When someone close to a team dies, as Cardinals pitcher Josh Hancock did on Sunday, the memorial gestures usually come on several levels. First there’s the official team remembrance, which in this case is a “32″ sleeve patch that the Cards will be wearing for the rest of this season. Then there’s the now-obligatory display of the dead player’s jersey in his team’s dugout and bullpen. And then there are the personal memorials. Some players may inscribe the deceased’s number or initials onto their caps. Others may come up with a more unique marker, like Jason Simontacchi’s ankle band in memory of Darryl Kile.
But I’d never seen anything like what Tim Hudson did last night. In case you missed it, Hudson — who was Hancock’s teammate at Auburn back in 1997 — wore a big “JH” on his jersey. How big? Really fucking big. I hate to be a pill, but couldn’t he have worn a simple sleeve patch like the Cardinals did?
The most interesting thing about the XXXXL-sized letters is that Hudson clearly needed help in order to wear them. The team’s equipment manager and stitcher had to be in on the deal, and skipper Bobby Cox had to be okay with it too. Did the Commissioner’s office sign off on this too? None of the game recaps I’ve looked at have mentioned anything about that, but I’m wondering if this might be another example of Bud “Sure, Everyone Can Wear No. 42″ Selig loosening up for a change.
Uni Watch News Ticker: The WNBA will be unveiling a bunch of new uniforms today. … The Reds are going to retire Dave Concepcion’s No. 13. … Never thought I’d be saying this, but there’s an AF2 team with some killer striped socks: the Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz (with thanks to Jeff Rinker). … My recent breakdown of Star Trek uniforms prompted this communiqué from Uni Watch design director Scott M.X. Turner: “There was an episode of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine that featured a baseball game between the various species of the Federation and an annoyingly soulless Vulcan team. The Starfleet team was called the ‘Niners, after the space station they’re all assigned to. Actors Avery Brooks (Commander Sisko), Cirroc Lofton (Jake, his son) and Alexander Siddig (Dr. Bashir) all wore their stirrups the right way, as you can see by clicking through this gallery. The Vulcan team, the Locicians, had goofy caps but otherwise looked like the road Yankees.” … Yesterday’s note about how the low man on the bullpen totem pole usually has to carry the bag of snacks and provisions led to this note from Brian Hilemon: “The Padres had a longstanding rule that the guy with the least service time not only had to carry and stock the bag, but the bag itself was actually a really lame little girls’ backpack.” … Very odd: Late last week I put out the call for photos of bloody-stained uniforms, and then this happens. … Cheers to the Deftones, whose frontman knows a thing or two about striped socks (with thanks to Mike from Vienna). … I’m extremely happy to report that I bought a Mitsubishi Galant yesterday, and you know what color it was.
#1 by Brian Terreson on 05.01.07 9:04 am |
Good Morning!
Thats a great tribute to Mr. Hancock by the Cardinals with the patch, along with the jersey in the dugout.
#2 by Richard on 05.01.07 9:08 am |
Good luck with the green Galant, Paul.
You should take it cross-country on the Uni tour.
#3 by Jonathon on 05.01.07 9:08 am |
I think they mentioned on Baseball Tonight that Huddie had permission from the Commish’s office to wear Hancock’s initials on his jersey.
#4 by Chris f on 05.01.07 9:09 am |
Wow, you asked for a picture of a bloody jersey, and nobody sent you this-
Clint Malarchuck
Chris
#5 by Ed on 05.01.07 9:09 am |
Couldn’t they have found a nicer hanger for the jersey?
ed
#6 by Brandon on 05.01.07 9:12 am |
During the Cardinals game last night on ESPN they mentioned that Tim Hudson lost his grandmother and former college teammate Josh Hancock on Sunday. Not sure how to check this but maybe the “JH” had two meanings.
#7 by moten21 on 05.01.07 9:13 am |
Wow. I love the column, but a pill is just one word for it, Paul. Why do you care how a guy chooses to remember his friend, as long as it’s within reason?
#8 by C.N. on 05.01.07 9:15 am |
Jonathon said:
Yes, they did.
#9 by Rick on 05.01.07 9:17 am |
The Browns players have their numbers…. also, I found this pretty cool site on the history of nfl uniforms
#10 by Graf Zeppelin on 05.01.07 9:17 am |
I remember the baseball episode of DS9. The uniforms were actually pretty nice, but I would have preferred the Starfleet team wear red or black caps with the combadge logo embroidered on the front, rather than the much-too-busy embroidery they actually used.
The Vulcan “Logicians” cap logo is the Vulcan IDIC symbol (”Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations”), which originally appeared in the original series (I forget which episode) and was essentially designed to be sold commercially, launching the STAR TREK merchandising franchise. You can see the same symbol rendered in mosaic on the wall of Spock’s quarters in The Wrath of Khan.
Baseball was a common motif on the show, as Cmdr./Capt. Sisko was a huge baseball fan. In the pilot episode, he used baseball to explain the concept of linear time to the wormhole aliens. There were many references to him and Jake playing ball or watching classic games in the holosuites, and he kept a baseball on his office desk which he was often seen holding during meetings.
#11 by Monte on 05.01.07 9:18 am |
moten21 said:
Yeah that is pretty ridiculous…he should be able to do whatever he wants, without question. I thought it looked good.
#12 by Shaun on 05.01.07 9:20 am |
Brandon said:
Yeah, I read that Hudson was honoring his departed grandmother also. From ESPN-”Before every inning, he scribbled the letters VM in the dirt with his cleats.” It goes on later to explain those were her initials.
#13 by Tom on 05.01.07 9:20 am |
Judging from the look of the font, the “JH” on Hudson’s jersey appears to use the same letters as the Braves’ nameplates. Probably its a result of it being an hastily made and unofficial tribute.
#14 by Greg on 05.01.07 9:22 am |
In the Cubs picture, what was the 34 for? Woods isn’t dead. Maybe one of his many trips to the DL?
#15 by todd krevanchi on 05.01.07 9:24 am |
moten21 said:
kerry wood died?
#16 by WVU Tom on 05.01.07 9:25 am |
Chris f said:
???
I think that was the most mentioned incident.
In fact, that pic is linked in Paul’s Page 2 sidebar story.
#17 by Graf Zeppelin on 05.01.07 9:26 am |
Greg said:
I think that was for Kirby Puckett.
#18 by Scotty on 05.01.07 9:27 am |
Was the 34 on the Cubs picture for Kirby Puckett? I remember a few players on teams other than the Twins did this.
#19 by Paul Lukas on 05.01.07 9:27 am |
Graf Zeppelin said:
Correct.
#20 by Andrew on 05.01.07 9:27 am |
Greg said:
Kirby Puckett maybe?
#21 by Jonathon on 05.01.07 9:28 am |
Anyone else notice the Mets are on a black jersey kick right now? They wore them for all three games in Washington, and wore them last night against the Marlins in New York. And they were doing so well . . .
#22 by Leo on 05.01.07 9:29 am |
I can certainly understand what Hudson did.
Back in high school, a friend of mine, who was on our school’s tennis team had a brain anurysm and died in the middle of a match. Needless to say, when a 17-year old friend dies like that it’s a shock.
At that time I was the goalie on our lacrosse team and my way of honoring him was to wear these large wrist bands with his name on them. I did it all season long.
I think the just of what I’m trying to say is that I can see both sides of this argument. I can see Tim Hudson’s desire to wear JH so large and I can see Paul’s argument that the tribute was too much.
#23 by Timmer on 05.01.07 9:32 am |
Another reason why I like MLB more than the NFL. Remember when the league wouldn’t let Jake Plummer wear a small sticker on his helmet for one of his fallen teammates? (can’t remember who it was, but it was 2-3 years ago..) Yet Selig doesn’t have a problem with a huge tribute like Hudson showed last night. And that’s the way it should be. Bravo, MLB.
#24 by Mikey on 05.01.07 9:33 am |
Monte said:
I don’t see the big deal with this tribute to JH either.
#25 by Robert on 05.01.07 9:33 am |
Dave Concepcion’s No. 13 was already de facto retired because the Reds’ excellent equipment managers (Bernie Stowe and sons) refused to assign it to any players since Concepcion retired. I wonder how often this happens, and how many equipment managers wield that kind of power.
And yes, I am sure that if ARod or some other superstar was to join the Reds and demand No. 13, he would get it.
#26 by jesse on 05.01.07 9:35 am |
Is it just me or it there a radial arch going on with the new Steeler Throwback jerseys. You can see it better if click on the show larger boxes on the screen.
#27 by Graf Zeppelin on 05.01.07 9:36 am |
Jonathon said:
Chan Ho Park is terrible no matter what color jersey he wears. And we’re nearly at the point where the Mets wear their blue caps more often that David Wright gets a hit with runners on.
That said, the four straight games in black is disheartening…
#28 by Paul Lukas on 05.01.07 9:37 am |
To clarify: Culturally speaking, our society tends toward memorials that are low-key and dignified (unless you’re in New Orleans, in which case they throw a big party). Hudson’s massive “JH” struck me as neither of these. The effect borders on “look at me” territory, although I’m sure that wasn’t his intent. It’s just so damn big! Let’s put it this way: If I die tomorrow, I sincerely hope nobody will wear a giant “PL” like that.
I don’t mean to sound insensitive, and of course Hudson should be able to salute his friend however he chooses. I’m just assessing it from an aesthetic standpoint.
