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Uni Watch

There Used To Be A Ballpark Here, Part II

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muni marker 2

By Phil Hecken with Ben Traxel

A way back in August, whilst Paul was in the midst of his well-deserved vacation, I had Bootheel Ben Traxel submit a fantastic piece in our semi-ongoing series on ballparks that no longer stand. He obliged with a wonderful lookback at the old Kansas City Municipal Stadium. There was so much in that article that it had to be broken up into two parts. Here is the conclusion of that piece:

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Part I update: Reader Aaron Stilley has kindly and disappointingly provided a little more insight into the situation with the site memorial sign and has written about it on his blog here and again here. To summarize, it appears the memorial sign at the old stadium location was removed sometime within the past year and is not coming back. Construction work for the new subdivision has caused the KC Parks and Recreation Department to put the sign in storage. The developer apparently has no interest in the location’s wonderful historic past so there are no known plans to provide any evidence that KC Municipal ever existed.

So, on that downer note, let’s try to get in a better mood by remembering some fun things that took place at the old KC Muni. During my research I found a number of stories about plenty of unique things that took place at 22nd and Brooklyn in Kansas City. Many were the result of the creativeness of A’s owner Charles O. Finley. After the Part I article my Dad sent me a note saying he remembered having dinner with Mr. Finley in about 1964. His lasting impression as he put it, “he would have been quite successful selling used cars.”

Some of the stories below have photographic evidence as to their truth. Many had conflicting evidence of which I am providing what I can see as the most accurate portrayal based on the evidence at hand. And there are a few instances where I seriously doubt whether the story took place at all. Right or wrong, the stories started somewhere and are part of the building’s legacy, so it doesn’t matter to me. Especially since the location has drifted into such obscurity.

1. Scoreboard: Arnold Johnson, the new owner of the Philadelphia/Kansas City Athletics bought the scoreboard from another doomed historic baseball location. The Boston Braves had moved to Milwaukee in 1953 and so the Braves Field scoreboard in Boston was purchased for 100 grand and trucked to Kansas City in 1955.

2. Engineering: Before moving to KC, Johnson received a survey of the stadium that showed existing pilings stout enough to support an upper deck. However, upon further examination after plans were finalized to move, a new engineering report revealed these pilings were almost inadequate for the current stadium roof. The building had to be virtually rebuilt between January first and opening day in the dead of winter, 1955. Construction continued in 10 below weather, vicious winds, and long hours and by opening day the building was ready. Not only was it finished on time, it was also under budget as it was constructed for $80/seat as opposed to the $120-$150/seat that others were going for.

3. Colors: In 1960 Charlie O. Finley purchased the Athletics. After several “feeling out” years he began to mess with the team in 1963. The A’s became the first MLB team to wear vibrant colors when he changed the uniform colors to “Kelly Green, Fort Knox Gold, and Wedding Gown White”, picked as colors of his favorite football team, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. In 1967 Mr. Finley changed his team’s footwear to white, again the first to go away from tradition. He also faked his dedication to the city by putting KC on the hat. Charlie O. started shopping the team to other cities such as Dallas, Seattle, Milwaukee, Atlanta, and San Diego. In 1964 Finley signed a contract to move to Louisville and rename them the Kentucky Colonels and keep the interlocking KC logo. This however was vetoed by the other owners. Finley also changed to the same colors on two of his other franchises, ABA’s Memphis Tams, and the NHL’s California Seals.

4. The Pennant Porch: Mr. Finley felt the Yankees had an extreme advantage with their right field porch being just 296 feet from home plate. A rule had been in place since 1958 that any new outfield fence could be no closer than 325 feet at the corners. A rule that is often overlooked today. Not one to steer away from controversy, Charlie O. had the “K.C. Pennant Porch” constructed exactly the same distance from home plate as Yankee Stadium. Finley tried to get around the rule by beginning the outfield wall at the foul line 325 feet from home plate and then angling in bounds toward the pitcher to the 296 foot mark, creating a “slot” to the corner. League officials did not appreciate his efforts and after two exhibition games the porch was removed. Charlie O. then had a white line painted where the fence previously stood and instructed the PA announcer to say “that would have been a home run in Yankee Stadium” when a fly ball fell in that area. He moved his fence in to the minimum of 325 ft. and around the foul pole he had painted “K.C. ONE-HALF PENNANT PORCH”.

