By Phil Hecken
Forty-five years ago, in 1965 to be precise, the newly-named Houston Astros played host to the Philadelphia Phillies in the first ever regular season game in the newly-opened Eighth Wonder of the World, the Houston Astrodome (The first ever game in the Astrodome was played on April 9, 1965, in an exhibition game staged between the Astros and the New York Yankees). But the 1965 regular season began when the Phillies visited Houston on April 12th. Fittingly, the two teams are celebrating the occasion with the Astros hosting a “Turn Back The Clock” game.
According to the press release of the event, both teams will wear 1965 uniforms similar to the ones worn during the Astros first-ever regular-season game in the Astrodome. How similar? That remains to be seen. But the “Astros uniforms will feature the original shooting star jersey top and navy blue cap with orange star.” As an added bonus, the Phillies will play along.
So, if all goes according to plan, the teams should look something like this when they take the field this evening. It should be a gorgeous matchup, particularly if the teams elect to wear proper hosiery for the occasion. So, lets take a look back at what the teams actually wore in 1965, to whet our appetites for the game (as an added bonus, the entire nation has been treated to the free preview of “MLB Extra Innings,” so everyone, at least in theory, should be able to watch this game).
In 1965, the Phillies wore a gray wool flannel uniform, with “Phillies” across the chest and a red cap with a white “P”. Sleeves and stirrups were red, as was the script “Phillies” (outlined in white) across the chest. Unlike today’s uniform, in 1965, the Phillies script was more ‘pointed’, and the stars dotting the “i”‘s were also red (and not blue). Also, in 1965 the uniforms were devoid of all piping, but, like their modern cousins, the 1965’s featured chain stitched lettering. Really, just a beautifully simplistic jersey, especially for the standards of the day.
Here are some additional shots of that uniform (as seen on Dick Allen, Johnny Callison and Clay Dalrymple). It should be noted that that particular uniform was worn from 1950 thru 1969, when the Phil’s would get new uniforms in preparation to their move from Shibe Park/Connie Mack Stadium to Veterans Stadium. The Vet was supposed to open in May of 1970, but cost overruns and delays would eventually keep the Phillies from moving in until April 1971.
In 1965, the host Astros would begin wearing a new set of uniforms, having moved from Colt Stadium into the newly constructed Astrodome (note Colt Stadium in the distance). We’ll get into the Astrodome itself another time, but when constructed, it was the first completely enclosed domed stadium in the world, featuring clear glass panels in the roof and a natural grass surface. When the Astrodome opened on April 9, 1965, it used a natural 419 Bermuda grass playing surface specifically bred for indoor use. The dome’s ceiling contained numerous semitransparent panes made of Lucite. Players quickly complained that glare coming off of the panes made it impossible for them to track fly balls. Two sections of panes were painted white, which solved the glare problem but caused the grass to die from lack of sunlight. In fact, for most of the 1965 season, the Astros played on green-painted dirt and dead grass. By 1966, newly installed “artificial turf” had replaced the original grass. Why they couldn’t just play at night when there was no glare is a good question, but with double-headers, late setting sun towards the solstice, and Sunday day games prevalent in the mid-sixties, it proved impractical. As alluded to above, this led to the use of the first artificial surface for baseball, called Astroturf, which had invented earlier, but gained fame (and name) with it’s installation in the Astrodome.
But when the Astros took the field for that first regular season game against the Phillies, they were playing on real grass, and their uniforms had gone from this (more on the Colt .45’s below) to this. The 1965 Astros would have white flannel uniforms with “Astros” in blue letters outlined in orange, with a blue star and three orange stripes, simluating a “shooting” star, appropriate to their new name. Incidentally, the Astros is short for “Astronauts” (although the team was never known by this name) and relates to their proximity to the Houston Space Center (since renamed the Johnson Space Center), from which the Apollo, Gemini and Mercury space flights originated. The back of the jersey featured blue block letters with orange outline, and on the sleeve was a new patch with the Astros logo. The logo would feature four baseball “orbiting” the new Astrodome.
Although the caps, sleeves and stirrups appear black in the official team photo, they were a navy blue. The cap held an orange star with a white “H” on the crown. Shirts were button-down and the uniforms were without piping or striping. While staid by today’s (and certainly by future Astros’ uniform standards), the 1965 uniforms were rather radical. The road uniforms were almost identical, except they were gray flannel and had block “Houston” spelled out across the chest in radially arched lettering, and without the “shooting star” graphic. It also appears the stirrups featured an orange star on them.
So, there you have it. A look back at the uniforms worn by the Phillies and the Astros in 1965. Hopefully, Majestic will be able to recreate them as faithfully as possible (although polyester doubleknits or whatever new age fabric they’ll be constructed from, such as Cool-Base spandex, will be a disappointment). For more information on the Astros first season in the Astrodome, go here. You can also read a recap of the first ever game in the Astrodome (note that the header photo is most definitely NOT from the first game, as that’s an astroturf field), and get some fun facts. Also interesting to note in that article is the fact that the Astrodome was still called the Harris County Domed Stadium at the time of the first game and the Astros were still referred to as the “Colt .45s”. Finally, here is an amazing picture of the Astrodome under construction.
Of course, no game in the majors today, especially one of such import, would be complete without gimmicks and lots of corporate douchebaggery assistance. Tonight’s game includes a 1965 replica Astros jersey, sponsored by AT&T, to be given away to the first 10,000 fans in attendance. In addition, the Astros have set aside 1,965 tickets (isn’t that clever?) in the View Deck II and Outfield Deck sections to be offered at $3.50, which happened to be the 1965 price of Astrodome tickets for box seats and several upper level sections. Special pricing for food and beverages will be offered as well, including $1 hot dogs, compliments of Classic Foods, and $1 Coca-Cola Classic fountain sodas (but ONLY while supplies last).
Great stuff. Let’s hope the game is as sharp as the uniforms promise to be.
In the middle of a roadtrip, before your beloved Twins come home to “officially” open beautiful Target Field, you often find yourself down at Bub’s, and occasionally you’ll make a new acquaintence. Here’s Rick:
It’s been a long week. But, people do say it’s always nice when you have a highly respected profession that makes it all worthwhile. Wonder what that feels like?
OK. And with that, here’s your Saturday Benchies.
Joining the New York Mets, the Houston Colt .45s entered the National League in 1962 and would play for three years in Colt Stadium, a new outdoor ballpark, and which was knowingly built to be temporary, just south of Downtown Houston. While they were better than the Mets, the weren’t particularly good in their first three years, losing 96 games each year. But they had some of the sweetest stirrups the league has ever seen.
Orange on the bottom, blue on top, and three equal width white stripes added some wonderful color to what was otherwise a fairly standard uniform of the early 1960s.
For some reason, some of the fellows liked to pull the stirrups high, exposing mostly the orange half of the rup. Other players, sensibly, preferred to wear their pants and stirrup at the proper height, while some, whether it be due to gravity or due to faulty blousing, seemed to favor a half high/half low look. No matter, any way they wore those stirrups, they were sharp.
The Colt .45s stirrups are definitely a favorite of UW Prexies and yours truly, and they can be worn on the diamond, to a UW gathering, or on Stirrup Fridays just the same. Our own Comrade Robert Marshall made them available to the Stirrup Club, and many UW members proudly wear them. If you’re interested in a pair, check Comrade Marshall’s linkie.
Guess The Game From The Scoreboard: In keeping with the spirit of today’s post, you can probably safely assume the “theme” of things. The teams are easy, but how about the location and the final score? Not so easy. Ready? Guess The Game From The Scoreboard. Date, location and final score, please, and be sure to link to your answer. And, as always, if you enjoy the game, please send me some new scoreboards! Drop me a line. Thanks!
Back again with more Uniform Tweaks, Concepts and Revisions today. Lots to get to, and if you have a tweak, change or concept for any sport, send them my way.
~~~
We begin the show today with a bit of a novella from Moff Dub (I’m guessing that’s a nom de plume), who’s got quite a bit so say about the Fathers:
I have been an off-and-on reader for a few years, even though every time I read something on your blog, I ask myself “why aren’t I reading this daily?” But I digress.
I was inspired by the recent uni-tweak of my beloved San Diego Padres and older tweaks and thought “this is the kind of thing I do occasionally in my spare time” and figured I’d submit my own ideas for the Friars.
My inspiration for my set of tweaks is a jersey shirt that is only available to fans in the Padres store at Petco Park: front and back.
This is essentially a dark sand-colored alternate jersey. They first showed up about three or so years ago and I have always thought they were awesome. It is my opinion that they should be a real alternate jersey that the team wears, perhaps in replacement of their navy blue alternate.
But my uni-tweak is more than simply a replacement/additional alternate. The dark sand color is unique, and, aside from the controversial-yet-awesome sand road uniform, the Padres’ uniforms can start to look like other teams.
Blue and navy blue tend to be as common as red in MLB (Cardinals, Angels, Phillies, Nationals, I’m looking at you), and teams start to look similar. So I thought instead of the unoriginal navy blue as the primary focus, what if it was relegated to trim and the dark sand color was introduced more prominently?
My idea for the home uniform is to swap the navy blue and dark sand. Now there is no mistaking that you are watching the Padres.
Unlike my compadre Clint Glaze and many others, I happen to adore the all-sand look. They are fine the way they are.