#29 by Chris on 05.01.07 9:39 am |
I also liked the JH. I think that Hudson’s tribute was what he wanted to do to honor Hancock and he probably didn’t care if it was aesthetically pleasing.
#30 by Tim on 05.01.07 9:40 am |
Here’s a 2006 picture of Cla Meredith hauling the girly backpack behind him.
#31 by Justin on 05.01.07 9:42 am |
The Red Sox also has a pink girlie backpack, I’m looking for a picture, but can’t find one yet.
#32 by Joe O. on 05.01.07 9:43 am |
Timmer said:
It was for Pat Tillman…
Paul Lukas said:
I do also think the “JH” was a little big (ok…it was WAY big). It looks like a sponsor on an NFLE or soccer (futbol) in europe. But…I also think its alright that he chose to do it, and better that he wasn’t fined for it (No Fun League).
#33 by Joe O. on 05.01.07 9:46 am |
Semi-Uni related (and I haven’t seen it on this site yet) but UCF which dropped the “Golden” from their name has applied for some trademark logos. The new “possible” school logo (sure to show up on uni’s eventually) can be found here. Theres no color (but that’s been the norm for UCF logos in the past too…
#34 by Eric on 05.01.07 9:47 am |
Paul Lukas said:
I am quite sure that when Paul does go, no one will be able to see the tribute we should be wearing to honor Paul. After all who would see my stirrups if I am wearing slacks to work.
I think a donation to Philly Textile would be appropriate as well.
#35 by Ed on 05.01.07 9:48 am |
Rick said:
I don’t think the NFL is going to let an Offensive Tackle wear ‘1′…
ed
#36 by stuby on 05.01.07 9:49 am |
I wonder why it took the Reds so long to retire Concepcion’s number? He played for them for 19 seasons. Also, I thought they had retired Rose’s #14, but it wasn’t mentioned in that article.
I know the SF Giants don’t retire a number unless the player has been voted in to the HOF, which is strange logic. You are essentially letting the sportswriters decide if you should honor one of your own employees.
#37 by Justin on 05.01.07 9:49 am |
And yes, the Yankees haze their rookies too
#38 by Andy on 05.01.07 9:50 am |
Tom said:
Yeah, I’d say he didn’t think, “Boy, I’d like a huge JH on my jersey over my heart.” It was probably more along the lines of, “Hey, equipment manager, do you have a J and an H you can stitch into my hersey over my heart?”…and the equip mgr found a J and an H (normally used for nameplates) and went to work. Maybe equipment managers should keep a bunch of small letters lying around for occasions like this.
#39 by Justin on 05.01.07 9:50 am |
There was supposed to be a link with that last post… I’m sorry
http://images.google...
#40 by Justin on 05.01.07 9:53 am |
You can see a picture of Jonathan Papelbon wearing the pink back here
#41 by Broker75 on 05.01.07 9:55 am |
as for yesterdays (weird) conversation about cheesesteaks, I went out for din-din last night and saw Prime Rib Cheesesteak on the menu; I was like pardon me??? So I ordered it, it definitely was not prime rib, it basically was the cold cuts roast beef you buy at the local supermarket.
->the funny thing is I specifically asked the (hot) waitress “is it real prime rib? or just the stuff you find in the deli”?..’oh no’ she said, ‘it’s prime rib’-yah, whatever honey. But it came with a side of gravy and fries, which kicked ass…and three glasses of vino.mmm
#42 by Mikey on 05.01.07 9:57 am |
Joe O. said:
That was posted here on April 16th, the date of that article. Sorry.
#43 by todd krevanchi on 05.01.07 9:58 am |
as far as tribute patches, sticker, etc.
i suggest league wide protocol be that whomever would like to memorialize the deceased, no matter which team or league they play on or in, should be allowed to, within reason. by doing it the same way that the primary team who is memorializing the fallen person.
in this case, hudson and any other player should be allowed to place the identical patch worn by cardinals on his uniforms. those wanting to memorialize cory lidle, would wear a single mourning band, identical to the yankees, and so on.
this would then pose the question of, “then what happens if someone wants to memorialize everyone?”. i would say no greater than 2 patches per sleeve which includes any current organizational tributes, anniversary patches or (in the case of the phillies) numbers.
small tasteful patches like the 32 by the cardinals, wouldnt look too cumbersome if placed correctly (piggy backed, not side by side) with another patch on a sleeve.
#44 by Mikey on 05.01.07 9:58 am |
Ed said:
He probably didn’t decide on a jersey number yet, since he was too busy fishing…….
#45 by Paul P. on 05.01.07 10:00 am |
Here is a better photo of Papelbon with the back pack on
http://jonathanpapel...
I remember them having the rookies dress up in skirts too last year. Will try adn find a photo.
#46 by Natron on 05.01.07 10:01 am |
Just to add-on to the bit about the bullpen bag… the Twins also make the rookie bring the bag out, and it’s also ridiculous. In making my annual trip to KC, I snapped this pic of Glen Perkins carrying a Spongebob dufflebag to the pen. Last year, I got this one of Pat Neshek Carrying the Barbie backpack (you can clearly see it’s pink, but can’t clearly see that it’s Barbie, but it is).
And how about this handsome devil in a good lookin’ jersey?!
#47 by Joe on 05.01.07 10:05 am |
Andy said:
That’s exactly it…the JH are the same letters used on the back of the jerseys, so I’m sure that’s all they had. Now from my point of view, it you’re going to be a MLB equipment manager, you should be crafty enough with twill and a pair of scissors to make a sweet smaller memorial patch, or at least know that you can run over to Michael’s or Jo-Ann Fabrics and pick up applique 2 inch letters for $1.50 that will do the job for 1 game.
#48 by Paul P. on 05.01.07 10:06 am |
Here are the Sox rookies of 2 years ago in drag
http://cache.boston....
On the far left is Papelbon, then the next one is Manny Delcarmen, currently in Pawtucket in AAA… not sure the other guys names
#49 by ditchfarmer on 05.01.07 10:10 am |
Sometimes there are things more imporatant than looking good. With everything that Hudson had to deal with this week, two phone calls, pitching (and winning), and two funerals, maybe you should cut him a little slack. I think it was very weak and inappropriate to comment.
“But it was also about Tim Hudson and his grandmother’s initials and Josh Hancock’s initials. It was about a man taking his grief and turning it into a way to honor the passing of those he cared about. It won’t show up in the standings, but what Tim Hudson did Monday night was demonstrate the inspirational possibilities of the human heart.” Mlb.com
#50 by stuby on 05.01.07 10:10 am |
Mikey said:
I think Joe Thomas and Joe Staley are the same guy.
#51 by todd krevanchi on 05.01.07 10:12 am |
hey, (more specifically anthony verna)
can anyone tell me exactly what the university of wyoming has trademarked in the realm of logos? if not, how would i be able to find that?
also, just thinking. we have a pretty nice community of people here, and i think we can all say that we are somewhat online friends. over the course of the last year, people have posted where they live and what they do…
i was wondering just the other day if there would be a way to start a uniwatch community online roladex. does anyone think this would be a benefit? if someone in my region has a job that provided a service, id be more in line to use or refer someone who Gets Itâ„¢, or at least has similar interests as i do. if anything, its a way to increase your business contacts.
any support?
#52 by stuby on 05.01.07 10:14 am |
Natron said:
(shaking my head)…Boof Bonser, Francisco Liriano AND Joe Nathan for AJ Pierzynski. How does Brian Sabean of the Giants still have a job?
#53 by Kenny on 05.01.07 10:15 am |
Mikey said:
Someone in Cleveland better make a poster with the best nickname for a guy who hasn’t even played yet. “The Fisherman”, all I know is that’s how I’m gonna refer to him from now on.
#54 by Matt B on 05.01.07 10:18 am |
I for one second PL’s thoughts about Hudson’s JH patch. I’ll even go further (yes, I’ve been called worse than a pill) and suggest that the entire Athletes Mourning thing is overdone — it looks to me like the players/teams/etc are exclaiming “Look over here, we’re mourning too! Don’t forget about us!” I realize that people aren’t robots and we all have our own ways of grieving, but these guys are professionals, too. That means they have to adjust when they step onto the playing field. Some things should be left in the clubhouse, IMHO.
FWIW, I think Manning had it right when Johnny U died and he tried to celebrate the man’s life by wearing black cleats a la Unitas.
#55 by Robert on 05.01.07 10:20 am |
The Mets’ and Reds’ white hats from the 1990s were recently addressed here. Well, white baseball caps have not disappeared altogether, as evidenced by this recent University of Nebraska baseball game.
http://i62.photobuck...
#56 by Robert on 05.01.07 10:21 am |
Oops, I forgot to mention that prior to this season, Nebraska wore some nifty striped socks as well. I was sad to see them go.
#57 by Minna H. on 05.01.07 10:22 am |
todd krevanchi said:
todd k., I agree with your points here. I also thought the JH was way too big. Then again, Hudson still doesn’t look right in an Atlanta uniform (too used to him as an A).
Natron! Nice back. Which game was that? And thank you for mentioning the sidewinder. I love him.
As for whether it’s insensitive, in bad taste, etc., to mention the huge lettering of the JH, I don’t think it is. It’s not as if Paul is saying anything bad about Hudson or Hancock. He is simply commenting on the size (too huge) of the lettering. If he hadn’t, someone else (like me) would have.
