Something weird is going on with the Tigers (besides the fact that they’re flushing their postseason hopes down the crapper). It involves that little orange dot on the crown of their road batting helmets. Or at least it’s supposed to be there — but lately it’s been a little more complicated than that.
The most obvious problem child is Gary Sheffield, whose dot has been way off-center in recent days. Then there’s Curtis Granderson, whose dot is several inches too far forward. But at least Sheffield and Granderson have their dots — Placido Polanco’s orange dot is missing altogether.
It’s been a while since I’ve written about the helmet dots, so here’s a quick recap: Most MLB teams use them, and they’re actually included in MLB helmet decal kits. They sort of mimic the button on the top of a cap, but that doesn’t explain why the dots are sometimes used by teams that don’t have contrast-colored cap buttons. A spokesman from Rawlings, which makes all the MLB helmets, once told me that the little dots were a visual trademark of ABC Helmet (the company that originally made the helmets) and were continued by Rawlings in the interest of continuity, even though they don’t always match the caps. To my way of thinking, the dots are a silly anachronism at best, and they make no sense at all on a CoolFlo helmet, since the newfangled lids don’t are only loosely based on caps anyway.
None of which explains the situation with the Tigers. Is it some sort of superstitious good luck charm? Is it a way of sending signals that even Bill Belichick can’t steal? Is it a way to get people to stop talking about those other helmet dots? (I still get two or three questions a day about that — incredible.) If anyone knows the deal, please fill us in.
(Special thanks to Benjamin Bonnett and intern Vince Grzegorek, who brought the Tigers situation to my attention.)
MLB 2008 Update: I have a feeling this link isn’t gonna stay up for long, but for now you can see most of the 2008 MLB uni revisions — including, yes, the new Tampa design — here. Discuss.
Typography Update: Yesterday brought still more chest/sleeve typographic inconsistencies (the first two of which were contributed by Brendon Yarian):
• Check out the lower serif on the 2 worn by the mid-’80s Browns (home, road).
• Ohio State’s 4 in the mid-1970s had a lower serif on the chest but not on the sleeve (home, road).
• Dennis Jones noted in yesterday’s comments that the Cowboys have had chest/shoulder inconsistencies with a variety of numerals, including 2, 2 again, 3, 7, and 7 again.
• Yesterday I mentioned that the Jets had inconsistent 2s in the late ’60s, but the pseudonymous Graf Zeppelin pointed out in yesterday’s comments that they apparently had a similar problem 20 years later, as seen on the cover of their 1989 yearbook. That prompted a spectacularly informative follow-up comment from sj32:
The reason there are two different typefaces is because the jerseys were made by two different manufacturers. The jersey Shuler is wearing was made by Sand Knit while the “22″ jersey was made by Champion. In the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s, the number font on the jerseys was often determined by which company manufactured it. In that era, Sand Knit, Russell Athletic, and Champion were the primary suppliers (with King O’Shea, Southland Athletic, and Wilson supplying a couple of teams). A Champion jersey was usually identifiable by the slanted middle of the 2s and the curved 7s. Sand Knit and Russell used standard block fonts, but there were slight differences. Sand Knit produced the jerseys with the notched 5s used by Green Bay, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, etc. The Russell jerseys were somewhat narrower than the Sand numbers, particularly on the sleeves.
Meanwhile, design director Scott M.X. Turner checked in with a few thoughts on the matter:
2s are the only digit where a bar — not a serif, but a bar — can shift dramatically, 45 and 90 degree angles. (7s can a bit — sometimes they’re rendered with a curve even when the number set is all straight lines.) I think that a 2’s middle bar is altered from jersey front/back to sleeve because a diagonal bar looks skinnier than a horizontal bar. Also, compressed number sets support a diagonal 2 better than a horizontal-bar 2, which tends to look squeezed when compressed. Me, I like compressed sets, but for the smaller TV numbers — either shoulder yoke or sleeve placement — it’s not as readable.
Why a team would have one variety on the home jersey and the other on its road jersey, that’s anybody’s guess. The easy default answer — that back in the day (meaning 1980 and prior, generally), the manufacturer just used whatever was lying around — works some of the time. But there have to be instances when a decision was made that one 2 looked better than another.
By the way, the very best example, of different number sets front and back is the late ’60s UCLA basketball jersey — the Lew Alcindor era. Front was a squat, boxy style, and the back was an elegant, narrow vertical style. Maybe they adopted this to make Alcindor look taller — I wouldn’t be surprised at all. Pretty sure that before Alcindor, the front style was also the back style.
Speaking of typography, a new documentary film about the typeface Helvetica (called, of course, Helvetica) is currently screening here in New York. I saw it two nights ago and loved it. No team I can think of has ever used Helvetica on its uniforms, which helps explain why the movie has no sports-related content, but there are several good interludes with graphic designer Michael Beirut, who I know has done some work for the Jets, plus plenty of detail-driven bits that should appeal to anyone who Gets It™. Recommended viewing.
Unusual Research Request: I’m looking for someone in the New York area who can read lips. Sports fan preferred; availability for watching lots of mid-October sports in the company of an ESPN reporter of my approximate height and build essential. If you know of anyone who fits the bill, please get in touch. Thanks.
Raffle Reminder: Today’s the last day to enter the raffle for the L.A. Kings jersey, the Washington Capitals T-shirt, and the bunch of MLB sleeve patches. To enter, send an e-mail to uniraffle at earthlink dot net by this 10 p.m. eastern tonight. I’ll announce the winners tomorrow. One e-mail per person, but anyone enrolled in the Uni Watch membership program by the time of the drawing will automatically get three bonus entries.
Oh, and by the way: Last month I was saying that there’d be a real doozy of a raffle in September. This isn’t it — the doozy is yet to come. Just waiting for one last piece to fall into place.