For the home alternate, which is what started all of this, I think the dark sand color is a nice subtle tribute to the earlier taco mustard uniforms of (in)fame. This also sets the Padres apart from other teams who wear blue or dark blue alternates. I think it is also fairly obvious that this shouldn’t be used on the road with the sand pants. Having two tones of sand would be too weird.
This isn’t to say that I’d ditch the navy blue altogether. I’d save it for the batting practice/spring training jersey. The obvious tweak is the SD on the jersey instead of the Padres script. In the past, the Padres have sported the large jersey SD for batting practice and I have always been partial to it.
Also notice I ditched the “P” cap logo in favor of the Swingin’ Friar! If you look hard enough, you can find the Swingin’ Friar on a navy blue and black hat in a retail store, both of which I own. He’s always there for the team, working his butt off for a 9th-inning rally, and deserves to be worn on the craniums of the players themselves I say!
Just to show my fairness towards the navy blue, I am also keeping it for a possible-but-not-necessary road alternate look. Notice the main change is to change the Padres script to the city name. I think road jerseys should generally feature the city name.
I don’t have the graphical dexterity to mock up the camo jersey, but that’s ok because I don’t have much to change, except for adding a white outline to the Padres script and the SD on the sleeve. Both of these inexplicably lack a white outline, and thus can blend into the rest of the camoflage of the jersey.
Finally, I leave a fans-only “fashion” jersey and hat for last as flame-bait. I have actually used iron-on decals to almost make this exact jersey shirt, except with navy-blue numbers outlined in sand and white. Since that looks too much like the Mets, I’d go with this design if I had to do it all over again.
Really it doesn’t have to be only black, especially since the numbers, logos, and player name are “protected” by the white outline. So you could make this any color you want for any “fashion” you want… hence why it is called a fashion jersey.
So that’s all I have to make the Friars of San Diego stand out from the rest of the league.
Up next, with a slightly shorter description, is Garrett Lukken, with a Packers remix:
Switched the colors of the jerseys and the pants but I liked the green pants so much I did another with the Packers original home and away jerseys only with green pants on the away.
~~~
In the three-hole today is Joe Katz, who has a mythical team, the “St. Louis Archers:”
Phil,
I was hoping that Saint Louis would get an NBA team, and made these uniforms for the Saint Louis Archers.
Thanks,
Joe Katz
And closing out the tweaks today is Bruce Genther, with his take on the St. Louis Cardinals:
I certainly agree that the Cardinals uniform is just about as perfect as one can get, but I also agree with fellow uni tweakers Ben Traxel and Jesse Alkire that a slight tweak could be in order for the road uni. I have incorporated the old St. Louis Browns 1953 road script (sans underline) as the script style for the road uniform instead of the standard script now being used for none uni purposes. I have also provided a different handling of the player name on the back in version three – vertical arch plain block letters in navy vs. the standard arched plain block two color letters.
And that’s all folks. Check back next time for more tweaks, concepts and revisions.
Sometimes the news out of Steel Town just can’t wait until Monday, so our favorite Yinzer, Doug Keklak, is here to bring us the News From Pittsburgh.
First item: Jeff Jimerson’s really cool shirt:
** Jeff is the guy that sings the National Anthem at most Pens’ games and is a local legend. He gets a g clef as number.
** PS, I’m enjoying this free trial week of extra innings and I’m watching the Mets and Nats before the Pirates come on (they’re in Arizona). I felt sick for you guys when I saw the Mets with the black jerseys on.
Ah, but the Mets won in black. And like Doug, I enjoyed watching…ok, perhaps “enjoyed” is rather strong…the the Pirates versus the D-Backs, as I happened upon it during the MLB preview.
Moments after I flipped on the game, with the Pirates already in an 8-0 hole, Douggie sent me this cam phone shot of DJ Carrasco in stirrups. Despite the distorted photo, it was great seeing Carrasco wearing his stirrups correctly, unlike during last year’s Civil Rights Game.
Thanks Douggie.
OK everyone, that’ll do it for today. Remember, the free preview of MLB Extra Innings should allow pretty much everyone to see the Astros/Phillies game. For those of you not still giddy over “Opening Week,” there’s a little golf tournament going on down in Augusta (more on that tomorrow), with the artist formerly known as Eldrick back on the prowl. And, oh yeah…I guess there is still some excitement left in the NHL as the Blue Shirts defeated the Broad Street Bullies last night to force basically a “winner take all” rematch on Sunday.
One last bit of “uni tracking” news, coupled with yesterday’s announcement of the new uniforms for UVA — check out this uniform tracking analysis…that’s um…pretty thorough. Wonder if any of UW’s baseball trackers will go to those extremes.
And on that note, have a great Saturday everyone.
Now this guy is a first ball hitter. He’ll either swing at the first pitch or he’ll take it. — Rusty Staub, as a member of the Colt 45s
I’ll add it because Phil forgot it: 7PM ET tonight on ESPN, the Wisconsin Badgers meet the Boston College Eagles for the NCAA Frozen Four Championship.
The Eagles come into the game as the fourth-ranked team in the nation with a 28-10-3 record. They arrived in the final by defeating Alaska-Fairbanks on March 27, outlasted Yale in a 9-7 win on March 28, and destroyed the #1-ranked Miami (Ohio) by a 7-1 score.
The Badgers come into the game as the third-ranked team in the nation with a 28-10-4 record. Their path to the final included a 3-2 win over Vermont on March 26, a 5-3 win over St. Cloud State on March 27, and an 8-1 trouncing of Rochester Institute of Technology. They also boast this year’s Hobey Baker Award winner in Blake Geoffrion.
Should be an awesome game, and I’m looking forward to it!
I really like those “SanD”iego tweaks (sorry, I couldn’t resist) – seriously, they look pretty cool.
I might watch an inning or two of the Phillies/Astros – although I plan to spend most of my evening re-living the childhood trauma of Super Bowl VII on NFL Network…
BTW, I’m kidding about Phil forgetting about the game. I forgot the sarcasm tags up above.
Great entry today, Phil. I want to see all the accoutrements that the Astros roll out. As a hockey guy, I can still appreciate other sports having a little fun. :o)
The Astros should have arranged for the turn-back-the-clock game to be played at the Astrodome. Now that would have made it an even more spectacular event…
[quote comment=”385037″]The Astros should have arranged for the turn-back-the-clock game to be played at the Astrodome. Now that would have made it an even more spectacular event…[/quote]
That’s actually a cool idea, but hasn’t the Dome been condemned or “temporarily shuttered” because they’re trying to get the property rezoned or something?
One nice touch for tonight’s game is that the link.
Anyway, from the closeup photos, it appears that the Astros also had chain-stitched jerseys, yes?
Wait. Just as I clicked “Say It” it occurred to me that Houston doesn’t have any zoning codes.
(One of the reasons my grandfather was able to run a boarding kennel right in the middle of a residential neighborhood.)
Regardless, I’m pretty sure the Astrodome can’t be used at the present time due to some legal issues.
Here’s why CC Sabathia had to change his cleats:
link
High marks to Moff Dub on his San(d) Diego Padres tweaks. I agree – it would be a good look. And a sand cap would be unique in MLB. Nice work.
Not to pick a fight but why so much hate for the Mets black jerseys? I am a Mets fan. I approve of the black jersey and hats. They tried white hats and it didn’t work. They went to black and it gave us something different to wear. The team looks good wearing them in my opinion. I like buying several jerseys and while my #1 jersey is a pinstriped 13 NNOB, I do enjoy changing it up every now and again. The only way I’d be happy with ditching the black is if they replaced it with a navy blue.
My second bugaboo is (splash water on eyes) Leave the Bengals alone! More to the point their helmet. I am old enough to remember the first helmet and in ’81 they hit perfection with first shot. I would like to see more winning seasons. I would like to see a championship. I would like to see the white panels removed from the black jerseys. What I never ever want to see is a new helmet. The tweaks for the Bengals lose me as soon as I see any change to the helmet.
Thanks!
[quote comment=”385040″]Here’s why CC Sabathia had to change his cleats:
link
“To call the Yankees and Red Sox, two of the best teams in baseball, ‘pathetic’ and ’embarrassing,’ that’s just ridiculous,” Pedroia said yesterday.
“If he doesn’t want to do Red Sox and Yankee games, he should tell the umpires’ union. Then when we’re in the World Series, he’ll be out of that assignment, too.”
So the rules are being changed so that they can play each other in the World Series? Yep. Having the rivalry rammed down our throats really has reached a new level of ridiculousness.
Last year here at UW, thinking of horizontalness, I pondered whether, given the current style of MLB unis, C.C. Sabathia might set an all-time record for the most pinstripes ever worn. And it sort of took off from there.
This year I contemplate verticality and wonder, given the current style of MLB unis, is this the longest inseam ever?
link
—Ricko
Wait a minute: in that Astros/Yankees exhibition game, is Mickey Mantle the leadoff hitter?? Weird.
So this week Brewer managment criticized the Yankees for being, I dunno, the Yankees, I guess.
Small market vs. big market has been around a long, long time.
My former partner once told me that, when he and his wife were first married in the early 1950’s, they were dining with another couple one summer night. The topic turned to baseball (he was a sportswriter) and his bride (who definitely was not) asked, “How do they decide who plays the Yankees in the World Series?”
Some things never change.
—Ricko
Hey Phil–Thought I’d let you know you’ve converted one more to uni-tracking. Set up an excel file this week to track the Twins. So far it’s been fine: 4-1 in the new road grays. That’s a trend I really like to see!