#58 by My Name is Not Earl on 05.01.07 10:22 am |
#14 is not retired by the Reds, though my guess is that nobody would want it—both out of respect for the legacy and to avoid the infamy.
How long before the Reds retire #11 for Barry Larkin? That number seems a done deal. I would also retire #44 for Eric Davis, but they may not (since he likely isn’t going to the Hall, while Larkin will probably get there eventually).
#59 by patrick on 05.01.07 10:23 am |
From Scoop Jackson’s article on AI
He walked into Room 3 on the ground level of the Pepsi Center on Saturday night with his new Yankees black bottom-brim New Era cap resting on top of the white doo-rag that was keeping his character-defining cornrows F.T.D. (fresh to death).
#60 by Minna H. on 05.01.07 10:24 am |
stuby said:
Hahahahahaha! Even with Liriano down for the count, the Giants wuz robbed!
Didn’t Manning get fined for his tribute to JU or told to desist?
#61 by Gavin on 05.01.07 10:29 am |
Yeah, those Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz uniforms are pretty much exactly the same as the Chicago Bears’, with red replacing orange and black replacing blue.
#62 by Matt B on 05.01.07 10:32 am |
>Didn’t Manning get fined for his tribute to JU or told to desist?
He was threatened with a $25k fine and didn’t do it. Someone on the Ravens did change his cleats, but was only hit with a $5k fine. So sez wikipedia…
#63 by scott on 05.01.07 10:33 am |
Their is a big time bond that is formed between college teammates. The JH on Hudson’s jersey was his tribute to his former teammate and it looked good. Actually, Hudson wears his jersey nice and tight the way it should be. All he has to do now is pull up the pant legs.
Hey, Paul, in reference to you calling readers out on their comments that you don’t want to see anymore.
I have a request for you to quit using f-bombs. Please try to be a little more creative in your wording. Thanks!
#64 by Anthony Verna on 05.01.07 10:34 am |
10:30 AM and already 61 postings!
Minna, I believe that Manning was not allowed to wear black sneakers and did not. I believe that was reserved to Baltimore. (A silly ruling, if you ask me.)
Todd, send me an e-mail at my personal address: anthony@anthonyverna.com (since this isn’t legal work) and I’ll get you some info.
#65 by Ben N on 05.01.07 10:35 am |
Rick said:
I highly doubt Joe Thomas will be wearing #1 at tackle this year
#66 by neal s on 05.01.07 10:36 am |
jesse said:
Correct you are — and what a fantastically cool detail that is. Nice catch.
#67 by Robert on 05.01.07 10:37 am |
This scan probably sucks, but it shows the Cornhuskers baseball team in former striped sock glory.
http://i62.photobuck...
If they would wear those socks with the white hats, I would be in heaven.
#68 by Joe Drennan on 05.01.07 10:38 am |
I found some great striped stirups on my high school alma matter’s site. Check them out.
#69 by Jason on 05.01.07 10:40 am |
I was trying to put together a bit on which NFL draftees made the biggest uniform upgrades and downgrades from their college to pro unis. Unfortuantely I gave up pretty quickly after realizing that just about everyone moving from college to the pros is making a pretty big downgrade. Even the three drafted Oregon players went to Seattle, Carolina and Cincinnati. Not serious upgrades IMO. For what it’s worth, I think Adrian Peterson had the most serious downgrade. Oklahoma to the Vikings? Ouch!
#70 by Robert on 05.01.07 10:41 am |
My Name is Not Earl said:
Larkin is an automatic, while Eric Davis . . . I’m not sure. Probably not, since another guy who had some great years for the Reds, George Foster, has not been so honored.
As for timing, the Reds are seemingly never in a hurry to retire numbers. It might take another few years for Larkin to get nod.
#71 by Broker75 on 05.01.07 10:41 am |
Why is it that Tim Hudson pays tribute to an old college buddy who tragically dies and gets shit on by Paul and a few other people, but everybody praised the out of control Jackie Robinson thing?
There was absolutely nothing wrong with what Tim Hudson did, there is a lot of negativity in here.
#72 by neal s on 05.01.07 10:42 am |
neal s said:
On further reflection, though, two things occur to me: those jerseys haven’t been manufactured yet, so the pictures on the site are just digital mockups. There’s a chance that the actual production models will go the easy route.
Also, we both confused vertical and radial. The pictures show radial arching, what we like and hope for is vertical arching. Easy mistake to make.
#73 by neal s on 05.01.07 10:45 am |
The pictures show radial arching
Ack. My bad again. We like the vertical, the pictures show vertical, there’s a chance it won’t be vertical.
Sorry.
#74 by Joe on 05.01.07 10:45 am |
neal s said:
This drives me crazy…we have discussed the difference between radial and vertical a 1000 times!
I am not convinced that the jerseys have any arch to them, even though the long surnames appear to be VERTICALLY arched. Look at this, there is no arch. I think we are just seeing the contour of the hanging shirt making it appear arched.
#75 by Paul P. on 05.01.07 10:45 am |
Todd, I think it’s a great idea. You’re right, it’s become a community of online friends, and I know I’d probably us the online rolodex if it were available. Would also help us get some uniwatch get togethers in line, even if Mr. Lukas is not going to be there.
I guess I should say, thanks Paul for keeping us entertained and creating such a vast community in such a short amount of time. Keep up the great work!
#76 by Kevin from Ohio in Virginia on 05.01.07 10:51 am |
All this talk of rookie hazing reminds me of the uni-centric rookie hazing that saved Indians pitcher Kyle Denney’s life.
#77 by Perry on 05.01.07 10:51 am |
stuby said:
The Reds are a little weird about retiring numbers. They didn’t retire Frank Robinson’s, Sparky Anderson’s, or Joe Morgan’s until relatively recently, and only after plenty of lesser lights had worn them, I guess because all of them spent large chunks of their careers elsewhere. They sitll haven’t retired Rose’s, presumably because he might not be permitted on the field for the ceremony.
#78 by neal s on 05.01.07 10:52 am |
Joe said:
Calm down there, Joe. I already corrected my mistake before you posted.
#79 by Marty Met on 05.01.07 10:55 am |
Paul Lukas said:
I’m sure the sticher just used a J & H from the usual player name letters.
#80 by Mr. Met on 05.01.07 11:04 am |
On the subject of the Peyton Manning Unitas tribute, didn’t the Colts wind up switching to black cleats the following year?
They (speaking of the Colts) would have close to a perfect uniform if they would go back to their striped socks.
#81 by jesse on 05.01.07 11:04 am |
Joe said:
Your link is to a replica jersey, not the authentic one. The authentic ones are arched. Yea, and calm down.
#82 by Mr. Met on 05.01.07 11:06 am |
todd krevanchi said:
No, but his career has pretty much bitten the big one…
#83 by jesse on 05.01.07 11:07 am |
Also, you can check the link to the authentic Ward jersey from my original post, his name is vertically arched. It think the fact that the replica jerseys are not arched while the authentic ones are seems to indicate that the real jerseys will in fact be arched, which I think is kind of neat detail.
#84 by Joe on 05.01.07 11:13 am |
jesse said:
Sorry bout that guys…just frustrating when it’s a concept concepts Paul has addressed a whole bunch…
Anyway, I’m not sure that a vertically arched football nameplate would look good or not??? I’d have to see it on the field. Off the top of my head I can’t think of any team that has used it before??
#85 by John E on 05.01.07 11:16 am |
A’s rookie hazing from a year or two ago.
Note Nick Swisher and Joe Blanton dressed as matching plug and socket. Overtones? Nah, not much.
Huston Street
Freddie Bynum, Nick Swisher and Dan Johnson
Joe Blanton
Keiichi Yabu and Ron Flores
#86 by John E on 05.01.07 11:16 am |
Fixed – Huston Street
#87 by Mark in Shiga on 05.01.07 11:22 am |
But does arched lettering really look good in football, where the shoulder pads create a level surface for the letters? Arched letters only look good if the player’s shoulders actually have an arch in them.
Also — completely unrelated — has anyone noticed that Majestic has stopped writing their full name (embroidered in for the ones worn by actual players) on the baseball jerseys they make, using a simple mountain-like “M” logo, as in the Cubs jerseys shown above?
I really like this change — if there are going to be manufacturer or (god forbid) advertising marks on jerseys, they should consist of only symbols and not words. Words detract from the team name, which is what really matters.
#88 by Robert on 05.01.07 11:23 am |
John E said:
Is that a Black Label Society tattoo on Swisher (I am assuming that Swisher in the guy in the middle)?
#89 by Teebz on 05.01.07 11:27 am |
Broker75 said:
Broker, you missed the point entirely. The tribute isn’t the issue. It was a size issue… as if Hudson was using his jersey to be a billboard. “I hate to be a pill, but couldn’t he have worn a simple sleeve patch like the Cardinals did” says it all: a small JH on the sleeve would have sufficed.
I’m all for honouring teammates and family members, but the JH covered his entire left shoulder. Hockey players don’t wear the captain’s “C” or alternate captain’s “A” that big.
#90 by Joe on 05.01.07 11:28 am |
jesse said:
There is nothing worse than a replica that is blatantly different than and authentic! The point of a replica to to replicate as closely as possible the real thing using more affordable methods.
#91 by Minna H. on 05.01.07 11:29 am |
Mr. Met said:
Along with poor Mark Prior’s.
I think Manning should have manned up, wore the cleats and paid the fine. It’s not like he couldn’t afford it.