Uni Watch News Ticker: Forgot to mention that my Financial Times article about the Lelands sports memorabilia auction house (research for which was documented here) was published on Saturday. The article is here, and there’s a sidebar here. … Several unusual wristbands in this shot (with thanks to Jeremy Brahm). … Pat Ratliff notes that Devin Hester is up to his old double sock tricks. I forgot to mention that Giants equipment director Joe Skiba showed me something last Friday that may explain this phenomenon: Several of the Giants’ players have socks sewn into the bottom of their pants and then wear an additional pair of socks over that. That’s probably what Hester is doing. … As a big fan of green and gold, I have a soft spot for Norfolk State’s design. Go Spartans! (With thanks to Bruce Soltys.) … We’ve previously mentioned how MTSU uses huge nameplate lettering for short surnames, but you can’t fully appreciate the absurdity of it until you see this (with thanks to Chad Cate). … Brad Bierman just alerted me to a uni-related attraction I hadn’t previously been aware of: the Philadelphia Athletics Historical Society Museum, which looks pretty cool. … Reprinted from yesterday’s comments: The Phillies used to have a raised helmet appliqué, just as the Cubs still do. … We’ve all seen baseball players who wear state or national flags on their gloves. But here’s something I haven’t seen before: Clay Buchholz wears the Texas state flag inside his glove (genius catch by Randy Williams). … Here’s a rare sight: a pitcher who wears No. 0. He’s even got it on his undershirt collar (with thanks to Jeremy Brahm).
#1 by Allan Chandler on 09.20.07 9:03 am |
Tampa’s new duds -
Boring. Stupid. What’s the deal with the starburst?
The Jersey looks like someone typed “Rays” on it. Ugh.
I simply cannot understand all the brouhaha about a new identity, and then this is what they come up with? Please – I hope the link was erroneous.
#2 by DJ on 09.20.07 9:07 am |
Boring. Stupid. What’s the deal with the starburst?
Sunburst, probably.
Why couldn’t they just go with “Manta Rays”? They could’ve still used the “Rays” contraction (like Portland contracts to “Blazers” and Seattle contracts to “Sonics”).
#3 by Brian on 09.20.07 9:07 am |
Re: the Devil Rays’ new duds.
Can anyone post a picture, the site Paul provided is firewalled for me.
Thanks!
#4 by Alan on 09.20.07 9:09 am |
Wow, those Rays unis remind me of the Royals and the star is realy pointless. Oh well.
#5 by matt1977 on 09.20.07 9:09 am |
Rays- I like the green better. Why another blue team?
The Browns signed P Scott Player so we’ll get some single bar action this week…
#6 by Michael B on 09.20.07 9:09 am |
If those pictures are real, Tampa now has the worst uniforms in the league…ugh, they are like a minor league team with those uni’s
#7 by Eriq Jaffe on 09.20.07 9:10 am |
According to that link, the Rays’ alternate jerseys appear to be batting practice jerseys…overall, they’re certainly no improvement to what they currently have.
#8 by Matt on 09.20.07 9:11 am |
O man…Tampa Bay….
SaWING and a miss!
I really wits they would have just gone to a Green and White color scheme that was tasteful.
Also…Why does the Home Alt. and Away Alt. jerseys look like this years BP jerseys???
Hope that isn’t going to be a trend….
#9 by Boston Nick on 09.20.07 9:11 am |
They may be throwbacks, but those Cleveland alternates are pretty amazingly boring as well.
#10 by Paul Lukas on 09.20.07 9:11 am |
Eriq Jaffe said:
Those are indeed the BP jerseys — there’s no alternate jersey. Just a case of mislabeling on that list.
Everything shown there is legit. I’m not allowed to show any of this to you myself, but I don’t mind linking to someone ELSE who’s showing it.
#11 by Robert on 09.20.07 9:12 am |
Eriq Jaffe said:
I was just getting ready to make the same comment about the alternates. Are those really the alts or are they batting practice jerseys?
Big thumbs down to the Rays. They should have simply fine-tuned what they have now.
#12 by SL on 09.20.07 9:15 am |
Re: Rays: And are those white stripes running on the side of the jersey beneath the arm on the alternate home and alternate road jerseys? Looks like BP jerseys to me. Ugh.
#13 by Stuby on 09.20.07 9:18 am |
So the Devil Rays are pulling a D-Back and ripping off another teams color scheme. In this case, the victim of theft is the Padres. Those ‘Alternate’ jerseys look suspiciously like BP jerseys (i.e. ugly as Hell).
Nope. Don’t like ‘em. Boring and uninspired.
#14 by Bob D on 09.20.07 9:18 am |
Throwbacks for my Skins this weekend.
#15 by The Original Lee on 09.20.07 9:19 am |
Nice article in the FT Paul. dont know how i missed it, i read the FT almost as religiously as uniwatch.
#16 by Jake on 09.20.07 9:20 am |
Tampa Bay :
Fist, why was it so important to take the word “Devil” out of the name ? I think “Rays” is bland and uninspired.
Second, the green was pretty distinctive… jumping to a blue lumps them in with a lot of other clubs.
Third, the Devil Rays play in St. Pete, but they are called the Tampa Bay Devil Rays… the team very intentionally connected itself with the whole area – so why take the location off the away jerseys ? Here in Baltimore, that’s a very contentious issue. I can’t imagine why you’d do it in this case.
Toronto:
I have a soft spot in my heart for the 80s unis that were all one color (the god-awful Phillies uniforms, the Orioles in solid orange, etc.) so I actually like the alternate unis.
[shrugs]
Hey, everyone’s entitled to a little bad taste sometimes.
#17 by Seth H on 09.20.07 9:22 am |
Players are questioning whether the new RBK Edge system might contribute to injuries in fights. (The following quote from a NY Post article is kind of lengthy for a “comment”, but I think it is worth it):
“Janssen will require surgical repair on his separated right shoulder. The forward missed 11 games last season with a dislocation of that shoulder, and reinjured it in two fights during Monday’s exhibition opener, a 3-2 loss to the Flyers in Trenton. Lamoriello said Janssen’s surgery will be delayed until the swelling goes down.
