=”326123″]Damn, Padres throwbacks lookin’ NICE. Bob Walk of FSN Pittsburgh said it best, they should keep these.[/quote]
peep the stirrups too:
link
link
From the second shot, it looks like Eddie Gaedel has been resurrected as a Padre.
Add Boston, Cincinnati, New york Yankees and Kansas City to list of the teams who use city and team name… honestly it looks really neat, not very often you see the city and team name written in the team font together in a straight line, ya know?
and Chicago white sox says Chicago news… Dbags
you know they shoulda put the old padres logo on the back of the mound, it looks like its the modern SD =(
From last night’s O`s vs Texases game (I am strangely intrigued {or maybe just disgusted} by the Texas on the home jerseys)
link
Oh wait, maybe they link know who link are!
(I checked MLB Shop and didn’t see these available – they looked like light jackets, as it was a little brisk at the game last night)
Top of the 7th in the Pads/Bucs game SD4 TV broadcast tonight was quite the uni conversation. Pads have on throwbacks and the relief pitcher had one stirrup on backwards, this lead to a semi-intelligent (not really) uni discussion. Sorry no transcripts or pictures…
[quote comment=”326136″]Top of the 7th in the Pads/Bucs game SD4 TV broadcast tonight was quite the uni conversation. Pads have on throwbacks and the relief pitcher had one stirrup on backwards, this lead to a semi-intelligent (not really) uni discussion. Sorry no transcripts or pictures…[/quote]
Was it de la cruz? If you see my comment above, I got a cap of the first base coach and peer, but I didn’t get one of De La Cruz.
FSN PGH had Jerry Coleman in the booth for a half inning which was kind of cool.
One thing that kind of bugged me: the Pads base coaches had the proper batting helmet but the catcher chose to wear his regular navy helmet. Sure it matched his gear, but still…
Has anyone else been enjoying the unis on the World Series recaps that have been airing on the MLB Network? I’m watching the ’83 Series now – Baltimore v. Philly. Beautiful matchup. Joe Morgan as a Phillie in powder blue!!!