I like the idea of a Rolodex o’ Uni-Watchers world-wide. todd k., I’m assuming you’ll be in charge of it?
#92 by todd krevanchi on 05.01.07 11:34 am |
im gonna chime in on the JH on hudson, then (ill try to) shut up about it.
i cant speak for paul, but my interpretation of his entry today WAS:
a. tim hudson wore a tribute patch(es) on his uniform.
b. pretty unique in that it was on the chest of his jersey.
c. it was large.
im sure that if any team or player would have done something similar in size and location, for any reason (tribute, anniversary, championship, et al) it would have been written about and criticized, if not by PL then by one of the readers.
i cant speak for paul, but my interpretation of his entry WAS NOT:
a. damn you tim hudson for having feelings for a loved one.
b. how could you even think of wanting to to pay tribute to a former roommate.
c. if those were the only size letters you could find, you should have passed.
patch on guys uni–its big, real big–fodder for my blog.
thats it.
#93 by Joe on 05.01.07 11:34 am |
Teebz said:
If you had them side by side you would see that a majority of “C’s” and “A’s” are either the same height or larger.
The “JH’s” measure just over 3 inches (if in fact they are the same letters as used on the names), and the average “C” or “A” measures just under 4 inches…usually because they have multiple outline colors.
#94 by joe on 05.01.07 11:34 am |
moten21 said:
Becuase that was beyond reason, it looked like crap.
#95 by BCrisp on 05.01.07 11:35 am |
Minna H. said:
I’ve wondered this before: Those of us who read this site and submit uniform banter, what do we call ourselves? Are we “Uni Watchers”, “Those Who Get It”, “Paul’s People”, “Lukas’s Legion”? Surely there are more creative people on here than me who can think up a name for ourselves.
#96 by Broker75 on 05.01.07 11:38 am |
Teebz said:
We are talking about a death here, who cares what you look like, or what you do to pay your respects, speaking of missing the point; “Hockey players don’t wear the captain’s “C†or alternate captain’s “A†that big”.-> has nothing to do with this subject.
#97 by todd krevanchi on 05.01.07 11:39 am |
Minna H. said:
thats why paul got an intern right?
#98 by Minna H. on 05.01.07 11:41 am |
Teebz said:
Very well asid, Teebz. I am not dissing Hudson for his tribute; I am just saying the letters could be read by a pilot of a blimp fliyng overhead. As other people speculated, it was probably a time issue–getting it done quickly, but there had to be a way to make it smaller.
I have to admit, when I saw the pic of the jerseys in the dugout and the bullpen, I thought it was a bit much, but from a humanistic view. It must be hard enouh to play the game as is; having to stare at the jersey would make it that much harder, I think.
#99 by Mr. Met on 05.01.07 11:43 am |
BCrisp said:
“Uni Watchers” pretty much says it all. Concise and to the point.
#100 by Amy on 05.01.07 11:46 am |
Mr. Met said:
Yeah I think we should just leave it at Uni Watchers and not try to make ourselves sound like some weird cult…
#101 by Teebz on 05.01.07 11:49 am |
Broker75 said:
If we’re talking death here, why not just wear the JH’s jersey instead of wearing a gigantic JH?
If they are 3 inches large, they are 3 inches too big to be on the shoulder.
#102 by Mr. Met on 05.01.07 11:50 am |
Amy said:
Ironically enough, someone made that accusation the other day, during a discussion of stirrups and whatnot, that the people on this website were becoming a Cult of Paul and agreeing with everything he said.
#103 by Broker75 on 05.01.07 11:52 am |
Mr. Met said:
Read a few of todays comments and see if everyone agrees with what paul says.
#104 by Michael Churchill on 05.01.07 11:52 am |
BCrisp said:
True Believers in the Cult of Lukas?
#105 by Minna H. on 05.01.07 11:52 am |
todd krevanchi said:
Oh, right! Vincent, Vince, Vinnie, you up to the task?
I gotta say, some of those A’s rookies look better in a skirt than I do. Sad, so sad.
#106 by Michael Churchill on 05.01.07 11:55 am |
Mr. Met said:
That was me. I suggested issuing a fatwa against the radio station that used Paul’s “why players chose their numbers” column without crediting it.
#107 by BCVM22 on 05.01.07 11:57 am |
The 34 on Jerry Hairston’s hat in the Cubs photo was indeed for Kirby Puckett.
The reason the Reds haven’t retired Rose’s No. 14 is because Rose isn’t permitted to be a part of any on-field events as per his banning, and the Reds have said they don’t want to retire his number unless he can be on the field for the ceremony.
#108 by Minna H. on 05.01.07 12:00 pm |
Minna H. said:
Snicker. I like this one, Michael C.
Watchers of the Unis? Catchers in the Rye?
Seriously, I am fine with Uni-Watch Nation. We need a flag and a creed–maybe even a credo. Beer will be the official beverage of choice (except for me. I will apply for an an exemption); Philly cheesesteaks the entree, and beignets for dessert.
#109 by Joe on 05.01.07 12:01 pm |
The big JH size is not unprecedented though. Check out the 88 O’s EBW tribute.
#110 by Minna H. on 05.01.07 12:03 pm |
Michael Churchill said:
Nah, it wasn’t that, Michael C. Someone said we all agree with Paul and don’t have a thought of our own. Someone else agreed with him. I used my unhealthy love for black as proof that I don’t always agree with Paul.
It had to do with the OS uni-change.
#111 by Teebz on 05.01.07 12:04 pm |
Joe said:
Sleeve – yes.
Shoulder – no.
#112 by Minna H. on 05.01.07 12:05 pm |
Joe said:
True, Joe. However, that is on the arm so it’s not as immediately eye-catching.
#113 by Minna H. on 05.01.07 12:06 pm |
Teebz said:
Damn it, Teebz, you beat me again!
#114 by tc on 05.01.07 12:08 pm |
Robert said:
The tattoo on Swisher’s chest is, ironically, a tribute to his grandmother Betty Swisher. explained in this article
#115 by Shaftman on 05.01.07 12:08 pm |
Minna H. said:
We are all members of “The UNI-verse”
#116 by Justin on 05.01.07 12:09 pm |
Perry said:
That is correct. The Reds have not retired Rose’s number because MLB/Bud Selig will not permit him to participate in anything involving Major League Baseball(except for when MasterCard pays MLB a shitload of money to have the all-century team, then by all means he can participate). MLB is so hypocritical in this respect.
#117 by Alex on 05.01.07 12:10 pm |
I don’t think you have the right to get mad at Tim Hudson for wearing a large-sized “JH” on his jersey. That was his former teammate, former roommate, and close friend. Don’t question the way other people grieve. Grieving is very personal, and I don’t think it should be questioned or even mentioned unless it’s in a commending manner. “I hate to be a pill, but couldn’t he have worn a simple sleeve patch like the Cardinals did?” I hate to be a pill, but maybe Tim Hudson should decide on how he chooses to honor his friend. That such a thing would be questioned, in such a stupid manner, turns me off to this site completely.
#118 by joe on 05.01.07 12:11 pm |
Joe said:
but thats on the sleeve, and also on everyone on the team, its not some awkward looking thing on one guys uniform.
#119 by joe on 05.01.07 12:13 pm |
Alex said:
Its a *uniform* you can’t just choose to modify it, otherwise its not a uniform. It looked bad, it could have been done in a much more reasonalbe manner.
#120 by Justin on 05.01.07 12:20 pm |
Alex said:
I think the point a lot of people are missing here is that nobody “got mad” at Tim Hudson.
#121 by Zamboni Guy on 05.01.07 12:22 pm |
Natron said:
I was just scouring the internet for pictures of the Twins bullpen backpacks and then I saw you came through huge. Very nice work, and nice to see you’re into the UniWatch as well.
#122 by Mr. Met on 05.01.07 12:23 pm |
Broker75 said:
Never said it was true; just said someone made that accusation.
#123 by todd krevanchi on 05.01.07 12:25 pm |
so are these our unis?
oh and, i like the david wright baseball pants look, and in certain cases the unitard look in football. i hate stirrups unless they are low stirrups with appropriately tailored baggy pants, see juan pierre and not alfonso soriano.
in fact it is a pet peeve of mine when PL writes something and people refer to it as gospel and not 1 mans opinion.
yeah, i wear nikes, black ones sometimes, but by no means is PL marshall applewhite, and stirrups are hale bop.
#124 by Gary on 05.01.07 12:25 pm |
I own a Mets Ice cream man cap. Bought it that year cause I loved it. Same with the Reds white striped cap. Perfect for a Sunday Matinee. And in both cases, better than the damn black.
#125 by Teebz on 05.01.07 12:33 pm |
Alex said:
If he chooses to grieve it personally, then why grieve it so publicly?
Again, nothing wrong with the tribute, but why does it have to be so big?!?
#126 by Mr. Met on 05.01.07 12:33 pm |
Paul had an opinion, his own personal view that the letters on Hudson’s jersey were too big. He didn’t get mad at or say that it was wrong that Hudson was honoring his former teammate; in fact, that first paragraph shows that he understands the practice is widespread in baseball, if not in all pro sports.