For a big guy, Big Ben sure dodges bullets well, doesn’t he.
—Ricko
[quote comment=”385042″]The only way I’d be happy with ditching the black is if they replaced it with a navy blue.[/quote]
since that’s ALSO not a mets color?
[quote comment=”385044″]Last year here at UW, thinking of horizontalness, I pondered whether, given the current style of MLB unis, C.C. Sabathia might set an all-time record for the most pinstripes ever worn. And it sort of took off from there.
This year I contemplate verticality and wonder, given the current style of MLB unis, is this the longest inseam ever?
link
—Ricko[/quote]
Probably, since he’s the tallest player ever (although that doesn’t necessarily mean he has the longest legs ever). Also in the running: Randy Johnson and Eric Hillman.
Bengals55 said…
“The tweaks for the Bengals lose me as soon as I see any change to the helmet.”
And yet you don’t understand how Mets fans could hate the black? ;)
—Ricko
[quote comment=”385050″][quote comment=”385044″]Last year here at UW, thinking of horizontalness, I pondered whether, given the current style of MLB unis, C.C. Sabathia might set an all-time record for the most pinstripes ever worn. And it sort of took off from there.
This year I contemplate verticality and wonder, given the current style of MLB unis, is this the longest inseam ever?
link
—Ricko[/quote]
Probably, since he’s the tallest player ever (although that doesn’t necessarily mean he has the longest legs ever). Also in the running: Randy Johnson and Eric Hillman.[/quote]
Such things definitely occured to me. Depends on the length of their legs, of course, but also on the longness of their individual pantitude, given it being the jammies era and all. Just more to ponder, I guess.
Hey, it’s Saturday. My mind wanders even more than ever.
Oh, nurse…
—Ricko
The Astros should revive the ’65 uniforms as regular attire. Those are the best unis they ever had.
[quote comment=”385049″][quote comment=”385042″]The only way I’d be happy with ditching the black is if they replaced it with a navy blue.[/quote]
since that’s ALSO not a mets color?[/quote]
Black is now an official Mets color. More than a decade it’s been.
[quote comment=”385054″]
Black is now an official Mets color. More than a decade it’s been.[/quote]
how silly of me
can i ask you a question? and please don’t take this the wrong way, because i’m completely serious
are you under 30?
[quote comment=”385051″]Bengals55 said…
“The tweaks for the Bengals lose me as soon as I see any change to the helmet.”
And yet you don’t understand how Mets fans could hate the black? ;)
—Ricko[/quote]
I am a Mets fan. I remember the team changing road jerseys nearly every year. Then they put the tail in there. Finally they settled on a rather attractive road gray. when you add the black into it it stood out as a very sharp set. I get the traditionalists wanting to have just two jerseys and no black on them. What I don’t get is the absolute hatred they have for the black. In my opinion black is the opposite of white and the Mets did a great job to incorporate it into their uniforms. If they lose the black without replacing it, they go from that 3-D pop back to 2-D meh.
[quote comment=”385054″][quote comment=”385049″][quote comment=”385042″]The only way I’d be happy with ditching the black is if they replaced it with a navy blue.[/quote]
since that’s ALSO not a mets color?[/quote]
Black is now an official Mets color. More than a decade it’s been.[/quote]
See post #18.
[quote comment=”385055″][quote comment=”385054″]
Black is now an official Mets color. More than a decade it’s been.[/quote]
how silly of me
can i ask you a question? and please don’t take this the wrong way, because i’m completely serious
are you under 30?[/quote]
I would not be able to remember the original Bengals helmets if I were. ;)
No I’m 38. I just do not hate the Mets current unis. I’m not someone who doesn’t pay attention to details either. I used to sit and doodle Mets unis on a score sheet while I listened to the game on radio, including back plates mind you. I loved the white trim on the grays in the 80s and when the letters became direct sewn. I love the Mets. As with many Mets fans, I love them too much. I take girlfriends to Milwaukee and Wrigley rather than Jamaica. (That’s why I’m still single) I just accepted the black, appreciated it and disagree with those who think it’s an abomination to our franchise.
[quote comment=”385058″][quote comment=”385055″][quote comment=”385054″]
Black is now an official Mets color. More than a decade it’s been.[/quote]
how silly of me
can i ask you a question? and please don’t take this the wrong way, because i’m completely serious
are you under 30?[/quote]
I would not be able to remember the original Bengals helmets if I were. ;)
No I’m 38. I just do not hate the Mets current unis. I’m not someone who doesn’t pay attention to details either. I used to sit and doodle Mets unis on a score sheet while I listened to the game on radio, including back plates mind you. I loved the white trim on the grays in the 80s and when the letters became direct sewn. I love the Mets. As with many Mets fans, I love them too much. I take girlfriends to Milwaukee and Wrigley rather than Jamaica. (That’s why I’m still single) I just accepted the black, appreciated it and disagree with those who think it’s an abomination to our franchise.[/quote]
This is shaping up to be an interesting Saturday… stay tuned!
[quote comment=”385058″]I just accepted the black, appreciated it and disagree with those who think it’s an abomination to our franchise.[/quote]
fair enough…and thanks for answering the question…i just haven’t met too many met fans over the age of 30 (or even 25) who like the black
to each his own
[quote comment=”385057″][quote comment=”385054″][quote comment=”385049″][quote comment=”385042″]The only way I’d be happy with ditching the black is if they replaced it with a navy blue.[/quote]
since that’s ALSO not a mets color?[/quote]
Black is now an official Mets color. More than a decade it’s been.[/quote]
See post #18.[/quote]
I think there’s a big difference. I did not oppose the tackle twill and the tiger as I thought it improved their uniform. I was not thrilled with the striped B and the current set but it could have been worse. The helmet is a bull’s eye and it is most iconic. Because the helmet stayed I didn’t mind the major changes underneath.
The Mets added a secondary logo and a new color, but didn’t re-brand in such an extreme way that they lost their identity. They saw a trend and jumped on a bandwagon, but they did it in a good way. Now instead of jumping around different fonts they have had a consistent and stable look for over a decade. This is just my opinion of course and explaining why I’m OK with the black. The only shocking thing which worried me was the batting helmet fade. I eventually got used to that and was happy they didn’t start experimenting different helmets in game.
OK – so I am not a diehard Mets fan, but I understand the people who “think (black is) an abomination to our franchise”.
I’ll give you an example – the Calgary Flames. Have a look at a comparison of the two red jerseys they have worn this year and tell me why, why would they ever have introduced BFBS? Please…
Original:
link
New:
link
[quote comment=”385061″][quote comment=”385057″][quote comment=”385054″][quote comment=”385049″][quote comment=”385042″]The only way I’d be happy with ditching the black is if they replaced it with a navy blue.[/quote]
since that’s ALSO not a mets color?[/quote]
Black is now an official Mets color. More than a decade it’s been.[/quote]
See post #18.[/quote]
I think there’s a big difference. I did not oppose the tackle twill and the tiger as I thought it improved their uniform. I was not thrilled with the striped B and the current set but it could have been worse. The helmet is a bull’s eye and it is most iconic. Because the helmet stayed I didn’t mind the major changes underneath.
The Mets added a secondary logo and a new color, but didn’t re-brand in such an extreme way that they lost their identity. They saw a trend and jumped on a bandwagon, but they did it in a good way. Now instead of jumping around different fonts they have had a consistent and stable look for over a decade. This is just my opinion of course and explaining why I’m OK with the black. The only shocking thing which worried me was the batting helmet fade. I eventually got used to that and was happy they didn’t start experimenting different helmets in game.[/quote]
My point had nothing to do with details. Was more just that you should be able to understand that jerking around with a team’s uni doesn’t sit well with some. And while you may not agree with a particular point, you certainly know the feeling…because you’ve already admitted you have it yourself.
I think most of the core complaint with the added black, for just about any team that does it, is the overwhelming (and painfully obvious) Monkey See Monkey Do of it.
“You added black? Wow, think of that all by yourself, did you?”
Originality is, I’m afraid, less prized than imitation these days (see Twins “homogenized” new road unis, for example).
—Ricko
[quote comment=”385062″]OK – so I am not a diehard Mets fan, but I understand the people who “think (black is) an abomination to our franchise”.
I’ll give you an example – the Calgary Flames. Have a look at a comparison of the two red jerseys they have worn this year and tell me why, why would they ever have introduced BFBS? Please…
Original:
link
New:
link
I’m a huge hockey fan and I know what you’re talking about with the Flames. If the Flames did what the North Stars did (before the stArs change) where black accented the red and orange it would have been fine. Instead they went radical. The Mets didn’t go radical in my opinion. I get why I’m not in the majority on this in uniwatch. However there is a hatred for the Mets black above all other BFBS changes I think. Maybe because Paul is a Mets fan. I’m addressing that vitriol against what I have come to appreciate.
[quote comment=\”385063\”][quote comment=\”385061\”][quote comment=\”385057\”][quote comment=\”385054\”][quote comment=\”385049\”][quote comment=\”385042\”]The only way I\’d be happy with ditching the black is if they replaced it with a navy blue.[/quote]
since that\’s ALSO not a mets color?[/quote]
Black is now an official Mets color. More than a decade it\’s been.[/quote]
See post #18.[/quote]
I think there\’s a big difference. I did not oppose the tackle twill and the tiger as I thought it improved their uniform. I was not thrilled with the striped B and the current set but it could have been worse. The helmet is a bull\’s eye and it is most iconic. Because the helmet stayed I didn\’t mind the major changes underneath.