5. The Right Field Roof: Mr. Finley just couldn’t let the Yankee domination go. When league officials arrived several days before opening day they discovered a roof had been built over the right field bleachers. This roof also extended out to the Yankee Stadium outfield wall distance of 296 feet. Finley’s protest that it was sun protection was not amusing to baseball’s dignitaries who declared “It must come down”. Apparently the roof remained through the weekend of preseason games and even through batting practice on opening day. But, alas, the bluff was called and two work trucks rolled through the gate and out on the field. The bleachers were emptied of fans and the roof was dismantled in the half hour before the first pitch. The story goes that from Finley’s obvious direction, the trucks hauling off the debris made a “victory” lap around the field before heading back through the gate. It was estimated the roof cost $4,000 to construct and $700 to demolish and Finley threatened to put it up again the following year.

6. The New Monster: Now that Charlie was not allowed to match the dimensions of Yankee Stadium he decided to go another direction. He had a 40 foot high screen constructed in right field from the 338 foot dimension in the corner out to a location 392 feet from home plate. Players needed to hit the ball over the incredibly high wall at that lengthy distance to hit a home run.

7. Harvey: One of the most fascinating gadgets Charlie O. Finley came up with was the mechanical rabbit named “Harvey”. Finley didn’t think umpires needed to carry around bags of extra baseballs so he created a device that came up out of the ground behind home plate and presented a basket of balls to the home plate umpire. Not to waste an opportunity to create fun for the crowd, he had the basket held up by a rabbit. When he would ascend out of his hole the organist would play “Here comes Peter Cottontail”. Now photographic evidence as you can see proves there were at least two different rabbits, one with features eerily similar to Bugs Bunny. When the umpire needed balls he’d point to a bellboy who simply pushed a button.

8. Little Blowhard: Finley also thought it was beyond the umpires duties to sweep off home plate. He had another contraption rigged up called “Little Blowhard”. It was a compressed air jet that rose out of the ground and blew off the plate. A button was pressed and the thing wooshed. One surprised batter had no idea it was there and jumped in the air falling backward and hitting the ground.

9. Charlie O.: The historic mascot of the Athletics had always been an elephant. This changed when Mr. Finley bought a Missouri Mule and named him “Charlie O.”. It is rumored that because he was denied ownership of the A’s in 1955 he made this mascot switch. The mule was paraded around the outfield, attended public gatherings, hotel lobbies, and into the press room on a full stomach to annoy reporters. Hawk Harrelson even once made an unsuccessful attempt at “Mule Whispering”. The mule died at 20 years old in 1976.

10. The Children’s Zoo: Finley was quite efficient in his use of space at the stadium, not letting any corner go to waste. A petting zoo and picnic area was constructed in the left field corner. The mule was housed out there as well as many other animals including another pet, this one a dog named “Old Drum”. The German Shorthaired Pointer was joined by a Chinese Golden Pheasant, German Checker Rabbits, Peafowl, and Capuchin Monkeys. They were all fed by the Kansas City Farmers Market and the Detroit Tigers bullpen pitchers who tossed the monkeys vodka-soaked oranges.

11. The Shepherd and his Sheep: Before there were outfield bleachers in right field there was a grassy hillside. Again, not letting an inch of space go unused, Finley had a flock of sheep grazing the area wearing team colored blankets emblazoned with the A’s logo, some yellow with a green A and others the opposite. A shepherd was there to guard the flock as they kept groundskeeping costs down by “mowing” the hillside not easily groomed by machinery. I can’t figure out if this shepherd was a mannequin or a real person dressed up. Any ideas?

12. First Pitch: Harry Truman is the only US president to have come from the state of Missouri. His hometown of Independence is just a few miles away from where Kauffman Stadium sits. Upon the arrival of the Athletics in 1955, former President Truman was asked to throw out the first pitch. While I’m sure it was quite a spectacular event with the arrival of Major League Baseball west of St. Louis for the first time, one would think the hometown President would have gotten better seats than in the upper deck! Many people were summoned to throw out the first pitch including the 1964 Miss America Debbie Bryant (with Catfish Hunter overlooking).