Since when did stating an opinion become a taboo practice? If his opinion is unpopular, you know what? It’s his website. He can pretty much say whatever he wants. You don’t like it? Fine, then move on. In case you didn’t know, the name of the website is “Uni Watch: The Obsessive Study of Athletics Aesthetics”. And nothing speaks more to that than a ballplayer putting huge letters on the front of his jersey that don’t normally belong there. That’s what we’re here for; to talk about uniforms. And that’s what the conversation is about: The letters on the front of Tim Hudson’s uniform. I feel sorry for the Hancock familiy, and for all the players that knew him and were affected by his sudden and tragic death. But in the grand scheme of things, you know what? We’re talking about letters on a jersey, hardly a topic that is insulting to the memory of Josh Hancock.
Personally, if a Mets player died tragically and they wore a patch in his honor, I would hope that they don’t wear something like what Hudson wore; in my opinion, that would look horrible. Your opinion might be different. What I don’t undertand is people coming on here with this indignation, an attitude that ” I don’t like what you said, so don’t say it again”. That kind of attitude might work for a 4-year old, but I would like to think that we’re all adults that can discuss something in a civilized, albeit passionate, manner. Disagreeing with someone’s opinion is one thing; castigating the guy because he offended your moral compass on a rather silly issue is pretty sad. Calling something stupid because you don’t agree with it? Saying that someone “doesn’t have a right” to comment on something because you don’t like what he has to say? I’m sorry, but sometimes I wonder what planet some of you people live on……
#127 by Philly Bill on 05.01.07 12:34 pm |
Enough already, argue-monkeys!
Anyone know why Ron Wilson and his assistant coaches were wearing this lapel pin last night?
For the umpteenth week in a row, John Buccigross has written that the NHL will return to home whites next season, which I thought had been debunked here months ago. Do we have anything definitive? Maybe I missed something.
#128 by tessa on 05.01.07 12:35 pm |
Alex said:
The point is that when you choose to take a personal act and make it public (like a large display on a uniform in a televised game), people do have the right to comment on it. And then other people have a right to comment on the comments. All in a civil, non-attacking way (which most everyone has done – kudos).
That being said, I would love to be a member of the Uni-Watchers. I prefer this term to Uni Watch Nation (sounds a little to Red Sox-y for this Yankee apologist), but I will go with whatever you all decide.
#129 by Joe on 05.01.07 12:37 pm |
joe said:
I’m just talking about the letter size…not placement. I’m making the factual statement that “there has been an occasion in the past where 3 inch letters have been placed somewhere on a baseball jersey as a tribute to a deceased individual.”
#130 by cliff rancho on 05.01.07 12:40 pm |
Maybe Tim wore a big JH so people wouldn’t just forget about his old teammate. A little JH on the side of an Atlanta Braves jersey sleeve isn’t going to be recongized by that many people.
#131 by Andy on 05.01.07 12:47 pm |
What if he chose to honor his friend by painting a huge JH across his face and stitching his friend’s uni-numbers on the butt of his pants? Obviously this would be absurd and no one would do it, but you can’t just say, “don’t question what he did because he’s honoring his friend”. Size and location of your tribute is something to think about.
In this case, initials over the heart is not a big deal. Sure, they were large initials, but it could’ve been worse.
#132 by Mr. Met on 05.01.07 12:48 pm |
cliff rancho said:
With all due respect, MLB cancelled a baseball game and it was the non-stop topic of the day. The Cardinals hung his jersey up in their dugout and bullpen. They’re going to be wearing a patch on their sleeves for (presumably) the rest of the season. And I’m sure that anyone who saw a small “JH” on his sleeve would ask “what’s that stand for?”, opening a whole new discussion on how Hudson and Hancock were teammates.
I doubt people will forget about his old teammate after one day.
#133 by Joe Drennan on 05.01.07 12:50 pm |
Philly Bill said:
I don’t know about that particular pin, but I know hockey coaches have a history of wearing a pin of a local charity or group they are associate with. Other time it is a case of logo creep and someone in the organization made a buck by saying the coaches would wear a lapel pin.
#134 by Mark in Shiga on 05.01.07 12:50 pm |
Nothing to do with uniforms, but looking at Natron’s photo got me wondering about that bullpen catcher #75 Dammann in the background of his picture, which led me to a nice little article on his duties:
http://www.news-pres...
I love reading stories about those background guys whom you otherwise don’t get to hear about. (Plus, they have really unconventional uni numbers!) What an experience that must be — I’d do a job like that just for the meal money!
#135 by Philly Bill on 05.01.07 12:53 pm |
From today’s TMQ:
This photo with the caption: “Spider-man follows the all-black alternate uniform craze.”
I think Spidey looks better than the dudes in these get-ups.
#136 by Judd on 05.01.07 12:57 pm |
This is definitely nit-picky, but shouldn’t Hudson have gone all the way and used JMH (for Joshua Morgan Hancock)?
Usually you see all three initials and not just two on those type of tribute patches or whatever you want to call them.
#137 by cliff rancho on 05.01.07 12:58 pm |
Mr. Met said:
MLB cancelled a St. Louis game, St. Louis hung their jersey up during their game against the Brewers. BRAVES fans don’t always watch St. Louis games. It wasn’t ‘huge’ news for a casual baseball fan.
Your ability to notice small changes to a uniform is a gift, not everybody thinks about it.
and like I said, “Maybe”. Just a thought. Throwing it out there.
#138 by Ian K on 05.01.07 1:13 pm |
Minna H. said:
The food of choice at the Dallas Uni Watch Party was bratwurst. And while beer is always the official beverage, my dessert of choice is usually more beer.
#139 by Matt from the 'Ville on 05.01.07 1:17 pm |
Ian K said:
Any pics from the get togethers
#140 by Joe on 05.01.07 1:27 pm |
Matt from the ‘Ville said:
There already is a flag!
#141 by Josh on 05.01.07 1:30 pm |
I have gotten the job as the PA Announcer for Scottsdale Community College in Arizona…I’m doing football and baskebtall beginning in Septembe, however they have asked me to do a regional baseball tourny this upcoming weekend…and I am pleased to report that upon checking out the team, I have discovered that many of the players wear real stirrups!
I will try to take some pics when I do the games this weekend and post them next week.
#142 by Christopher on 05.01.07 1:35 pm |
Paul, I agree with you 100% on Hudson’s display. Yeah, it’s a horrible thing that happened, but there’s nothing wrong with saying the memorial is over the top.
Reminds me of those garrish (and ironically distracting) memorials people put up on the road after someone dies in an accedent.
#143 by Jason on 05.01.07 1:41 pm |
Josh said:
Go Artichokes!!
#144 by Tom R on 05.01.07 1:45 pm |
tc said:
That is a great article about Swisher, I never heard about that before. It proves that you cant judge a book by its cover. Swisher just moved close to the top of my list of favorite ballplayers.
#145 by Chad G on 05.01.07 1:53 pm |
todd krevanchi said:
Todd, I also don’t mind the low pants in baseball. I hated, HATED! wearing stirrups in Little League. The were so uncomfortable, the stirrup part would always get twisted. I wanted to wear long pants like they did in the majors. (I played little league in the late 80’s/early 90’s). But the unis we got were pullovers (which sucked) and elastic waisted pants with no belt loops that only went down to the mid shin area. So we had to wear stirrups to cover the empty space. Also, I didn’t have any long white socks, so my crew socks which were just long enough to cover the opening in the stirrup would always bunch up at my ankles leaving skin exposed between the white sock and the stirrup. This ended up looking like crap. The way juan pierre does it is the best look I think in baseball. I hate high stirrups, they look retarted and serve no purpose (I blame this trend for the loss of all the great sock stripes, not the low pants). I also don’t particulary like the soccer sock look with the high pants, if you’re not gonna do it right like Juan Pierre, go with the long pants.
#146 by Joe Drennan on 05.01.07 1:56 pm |
Maybe Juan Pieer ought to be the Uni Watch poster child, maybe even interviewed to find out why he choses to do things right. If PL doesn’t want to do it, I’ll do it if he can get me the contact.
#147 by Joe Drennan on 05.01.07 1:58 pm |
Side note, when I heard about Hancock, my first thought was that for the first game back the Cardinals should have Hancock as their namplate instead of their own name, then go to the memorial patch. I knew it wouldn’t happen, but I kind of liked the idea.
#148 by Anthony Verna on 05.01.07 1:59 pm |
Chad G said:
Back in Little League, I never liked wearing stirrups. Oh, sure, they look good, but they just felt odd to wear on top of a sock.
In sum, I like how they look, but never liked how they felt on my foot.
#149 by Kenny on 05.01.07 2:03 pm |
The only reason I can think of why Hudson put it on his chest is because it would pull the sleeve on his throwing arm. Since there is a patch on his left arm already, this is the only place for it. Granted it is big, but if he decided last minute and the equipment manager only had extra letters for last names, I don’t know…I like the gesture, especially being a Cardinals fan and knowing whatever everybody thought about him
#150 by Teebz on 05.01.07 2:03 pm |
Philly Bill said:
The lapel pin appears to be the WAG logo. I can’t make it out completely, but that looks like the similar image.
#151 by Chad G on 05.01.07 2:08 pm |
Any speculation on where the Cardinals are going to wear the “32″ patch on the home jerseys since the already have the World Champions patch on the left sleeve? I’m guessing the right sleeve or above the other patch, but you never know.
#152 by subway on 05.01.07 2:10 pm |
Philly Bill said:
Could it be the memorial patch the Sharks have on their sleeves for their goalie coach in pin form?
#153 by subway on 05.01.07 2:11 pm |
…..too late.