“Though Janssen does not blame the NHL’s new jerseys for his shoulder injury, other Devils said they are concerned the stretchy, streamlined sweaters played a significant role in the poundings Janssen suffered and fear they can lead to major injuries.
“They’ll be donning those newfangled jerseys again tonight when they face the Bruins in Manchester, N.H., and at the Garden tomorrow against the Rangers.
Janssen twice lost bouts to Flyer Jesse Boulerice, each after Boulerice pulled Janssen’s jersey over the Devil’s head and flailed away.
“‘I’ve seen Janssen fight quite a bit and I’ve never seen that,’ said Mike Rupp, among the other combatants that night. ‘It’s still early to know, but if it is a problem, somebody could be hurt very, very badly. It could be an eye.’
“The old tactic of immobilizing and blinding a foe by pulling his jersey over his head had been minimized by the mandated tie-downs on the inside back of the previous jerseys. They didn’t work Monday.
“Arron Asham said the jerseys are coming apart, literally, at the seams.
“‘They seem to be ripping right from the shoulders back. The tie-downs are too long, as well,’ said Asham, who also fought in that exhibition opener. ‘Hopefully they can look at it and fix the problem before anyone else gets hurt.
“‘It probably had something to do with it. You don’t want other guys going down with serious injuries because of the jerseys. I’ve seen a few of them rip now, so . . . mine ripped. Our jerseys are so tight, if someone grabs them, they’re bound to rip.’
‘Lamoriello, who wasn’t a fan of the fashion makeover to begin with, said, ‘I’m looking into it.’”
#18 by Bluesfan on 09.20.07 9:22 am |
Rays uniforms are more boring than ugly. It is amazing they spend all this time and money to come up with that. What a waste!
Paul, your soft spot for the Norfolk State unis must be on your head. Those are ugly! The only way to make them look good is to show them side by side with Oregon’s horrible uniforms.
#19 by Jill on 09.20.07 9:23 am |
Michael B said:
If you are going to play like a minor league team, might as well look like one.
#20 by Walaitis on 09.20.07 9:24 am |
When I first heard that KC was considering going back to the powder blues as an alternate, I was concerned. Powder blue? In 2008? How rediculous would that look to wear powder blue jerseys and pants in the majors in this day and age? Then I saw the mock-up. So, the only thing worse than blue shirts and pants is powder blue shirts with WHITE pants! If you’re gonna go there, do it right.
#21 by jake sorg on 09.20.07 9:25 am |
Is it a way to get people to stop talking about those other helmet dots?
I imagine that this was supposed to be a link the the green dots on the NFL helmets.
#22 by MT in Cincy on 09.20.07 9:26 am |
Notice how the new Rays jerseys don’t say “Tampa Bay” on them except for the “TB” on the caps?
#23 by Mike on 09.20.07 9:27 am |
2 easy questions:
1) What is tackle twill?
2) What is chain stitching?
#24 by Cork Gaines on 09.20.07 9:27 am |
HERE is a campaign to get the Rays to include striped stirrups in the new Unis. Could help
#25 by Paul Lukas on 09.20.07 9:27 am |
Bluesfan said:
Which is exactly what I said yesterday. Such a snooze! Hard to believe that’s really the best (or worst, or most distinctive) anyone could come up with.
#26 by Chris on 09.20.07 9:28 am |
The Rays jerseys are a big disappointment. When I heard they were going to include blue and yellow, I was expecting blue and yellow not a Tinkerbell star on the jersey. I like navy blue and light blue as opposed to royal blue and light blue.
#27 by Adam on 09.20.07 9:29 am |
I can’t view that MLB uniforms page at work, and it’ll probably be gone before I get home. Can somebody post pictures on Flickr, or at least tell me what teams besides Tampa have changes? Thanks.
#28 by Paul Lukas on 09.20.07 9:29 am |
jake sorg said:
Yes, thanks. Fixed.
#29 by Robert on 09.20.07 9:32 am |
The Royals alt powder blues look very out of place with white pants. I understand that they needed to go that route if they wanted to wear them at home, but they just look so odd without the matching blue pants.
#30 by dilbert719 on 09.20.07 9:32 am |
Tampa Bay: Bleah.
Cleveland: I prefer the Chief Wahoo hat, but I can understand the reasoning for a block C hat. Just don’t care for it much.
Kansas City, Philly, and Toronto: JOY!!!!
Seriously, the more powder/sky blue in the majors, the better, especially on the Royals, who can really get away with it. And the Blue Jays, bringing back the light blue AND the old logo? I love it. Phils, I was so afraid we were going to get a Phillies version of the Angels’ blood clot design that anything else would have made me happy, but this is old school, tasteful… perfect. All it needs (and I don’t recall seeing them) is stirrups.
#31 by ScottyJ in WV on 09.20.07 9:33 am |
The Devil Rays new look isn’t very good. Very bland and uninspiring. The sad thing is somebody got paid a lot of money to come up with that.
Hell, they could’ve gotten 10 people that post here regularly and they would’ve turned out something infinitely better than that.
Paul, I too like green and gold as a combo, but Norfolk State’s execution of said combo is less than good. The word ugly actually comes to mind.
Now, this is good.
#32 by Big Mike on 09.20.07 9:34 am |
The new Phillies alts are just a re-do of the unis from the early ’40s. I guess I’m wondering why?
It looks like the new Indians alts are all-white, too. Is plain white the new black of alt unis? In the Phils’ case, all they did was remove the pinstripes. It’s not drastic enough to promote sales (which is the only reason for any alts in the first place).
#33 by Johnny Garfield on 09.20.07 9:34 am |
I believe the Phillies, in the 1970-91 uniforms, used Helvetica for their numbers.