The Mets added a secondary logo and a new color, but didn\’t re-brand in such an extreme way that they lost their identity. They saw a trend and jumped on a bandwagon, but they did it in a good way. Now instead of jumping around different fonts they have had a consistent and stable look for over a decade. This is just my opinion of course and explaining why I\’m OK with the black. The only shocking thing which worried me was the batting helmet fade. I eventually got used to that and was happy they didn\’t start experimenting different helmets in game.[/quote]
My point had nothing to do with details. Was more just that you should be able to understand that jerking around with a team\’s uni doesn\’t sit well with some. And while you may not agree with a particular point, you certainly know the feeling…because you\’ve already admitted you have it yourself.
I think most of the core complaint with the added black, for just about any team that does it, is the overwhelming (and painfully obvious) Monkey See Monkey Do of it.
\”You added black? Wow, think of that all by yourself, did you?\”
Originality is, I\’m afraid, less prized than imitation these days (see Twins \”homogenized\” new road unis, for example).
—Ricko[/quote]
Understood. I get it now. I still do not agree with hating the black, but I now see the reasoning. I didn\’t before. Thank you.
[quote comment=”385061″]I eventually got used to that and was happy they didn’t start experimenting different helmets in game.[/quote]
wait…what? you mean wearing several different sets of helmets during the same game?
~~~~
and again, if you’re fine with the black, it’s not worth arguing over because we both have our opinions, but to say you’ve “accepted” it is playing into that entire marketing slogan
despite the fact that the mets won a world series in these, i’ve ALWAYS hated that look…i hated when they went from flannel button-downs to polyester pullovers…i hated when they went to the road script in 87, and the royal blue bp jersey and road jersey…and i really hated the stupid tail they added when they finally returned to their senses for the rest of the uni in 1993-94
but throughout all that time, they NEVER wore black…it never was and has never been a mets color…the first change i liked (although i was in the minority) is when they went to the snow whites with ice cream cap…but that’s an alt, NOT an official uni (well, now the snow whites have finally become the official home uni)
but lets face it…they couldn’t be satisfied with this, which is a beautiful uni…they had to add black (and which i’ll admit, when worn with a solid blue cap doesn’t look too bad)…
unfortunately, that begat this which led to this abomination
like any club who starts winning (NLCS in 99 & WS in 2000) with a “new” uni…and the trend for BFBS in full swing…
the black stuck…the fans buy it, the kids love it and now it’s (and has been since 1998) an “official” color
so i can see how you’ve come to accept it…but many of us mets fans won’t be happy until it’s been removed from the colorscheme entirely…and unfortunately, it doesn’t look like that day is coming any time soon
they had a perfect opportunity to ditch the black when they moved across the parking lot last season…but rather than so doing, they embraced the black, putting the retired numbers in dropshadow and painting the outfield walls black
*breathes…sighs*
aight…that’s enough out of me…you can “accept” and “enjoy” the mets in black…but i never will
but it’s NOT a mets color
:) I’m sure you bought the white cap day one as I did. How long did it last you until it was shot? Halfway through the season for me.
Also I own one game used Mets jersey. 1993 Todd Hundley with the tail.
link
link
link
link
[quote comment=”385067″]:) I’m sure you bought the white cap day one as I did.[/quote]
actually, i never bought the ice cream cap, because it looks stupid with the blue brim…i meant the snow white uni…which i always liked and still like, despite the fact that they’d worn pinstripes since ’62
it’s probably the one area where i diverge with the traditionalists…and the way they’ve ruined the pins by keeping the black dropshadow, i’d prefer they just stick with this beauty and be done with it
but they’re already 0-2 in the snow whites with blue caps/socks/sleeves, and 1-0 in yellow pins and 1-0 in black tops/caps…
so i foresee a return to the black/blue cap today
[quote comment=”385063″][quote comment=”385061″][quote comment=”385057″][quote comment=”385054″][quote comment=”385049″][quote comment=”385042″]The only way I’d be happy with ditching the black is if they replaced it with a navy blue.[/quote]
since that’s ALSO not a mets color?[/quote]
Black is now an official Mets color. More than a decade it’s been.[/quote]
See post #18.[/quote]
I think there’s a big difference. I did not oppose the tackle twill and the tiger as I thought it improved their uniform. I was not thrilled with the striped B and the current set but it could have been worse. The helmet is a bull’s eye and it is most iconic. Because the helmet stayed I didn’t mind the major changes underneath.
The Mets added a secondary logo and a new color, but didn’t re-brand in such an extreme way that they lost their identity. They saw a trend and jumped on a bandwagon, but they did it in a good way. Now instead of jumping around different fonts they have had a consistent and stable look for over a decade. This is just my opinion of course and explaining why I’m OK with the black. The only shocking thing which worried me was the batting helmet fade. I eventually got used to that and was happy they didn’t start experimenting different helmets in game.[/quote]
My point had nothing to do with details. Was more just that you should be able to understand that jerking around with a team’s uni doesn’t sit well with some. And while you may not agree with a particular point, you certainly know the feeling…because you’ve already admitted you have it yourself.
I think most of the core complaint with the added black, for just about any team that does it, is the overwhelming (and painfully obvious) Monkey See Monkey Do of it.
“You added black? Wow, think of that all by yourself, did you?”
Originality is, I’m afraid, less prized than imitation these days (see Twins “homogenized” new road unis, for example).
—Ricko[/quote]
Has originality ever been prized in baseball? Has not jumping on the bandwagon been the historic norm for baseball uniforms?
Pinstripes anyone?
As per the scoreboard photo, old Colt Stadium (right next to the Astrodome at that time) was moved to Gomez Palacio, Durango, Mexico and served as a home for a Mexican League team. The facility was a junkyard later on.
[quote comment=”385069″][quote comment=”385063″][quote comment=”385061″][quote comment=”385057″][quote comment=”385054″][quote comment=”385049″][quote comment=”385042″]The only way I’d be happy with ditching the black is if they replaced it with a navy blue.[/quote]
since that’s ALSO not a mets color?[/quote]
Black is now an official Mets color. More than a decade it’s been.[/quote]
See post #18.[/quote]
I think there’s a big difference. I did not oppose the tackle twill and the tiger as I thought it improved their uniform. I was not thrilled with the striped B and the current set but it could have been worse. The helmet is a bull’s eye and it is most iconic. Because the helmet stayed I didn’t mind the major changes underneath.
The Mets added a secondary logo and a new color, but didn’t re-brand in such an extreme way that they lost their identity. They saw a trend and jumped on a bandwagon, but they did it in a good way. Now instead of jumping around different fonts they have had a consistent and stable look for over a decade. This is just my opinion of course and explaining why I’m OK with the black. The only shocking thing which worried me was the batting helmet fade. I eventually got used to that and was happy they didn’t start experimenting different helmets in game.[/quote]
My point had nothing to do with details. Was more just that you should be able to understand that jerking around with a team’s uni doesn’t sit well with some. And while you may not agree with a particular point, you certainly know the feeling…because you’ve already admitted you have it yourself.
I think most of the core complaint with the added black, for just about any team that does it, is the overwhelming (and painfully obvious) Monkey See Monkey Do of it.
“You added black? Wow, think of that all by yourself, did you?”
Originality is, I’m afraid, less prized than imitation these days (see Twins “homogenized” new road unis, for example).
—Ricko[/quote]
Has originality ever been prized in baseball? Has not jumping on the bandwagon been the historic norm for baseball uniforms?
Pinstripes anyone?[/quote]
You’re absolutely right. That’s why I always enjoyed baseball unis of the ’70s. Oh, the hat crowns were so high they look like milk cartons, but unis such as the Indians’ all-red, the A’s World Series years, the Astros Tequila Sunrise, the Pirates’ bumblebees, the White Sox’ tails out, Cubs pinstriped powder blues, numerous Padre combos and others brought a helluva lot more color and creative thinking to the game than we see these days.
Most of those, sadly, don’t translate at all well to the pajama pants look. Socks, even if most players wore ribbon stirrups back then, seem to have been essential to making such things work.
Today’s dark jeseys are a little like that, I suppose, but are pretty typical colors and designs. And, of course, teams seem to find it beyond their organizational skills to prevent both teams from wearing them in the same game.
—Ricko
[quote comment=”385064″][quote comment=”385062″]OK – so I am not a diehard Mets fan, but I understand the people who “think (black is) an abomination to our franchise”.
I’ll give you an example – the Calgary Flames. Have a look at a comparison of the two red jerseys they have worn this year and tell me why, why would they ever have introduced BFBS? Please…
Original:
link
New:
link
I’m a huge hockey fan and I know what you’re talking about with the Flames. If the Flames did what the North Stars did (before the stArs change) where black accented the red and orange it would have been fine. Instead they went radical. The Mets didn’t go radical in my opinion. I get why I’m not in the majority on this in uniwatch. However there is a hatred for the Mets black above all other BFBS changes I think. Maybe because Paul is a Mets fan. I’m addressing that vitriol against what I have come to appreciate.[/quote]
Bengals55, I agree with you about the iconic tiger striped helmet. I’ve been a fan since around ’70, so the original BENGALS helmet remains dear to my heart, but the change to stripes was radical, original and well executed. And should not be touched.