#154 by Ian K on 05.01.07 2:24 pm |
Joe Drennan said:
When you interview him, find out why he can’t throw out a runner at third to save his life. 45 million we’re paying this guy!!! But I do like his uni sense.
Matt from the ‘Ville said:
This is Paul’s blog entry with notes and pictures from his visits to Dallas and San Fran.
#155 by Broker75 on 05.01.07 2:35 pm |
Broker75 says:
#156 by Matt from the 'Ville on 05.01.07 2:40 pm |
Matt from the ‘Ville said:
This is Paul’s blog entry with notes and pictures from his visits to Dallas and San Fran.
Thanks Ian K. I am an Idiot, I forgot that was that long ago where we got the great run down from The maker of Arena football unis. That was during tax season so those months are running together and lost in the back of my mind.
#157 by Josh on 05.01.07 2:53 pm |
I thought the NBA had a rule that a team could only wear two sets of uniforms for the playoffs (One home and one road).
So why are the Fakers allowed to wear their whites for game four but their yellows for game three?
Every other team that wears their alts must wear them throughout thei playoffs?
Does the league let the Fakers do this only because they know the Fakers won’t have more than two home games? Or does the league just favor them over other teams?
#158 by Robert on 05.01.07 3:04 pm |
tc said:
Sure enough. Check out this Black Label Society t-shirt, though. Similar to the tat, eh?
http://www.amazon.co...;
#159 by J. Deaton on 05.01.07 3:07 pm |
Robert said:
Doubt it. Griffey Jr. wanted #24 when he came to the Reds and you see what number he is wearing.
If the Reds hold a number sacred (now only #14 left unretired), I don’t care who wants it, it won’t be issued.
#160 by Tim on 05.01.07 3:15 pm |
What the hell..i know hes probably never going to read this, but leave Hudson alone. I’m sure if people were bitching about something you do when someone close to you die you’d be pissed.
and another thing, who the hell cares about vertical or radial arching
#161 by Tim on 05.01.07 3:16 pm |
That last comment wasn’t directed at Paul, it was directed any anyone who is complaining about his tribute
#162 by todd krevanchi on 05.01.07 3:16 pm |
Anthony Verna said:
when i played little league, this was the look. i went through so much athletic tape to try to manipulate standard issue stirrups so they would look like them.
http://boston.redsox...
i guess at that point in my life i never thought to look for a different pair at a friggin SPORTING GOODS STORE!
#163 by Joe on 05.01.07 3:30 pm |
Tim said:
Everyone reading this site should have a small interest. I mean this IS the “Obsessive Study of Uniform Athletics Aesthetics.”
;)
#164 by Scott Turner on 05.01.07 3:31 pm |
Well, I liked Hudson’s sponteaneous display.
We’ve become a nation of commodified grievers. As soon as someone famous dies — particularly in the sports world — the machine creates league-sanctioned official designs.
Aesthetically, Hudson’s “JH” letters were sure huge. Debate that all you want.
However, I’m totally into Hudson’s spontaneous tribute. He obviously went to the equipment manager, and possibly management, and they all pitched in to some degree.
In this age of leagues policing every single stitch of uniform comportment, this is a good thing.
#165 by Broker75 on 05.01.07 3:32 pm |
Joe said:
Obsessive is right. By the way, a nation involves more than 200-250 people.
#166 by Anthony Verna on 05.01.07 3:36 pm |
Tim said:
These things DO matter. They are a part of how we perceive our world. Are the details on a uniform noticed? Are those details seen elsewhere in life? In the grand scheme of things, sure, it’s not politics or law, but it is a part of the perceptions we have of our world.
#167 by jon c. on 05.01.07 3:44 pm |
Teebz said:
The lapel pin is a “WAS” for Warren A. Strelow, whohad been goaltender coach for the Sharks for 10 seasons and also was goaltender coach for the 1980 “Miracle on Ince” squad. (Sorry, I don’t have a picture.) http://www.mercuryne...s
#168 by Teebz on 05.01.07 3:47 pm |
jon c. said:
Yeah, sorry. I apologize to the Sharks, and to the Strelow family. We were having a conversation about the tail wagging the dog here at work, and I guess it crossed over as I was typing.
Good catch, Jon. My apologies to all.
#169 by Red on 05.01.07 3:48 pm |
pics for the WNBA unis:
http://www.wnba.com/...
Some of them look pretty darn awful, others a bit better. Since when are the names on jersey BELOW the number?
#170 by dpnation on 05.01.07 3:52 pm |
here’s the link to the new WNBA unis:
http://www.wnba.com/...
And before any smartaleck remarks, please remember there ARE some people who actually appreciate womens sports.
#171 by dpnation on 05.01.07 3:52 pm |
(great minds think alike, red)
#172 by Joe Drennan on 05.01.07 3:54 pm |
Red said:
I certainly don’t like that ever uniform has the same darnd pattern, but it works for some of the teams. Seeing this has me worried about what RBK is doing to NHL jerseys. If they tinker with the Original 6 jerseys my head just might explode.
#173 by Zack on 05.01.07 3:58 pm |
dpnation said:
yawn……….
#174 by todd krevanchi on 05.01.07 4:18 pm |
dpnation said:
agreed… and appreciate sue bird, swin cash, becky hammon…
also, in seeing the sparks home uni, it looks like they made a color change going from yellow to more of a white gold color.
#175 by Dan on 05.01.07 4:20 pm |
A couple points/views on the stuff above. (I got here late today…and am trying to weed through a LOT of comments!)
Paul’s opinion- This isn’t ESPN or the NYT….this is Paul’s blog. If he want’s to say something or fold in an F-bomb…it’s HIS CASA! We’re just guests here…so I don’t htink we should be dictating content or style to him. (and that’s just MY opinion…so take it for what you will.)
On the Tim Hudson thing- More than anything, I’m surprised that the Braves let him do it…I can understand for a former Braver or something…but for a guy un-related to the team, I’m surprised that no one said, “um…I don’t think we should.”
On the rookie pitcher hazing- I can’t find the article…I THINK it was the Cleveland Indians or something…but they made a rookie who went to USC dress in the USC Cheerleader outfit, complete with the high, white leather boots. And then someone shot at their team bus, and this guy got hit in the calf, and the boot actually helped to take away the impact of the bullet.
Ah…I found a link:
http://www.usatoday....
#176 by Talon Lardner on 05.01.07 4:20 pm |
Zack said:
I dunno, Zack, I quite prefer Women’s basketball to mens Golf. Though personally, I’d rather see mixed gender major leagues than seperate mens and women’s leagues.
#177 by alex on 05.01.07 4:27 pm |
Everton FC announced on their website that they would be debuting their new kits on Thursday.
#178 by Broker75 on 05.01.07 4:32 pm |
Teebz
This question is ‘Out of the Blue’
#179 by Broker75 on 05.01.07 4:34 pm |
..and it apparently got eaten. HERE’S the question. Do you prefer the old NHL shield? or the new one we have (post lockout).
#180 by Nolan on 05.01.07 4:43 pm |
dpnation said:
Why would a league short on fans make the teams look the same (except for the colors). These are just lame, the triangle at the base of the neck is a pointless design element I’ve never agreed with and what’s with the different fabric on the butt for the team name?
#181 by Barney Fife on 05.01.07 4:59 pm |
As an Oklahoma Cityan, count me as embarrassed by the name and spelling of our AF2 team. Shoot — I’m embarrassed by the very fact that we even have an AF2 team! We supported our major league AFL team, but they (and their really sharp unis) bolted with their out-of-town owner…
But why the current ownership played right into the stereotype of uneducated Okies by intentionally misspelling “Dogs” is way beyond me. They should have just called the team the Red Necks. Sheesh.
#182 by Will on 05.01.07 5:03 pm |
Robert said:
Late response and I didn’t read through the rest of the comments but I have an example: the Maple Leafs haven’t had a number 17 since Wendel Clark was traded to Quebec (now Colorado) for Mats Sundin. I’m not sure it was just the equipment managers deciding that, though. I recall the president of the team saying something like, “Number 17 won’t be used for a while.” after the trade.
#183 by Will on 05.01.07 5:09 pm |
Joe said:
Or he could have literally less than 30 mins, if news of Hancock’s accident came around 12:30 (when I first saw it, I think) and the Braves game started at 1. The JH was a perfectly acceptable 1-game tribute. It may not have been aesthetically pleasing but it was from the heart, which is a lot more than can be said for some other aesthetics disasters.
I think Hudson and the equipment manager deserve a break. Nay, they deserve kudos for having such an honest tribute.
#184 by todd krevanchi on 05.01.07 5:11 pm |
Barney Fife said:
ive never understood why people would go out of their way to incorrectly spell anything let alone the name of a professional sports franchise.
whether it be typing on a message board (wuz for was, etc), or a team (former wnba team utah starzz) there is no excuse for going out of your way to spell an accepted word differently.
#185 by ChathamH on 05.01.07 5:20 pm |
Philly Bill said:
Isn’t that the evil costume?
#186 by My Name is Not Earl on 05.01.07 5:20 pm |
Utah’s WNBA team was the Starzz because the NBA team is the Jazz.
Plus, what did you expect OKC to do? Their first two choices for dog-variant names are copyrighted (UGA has “Dawg” and Snoop has “Dogg”).