13. Other Unique Incidents: Other Finley baseball gimmicks to fill seats in the 1960’s included Satchel Paige coming out of retirement at “approximately” 59 years old and throwing three shutout innings, allowing only one hit to hall of famer Carl Yastrzemski. Finley staged the event by the bullpen with Paige in a big rocking chair and a nurse rubbing down his arm. Burt Campaneris (nicknames on back are yet another Finley item — as well as handing them out i.e. Blue Moon, Mudcat, Catfish, etc.) had a preplanned special day in which he played a different position in each of the nine innings and left the game as a catcher in the ninth with a concussion. And later during one of the first Royals games a sibling rivalry of player (Ed Haller –Tigers catcher) vs. umpire (Tom Haller) appeared in a game for the first time. Charlie’s attempt at using an orange baseball was in 1970, after the move to California. That lasted one exhibition game against the Indians. He also paid players to grow mustaches which lead to this icon.

14. The Chiefs played there too!: While the A’s had “Charlie O.”, the Chiefs also had a mascot. A horse named “Warpaint” graced the sidelines during AFL games upon the arrival of professional football in 1963. Also unique was the treatment of end zones. The Chiefs had one end painted for themselves while opposite end displayed the away team’s wordmark and logo. Temporary bleachers were set up for games but the place was never mistaken for a football stadium. The NFL’s longest game took place at KC Municipal Stadium in a playoff battle with the Dolphins in 1971.

I hate to keep harping on it (okay, I don’t) but with all the fun that took place at Municipal Stadium I am really bothered by the fact there is not even a plaque in the sidewalk at its former location. The 1960’s were indeed an interesting time for baseball in Kansas City even though winning was not a part of it. That came in the 1970’s through the mid 80’s at the fine Royals Stadium. Many other gimmicks were held to put fannies in the seats such as “Farmer’s Night”, “Hot Pants Night”, and Greased Pig Races. But real history happened at this ballpark (this is Jackie Robinson and Satchel Paige playing together for the Monarchs) and it is quite a shame it has gone by the wayside.

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Thanks a lot for that Bootheel. This concludes our retrospective of yet another architectural wonder from baseball’s past, lost to the ravages of time and progress.

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all sport uni tweaks

Still have a backlog of uni tweaks, so let get right into it. If you have a tweak, change or concept for any sport, send them my way. OK? OK! Here’s what’s on tap for today.

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Starting off the show is Shane Milberger, who has a “new idea for the Cleveland Browns”:

I think they should be with orange jerseys and brown pants. I created this alternate uniform, and here it is.

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Our next tweak came in over the summer from a very bored Martin Hick. I’ll let Marty explain:

Hello again LI Phil,

I’m not sure if you ever saw this piece back in August of 2007.

As you can see, I’ve been “tweakin” my entire life.

Long story short, I might start sending in some of my “tweaks”. That is if you are running short. I haven’t been drawing as much in recent years, but it’s what I do instead of counting sheep.

With some trepidation, I’m sending along my recent “piece’. It’s a tweak of the modern Cardinal’s design. Obviously, I wish they were wearing something more like their old gear, but that’s neither there nor here. The gray facemask is only suited for a classic set. Therefore, I changed it. I had tossed around the idea of red or black, but I ultimately settled on white. I liked it on the Colts, I like it on Oklahoma State, and I love it on Texas. I’m pretty sure that I like raglan sleaves, as well.

For better or worse, here it is.

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Borrowing from the Mike Engle school of design, we have Jim Vilk, who has some designs for the Pirates that “he’d wear.”:

OK, here are the improved Pirates tweaks:

Imagine, if you will, that it’s 1977 again. The ’76 baseball season has ended, and in my scenario the pillbox hats are thankfully retired after one year. Instead, the Pirates have gone back to the mustard gold hats with black brims, and they’ve gone with an all-mustard monochrome road uni.

Then, why not add some black pants to that look?

Of course, you could do the whole mix and match thing, but you get the idea. I have other teams to wreak havoc upon…uh, I mean…tweak.

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OK then. Our last submission today is from Paul Lee, who tweaked the USA basketball team unis:

The 1992 USA Olympic basketball team, aka the “Dream Team,” is arguably the best team from the USA comprised of professional NBA players (plus Christian Laettner from college). While in my mind the team might have been even better had they chosen Shaquille O’Neal over Laettner (Hakeem Olajuwon would have been an even better choice, but he was not yet eligible as he did not become a US citizen until later), I realized that you can’t change the past, and while it might have looked better on paper (much like the Miami Heat acquisitions over this past Summer), it was unlikely that an even better outcome would have been achieved.