#34 by Johnny O on 09.20.07 9:34 am |
Paul Lukas said:
I mean come on. I guarantee almost anyone on this site could have come up with a much better design in a week’s time then it took these yahoo’s to come up with that boring design. Forget about the colors for a second. They are just boring. It almost looks as if they are going retro, although we all know they are not that old to have a retro kit. Simple is not always good. A HUUUUUUUUUGE thumbs down to this organization for not taking the time and the effort into making a great uni, or at least a great logo.
#35 by chris on 09.20.07 9:36 am |
I pass the Phila. Athletics museum everyday when I go to/from work. I’ve been meaninig to stop inside and snap some pictures but it’s only open until 3:00
#36 by MT in Chicago on 09.20.07 9:36 am |
Paul Lukas said:
But we must remember….
No one on this blog likes any uniform design…period.
All it is is a bitchfest.
#37 by Kevin from Ohio in Virginia on 09.20.07 9:38 am |
PLEASE SOMEONE SHARE PICS WE CAN ALL VIEW!!! THIS IS KILLING ME!!!
#38 by Joe M on 09.20.07 9:39 am |
Paul,
Yes, it’s a goofy name and even Red Sox fans still have not become used to it.
Buchholz
#39 by keek80 on 09.20.07 9:39 am |
i think the Rays uniforms are boring. Especially the Cap. They could’ve thought of something better then that. Plus what is the point of dropping the devil in devil rays if ur still gonna have a devil rays patch on your sleeve. Especially when they have the sunburst or whatever it is on there. You can’t have it both ways. use the rays as in sunrays more and ditch the rays as in devil rays altogether. Put a sun on there or something. Wouldn’t the sunburst with the TB make a great cap. Just my thoughts.
#40 by Jason on 09.20.07 9:40 am |
Silly raffle question:
It is said that members get three BONUS entries. Does this mean that you still need to send an email, or do members automatically get three entries regardless.
#41 by Joe Drennan on 09.20.07 9:40 am |
In refernce to the RBK Egde jerseys causing injuries to enforcers in hockey, I suppose the enforcers will simply have their jerseys tailored like they did with the old jerseys to allow for roomier arms. They did this in the old jerseys to allow for more wiggle room when somebody had their jersey sleve, allowing them to still move the arm and land punchhes. I suppose it’ll be a little hard to get away with a sleve that lose with the new jerseys, but I doublt any will complain if they’re a bit looser to prevent injury.
Now before people jump all over this saying there shouldn’t be fighting in hockey – there is fighting, has been, always will be. If you want to discuss this send me an e-mail. I’d be glad to debate, but this isn’t the forum for such a debate.
#42 by Chance on 09.20.07 9:41 am |
MT in Chicago said:
Good-bye, then.
#43 by BDiamond on 09.20.07 9:41 am |
On the bright side, maybe we’ll talking about the Rays jersey in another couple years when we re-visit those one and done uniforms.
#44 by Paul Lukas on 09.20.07 9:41 am |
Joe M said:
Oops, sorry. Thanks for pointing it out — fixed now.
#45 by Bluesfan on 09.20.07 9:41 am |
Let’s give the Rays some credit.
They have been consistently a bad team
They have been consistently poorly run
They have been consistently known as Tampa Bay, but play in St. Pete
They consistently play in the most ridiculous stadium
They now come up with a style that is boring and unimaginitive…but consistent with their history of being mediocre (at best)
The uniform decision should not be a surprise given all this.
#46 by Stephen on 09.20.07 9:42 am |
D’oh! I think I had a post eaten…Oh well, let’s try again….
I like the color scheme for Tampa’s new uni’s, but the wordmark seems contrived. Could have been much better.
And, regarding Dale Jr.’s new car designs, I actually like them. I thought they were pretty sharp. Didn’t like the font or color of the numbers at first, but it is growing on me.
And I thought this was interesting. It is a set of printable stickers that AMP has on their site so all the people with one “8″ on all their Jr. stuff can add the second “8″ beside it…
~E~
#47 by Paul Lukas on 09.20.07 9:43 am |
Jason said:
You don’t NEED to send an e-mail — if you’re a member by 10pm tonight, you will automatically get three entries in the raffle. You can also send an e-mail just like anyone else, giving you a total of four entries.
#48 by ross on 09.20.07 9:44 am |
not only are the rays unis bland, but why would they try to look exactly like the royals? maybe they’re trying to fool ther fans into thinking they’re another team (i don’t know why they would choose kc though).
i wish the phillies would go back to powder blues, i think it could even work with their current uni
#49 by Chris on 09.20.07 9:45 am |
The new Rays unis remind me of this. Wanna buy a pineapple?
#50 by Bluesfan on 09.20.07 9:46 am |
No one on this blog likes any uniform design…period.
All it is is a bitchfest.
Clearly this person did not see the conversation on the hockey uniforms. Yes, some dislikes, but people were complimenting teams like the Blue Jackets. And there was both high praise and high condemnation for the Blues (good), Stars(bad), Canucks (UGH!) and Coyotes (very good).
#51 by ditchfarmer on 09.20.07 9:47 am |
When I see teams changing the BP caps, I assume that means they will change the side panels to the same color as the rest of the hat, sort of a loophole to wear the required hat, but not look so stupid.
#52 by JPRays on 09.20.07 9:48 am |
Rays Uniforms. What a travesty. Just picture those boring things in the Trop. After all the great things the new ownership has done, they bust out this number. I was actually really excited about this. Then looked what gets spit out.
There were better concepts done by amateurs then what got turned out by these so called professionals.
#53 by Johnny O on 09.20.07 9:48 am |
I can’t think of it for the life of me right now, but I know there is a college team out there that has almost the same stylized “R” as the Rays new logo. It looks like a combination of that, and the Lakers logo as well.
Look at the “R” in Lakers. It isn’t that close, but you get the idea
#54 by Eriq Jaffe on 09.20.07 9:48 am |
A far, far, far better “Tampa Bay Rays” set was done by a guy on the Chris Creamer boards:
http://boards.sports...