However, I must disagree with you on your assessment of the North Stars out-of-the-blue addition of black. Rather than accent the already well established green and gold, it was a blemish that never went away…and in fact just grew and grew until all the beauty of the original uniform was lost.
Frankly, black has had the same blemishing effect on the Mets classic look.
Of course, this is all subjective, and I respect your thoughtful, well articulated opinion.
Phil,
I am yet another Mets fan, beyond the age of 30, who thinks it is possible to live with the black. I would rather it be restricted to “NEW YORK” road jersey though.
I am not a real fan of the home whites (talk about a lack of originality..wooo white home unis), but can live with those also. And, with the possibility of the whites losing the blue piping, I can not help but conceive (with a sickening shudder) of the return of the “swoosh”, with orange tv numbers, for a full on faux-Dodgers east look.
[quote comment=”385039″]Wait. Just as I clicked “Say It” it occurred to me that Houston doesn’t have any zoning codes.
(One of the reasons my grandfather was able to run a boarding kennel right in the middle of a residential neighborhood.)
Regardless, I’m pretty sure the Astrodome can’t be used at the present time due to some legal issues.[/quote]
You’re right – Houston doesn’t have zoning but it does have a building and fire code.
link
link
You can love that or hate it, but you can’t deny its originality. its hard to imagine anyone else being this bold today.
And the Mets are wearing the off-white pinstripe unis with blue hats again…I am surprised the two-tone hat has yet to make an appearance at home
wow!
cream pins and blue caps (and jose)
sweet
[quote comment=”385073″]Phil,
I am yet another Mets fan, beyond the age of 30, who thinks it is possible to live with the black. I would rather it be restricted to “NEW YORK” road jersey though.
I am not a real fan of the home whites (talk about a lack of originality..wooo white home unis), but can live with those also. And, with the possibility of the whites losing the blue piping, I can not help but conceive (with a sickening shudder) of the return of the “swoosh”, with orange tv numbers, for a full on faux-Dodgers east look.[/quote]
One of the things I love about the Mets’ combination of the royal blue and orange is the day-glo effect created when the orange NY goes straight up against the royal blue. The introduction of black into the scheme really blunts that effect. Also, the original color combination is unique enough in itself. Why detract from it by introducing a third color? I have mixed emotions about an orange tv number. While I think it would be an excellent look, it would play into the hands of those who feel the Mets have too closely blurred their identity with the Dodgers.
[quote comment=”385073″]Phil,
I am not a real fan of the home whites (talk about a lack of originality..wooo white home unis).[/quote]
walt,
not sure what you’re getting at…home whites…aside from pinstripes, what other color might you suggest? you mean you dislike that they removed the pins?
i never understood why they started with pins (although i think the uw crew has established that there was no ‘yankee’ basis for it) … was it to be different from the dodgers/giants? was it because casey always wore pins (including some years with the dodgers) but for 100 years with the yankees…regardless, they started as a pins team and remained so until 1997…when they added the snow whites
but aside from pins or no pins, what are the other options for a home uniform? plaid? solid dark?
because i don’t think there are a lot of options aside from a white (or cream…meh) base
Dunno if this has been addressed but didn’t the Nationals wear navy blue socks and undershirts with their road jerseys last year? This year the undershirts are red and it makes me wonder if they are contemplating dropping the navy blue road caps entirely. The red undershirts match the road jerseys a lot better.
[quote comment=”385074″][quote comment=”385039″]Wait. Just as I clicked “Say It” it occurred to me that Houston doesn’t have any zoning codes.
(One of the reasons my grandfather was able to run a boarding kennel right in the middle of a residential neighborhood.)
Regardless, I’m pretty sure the Astrodome can’t be used at the present time due to some legal issues.[/quote]
You’re right – Houston doesn’t have zoning but it does have a building and fire code.
link
thanks.
Well, whatever the reason, one thing I was right about is that playing a baseball game there today isn’t an option.
[quote comment=”385080″]Dunno if this has been addressed but didn’t the Nationals wear navy blue socks and undershirts with their road jerseys last year? This year the undershirts are red and it makes me wonder if they are contemplating dropping the navy blue road caps entirely. The red undershirts match the road jerseys a lot better.[/quote]
yup
lots of sock porn at shea today btw…looks great
Cubs & Reds both wearing their alts tiday.
Joy.
[quote comment=”385080″]Dunno if this has been addressed but didn’t the Nationals wear navy blue socks and undershirts with their road jerseys last year? This year the undershirts are red and it makes me wonder if they are contemplating dropping the navy blue road caps entirely. The red undershirts match the road jerseys a lot better.[/quote]
I like the red undershirts better, with either the blue or red hat.
Actually, the only thing I’m not crazy about with the Nats is that beveled font:
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Okay, I could do without this, too:
link
I’d like to see a home-ified version of the road grays, Or white and grey versions of my favorite jersey:
link
Speaking of the Astros, always wondered why they have a train running above the left/center fence.
link
Yeah, I know it’s by Union Station, but if you’re the Astros, shouldn’t you have a rocket instead?
Count me in with those who love the Sandy-eggo tweaks. I’d wear those.
Why has no real sports team in St. Louis ever thought of using the name Archers?
Liked the Eskimos (I mean Packers) and Cards tweaks as well.
Gotta get some stuff done now – better shut my garage door so no passing-by life insurance salesman thinks I’m home…
[quote comment=”385084″][quote comment=”385080″]Dunno if this has been addressed but didn’t the Nationals wear navy blue socks and undershirts with their road jerseys last year? This year the undershirts are red and it makes me wonder if they are contemplating dropping the navy blue road caps entirely. The red undershirts match the road jerseys a lot better.[/quote]
I like the red undershirts better, with either the blue or red hat.
Actually, the only thing I’m not crazy about with the Nats is that beveled font:
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Okay, I could do without this, too:
link
I’d like to see a home-ified version of the road grays, Or white and grey versions of my favorite jersey:
link
If the Nats were smart, and we all know they ain’t to bright, they’d lose the beveled font altogether, lose the white outline on the roads, and do a fauxback, thinking off white/cream featuring the Curly W.
[quote comment=”385084″]
I’d like to see a home-ified version of the road grays, Or white and grey versions of my favorite jersey:
link
so…something like this for the home?
and this or, even better, this for the roadie?
[quote comment=”385088″][quote comment=”385084″]
I’d like to see a home-ified version of the road grays, Or white and grey versions of my favorite jersey:
link
so…something link for the home?
and link or, even better, link for the roadie?[/quote]
those look nice, but still have the beveled numbers. the only aspect I like about the beveled font is the DC logo.
Who’s Afraid of Virginia’s Pants?
When is it going to stop? There is no way anyone thinks that those “stripes” look good. Thomas Jefferson is rolling in his grave.
First off, I’m color blind, so it might be my eyes, but sure as heck looks like UNC is wearing BLACK pants in the spring game. I do not think it is navy blue, looks way too dark. Anyone else think it’s black? It doesn’t necessarily look bad, but it just doesn’t look like UNC at all.
[quote comment=”385089″][quote comment=”385088″][quote comment=”385084″]
I’d like to see a home-ified version of the road grays, Or white and grey versions of my favorite jersey:
link
so…something link for the home?
and link or, even better, link for the roadie?[/quote]
those look nice, but still have the beveled numbers. the only aspect I like about the beveled font is the DC logo.[/quote]
baby steps of course…
but you know they should have done THIS
I don’t know if this has ever been mentioned but it looks like Taylor Teagarden of the Rangers is wearing a cool-flo helmet while he’s catching.
[quote comment=”385092″][quote comment=”385089″][quote comment=”385088″][quote comment=”385084″]
I’d like to see a home-ified version of the road grays, Or white and grey versions of my favorite jersey:
link
so…something link for the home?
and link or, even better, link for the roadie?[/quote]
those look nice, but still have the beveled numbers. the only aspect I like about the beveled font is the DC logo.[/quote]
baby steps of course…
but you know they should have link[/quote]
Should be this
link
Just sayin.
[quote comment=”385092″][quote comment=”385089″][quote comment=”385088″][quote comment=”385084″]
I’d like to see a home-ified version of the road grays, Or white and grey versions of my favorite jersey:
link
so…something link for the home?
and link or, even better, link for the roadie?[/quote]
those look nice, but still have the beveled numbers. the only aspect I like about the beveled font is the DC logo.[/quote]
baby steps of course…
but you know they should have link[/quote]
Amen. Then use that template in off white for a fauxback (Red W/blue outline) and the cap from 63-67, and you are GTG. Road grays with script Washington, sans white outline, solid blue cap with red W no outline, stick a fork in ’em and you are done.
[quote comment=”385093″]I don’t know if this has ever been mentioned but it looks like Taylor Teagarden of the Rangers is wearing a cool-flo helmet while he’s catching.[/quote]
Does it look like link?
If so, it’s made by Wilson, not Rawlings.
[quote comment=”385076″]And the Mets are wearing the off-white pinstripe unis with blue hats again…I am surprised the two-tone hat has yet to make an appearance at home[/quote]
Shhh!! Don’t give them any ideas!!
[quote comment=”385094″]
Should be this
link
Just sayin.[/quote]
ah…the 82 midsummer classic…the “height” of the ribbon stirrup and the white cleats for the ASG…nice
so yeah…i guess this would have been a little too painful then
[quote comment=”385067″]:) I’m sure you bought the white cap day one as I did. How long did it last you until it was shot? Halfway through the season for me.