Hindsight is 20/20, but outcomes from hypothetical player swaps are just that, hypothetical, and potential benefits cannot be guaranteed. In fact, it might result in unforeseen consequences. Besides, second-guessing oneself is not necessary, as that team exceeded all expectations.

For instance, at the time, I thought that the Chris Mullin choice was awesome. Later in life, and being a Lakers fan, I wondered if James Worthy would have been a better choice, but the more I thought about it, the more I realized that Mullin was a better fit and the right player was chosen.

Also, I’ve come across people online who believed Isiah Thomas should have been picked to be on the team instead of John Stockton, but I disagree. Stockton is the better–and correct–choice, and the chemistry between him and Karl Malone is undeniable.

Last but not least are my tweaks for Team USA jerseys. Wearing a different jersey (brand, design or material) would not have affected the team’s game nearly as much as different teammates, but here are the tweaks of the Team USA jersey from the Barcelona Olympic Games: Original and Tweaked.

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Thanks to everyone who submitted. Back with more soon.

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Halfway to St. Patty's Day

Halfway…to St. Patty’s Day

Last night, in their annual rite of the late summer, the Chicago White Sox broke out their “Halfway To St. Patrick’s Day” unis, which, not surprisingly, feature green caps, green undersleeves, green NOBs, numbers & belts, and even green pinstripes. Sadly, catcher Ramon Castro didn’t have a green helmet or gear, although he did have green socks. Reader concealed78 also found a shot of a green stirruped Juan Pierre.

Now, I’m not saying I’d like to see the Sox in that getup every game, but it sure looks good. And since only the A’s wear green (and they wear hunter, not kelly), it would easily and instantaneously be a unique look in the game today. But, it’s not really the WHITE Sox look, is it? Maybe the next team who undergoes a uni overhaul will consider making kelly green one of their colors. It was a great look when the A’s used it — but no one wears it anymore. With all the red and blue (and of course, black) around today, none of those would be missed. And the green would be sweet indeed.

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Tom O'Brien

These won’t be making the 5 & 1…

…unless they’re as the worst.

As great (on paper) as last weekend’s NCAA games were, this week features a weak slate. And the week got off on a really crappy sartorial note beginning on Thursday evening, when NC State Wolfpack coach Tom O’Brien, clad in his September 11th on-sale-on-the-school’s-website cap, piloted his white helmeted, monochrome red-clad, black socks & shoes-wearing team against the equally garishly dressed Bearcats of Cincinnati. The red monochrome won.

Last evening, the all-black monochrome Southern Mississippi Eagles took on the all white Kansas Jayhawks (more photos here). Now, I happen to like the Jayhawks clean new look (no more helmet stripe, no NOB, no more gray pants), and it sure was easy to tell the teams apart. But the monochrome black is just not a good look. It was, however, good luck, as So. Miss took down Rock Chalk.

Two teams in dark monochrome, two wins.

The final game of the evening featured the monochrome-clad Nevada Wolf Pack matched against the white over white Cal Bears (more photos here). Another Wolf Pack (this one being two words) at home in mono taking another Bear squad behind the woodshed (ok — “Golden Bears” and “Bearcats” aren’t quite the same beast).

But all teams clad in dark monochrome were successful at home against their opponents leading into today. Will the dark mono-at-home teams fare as well today?

We won’t be seeing Auburn going mono blue, will we?

Perhaps this formula will add up in the win column, but they surely won’t find their way into Jim’s “Best 5” will they?

Stay tuned.

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That’s all for today everyone. You guys have a great Saturday!

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Educational institutions are like corporate raiders, worthy of our scorn and derision. — Kenn Tomasch

 
  
 
Comments (125)

    That was a combination of all the worst uniform ideas the Browns have ever had with the brown numbers on the orange jersey thrown in. If the Browns starting wearing that, I’d stop watching them.

    I have yet to see a UNI tweak on the Browns that was any good. Now that they have gotten rid of the brown pants, there is no need to change one of the best unis in the NFL.

    Splitting hairs, I suppose (then again, that’s what we do here, isn’t it), but the 1963 A’s wore only the all gold unis. The white and seafoam green versions didn’t come along until at least ’64, possibly later. I never have taken the time to lock that down, but I do know that ’63 was gold only, home and road.