#187 by Jon in SLC on 05.01.07 5:25 pm |
todd krevanchi said:
Todd, I can give you the brilliance behind the Utah Starzz name. First the was the Jazz (no name significance to the state of Utah, I know), then we had our Pacific Coast League team the Buzz (now the Bees, and quite aesthetically pleasing), after Denver got the Avs (formerly the Nordiques) we got the Grizzlies hockey team, and somewhere in there some genius decided to name our new WNBA team the Starzz. So that gives us the Jazz, Buzz, Grizz and Starzz.
I would put up links to illustrate but, nah…
#188 by My Name is Not Earl on 05.01.07 5:27 pm |
Regarding the “unofficially” retired numbers . . . the Steelers and Cowboys don’t retire numbers, but I can’t recall anyone having worn the “superstar” numbers since the players who made them famous retired (nobody has worn 12 on either team since those two QBs quit, for instance). The Raiders, on the other hand, seem to hand out old numbers all the time–with the exception of Jim Otto, as the NFL has said you can’t wear 0 or 00 (as LeCharles bentley will attest). Don’t know what the policy is in other sports, with rare exceptions (The Boss loved Paul O’Neill, so nobody’s going to wear his number ever again, even if it is “available” right now).
#189 by Thorold Blair on 05.01.07 5:31 pm |
My Name is Not Earl said:
Dogs? That’d probably work alright.
#190 by Minna H. on 05.01.07 5:36 pm |
Philly Bill said:
Not black. That is gray. I like the football (and rugby) all-blacks better.
Dessert–ice cream bars/drumsticks. More accessible than beignets.
tessa, I didn’t think of the Red Sox connotation when I suggested nation. I retract it as I wouldn’t want you to spontaneously combust.
Joe, I forgot about the pennant. I guess we can adopt that as our flag.
#191 by subway on 05.01.07 5:37 pm |
#192 by subway on 05.01.07 5:39 pm |
more than a day…
#193 by Matthew S. on 05.01.07 5:41 pm |
My Name is Not Earl said:
The Cowboys do have the Ring of Honor in Texas Stadium though.
http://en.wikipedia....
While this isn’t the same as retiring the numbers (#88, for example, was worn last year by Anthony Fasano), the Cowboys do honor past players and coaches. Also, I simply can’t imagine someone wearing 8 or 22 for the Cowboys ever again. Those are sacred numbers in north Texas.
#194 by Jake from the ATL on 05.01.07 5:46 pm |
Judd said:
i think that huddy wouldnt have done that since he knew hancock on a personal level so he wouldnt have referred to him with hid middle initial.
Also, I think that im in the definite minority here in that I actually liked how the memorial looked. It stayed with the uniform(using the same colors as the names on the back) and actually made you stop and think. If he had worn that black circle patch, it wouldnt have been noticed for two reasons- A) The braves are already wearing a black circle patch (33 i believe) to remember TWO former players who wore the same number. and B) if he had simply moved the JH oatch to the right side, thats his pitching arm, which is moving most of the game, making it hard to see.
well anyways, props to TH for the nice reminder
#195 by Jake from the ATL on 05.01.07 5:51 pm |
also, hudson was the only one doing it, not everyone on the whole team
#196 by Jamikel on 05.01.07 5:53 pm |
Paul Lukas said:
So I’m guessing you wouldn’t like it if the Mets wore their all blacks as a sign of mourning?
#197 by James Craven on 05.01.07 6:11 pm |
Red said:
The 1970 and 1980’s Kansas City-Omaha/Sacramento Kings for one (or the Chicago State Cougars from 2004-05 except for the wrong color on the nameplate, yeccch!) And all the uniforms are craptasitc, craptacular and crapalicious! In other words, to borrow from the Chris Cramer boards, they bite, blow, stink and suck at the same time.
#198 by Teebz on 05.01.07 6:18 pm |
Broker75 said:
Is this a beer question? :o)
#199 by Teebz on 05.01.07 6:26 pm |
Broker75 said:
I honestly preferred the old one. Here’s why: the Campbell Conference vs. the Wales Conference. I much preferred the league when it was the Smythe, Adams, Patrick, and Norris Divisions because fans who were true fans could tell you exactly who was in each division, and who the arch-rivals were.
But the orange All-Star jersey was awesome, and they should go back to that jersey, in my humble opinion.
#200 by SeattleMatt on 05.01.07 6:28 pm |
ive never understood why people would go out of their way to incorrectly spell anything let alone the name of a professional sports franchise.
whether it be typing on a message board (wuz for was, etc), or a team (former wnba team utah starzz) there is no excuse for going out of your way to spell an accepted word differently.
I’m with you Todd. Let’s get these jerks to start spelling things correctly as well.
#201 by Mark in Shiga on 05.01.07 6:30 pm |
Marlins looking like pajama-clowns:
http://sports.yahoo....
#202 by Tim on 05.01.07 6:33 pm |
I’m not a WNBA fan, but some of those jerseys are hideous and some not so much. The SA, HOU, and LA jerseys look terrible tho..what the hell is that on the sides?!
#203 by Philly Bill on 05.01.07 6:53 pm |
The Braves game that Hudson started was at 7:00 Eastern on Monday; it wasn’t the Sunday afternoon game, which was in Colorado. The “rushed tribute” theory doesn’t work.
#204 by Jim on 05.01.07 7:11 pm |
So you people say that the rest of us just spend our time agreeing with Paul. I think you’re nuts.
What do you think, Paul? I mean, if you think it’s gotten out of hand, we could always try to disagree with you sometimes. Whatever you think is best.
#205 by Chad G on 05.01.07 7:13 pm |
huh, I wonder if the Mets pitchers do have any input on the days uniforms. Because they are wearing snow whites and blue caps. Mike Pelfry is pitching and the Mets last wore this combo during Pelfrys last start. Whats also interesting is that this is the first night gane the Mets have worn the blue caps this season. They other 2 games were day games.
#206 by My Name is Not Earl on 05.01.07 7:39 pm |
Keyshawn Johnson may well be done as a receiver. Was he the first receiver to wear digits in the 10-19 range since the numbering system was instituted?
#207 by Mike Engle on 05.01.07 7:43 pm |
My Name is Not Earl said:
No, Lance Alworth, #19 for the San Diego Chargers
#208 by Mike Engle on 05.01.07 7:52 pm |
Mike Engle said:
Actually, on second thought, when was the number system firmly in place?
To expand on your point, Keyshawn kept #19 through a loophole in the system. He was given #19 in his first training camp with the Jets because there were too many wide receivers, and not enough 80-something numbers. He made the team, thus felt strongly about #19 and did not want to give it up for a more “traditional” receiver’s number. Oddly enough, the NFL obliged, and he had the only “unorthodox” receiver’s jersey number for some time.
Later, as teams complained about a lack of numbers for receivers due to tight ends and retired numbers, the NFL decided to make 10-19 kosher for wide-outs, meaning Johnson was no longer an exception.
#209 by Dave A on 05.01.07 8:02 pm |
James Craven said:
Other than the obvious, is it possible to suck and blow at the same time? ;-)
#210 by Metsfan AZ on 05.01.07 8:03 pm |
Chad G said:
Well Mr. 0-2 mnight want to consider the pinstripes then. This reminds me and I think Paul has answered this before. If the Mets go on a win streak and they keep wearing the black jerseys and caps would you be happy? I think the answer is no, but how about the rest of the Mets fans? I know the rest of you hate it when this turns into a Mets blog but … Gotta run, but I look forward to reading the answers tomorrow. For the record, if it’s black unis and World champs ok. Anything less then no go. The best solution is just “Ditch the Black!!”
#211 by Joey Guns on 05.01.07 8:04 pm |
Bon Jovi is on American Idol right now, wearing a Philly Soul shirt. (The Arena Football League team that he owns)
#212 by Chad G on 05.01.07 8:12 pm |
Metsfan AZ said:
During the regular season I don’t think it should matter that much, I want them to wear as much blue as possible. In the playoffs you gotta stick with a good thing, so if they keep winning in a particular uni you gotta go with it. But I would certainly want that uni to be the pins with the blue caps. Can you imagine if they won game 7 of the NLCS? They would have worn that uni in the World Series and then if they won the series we would have finally seen more of a return to the proper uni. To bad beltran can’t kit a looping curveball…he struck out on that same pitch in the first inning today.
#213 by keek80 on 05.01.07 8:15 pm |
Nolan said:
is it me or do the tops by themselves look like cheerleader uniforms?
#214 by junkland on 05.01.07 8:26 pm |
Watching the Angels-Royals game again…
Zach Greinke is wearing an infielders’ glove. Pretty rare for a pitcher to use a glove that doesn’t have a closed web. It’d be really easy to see through and know what kind of grip he has on the ball.
#215 by patrick on 05.01.07 8:42 pm |
Metsfan AZ said:
you’re nuts if you say no, are you a fan of the mets, or the pinstripes? Have some allegiance.
#216 by tyler on 05.01.07 8:42 pm |
Robert said:
No, they still wear stripped socks this year; if I have some time later I’ll post a few pictures from some of their home games this season. Everyone wears their pants at the knees, and its a nice classic look.
#217 by Sir Jock Strap on 05.01.07 8:56 pm |
Hey Paul,
I think a lot of us enthusiats of Uniwatch understand your point of veiw on the the whole Hudson thing. Some might agree.
I think what needs to be brought to your attention is the fact that you have a lot of readers. Good readers. Well educated readers, with a unified interest and passion. That’s a special thing when it comes to today’s exchange of ideas and entertainment. A lot of major corporations would kill for that type of interest and loyalty when it comes to there new ventures in the web. With that comes a responsibility.