In particular, his interlocking “TB” cap logo is a thing of beauty.
#55 by Walaitis on 09.20.07 9:52 am |
MT in Chicago said:
Uniform designs (generally) liked by the majority of readers here (if I may be so bold and willing to speak for the masses):
Red Sox
Yankees
Tigers
White Sox (hate to admit it)
Braves (non-alternate)
Cubs
Cardinals (hate to admit it)
Dodgers
… and that’s just MLB! See, no bitching required. Good taste is all it takes.
#56 by Shaftman on 09.20.07 9:52 am |
The thing I don’t get about the Rays is this. They have a nice color scheme and one of the nicer uniforms already. While some may not like the “Devil” in the name, there is certainly nothing wrong with having it in there. Methinks the people running the orginization would just be better served putting out a good team.
#57 by Jason Axel on 09.20.07 9:55 am |
Well at least now, the Rays can claim that the reason their fans fall asleep at games is now because of their boring uniforms instead of just their boring attempt at playing major league baseball.
those are so bland I think they’d be better off playing with a blank uniform.
#58 by Bluesfan on 09.20.07 9:56 am |
… and that’s just MLB! See, no bitching required. Good taste is all it takes
Amen to Walaitis.
#59 by Scientific on 09.20.07 10:02 am |
Just so you know, the Rays have already begun the process of getting their fans used to the new color scheme:
http://tampabay.devi...
Personally, I think those uniforms are a joke. What use is a sunburst when you PLAY IN A DOME?
As an Indians fan, I love the new alternates. I hated the vests, and I HATE the Wahoo logo (don’t get me started). Love to see the “C” return to the hat.
#60 by michael on 09.20.07 10:04 am |
Rays uni’s are a HUGE! let down. boring logo, boring color choice and execution. Seriously the MLB needs to start thinking out of the box with the color choices as of late its either red, blue, or black. as someone commented before anyone here could come up with something totally better than this and right someone got paid ALOT of money to do this too. even with those color choices they could of done something more interesting than that. i like that the bluejays are using that throwback for their alternate, its one of my favorite uni’s i’d say the number font is probably my favorite. i like the new phils but hate the hat.
#61 by Stuby on 09.20.07 10:04 am |
Shaftman said:
Or selling it, because it seems they have no clue how to run a team.
#62 by Tao of Stieb on 09.20.07 10:05 am |
Powder blues! The original font! Original logo!
It’s almost enough to make us forget about the Jays’ crappy season!
Now, if only they would swap out the stupid black in their caps and alts for a royal or midnight blue, all would be right with the world.
(Well, except for all the war, famine and pestilence, but you get the drift.)
Joy!
#63 by MikeB on 09.20.07 10:05 am |
The Tribe’s throwback alternate is interesting, but that’s not the big news…
Cleveland
-Removal of metallic silver in all Club logo, uniform lettering and marks
It’s about time! There was never any reason for that stupid looking silver trim on the uniforms in the first place. It just cluttered up the wordmark and logos.
#64 by Kevin on 09.20.07 10:06 am |
Unusual Research Request: I’m looking for someone in the New York area who can read lips. Sports fan preferred; availability for watching lots of mid-October sports in the company of an ESPN reporter of my approximate height and build essential. If you know of anyone who fits the bill, please get in touch. Thanks.
I’m intrigued already by what this may be for.
#65 by Matt B on 09.20.07 10:06 am |
I had a thought about the rounded hemlines for the new NHL jerseys: would they look better untucked if the rounded portion were colored to match the breezers so that they blended in?
#66 by Johnny O on 09.20.07 10:07 am |
Johnny O said:
I figured out my own question, and it would have been a lot harder than I thought. The stylized “R” I was talking about was from DIII football team Ripon Red Hawks from Ripon, WI. Here is their logo…
Ripon Red Hawks
#67 by Hank on 09.20.07 10:08 am |
Alternate unis for the Phillies is a welcome sight. And as they are based on the 1948-49 design, which is my fav, makes it all the better.
They should ditch those pinstripes altogether.
#68 by Joe on 09.20.07 10:09 am |
Brian said:
I’ll echo this. Can anyone help a brother out?
#69 by Donny on 09.20.07 10:10 am |
The infmous early ’90s Philadelphia Sixers unis featured Helvetica. http://espn.go.com/p...
#70 by Joe Drennan on 09.20.07 10:11 am |
Matt B said:
I got my 2007-08 season NHL catalouge yesterday and the first page had all the new jerseys. Great visual run down, but I immediatly noticed that thy photoshoped the jerseys giving the hemline a straigh appearance, not the true rounded hemline. I found this interesting.
#71 by AB on 09.20.07 10:12 am |
Can any one, ANY ONE actually post a link that WORKS for the new Deviled Egg’s Uniforms?
#72 by Shaftman on 09.20.07 10:16 am |
AB said:
I am putting them on flickr.com now. Give me about 5 minutes and I’ll post a link.
#73 by Jkads on 09.20.07 10:17 am |
MikeB agree 100% on the silver trim
#74 by Donny on 09.20.07 10:17 am |
“I believe the Phillies, in the 1970-91 uniforms, used Helvetica for their numbers.”
Not quite, the vertical bar in the number 5 is slanted slightly in Helvetica, but was straight up-and-down in the Phillies’ old typeface. http://content.image...
#75 by Paul Lukas on 09.20.07 10:17 am |
Joe Drennan said:
I believe the replicas have straight hems. That might be what they’re showing.
#76 by Rich on 09.20.07 10:19 am |
Kevin from Ohio in Virginia said:
Here you go Kevin:
http://i201.photobuc...
http://i201.photobuc...
http://i201.photobuc...
http://i201.photobuc...
http://i201.photobuc...