    Also, the striped stirrups weren’t added until the shoes were changed to white in ’67. With the black shoes, the socks were solid kelly (REF: Hawk Harrelson/Charlie O photo).

    —Ricko

    And again, for those who haven’t seen me mention it before, this hat…
    link
    …existed only the the 1955 Topps cards, never on the field. It was an artist’s conception of what the relocated Philadelphia A’s might wear.
    link
    What they DID wear was the same “A” they’d worn in Philly (except the last year in Philly it had been white edged in red)…
    link

    Actually, Finley put “KC” on the A’s hats right away after he bought the team…except the final season, when he showed his disenchancment with the city by returning the “A” on a solid kelly hat, changing it mid-season in ’67.

    —Ricko

    1960 photo of A’s hats (first year Finley owned the team) for a ’61 card…
    link
    Ditto for ’61 (the one-year Yankee-like home pins and road grays)…
    link

    —Ricko

    Nice shot of the 1960 unis with the hat changed to a red “KC” (the only difference between them and the ’55-’59 sets)…
    link

    —Ricko

    Great memories about Municipal Stadium. Saw my first game there in 1965. Funny, in my 50 year old mind, everything was in black and white. Good times.

    Why would the developer not want the memorial sign to remain on the site of Municipal Stadium? That’s sad. OK, even if the original memorial can’t go back up, perhaps a tasteful historical marker along the street that explains the significance of the site? Fortunately, I believe the Royals Hall of Fame has a nice display on Municipal Stadium…

    Did anyone notice the two people standing next to Charlie Finley in Section 5 of the piece? That’s Anita Bryant on his left in the light yellow outfit and Rock Hudson on his right. Talk about the “Odd Couple!” Was this an early attempt at “PC?” You may now insert your own jocular responses.

    PC? Only if the A’s knew something about Rock Hudson that the rest of the world didn’t know at the time.

    Now, had it been, oh, say…Liberace and Anita Bryant…

    –Ricko

    hey kris…do you expect to see a blue helmet at least? i’m thinking yes. i just take that from chizik’s vague “denials.”

    i actually think the blue helmet might look nice. blue pants ONLY with white jerseys, and blue bonnets, might look good.

    you headin’ down from huntsvegas?

    Decatur. Got here a few minutes ago. I exaggerate, but I really feel like the majority of the bloggers: 95% would rather not see a change and the rest of me thinks it might be interesting for a one shot deal. Recruits do like this sort of thing and I dont think that should be totally ignore. But I’d rather not have the floodgate burst if theres no point in it being open in the first place.

    PS – It doesnt appear upon first immpression that the faithful bought into the True Blue campaign anyway. Many are still wearing their loud orange shirts…just like the Clemson fans. *Sigh*

    yeah, i saw a lot of orange on the gameday show. to be expected…since for several years they had us empty our bank accounts on orange apparel. now blue…hmmm…how clever!

    next it will be a white out, then possibly a grey out. sorry for the cynicism, i just feel like it’s a money grab. but i don’t mind supporting my alma mater in that way.

    i saw some lame signs at gameday…was a bit disappointing. one read “lights, cameron, action.” lol that was one of the better ones.

    war cam eagle (sorry, couldn’t resist).

    Thanks! Bluegate Update – They are passing out all blue shakers to the student section. Meanwhile, QBs are walking the field in regular white pants but if 1979 and Georgia has taught us anything, that means nothing. Clemson appears to be going white jerseys/white pants.

    It’s not very clear, but you can still see the Memorial Stadium plaque in Google Street View if you go to 22nd and Brooklyn in KC in Google Maps link,,0,5

    Tom O’Brien was probably wearing the “September 11th” hat because it was military appreciation day at Thursday night’s game.

    “Also unique was the treatment of end zones. The Chiefs had one end painted for themselves while opposite end displayed the away team’s wordmark and logo.”

    Ah, love that Midwestern hospitality, sharing field graphics with the visiting team. Almost made every week seem like a bowl game.