Also I own one game used Mets jersey. 1993 Todd Hundley with the tail.
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link
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I like that jersey, as much as the tail and the enlarged, altered script bothers me. The “New York” script on the grey was nicer; certainly better than the ’87 script.
The photos also show something that a lot of people forget, which is that the lettering and numerals had a white outline. The blue was also slightly darker.
[quote comment=”385098″][quote comment=”385094″]
Should be this
link
Just sayin.[/quote]
ah…the 82 midsummer classic…the “height” of the ribbon stirrup and the white cleats for the ASG…nice
so yeah…i guess link would have been a little too painful then[/quote]
That would actually work, get rid of the “Nationals” on the jersey, and go navy with the blue, instead of royal. Are those the tweaks that pb paulie did? what’s he up to? his tweaks are always sweet.
[quote comment=”385100″][quote comment=”385098″][quote comment=”385094″]
Should be this
link
Just sayin.[/quote]
ah…the 82 midsummer classic…the “height” of the ribbon stirrup and the white cleats for the ASG…nice
so yeah…i guess link would have been a little too painful then[/quote]
That would actually work, get rid of the “Nationals” on the jersey, and go navy with the blue, instead of royal. Are those the tweaks that pb paulie did? what’s he up to? his tweaks are always sweet.[/quote]
yeah…that’s from the set paulie did for me
talked to him a few weeks ago…
he said he’s got “a bunch on his plate” including “pondering a small t-shirt line”…
[quote comment=”385091″]First off, I’m color blind, so it might be my eyes, but sure as heck looks like UNC is wearing BLACK pants in the spring game. I do not think it is navy blue, looks way too dark. Anyone else think it’s black? It doesn’t necessarily look bad, but it just doesn’t look like UNC at all.[/quote]
Definitely navy blue. It looks ok- I think the Carolina Blue pants with the white jerseys look better.
[quote comment=”385101″][quote comment=”385100″][quote comment=”385098″][quote comment=”385094″]
Should be this
link
Just sayin.[/quote]
ah…the 82 midsummer classic…the “height” of the ribbon stirrup and the white cleats for the ASG…nice
so yeah…i guess link would have been a little too painful then[/quote]
That would actually work, get rid of the “Nationals” on the jersey, and go navy with the blue, instead of royal. Are those the tweaks that pb paulie did? what’s he up to? his tweaks are always sweet.[/quote]
yeah…that’s from the link
talked to him a few weeks ago…
he said he’s got “a bunch on his plate” including “pondering a small t-shirt line”…[/quote]
GTG, appreciate the heads up, and thank you Willie Harris. J/K. and thank you for having the weekend stuff up @ 0700 sharp,most appreciated.
[quote comment=”385066″][quote comment=”385061″]I eventually got used to that and was happy they didn’t start experimenting different helmets in game.[/quote]
wait…what? you mean wearing several different sets of helmets during the same game?
~~~~
and again, if you’re fine with the black, it’s not worth arguing over because we both have our opinions, but to say you’ve “accepted” it is playing into that entire marketing slogan
despite the fact that the mets won a world series link, i’ve ALWAYS hated that look…i hated when they went from link to link…i hated when they went to the link, and the link bp jersey and link…and i really hated the link they added when they finally returned to their senses for the rest of the uni in 1993-94
but throughout all that time, they NEVER wore black…it never was and has never been a mets color…the first change i liked (although i was in the minority) is when they went to the link…but that’s an alt, NOT an official uni (well, now the snow whites have finally become the official home uni)
but lets face it…they couldn’t be satisfied link, which is a beautiful uni…they had to link (and which i’ll admit, when worn with a link doesn’t look too bad)…
unfortunately, that begat link which led to link
like any club who starts winning (NLCS in 99 & WS in 2000) with a “new” uni…and the trend for BFBS in full swing…
the black stuck…the fans buy it, the kids love it and now it’s (and has been since 1998) an “official” color
so i can see how you’ve come to accept it…but many of us mets fans won’t be happy until it’s been removed from the colorscheme entirely…and unfortunately, it doesn’t look like that day is coming any time soon
they had a perfect opportunity to ditch the black when they moved across the parking lot last season…but rather than so doing, they embraced the black, putting the retired numbers in dropshadow and painting the outfield walls black
*breathes…sighs*
aight…that’s enough out of me…you can “accept” and “enjoy” the mets in black…but i never will
but it’s NOT a mets color[/quote]
This link link link link link link link.
“This” should be link.
Aesthetically speaking, I have to say the Mets look really good in the off-white pins with blue caps.
Play-wise, of course, they still look like sh**.
[quote comment=”385096″][quote comment=”385093″]I don’t know if this has ever been mentioned but it looks like Taylor Teagarden of the Rangers is wearing a cool-flo helmet while he’s catching.[/quote]
Does it look like link?
If so, it’s made by Wilson, not Rawlings.[/quote]
It’s kind of hard to tell in this pic but the helmet looks like the cool-flo design.
link
[quote comment=”385107″][quote comment=”385096″][quote comment=”385093″]I don’t know if this has ever been mentioned but it looks like Taylor Teagarden of the Rangers is wearing a cool-flo helmet while he’s catching.[/quote]
Does it look like link?
If so, it’s made by Wilson, not Rawlings.[/quote]
It’s kind of hard to tell in this pic but the helmet looks like the cool-flo design.
link
Definitely not the same as Pierzynski’s.
The Padres tweaks are seriously great, far better than what they have now.
About a year ago, my son and I volunteered at an Autism Awareness walk, which was held at Reliant Park in Houston (which is not a park at all, but a collection of arenas, stadia, convention halls and parking lots, many, many parking lots). During a lull in the action, we sneaked into the shuttered Astrodome, through an inexplicably unlocked door. It’s showing some age, but it is hardly on the verge of collapse, as some of our city officials would have you believe.
We were afraid of getting in trouble, so we only stayed for a couple of minutes, but we took photos. If anyone is interested, I can post them.
So the Phillies script in today’s picture is incorrect with the two blue stars?
[quote comment=”385102″][quote comment=”385091″]First off, I’m color blind, so it might be my eyes, but sure as heck looks like UNC is wearing BLACK pants in the spring game. I do not think it is navy blue, looks way too dark. Anyone else think it’s black? It doesn’t necessarily look bad, but it just doesn’t look like UNC at all.[/quote]
Definitely navy blue. It looks ok- I think the Carolina Blue pants with the white jerseys look better.[/quote]
Whoops, guess my eyes deceived me! I do agree that the Carolina blue is the best option for them. Or the white pants.
Phil – thank you for this entry! This Astros fan truely enjoyed the look back in time.
Orange & blue are complimentary colors according to color theory, don’t know why black is needed unless you have a hardon for drop shadows.
The North Stars adding black to their palette was a good thing in my book, especially when it came to those stylish breezers. One of the few exceptions to my personal rule of no more than three colors for a uni.
[quote comment=”385086″]Count me in with those who love the Sandy-eggo tweaks. I’d wear those.
Why has no real sports team in St. Louis ever thought of using the name Archers?
Liked the Eskimos (I mean Packers) and Cards tweaks as well.
Gotta get some stuff done now – better shut my garage door so no passing-by life insurance salesman thinks I’m home…[/quote]
I wouldn’t want my team to be named after people who shoot bows and arrows. What’s it got to do with St. Louis? I also wouldn’t want my team named after a monument either. Adding “ers” to it sounds kind corny. What is an archer in relationship to the St. Louis Arch?
I looked at the names of all the St. Louis sports teams (including the minor-league ones), and they all seem to have pretty generic sports-team names. Slam, Lions, Bombers, Bandits, etc.
The only St. Louis sports team name I see with any regional significance is the Blues, named after a song that predated the team by decades.
You’d think some of those minor-league team namers would think of something more regional, although Archers probably wouldn’t work because you’re naming a sports team after another sport. It’d be like naming a football team the Swimmers.
“Spirits of St. Louis” was a pretty good team name.
[quote comment=”385110″]So the Phillies script in today’s picture is incorrect with the two blue stars?[/quote]
that’s what creamer has for it, and i believe i’ve seen that style elsewhere…but the unis clearly had red stars, not blue — they may have used the blue stars as the logo, but not on the uni, but that doesn’t really make much sense
perhaps the honorable ricko pearson can clear that up
[quote comment=”385116″][quote comment=”385110″]So the Phillies script in today’s picture is incorrect with the two blue stars?[/quote]
that’s what creamer has for it, and i believe i’ve seen that style elsewhere…but the unis clearly had red stars, not blue — they may have used the blue stars as the logo, but not on the uni, but that doesn’t really make much sense
perhaps the honorable ricko pearson can clear that up[/quote]
actually, if you look at the header, i combined the TWO logos the phillies used (supposedly) in 1965 — the cap with the blue “orbiting” stars has “phillies” with red stars dotting the “i’s”…so, there were blue stars (just not over the wordmark) at the time…
so perhaps they did use the blue stars in the script/wordmark logo, just not on the unis
GAME ON…
roof is open…and its rupalicious!
astros unis look to have a cream tint (ugh…why???)…NNOBs (nice)
DAMN nike undershirts
phillies…at least rollins (first batter)…not playing along with the proper pants…gray unis look almost the same…except for the wordmark and NNOB…the “gray flannel” looks a lot like the cool-base polyester
and polanco (second batter) also has pajamas on…UGH
[quote comment=”385117″][quote comment=”385116″][quote comment=”385110″]So the Phillies script in today’s picture is incorrect with the two blue stars?[/quote]
that’s what creamer has for it, and i believe i’ve seen that style elsewhere…but the unis clearly had red stars, not blue — they may have used the blue stars as the logo, but not on the uni, but that doesn’t really make much sense
perhaps the honorable ricko pearson can clear that up[/quote]
actually, if you look at the header, i combined the TWO logos the phillies used (supposedly) in 1965 — the link dotting the “i’s”…so, there were blue stars (just not over the wordmark) at the time…
so perhaps they did use the blue stars in the link logo, just not on the unis[/quote]
I’m doing another OCD search on ebay, and mid-1960s Phillies graphics show no blue stars on the uniform script. I don’t want to get ahead of myself, but I bet those stars aren’t supposed to be blue.