#77 by Shaftman on 09.20.07 10:19 am |
Tampa Bay RAYS uni pics on Flickr.com
Let me know if you have any problems viewing them as I have not used flickr before. Thanks.
#78 by Bluesfan on 09.20.07 10:19 am |
Unusual Research Request: I’m looking for someone in the New York area who can read lips. Sports fan preferred; availability for watching lots of mid-October sports in the company of an ESPN reporter of my approximate height and build essential. If you know of anyone who fits the bill, please get in touch. Thanks.
I think this request comes from Bill BelaCHEAT…I mean Belichick
#79 by Andy on 09.20.07 10:20 am |
AB said:
Seeing everyone asking repeatedly for a link (to the new Rays unis) that works reminds me of little kids asking their buddies for a chance to smell something really gross…like a fart in a jar or something…and when they finally get to smell it, they go on and on about how gross it smelled and how they wished they’d never smelled it at all.
#80 by al on 09.20.07 10:21 am |
I will miss the d’rays vest with green sleeve unis … i though it was unique, and now they have become just like everyone else.
good news is that the royals will bring back the blue uni!!!
#81 by Kip Whiffle on 09.20.07 10:21 am |
I admit the Rays new uniforms aren’t the best, but I kinda like ‘em. But, I am in the minority with most of my opinions.
For example…
I’m the guy who likes the Bengals helmet. I think it’s one of the best designs in the NFL.
I don’t like the Sharks new unis. Sorry. It’s the colors. I hate the colors. The design is ok.
I like purple uniforms. The Vikings helmets remind me of a grape lollipop. Yummy.
And last but not least: I think Tina Fey is the hottest babe on TV. (No, no, Tina. Leave the glasses on.)
#82 by Andy on 09.20.07 10:22 am |
thanks for the pics guys. I guess.
#83 by ESS on 09.20.07 10:22 am |
chris said:
You may be in luck, Chris. This Tuesday, 9/25, the president of the A’s Historical Society will be giving a talk at the Upper Moreland Historical Association in Willow Grove, Pa. He should be bringing some memorabilia from the museum. The public is cordially invited. Not sure how much uni talk there’ll be, but I am sure we could arrange something.
#84 by dgc on 09.20.07 10:23 am |
Joe Drennan said:
I understand that the replicas have straight hemlines, are you sure that’s not you’re looking at?
#85 by Team C. on 09.20.07 10:24 am |
I dig the Phillies Home Alts.
They’re like the ‘48 jerseys. The blue cap will look fine w/the new jersey and pants because (obviously) it’s not going on top of a white and red pinstriped uni.
#86 by Mike Engle on 09.20.07 10:24 am |
Hank said:
Agreed. I always thought the current Phillies, at home, looked like candy canes.
#87 by JPRays on 09.20.07 10:25 am |
Shaftman said:
go to
#88 by Orange and Blue on 09.20.07 10:25 am |
Hmmm….There must be something wrong with that link about the MLB 2008 changes….I got most of it, but the part about the Mets eliminating the black from their unis is missing….I mean, the Mets ARE eliminating the black from their unis, aren’t they???? Please….
#89 by dgc on 09.20.07 10:26 am |
Wow, Paul responds before I could. Anyway, it seems Reebok is really trying to pull one over on fans by calling the replicas “Premier” jerseys.
#90 by AB on 09.20.07 10:26 am |
Since when are the Norfolk Tides moving to the Tampa Area…OR…Are the Deviled Eggs becoming the Orioles new farm team
#91 by John O'Hare on 09.20.07 10:26 am |
We’ve previously mentioned how MTSU uses huge nameplate lettering for short surnames, but you can’t fully appreciate the absurdity of it until you see this (with thanks to Chad Cate).
I seem to recall that in the 70’s or 80’s, Pirate catcher Ed Ott had a larger than average name on his jersey. Anybody else remember this as well or have a pic?
#92 by Tricia on 09.20.07 10:27 am |
Back to the discussion a few days ago about NHL pants, and whether players would be required to wear Reebok’s pant systems if they were aligned with another manufacturer….
Here’s a photo of Steve Staios, and you can pretty clearly see the Oilers shell from whatever manufacturer he chose, over what is likely the Reebok system pants / girdle. Most pants you buy off the shelf have the shell integrated into the pants.
Staios Pic
#93 by Joe Drennan on 09.20.07 10:29 am |
While most things about the Rays as they now want to be called is that I really like their current green hat. I don’t know what it is about it, but I’d consider buying one if I thought I’d wear something other than my home Cubs hat during baseball season or my navy bears hat the rest of the year.
Look at the bright side rays fans. Your team at least will look the roll when they play like a minor league team now.
#94 by AB on 09.20.07 10:29 am |
Shaftman said:
Is this page telling us something new? like are these the new designs for some teams? I mean the royals? WTF? And the tribe? A step backwards…at least if that is the new BLOW Jays unis they are an improvement
#95 by Pat on 09.20.07 10:29 am |
Paul,
Any idea if the Phillies alternates are a one-time throwback deal or if they will wear them multiple times?
#96 by Marc on 09.20.07 10:29 am |
It never seems to stop amazing me how people on photoshop can create better and more original designs than the leagues that pay people to do that stuff.
My thoughts on the Rays unis:
I’m with everyone, I don’t like the starbust. I think it’s annoying and out of place.
Not a fan of going with “Rays” on the road jersey. I’ve always felt you do nickname at home, city/state on the road.
Why no alternate? I know alot of people don’t like alternate jerseys…but I do. And for a team like the rays with no history…its not like it would be a step down.
#97 by Kerry on 09.20.07 10:30 am |
Thanks for the pics. I too think that the sunburst or sun “rays” are somewhat out of place. The color-scheme is OK. Nothing over the top and they didn’t add any red which seems to be the fad right now. But now you have 3 teams
#98 by Marc on 09.20.07 10:31 am |
As a side not to Paul and the UW faithful, I need your help!!!