    Earlier in the week, I linked to these when I suggested the Giants and Jets could share field graphics (I know, what was I thinking?):
    The Saints used to do this, too. At 1:35 of this video, you’ll see the Sir Saint logo at midfield…wearing a Santa hat. At 2:10 you’ll see the Saints end zone, and at 2:20 and 2:50, you’ll see the end zone painted for the visiting Bears. For a regular season game at Tulane Stadium.
    link

    Couldn’t find evidence of shared end zone logos in KC, but in ’69 and ’70 they showed both teams’ helmets at midfield each week, while both end zones said CHIEFS.
    link
    link

    I believe the Falcons used to do the shared end zones thing as well, but I’d have to go through my old tapes to see.

    By the way, great job today, Trax and Phil.

    Can’t say for sure because I wasn’t a big “noticer” of such things, but it seems to me the Vikings did that early-on, too.

    In fact, want to say it was rather common in early ’60s. In the NFL, anyway.

    —Ricko

    I’ll tell this just to amaze people.
    I saw every Viking home game their second and third seasons because they had a “high school section.”

    Was the third deck above third base at Met Stadium, which meant they were high up behind the north end zone.

    But here’s the amazing part. Tickets were $1 a game, except the Packer game. Had to pay the full $5 face for that one because of demand.

    So what did I pay for a season ticket? Let’s do the math. 2 preseason games at $1 each, 6 regular season games at $1 each and one at $5.

    $13 for a Vikings season ticket. Not bad, huh.

    –Ricko

    I can’t say for sure, since I don’t have the ticket stub anymore, but I could have sworn I only paid $9 for an upper-deck Lions ticket at the Silverdome. In 1986.

    That was quite a deal, Ricko. Everyone talks about how HDTV and satellite packages are contributing to the decline in ticket sales…yet you don’t hear many people talking about the soaring costs of tickets. I doubt any stadium has a student section now.

    The 49ers did this as well at Kezar in 1970 – I saw a “This Week In Pro Football” segment on the Niners-Saints game in which team names/logos were painted in the EZs in appropriate colors (the EZ background wasn’t painted). Midfield logo was the “SF” helmet logo with “25TH YEAR” around it (for the team’s 25th anniversary – and nary a jersey patch to be found, LOL).

    Maybe KC Parks and Recreation could convince one of the homeowners to put the stadium sign on their property. If you can’t get the developer to do it, go straight to the neighbors.

    I’m thinking next time I’m in the area I will go by and offer whoever is there a coupla bucks and take the sign home with me.

    “We won’t be seeing Auburn going mono blue, will we?
    Perhaps this formula will add up in the win column, but they surely won’t find their way into Jim’s “Best 5″ will they?”

    While I might take points off for messing with tradition, that’s not a bad look for Auburn. Stay tuned, indeed.

    And Nevada’s uni is one of my guilty little uniform pleasures. Cal’s another story, but the Golden Bears do look better than the Bearcats.

    I like Kansas’ look as well, especially the NNOB. For those who yesterday were talking up the old NNOB jerseys, I’m with you. NOB is only for TV, and if you pay even a sliver of attention, you’ll know who the players are without them. Ditch them and make the numbers bigger. “Yeah, but you like team names on front, you hypocrite,” you might be tempted to say. Good point, so although I like them, I don’t need them.

    Oh, I guess NOB is for replica jersey sales as well. Whatever.

    I do have to say, somewhat grudingly, that NOB is helpful when watching football on TV, simply because I don’t usually have a numerical team roster in front of me. Especially on a day like today with so many college games on the tube. I know many of the “players to watch” by name, but not necessarily by number.

    In the stadium, though, they would seem to be only a couple clicks above pointless.

    —Ricko

    I used to agree, but with all the graphics they put on the screen now, plus with the announcers talking about them constantly, it doesn’t take too long to recognize those players to watch.

    Take UConn and Temple, who I’m watching now. Both teams are NNOB and I’m getting familiar with the stars pretty quickly. Then again, I was always bad with names, so the numbers are fine for me.

    By the way, they’re playing at the Eagles’ stadium. The now-faded throwback Eagles graphics are still visible and it looks very nice.

    im pretty sure i like the governers one better.

    but then again, because i dont like illegals in america im a bigot.

    Considerably, the article is actually the freshest on this notable topic. I agree with your conclusions and will thirstily look forward to your next updates.I will immediately grab your rss feed to stay abreast of any updates.