I just found this pic from 1964. Never seen THAT version before!
link
Moyer showing some sock (as usual); Astros playing along on stirrups.
In the future, there should be a rule that the pants on a TBTC (or imfamous TATC) game should be no longer than below the knees to show some sock.
Astros look stellar in the throwbacks! Phillies look good too, but some of the guys on the Phils haven’t figured it out yet with the pants. The Astros went the extra mile with the “starry” stirrups. Pics coming soon
Yeah, nice job by the Stros by doing it right with the ‘rups. Too bad the Phils (outside of Jamie Moyer) didn’t reciprocate.
Looks like the Phils are rocking non-Cool Base double-knit as well – at least that’s what I can tell through the magic of HDTV.
One gripe – what’s up with those generic block numbers on the Phils? Looks to me like the Astros got that detail right as well.
I guess my comment got eaten up. After an OCD search on ebay, I don’t see any mid-1960s Phillies stuff with blue stars, and I don’t think they’re supposed to be blue.
Here’s a pic I found from 1964. Never seen that version before!
link
[quote comment=”385092″][quote comment=”385089″][quote comment=”385088″][quote comment=”385084″]
I’d like to see a home-ified version of the road grays, Or white and grey versions of my favorite jersey:
link
so…something link for the home?
and link or, even better, link for the roadie?[/quote]
those look nice, but still have the beveled numbers. the only aspect I like about the beveled font is the DC logo.[/quote]
baby steps of course…
but you know they should have link[/quote]
What Jesse said.
And you’re right, Phil, they should have done what you did.
I’d wear any of those tweaks. Thanks.
[quote comment=”385122″]One gripe – what’s up with those generic block numbers on the Phils? Looks to me like the Astros got that detail right as well.[/quote]
im pretty sure that for the time period they’re depicting (remember, they wore that uni for a bunch of years, including ’65), they did have big block numbers, both home and away…so it looks like what the phils are rocking is at least semi-accurate
[quote comment=”385094″][quote comment=”385092″][quote comment=”385089″][quote comment=”385088″][quote comment=”385084″]
I’d like to see a home-ified version of the road grays, Or white and grey versions of my favorite jersey:
link
so…something link for the home?
and link or, even better, link for the roadie?[/quote]
those look nice, but still have the beveled numbers. the only aspect I like about the beveled font is the DC logo.[/quote]
baby steps of course…
but you know they should have link[/quote]
Should be this
link
Just sayin.[/quote]
Well, yeah…
[quote comment=”385114″][quote comment=”385086″]Why has no real sports team in St. Louis ever thought of using the name Archers?[/quote]
I wouldn’t want my team to be named after people who shoot bows and arrows. What’s it got to do with St. Louis? I also wouldn’t want my team named after a monument either. Adding “ers” to it sounds kind corny. What is an archer in relationship to the St. Louis Arch?[/quote]
It would be perfect for basketball. Picture this logo (you’ll have to, becasue I can’t photoshop): A giant, holding the arch, using it as a bow to propel an arrow with a basketball head towards a giant basket.
It could work with other sports as well, but it wouldn’t be as perfect.
[quote comment=”385119″]
I’m doing another OCD search on ebay, and mid-1960s Phillies graphics show no blue stars on the uniform script. I don’t want to get ahead of myself, but I bet those stars aren’t supposed to be blue.
I just found this pic from 1964. Never seen THAT version before!
link
yowsa…nice find
yeah, it wouldn’t surprise me if creamer got it wrong (or copied it from someone who did)…considering there isn’t any blue anywhere else on the uni and definitely NOT the stars
hopefully ricko can (or maybe timmy b) set us straight
be nice to know for sure that this is the correct wordmark/script for the time period
I’m a space geek – so I wanted to clarify something. Johnson Space Center is where the flights are controlled, but they’re launched out of Kennedy Space Center in Florida, right?
[quote comment=”385130″]I’m a space geek – so I wanted to clarify something. Johnson Space Center is where the flights are controlled, but they’re launched out of Kennedy Space Center in Florida, right?[/quote]
Yes. Greetings, fellow space geek. How many mission patches do you have?
Most teams, at some point, end up with a great uniform that works perfectly. The smart ones realize this and stick with it, while others keep on changing without realizing (or caring) that they already found their best look but kept on trying. While it’s all subjective, to me the Astros quintessential uniform is that shooting star beauty in the limelight today. They left it in the past while changing uniforms, then eventually colors (twice!), ending up with a current mess of a visual identity that makes little sense. Honestly, trains? You are the ASTROS!!!
If Drayton Mclane weren’t a jackass, they’d lose the current western themed uniforms and go back to those kick-ass shooting stars. They’d also get rid of that stupid train in left field and once again embrace the space/rocket theme that is integral to their very name.
Just to clear up all the numbers nonsense, here’s a link for the proper number style. Also, the only number that was “serifed” was a 2, but that was more on a slant than the ones used tonight.
What, the ‘stros couldn’t slap a throwback logo on the batting helmets?
Altogether, though, the game is looking good.
Just switched over to the Pirates/Diamondbacks. Is that Joe Garagiola, Sr. doing the color commentary?
Ground crew in Houston just dragged the infield, wearing orange spacesuits and mock spaceman helmets. Houston announcers said the helmets were the originals and have been in storage.
Ugh, if you had to wear one. Looked way cool though.
[quote comment=”385132″]“Honestly, trains? You are the ASTROS!!!”
“If Drayton Mclane weren’t a jackass, they’d get rid of that stupid train in left field and once again embrace the space/rocket theme that is integral to their very name.”[/quote]
Uh, you do realize that where The Ballpark Formerly Known As Enron Field was built on what was Union Station in Houston, right?
/History Fail.
[quote comment=”385124″]I guess my comment got eaten up. After an OCD search on ebay, I don’t see any mid-1960s Phillies stuff with blue stars, and I don’t think they’re supposed to be blue.
Here’s a pic I found from 1964. Never seen that version before!
link
No blue stars on “Phillies” (on uni, anyway) from 1950 until current look. Can take that one to the bank.
—Ricko
[quote comment=”385136″][quote comment=”385132″]“Honestly, trains? You are the ASTROS!!!”
“If Drayton Mclane weren’t a jackass, they’d get rid of that stupid train in left field and once again embrace the space/rocket theme that is integral to their very name.”[/quote]
Uh, you do realize that where The Ballpark Formerly Known As Enron Field was built on what was Union Station in Houston, right?
/History Fail.[/quote]
Doesn’t mean he doesn’t know his history. I knew it, but posted the same thing earlier:
[quote comment=”385085″]Speaking of the Astros, always wondered why they have a train running above the left/center fence.
link
Yeah, I know it’s by Union Station, but if you’re the Astros, shouldn’t you have a rocket instead?[/quote]
[quote comment=”385134″]What, the ‘stros couldn’t slap a throwback logo on the batting helmets?
Altogether, though, the game is looking good.
Just switched over to the Pirates/Diamondbacks. Is that Joe Garagiola, Sr. doing the color commentary?[/quote]
It is Joe! Good to hear him after all these years.
Flipped back to the Phils/Astros just in time to hear one of the Houston announcers say, “Those Phillies uniforms haven’t changed much after all these years.”
I hope he later added that there was a brief time in between link where they wore something quite different.
For all those Nike bashers, here’s some fuel for the fire — courtesy of the Wisconsin Badgers.
link
[quote comment=”385138″][quote comment=”385136″][quote comment=”385132″]“Honestly, trains? You are the ASTROS!!!”
“If Drayton Mclane weren’t a jackass, they’d get rid of that stupid train in left field and once again embrace the space/rocket theme that is integral to their very name.”[/quote]
Uh, you do realize that where The Ballpark Formerly Known As Enron Field was built on what was Union Station in Houston, right?
/History Fail.[/quote]
Doesn’t mean he doesn’t know his history. I knew it, but posted the same thing earlier:
[quote comment=”385085″]Speaking of the Astros, always wondered why they have a train running above the left/center fence.
link
Yeah, I know it’s by Union Station, but if you’re the Astros, shouldn’t you have a rocket instead?[/quote][/quote]
Let’s take a wider view here. Sometimes things in a ballpark about about the history of the neighborhood, not necessarily the pro team playing in it. Especially if there’s public money involved, lots of other teams (schools and colleges, primarily) will use the field, too, and they have nothing to do “space” or “rockets.”
—Ricko
[quote comment=”385114″]What is an archer in relationship to the St. Louis Arch?[/quote]
The same thing a Laker is in relation to lakes.