I just got my first head baseball coaching job at a school…only to find the colors are gold and PURPLE. I have to design uniforms now…What do I do? I’d love some feedback. Thanks
#99 by Adam on 09.20.07 10:32 am |
Thanks a ton to those who posted the new MLB uniforms. Besides the thing about the Indians removing silver, any other changes like that that didn’t have photos?
#100 by Paul Lukas on 09.20.07 10:32 am |
John O’Hare said:
The Pirates did indeed use a special large/wide custom font for short names during the late ’70s and early ’80s. I’d forgotten that Ed Ott was one of the affected players. The one I always think of is Lee Lacy.
#101 by Mark in Shiga on 09.20.07 10:32 am |
Those ‘48 Phillies jerseys would look even better if they ditched the player names on the back.
Better yet, bring back those massive numbers that they used in the 1950s!
And am I the only one who thinks of Helvetica as the “Phillies number font” before thinking of it as a typeface? When my family first got a computer — a Mac Classic back in 1990 — that’s how I remembered Helvetica.
(I’m more of a Futura or Eurostile guy myself though. Futura was used in the Baseball Encyclopedia, and Eurostile, except for the distinctive hooked 1, looks like the Cubs’ number font.)
#102 by Cork Gaines on 09.20.07 10:32 am |
AB said:
The others are all alternate unis for 2008
#103 by Bluesfan on 09.20.07 10:33 am |
I just got my first head baseball coaching job at a school…only to find the colors are gold and PURPLE. I have to design uniforms now…What do I do? I’d love some feedback. Thanks
Whatever you do, don’t take recommendations from the Rays!
#104 by Paul Lukas on 09.20.07 10:34 am |
Pat said:
I think it’s meant to be worn multiple times. But as we recently learned with the White Sox, it won’t necessarily happen that way.
#105 by Kerry on 09.20.07 10:34 am |
Kerry said:
Sorry, don’t know why I posted that without finishing the thought…
Now you have 3 teams in the AL East with the dark blue, kinda of bland color-scheme: Yankees, Blue Jays, Rays.
But, on a stand-alone basis, they’re not too bad. I think it will be much easier to judge AFTER seeing real jerseys and hats.
#106 by Shaftman on 09.20.07 10:34 am |
Orange and Blue said:
At this point as long as they eliminate Guillermo Mota’s and Scott Schoeneweis’s uni’s I’ll be fine.
Also, updated flickr page with Rays new unis and all of the alts we have been talking about (Royals, Phillies, Blue Jays, Indians, and Shea Stadium Patch)
#107 by Commisso on 09.20.07 10:37 am |
The (Devil) Rays should’ve used more yellow. I almost wished they kept the Devil in the name. RAYS just looks weird on its own. Finally! the Blue Jays are looking blue again. They will see the reaction to the new (old) blue, and will realize what a mistake they made by introducing black to their color scheme.
#108 by Joe Drennan on 09.20.07 10:37 am |
Marc said:
People with photoshp can create something better than what MLB produces becasue that one person doesn’t have to please 35 other people. Often times when it comes to sports and corperate logoes there are too many hands in the cookie jar when creating logos, not to mention the desire not to offend anybody in any way.
#109 by Adam on 09.20.07 10:38 am |
Paul Lukas said:
Those Phillies uniforms are much better than the (really boring) 1906 White Sox alts were, though, so I hope they don’t have the same fate.
#110 by Mark in Shiga on 09.20.07 10:40 am |
Paul, the majority of Japanese teams use a special wide font for surnames of four letters or fewer, plus a thin one for longer names.
And what’s more, they even use a different number font for single-digit and double-digit jersey numbers.
In fact, sharp-eyed fans will notice that they now have special extra-thin number fonts for those elusive three-digit guys!
#111 by GregW on 09.20.07 10:40 am |
Here’s what I don’t get.
Everyone loves the Yankees, Dodgers, Tigers, Red Sox, Giants unis. All of these unis are extremely plain but we call them classic. The Rays put out something with no stupid embellishments and they get bashed. I think they should have stuck with the dark green but isn’t what they did better than a baseball equivalent of the Islanders Jersey?
#112 by Brian from Short Island on 09.20.07 10:40 am |
Loving the Shea Stadium patch.
#113 by todd krevanchi on 09.20.07 10:40 am |
a. how many other people copy and pasted all that change text from that message board and saved all those pics of the changes to the hard drive?
b. 2s are the only digit where a bar — not a serif, but a bar — can shift dramatically, 45 and 90 degree angles. (7s can a bit — sometimes they’re rendered with a curve even when the number set is all straight lines.) I think that a 2’s middle bar is altered from jersey front/back to sleeve because a diagonal bar looks skinnier than a horizontal bar. Also, compressed number sets support a diagonal 2 better than a horizontal-bar 2, which tends to look squeezed when compressed. Me, I like compressed sets, but for the smaller TV numbers — either shoulder yoke or sleeve placement — it’s not as readable.
i would debate that the numeral 3 is to be included in this as well.
rockets
http://graphics.json...
tarheels
http://delivery.view...
tennessee
http://delivery.view...
c. By the way, the very best example, of different number sets front and back is the late ’60s UCLA basketball jersey — the Lew Alcindor era. Front was a squat, boxy style, and the back was an elegant, narrow vertical style. Maybe they adopted this to make Alcindor look taller — I wouldn’t be surprised at all. Pretty sure that before Alcindor, the front style was also the back style.
im curious as to when those pictures are from… remember, there was no freshman eligibility during lew’s time there and he looks awfully young in those pics. i wonder if any of those pics are of him were just stock photos in a freshman team uni.
#114 by Mark in Shiga on 09.20.07 10:42 am |
Here’s the slightly thin two-digit number font and the super-thin three-digit number font side-by-side for the Yomiuri Giants. #109 Suzuki is a ‘developmental player’.