    As an NC State Student I would like to explain the look we had going on Thursday night. Coach T.O.B. was wearing the red, white and blue hat because it was military appreciation night. We kind of wen all out (link). And we don’t usually wear monochrome, but it was a “red out,” so the players wanted to go with the theme.

    Hate to say it but the Ohio-Ohio State tilt should be nominated for Vilk’s top 5. Scarlet/gray vs green/white, great contrast.

    Even though this is a uniform blog, I appreciate the look back at the old stadiums. I’m probably a bigger geek for stadia than unis. Just like some of us would draw/tweak unis, I do the same for stadiums. One of my favorite UW columns was about the imaginary Canadian baseball league with all the crazy stadiums. I guess I’m just a frustrated architect at heart!

    I hate to say it too, but I think you’re right.
    link

    And I’d like to see your drawings. I used to draw football fields, so your stuff would be interesting to me.

    A little FYI on that Ohio State-Ohio pic:

    That’s Buckeyes junior WR Devier Posey, fending off his older brother, Bobcats redshirt senior CB Julian Posey.

    good call, flip

    i already mentioned this (off the boards, obviously) to bootheel ben and mothervilker…of course, jim doesn’t always share my tastes in classic uniform design or matchups, but i bet it’s way high up on the list

    definitely a great looking matchup; earlier i had PSU and kent state as my own #1, but KSU/ISU has surpassed it

    link

    While these type of lists rarely come up with anything original , I thought some of the comments were pretty good

    $13 for Viking Season tickets – that would barely cover the service charges (handling fees) today for one ticket.

    A while back I got into a heated discussion with Teebz about the Quebec Nordiques old uni, Teebz holds it in high regard, I don’t. For a number of reasons, one being that it was the only jersey in North American sports that was implying a political statement . I went on to say , the Nordiques always subltely tried to portray themselves as the Quebec Nationalist team, and thus Montreal Canadiens were therefore by default the Federalist team (a tag you don’t necessarily want in Quebec). Teebz had many less than complimentary things to say about my comments.

    Well about a year since that discussion , the story broke this week, with the statements made , that the Canadiens were a Federalist vehicle. (something they denied). So Teebz, if you still don’t think there was that under current going on in the 1980’s , I would think again.

    The Sabres’officially unveiled there new road and third jersey for the upcoming season, and while the leaks shown on here appear to have been spot on the most interesting part seems to be something that wasn’t leaked, the retro treatment of the player’s name and numbers on back of the third jersey.

    The frayed yellow nameplate and for lack of a better description cross stitched number can be seen in picture 10 of the slideshow.

    Not sure about the name down the leg – otherwise I’d nominate Arkansas/Georgia:
    link
    Those road unis look so much better than their homes, with the white pits and the Teletubbies belly:
    link

    Speaking of the SEC, it’s good to hear Verne Lundquist again. Florida and Tennessee are about to begin.

    jeebus…speaking of teletubbies

    the washington game has just started, and already the huskies are going full-on square belly

    I too have said I liked the older stadiums or looking at them from when I was young.More so the stadiums that were used in the 50’s and 60’s. These days with new stadiums every so many years. blah blah blah.

    Fun look at the old KC stadium.

    BYU is wearing all white today versus Florida State. I’m not an expert on BYU uniforms, but that seems to be a rare look for the Cougars. I always remember them wearing blue pants on the road in their traditional uniforms.

    If Frank Mercogliano is reading, Idaho State looks darned good on TV except for the wordmark on the pants.

    Love taking pix. Love everything about it. I love to talk about it. I love to dream about it. I see the wonderful inspirational photos online and wish I can be the one taking it. yeah, that’s my ultimate fantasy. SBG

    Helmet Decal issues for John Moffitt. Is anyone watching the Wisconsin ASU game who can get a shot of it?

    Auburn in white/blue/white, no new helmets or pants (which is good because they have one of the best looks in college football). Clemson in orange/white/white. Great looking game, contender for top 5 of the day.

    Yes! Wyoming breaks out new Marker Yellow Jersey with Brown pants and a revised decal and helmet striping and Boise ….well, just their regular ugly unis.

    Michigan State has taken a step back in quality with their new uniforms. Either way, the Spartans should have included the MSU secondary logo of a green “S” on the jersey or pants.