#218 by Vincent A. Cipollone on 05.01.07 9:01 pm |
I’m watching the Marlins/Mets game and I’ve noticed a few things:
Willie Randolf’s hat has orange holes in the front instead of all blue holes
I also saw a guy with what looked like a Mets jersey but there was a huge Pepsi logo instead of a number
Also, have the Cool-Flo helmets become the norm in the majors. I have yet to see a player not wear one.
#219 by Jon in SLC on 05.01.07 9:04 pm |
So I’m watching the Nets/Raptors game (don’t ask me why), and TNT is using colorsin the on-screen scoreboard. They have Red behind NJ but Purple behind Toronto. How about a little update in your graphics department TNT?
#220 by Robert on 05.01.07 9:04 pm |
During tonight’s Reds-Astros game, one of the announcers said that “in that double-flap helmet, [Arroyo] looks like a misplaced little leaguer.” Hmmph.
#221 by Mike on 05.01.07 9:11 pm |
Vincent A. Cipollone said:
The Yankees don’t use them.
#222 by Paul Lukas on 05.01.07 9:15 pm |
Sir Jock Strap said:
I’m extremely curious to hear what you think my “responsibility” is. I’m even more curious to hear how this “responsibility” is somehow rooted in my readers’ level of education. If everyone reading this site was a high school dropout, would my “responsibility” be different?
Here’s what I think: My job here is to call it like I see it and be true to myself — not because it’s what I owe you or anyone else, but because it’s what I owe myself and what I find satisfying. I suspect it’s what most of the other people here find satisfying as well.
#223 by steve on 05.01.07 9:16 pm |
The buccos were back in their alternate red vests tonight. They also wore the alternate hat with a red brim this time.
#224 by Mike Engle on 05.01.07 9:18 pm |
Hey Mr. Lukas: why do you insist on a green car? You should have gotten a black one. ;-)
#225 by Ethan on 05.01.07 9:22 pm |
huh, I wonder if the Mets pitchers do have any input on the days uniforms. Because they are wearing snow whites and blue caps. Mike Pelfry is pitching and the Mets last wore this combo during Pelfrys last start.
I used to work for the Buffalo Bisons (Indians AAA affiliate) and they had about 500 different uniform combinations. The clubhouse manager said that the starting pitcher decided which uniform the team went with, ostensibly because the pitcher’s comfort was most important. Maybe it’s the same at Shea.
#226 by Graf Zeppelin on 05.01.07 9:28 pm |
Vincent A. Cipollone said:
A lot of teams don’t use the Cool-Flo helmets. The Yankees don’t, the Phillies don’t…
The Mets jersey with the Pepsi logo is worn by members of the “Party Patrol” who shoot t-shirts into the crowd between innings.
I don’t ever want to see Aaron Heilman pitch in a close game again. EVER.
#227 by BurghFan on 05.01.07 9:40 pm |
Are we UniTards?
#228 by Mike Engle on 05.01.07 9:56 pm |
Philip Hughes is wearing last year’s cap (grey bill). Unusual for a rookie. It’s working, though. Yankees are winning. By the way, can anyone confirm that Hughes requested 65 because it was the smallest vacant number ending in 5? I mean, it’s true that all the smaller -5’s are taken, but is that why he picked that number?
#229 by Mike Engle on 05.01.07 9:59 pm |
Mike Engle said:
You know what I mean. Grey under-bill on an otherwise navy ball cap and a white Yankees insignia. Can the IT guys make an “edit” or a “delete” function for the posts?
#230 by Joey Guns on 05.01.07 10:45 pm |
Mike Engle said:
Yes, it’s true. They mentioned it last week during his first start. All of the other numbers are either retired, or currently used (25, 35, 45, and 55 are currently used). It’s a shame he got hurt and couldn’t try for the no-no!
#231 by Sammy on 05.01.07 11:05 pm |
Vincent A. Cipollone said:
I’m pretty sure I saw a Barry Bonds highlight of him wearing the old helmet. Honestly, I haven’t watched enough Tigers games this year to know who switched and who hasn’t, but they are definitely one of the teams who are going with them this year.
#232 by ToasterPoodle on 05.01.07 11:17 pm |
dpnation said:
Appreciate womens sports or not, those new unis suck.
There are about 10 things that fail the ‘good or stupid’ test.
Paul could devote a week of columns with what is wrong with those, and still not capture just how bad they suck.
#233 by rphBob on 05.01.07 11:36 pm |
This should be interesting:
http://sports.espn.g...
#234 by James Craven on 05.01.07 11:48 pm |
Dave A said:
I was once a member before I was banned for life.
#235 by tessa on 05.02.07 12:13 am |
Minna H. said:
I appreciate your concern, Minna. I wouldn’t be surprised if the next injury to the Yankee pitching staff is spontaneous combustion. After tonight’s newest injury, there is very little that would surprise me. I am beginning to retreat into the cocoon of cynicism for protection.
How awful is it when I see high-socked Yankees now, I think of the walking wounded of this painting?
#236 by Minna H. on 05.02.07 12:16 am |
I have to say, I, too, am curious as to Paul’s responsibility to his readers. As far as I know, it’s his blog started with the sole purpose of uni-watching. Yes, on some days it doesn’t stay there, and I take my share of blame/credit for that. I look to Paul to show me details on unis I might have missed (especially since I don’t have cable) and to give me his take on it. I count on him to know when the changes are happening and to post his take on that as well. I really expect him to visit the Twin Cities when he is in the Midwest.
When he posts his views, I agree or disagree. I post about that. I do not expect Paul to censor his opinions or only post about subjects that interest me. At the end of the day, it’s his blog. You don’t like it, you can disagree respectfully or you can not read it. Paul is not responsible for his readers’ emotions or reactions to what he writes. Personally, I think Paul is pretty damn even-handed in his writing and could be a hell of a lot more incendiary if he so chose.
That’s my forty-two cents’ worth.
#237 by Frankie on 05.02.07 12:17 am |
the decision to go with the cool flow helmets is decided on by the team’s equipment manager. if a team wears the cool flow helmet, but a certain player wishes to wear the standard helmet he is allowed to do so. i am a giants fan and krukow and kuiper discussed this last year on air. they were glad to hear that the giants equipment manager refused to go with the cool flow helmets because he didn’t like the way they looked nor did he see how they would better protect a batter compared to the old helmets. i might add that krukow and kuiper were very happy at the fact that the giants do not wear the cool flow helmets.
#238 by Minna H. on 05.02.07 12:21 am |
tessa said:
Nice, tessa, tying in your Yanks with a war scene. How apropos. Who’s the newest casualty?
I hope you have the rosary working 24/7.
#239 by Joey Guns on 05.02.07 12:28 am |
Minna H. said:
Philip Hughes is out 4-6 weeks.
#240 by Minna H. on 05.02.07 12:31 am |
tessa, I just read. My sympathies (I know about a young phenom going down. And it was worse than they thought).
At least he looks good. I know, small consolation.
#241 by tessa on 05.02.07 12:39 am |
Minna:
Phil Hughes is the casualty.
A little background: We Yankees fans have been waiting for him to come up for a long time because he has been developing in the minors. Because of the (many, many, many) other injuries to the starting rotation, he was brought up a little earlier than expected. There was much rejoicing. Then he stunk a little in his first outing. Tonight, he looked amazing. Amazing. He had a no-hitter through 6 1/2 innings and had to leave with a “significant” hamstring injury that will likely have him out for at least two months (if they bring him back to the majors at all this year).
Hughes has previously gone high-socked, but chose complete pajama pants for this game. Maybe he should have stuck with the high socks. :(
#242 by tessa on 05.02.07 12:41 am |
Man, one can’t navigate away from the page for a minute without being rendered redundant by the quick responses of this well-educated blog community (I jest, I jest…). :P
#243 by Zack on 05.02.07 12:44 am |
tessa said:
Slight correction – 6 1/3 innings
#244 by Minna H. on 05.02.07 12:48 am |
tessa said:
I know! I had to chastise Teebz earlier for this very thing. At least at this time, it’s just you, me, and Joey Guns. Maybe Frankie is still here.
Of course, I could have held off on asking before I looked it up, but where is the fun in that?
#245 by Minna H. on 05.02.07 12:49 am |
And Zach! C’mon, Zach, don’t be so nitpicky. What do you think this is? An obsession for details board?
#246 by Zack on 05.02.07 12:53 am |
Minna H. said:
Sorry pal. I get the same way when people refer to hockey as having 3 quarters instead of periods.
#247 by tessa on 05.02.07 12:58 am |
Zack said:
Sorry. Clearly my typo-prone left ring finger felt that Hughes should have gotten credit for first few pitches to Teixeira. Or something like that. :)
#248 by Minna H. on 05.02.07 1:03 am |
Zack said:
You know I’m just messing with you, right?
There are actually people who say hockey has three quarters? That doesn’t even make logical sense.
tessa, it does seem like Hughes should get credit for the next two pitches since he would be on the hook for any runner on base. 6 1/2 innings sounds about right to me.
#249 by Minna H. on 05.02.07 1:04 am |
Hm. By my own logic, Hughes should be credited with 6 2/3 innings.
#250 by tessa on 05.02.07 1:18 am |
This is all beginning to sound a little too much like math.
#251 by spanky on 05.02.07 9:58 am |
“32″ patch