[quote comment=”385141″]
Let’s take a wider view here. Sometimes things in a ballpark about about the history of the neighborhood, not necessarily the pro team playing in it. Especially if there’s public money involved, lots of other teams (schools and colleges, primarily) will use the field, too, and they have nothing to do “space” or “rockets.”[/quote]
that may all be true ricko, but it doesn’t make the “why the hell do they have a train there” a “history fail”
i know all about the connection, and i think a lot of things about the park are stupid…the train, tal’s hill, the flagpole in play…none of them necessary
[quote comment=”385141″]Let’s take a wider view here. Sometimes things in a ballpark about about the history of the neighborhood, not necessarily the pro team playing in it. Especially if there’s public money involved, lots of other teams (schools and colleges, primarily) will use the field, too, and they have nothing to do “space” or “rockets.”
—Ricko[/quote]
Glad you said “sometimes” because I was thinking of Raymond James Stadium. There’s no mistaking that the Buccaneers play there, what with that big honking pirate ship. Haven’t seen any tip of the hat to the USF Bulls there.
Heinz Field does give a small nod to the Pitt Panthers, though. link
I think what we’re getting at is this: you’d think the primary tenant would have some kind of reference to them in the stadium.
Or, we could look at it this way. The Colt .45s changed to the Astros because of the move to the Astrodome…maybe the Astros should have changed to the Choo Choos after moving to a park built at Union Station?
yeah, in fact, i think i’ve vented about that a few times in the past
Perfect name for a St. Louis team: Mullets.
They’d even have their own ready-made “Bronx Bombers” type nickname — “Missouri Mudflaps.”
Oh, man, and if it’s a baseball team, imagine the cap they could wear. Think along the lines of the Angels’ halo design or the Pilots’ scrambled eggs.
[quote comment=”385146″]“Perfect name for a St. Louis team: Mullets.”[/quote]
Nice going, Barry Melrose. What’s next the Billy Ray Cyruses?
[quote comment=”385144″]Or, we could look at it this way. The Colt .45s changed to the Astros because of the move to the Astrodome…maybe the Astros should have changed to the Choo Choos after moving to a park built at Union Station?[/quote]
Wasn’t at least part of the reason for the name change because the Colt manufacturing company objected to the name (and link on link) and threatened legal action if the team wasn’t renamed?
Damn, those unis were fantastic, though.
[quote comment=”385147″][quote comment=”385146″]“Perfect name for a St. Louis team: Mullets.”[/quote]
Nice going, Barry Melrose. What’s next the Billy Ray Cyruses?[/quote]
Works for Milwaukee, too. “The Wisconsin Waterfalls.”
And of course, they’ve already got a link
[quote comment=”385148″][quote comment=”385144″]Or, we could look at it this way. The Colt .45s changed to the Astros because of the move to the Astrodome…maybe the Astros should have changed to the Choo Choos after moving to a park built at Union Station?[/quote]
Wasn’t at least part of the reason for the name change because the Colt manufacturing company objected to the name (and link on link) and threatened legal action if the team wasn’t renamed?
Damn, those unis were fantastic, though.[/quote]
The team web site glossed over that in the history section.
Better yet, let’s rename the Cubs the Woo Woos. ;)
link
[quote comment=”385136″][quote comment=”385132″]“Honestly, trains? You are the ASTROS!!!”
“If Drayton Mclane weren’t a jackass, they’d get rid of that stupid train in left field and once again embrace the space/rocket theme that is integral to their very name.”[/quote]
Uh, you do realize that where The Ballpark Formerly Known As Enron Field was built on what was Union Station in Houston, right?
/History Fail.[/quote]
Yes, I do realize that for two reasons:
1) it was covered, here, in comment 52. And I think most UniWatchers are at least somewhat aware of the whole forced train theme at the ballpark and the reasons behind it. My comment was intended in the context that everyone already knew about Union Station and that whole connection.
2) I am from Houston.
Congrats on working in another tiresome “Fail” joke, though. Awesome!
[quote comment=”385144″][quote comment=”385141″]Let’s take a wider view here. Sometimes things in a ballpark about about the history of the neighborhood, not necessarily the pro team playing in it. Especially if there’s public money involved, lots of other teams (schools and colleges, primarily) will use the field, too, and they have nothing to do “space” or “rockets.”
—Ricko[/quote]
Glad you said “sometimes” because I was thinking of Raymond James Stadium. There’s no mistaking that the Buccaneers play there, what with that big honking pirate ship. Haven’t seen any tip of the hat to the USF Bulls there.
Heinz Field does give a small nod to the Pitt Panthers, though. link
I think what we’re getting at is this: you’d think the primary tenant would have some kind of reference to them in the stadium.
Or, we could look at it this way. The Colt .45s changed to the Astros because of the move to the Astrodome…maybe the Astros should have changed to the Choo Choos after moving to a park built at Union Station?[/quote]
Actually, the Colt .45s changed their name because the Colt Firearms Co. was suing them, claiming the use of “Colt .45s” was a trademark infringement (you can look it up). They grabbed “Astros” for the necessary new name because it made sense with the Eighth Wonder of the World and all.*
And I was speaking ONLY of the train, not the other dorky things at that ballpark, because it’s about the only one that’s actually derivative of something and not an affectation. I also was making no reference a “history fail”. Just the train and its relevance to the site. Yes, I suppose it does seem contrary to the space age name of the primary tennant…but maybe that mixing of time frames, had the ballpark been without so many concocted doodads, actually would have been kind of charming.
—Ricko
* At the time of the name change, the Colt .45s had a farm team called the Colt .22s. One Houston writer wondered if the new name meant that affiliate would become the “Half-Astros.”
[quote comment=”385151″][quote comment=”385148″][quote comment=”385144″]Or, we could look at it this way. The Colt .45s changed to the Astros because of the move to the Astrodome…maybe the Astros should have changed to the Choo Choos after moving to a park built at Union Station?[/quote]
Wasn’t at least part of the reason for the name change because the Colt manufacturing company objected to the name (and link on link) and threatened legal action if the team wasn’t renamed?
Damn, those unis were fantastic, though.[/quote]
The team web site glossed over that in the history section.
Better yet, let’s rename the Cubs the Woo Woos. ;)
link
Too frightened of what I might see on the other side of that link to click it.
No doubt it’s ten times more horrifying than Sacha Baron Cohen in a neon green swimsuit.
[quote comment=”385153″]Yes, I suppose it does seem contrary to the space age name of the primary tennant…but maybe that mixing of time frames, had the ballpark been without so many concocted doodads, actually would have been kind of charming.[/quote]
I’d agree with that. They easily could have mixed the time frames with one simple tweak:
link
[quote comment=”385154″][quote comment=”385151″]Better yet, let’s rename the Cubs the Woo Woos. ;)
link
Too frightened of what I might see on the other side of that link to click it.
No doubt it’s ten times more horrifying than Sacha Baron Cohen in a neon green swimsuit.[/quote]
Ronnie Woo Woo, Sacha Baron Cohen…equally horrifying, I’d say.
[quote comment=”385131″][quote comment=”385130″]I’m a space geek – so I wanted to clarify something. Johnson Space Center is where the flights are controlled, but they’re launched out of Kennedy Space Center in Florida, right?[/quote]
Yes. Greetings, fellow space geek. How many mission patches do you have?[/quote]
Haha, unfortunately none. I would like ot get my hands on Apolo 8’s though – classy patch if ever there was one.
11.5 hour ref shifts are not fun. i didn’t get home in time to listen to any of the rasros~phillie game on mlb dot com. can anyone in houston tell me what the uniforms sounded like on the radio?
[quote comment=”385158″]11.5 hour ref shifts are not fun.[/quote]
how’s the achillies holdin’ up?
Caught a glimpse of the Phils-Astros game and the caps and fronts were pretty much spot on. The back numbers weren’t quite correct.
I seem to recall that the 50-69 Phils #s were really huge, thick and with a quite unique font. The ‘Stros #s – I’m pretty sure – were the Red Sox/McAuliffe style font and used that style into the early stages of the orange era (71-73 or so).
A bit of trivia…the 1970 Phillies still used the “P” style from 1969 on their helmets, even after the unis and caps changed to the 70-91 style “P”.
[quote comment=”385121″]Astros look stellar in the throwbacks! Phillies look good too, but some of the guys on the Phils haven’t figured it out yet with the pants. The Astros went the extra mile with the “starry” stirrups. Pics coming soon[/quote]
Bravo to the entire Astros team tonight! I cannot remember when I last saw an entire team wear the socks right! And shame on most of the Phillies fuddy duddy/stick in the muds for not playing along just for one night.
[quote comment=”385159″][quote comment=”385158″]11.5 hour ref shifts are not fun.[/quote]
how’s the achillies holdin’ up?[/quote]
like my spam word, they are toast.
Great history lesson! Once in a while, I ask myself “Why do I keep UniWatch in my Google Reader feeds?”, and an article like this comes along to remind me.
A bit surprised to see, after clicking one of the links, a Denny Doyle pic which (I’m assuming) was from 1965. I was under the impression that Doyle, who hails from a small town about four miles down the road from the small town I live in (we don’t turn out too many major leaguers down here), cited 1970 as his rookie season with the Phils. That may have been a spring training picture, and he was sent back to the minors soon after, but I wasn’t aware that he had spent five years in the Phils system. link cites 1966 as his first year in minor league ball (just looked that up).