    The Notre Dame Whites look a whole lot better than there Blues. (I’ve heard that the Greens MIGHT be worn vs Army @ Yankee Staduim)
    I think that the Whites of Notre Dame looking nice makes Michigan State’s unis look that much worse.

    Michigan State screwed up one of the really good looks in college football. That green helmet with a simple, one-inch stripe with no ornamentation on the jersey or pants was crisp and clean and SPARTAN.

    A few observations from today in college football:

    The white pants worn by both Minnesota and West Virginia look terribly out of place, almost like they lost their regular pants and replaced them at the last minute with generic whites from the local sporting goods store. Wear gold pants, you dopes.

    Alabama-Duke was a joke, but the uni’s sure looked nice.

    Auburn-Clemson is a really nice looking game. Auburn always looks great, but Clemson in all white is very clean. I’d forgotten they went more traditional this season.

    I had the same observation as someone else here about Nebraska’s stretched sleeve stripes looking Colts/UCLA-ish. Further proof that stripes have no place on the modern sleeveless jersey. Sad. And Washington seriously downgraded their look this year for no reason whatsoever. That silly piping looks like shit. If the Huskies would de-clown suit their look and go traditional, they’d own one of the best uniforms in all of college football.

    Mississippi State’s BFBS is a crime against decency.

    Ohio State-Ohio was indeed a nice looking game.

    TCU may have the worst uni’s in Division I, or whatever the hell it’s called now. Sweet crap those are bad.

    Actually, the only things I don’t like are the WYO on the front and the uneven helmet stripe. Otherwise, I’d wear that.

    Boise, on the other hand, the only things I do like are the helmets and the choice of orange pants. The stuff on the pants, that’s another story. Woof.

    I’m certain Phil could come up with a bracket-style competition to determine which school truly has the ugliest uniforms. Problem is though settling on which version of ugly which school sports.

    As a recruiting tool, I wonder how big a turn-off ugly really is. Traditional cuts across the board pretty well. What I, a 50-something guy thinks looks OK pretty much squares up with an 18-year-old. But you take some of those new-fangled unis, I’m not certain how ugly is defined these days.

    Having survived the 70s, it’s tough to beat a traditional look. Something that looked stylish back in the day can make someone break out in hives.

    I’m certain Phil could come up with a bracket-style competition to determine which school truly has the ugliest uniforms. Problem is though settling on which version of ugly which school sports.

    hmmmm…that’s an interesting idea

    actually, something along similar lines (although not “ugliest” uniforms per se) is in the works for next weekend…stay tuned

    but i kinda like that idea

    if you’re interested in working on something like that with me, gimme a shout

    I know it’s football season and all, but I can’t believe nobody has mention the Gigantes vs. the Cerverceros tonight in San Francisco.

    I believe Nebraska has had their basic uniform a little bit longer than Wisconsin, especially the helmet.

    Stanford looks horrible tonight in solid black, especially because the Cardinal helmet contains no black.

    Stanford looks wrong…oh, SO wrong…but not horrible.

    I wanted to make that the worst uni matchup, but Wake’s not terrible either. Just can’t pull the trigger.

    your worst uni matchup is wrong

    and the readers BETTER let you know about that tomorrow…wait…it is tomorrow

    You’re just lucky I didn’t make your pick my color palette special…

    When I drop my logic on them in the comments, they’ll understand.

    Check out Montana at Eastern Washington:
    link
    link
    I like the field, but not the blend-in unis. Put white or black pants on EWU and you’ve got something.

    Stanford looked navy to me, but I’m to busy trying to figure out why the Giants are trying to lose the NL West.

    Stanford is most definitely Navy Blue. Good contrast with WF’s Blsck as well as seen on HD-TV.

    Stanford – being the “brainy” NCAA school – probably got them from Arizona on a discount when the Wilcats ditched the Navy for monochrome Red! Because they pretty much look like discarded Arizona unis – nothing special about them.

    Further, Why go monochrome Navy Blue vs. WF that is essentially Black and White, – NO CONTRAST. They should have worn the Navy Blue vs a team wearing alot of Red, or Yellow, or Gold, Etc. This timing makes no sense at all.

    Phil, I know you don’t like mono-unis but on the bright side, USM’s aren’t BFBS as the school colors are black and gold. Personally, I love the all black look, but only for a select few teams (Southern Miss, esp.).

    PS – It’s Golden Eagles (the actual bird).

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