#115 by mark on 09.20.07 10:42 am |
Love that A’s historic site. Man they had a good look. I hope they sport those jerseys when they visit philly for interleague play, esp the elephant.
#116 by Philly Bill on 09.20.07 10:43 am |
I was horrified to see the Phils would be trotting out an alt next season, but I was thrilled that — as mention by others — it’s basically an update of the 1948 uni. I actually have a ‘48 Rich Ashburn throwback (his rookie year). It has an enormous, serif-less ‘1′ on the back. No name, of course.
Big thumbs-up on the BLUE Jays’ powder blue throwbacks.
#117 by AB on 09.20.07 10:45 am |
Cork Gaines said:
Let me get this straight, MLB has approved these stupid designs? I wonder who came up with the Royals new alts? Stevie Wonder?
#118 by Shaftman on 09.20.07 10:46 am |
AB said:
Nope, he would have done better.
#119 by scott d on 09.20.07 10:49 am |
a shame to see the current D-Rays’ unis go away… but the new Indians’ uni is QUALITY.
#120 by Roger Faso on 09.20.07 10:49 am |
Tampa Bay’s new uniforms look like Kansas City Royals uniforms.
Remember 7 years ago when Bud Selig wanted to contract a couple of teams? Maybe this is MLB’s way of subliminally consolidating the crappy teams. From now on, when you are flipping the channels or checking out the TVs in a sports bar, you’ll associate the Royals/Rays uniforms with crap.
For example:
Buddy 1: “Hey. Who are the Orioles playing?”
Girlfriend 1: “I dunno. I think it’s the Royals.”
Buddy 2: “Who gives a shit? They’re crap. The Change it to the Yanks Red Sox game.”
Then. 4 years later. The Royals and Rays will merge and relocate and no one will notice, because they thought they were the same team all along.
BTW> “Rays” has got to be the most anonymous monicker in all of US organized sports. The Tampa Bay Dougs would be more charming.
(I like when teams name themselves after local industry or culture, like the Steelers or the Packers or the Mariners. The “Rays” should change their names to the Tampa Bay Elderly.)
#121 by Lou on 09.20.07 10:51 am |
Can you add the Yankees patches?
#122 by Adam on 09.20.07 10:51 am |
todd krevanchi said:
If you copied all the text, post it, post it!
#123 by Teebz on 09.20.07 10:54 am |
The other day, I had indicated to Paul that I had written to Reebok asking for clarification on some issues concerning the Rbk Edge Uniform System. A gentleman by the name of Chris Bender from Reebok-CCM got back to me with some answers, er, rhetoric.
Here we go. My questions are in italics. The answers, from Mr. Bender, are in bold.
1) When the Detroit Red Wings unveiled their new jerseys, we were told that the placement of the captaincy’s letter was moved due to the location of a seam. In fact, the quote that was reported in a Detroit newspaper reads as follows: “[t]he letters had to be moved because the new jerseys are constructed of multiple panels, more so than the old models, and there wasn’t room for them above the tip of the Winged Wheel on the left side without hitting a seam”. Yet, the Edmonton Oilers and Philadelphia Flyers have their letters over a seam. Can someone explain why Detroit had to move their letters off a seam while other teams do not?
2) What is the purpose of the rounded edges of the jersey? Aesthetically, they look terrible, and they serve no purpose in terms of functionality. Why can’t the jerseys have straight hemlines?
3) What was the reason in the decisioning to go away from the traditional hockey look with hem stripes and shoulder yokes? Teams have shown individuality in their designs, making the reason of having a template invalid. Is there any reason for the loss of a traditional-looking uniform?
Thank you for your interest in our new jerseys.
As for any of the below changes which you mentioned, these would have to be brought up with each individual team as they are the ones who come up with their unique jersey design. As you mentioned, some of the teams, like the Habs and Leafs, stayed traditional, while other teams, like Florida, San Jose and Nashville have decide to make more substantial changes to their look.
As for the rounded edges on the jerseys, these are made to “street fit” and not to wear over equipment therefor the rounded (curved) edges give them a nice look.
#124 by Angel on 09.20.07 10:55 am |
Something about the T in the Tampa Bay Rays of Light(my reasoning for the burst of light in the logo)logo makes me think of the Texas Rangers.
#125 by Shaftman on 09.20.07 10:55 am |
Adam said:
Here ya go…
It’s that time again, usually the new looks for teams aren’t available until well into the offseason, or at least until the end of the post season, but the one big change is out, so here ya go. This is probably of most interest to both Tampa Bay fans, but there’s a few teams with new alternate jerseys too. Not a whole lot going on this year. Here’s the complete list (no team = no change):
Arizona
-Modification to alternate jersey lettering
-Modification to batting practice jersey lettering
-Modification to uniform sleeve patch
-Addition of commemorative sleeve patch
Atlanta
-Modification to BP cap
Chicago White Sox
-Elimination of alternate sleeveless home uniform
Cincinnati
-Modification to batting practice headwear mark (the two-color MLB logo on the back of official caps)
Cleveland
-Elimination of current alternate home uniform
-Addition of alternate home uniform and cap
-Removal of metallic silver in all Club logo, uniform lettering and marks
Florida
-Removal of commemorative patch
Kansas City
-Addition of alternate jersey (old school sky blues!)
-Modification to batting practice cap trim
-Modification to coloration of uniform sleeve patch
Los Angeles Dodgers
-Addition of commemorative sleeve patch
Milwaukee
-Removal of commemorative sleeve patch
Minnesota
-Modification to batting practice cap trim
-Removal of commemorative sleeve patch
New York Mets
-Addition of commemorative sleeve patch
New York Yankees
-Addition of commemorative left sleeve patch
-Addition of All-Star Game right sleeve patch at commencement of All-Star balloting through All-Star Game
Oakland
-Modification to alternate home jersey lettering
-Modification to alternate cap headwear mark
Philadelphia
-Elimination of alternate cap
-Addition of alternate uniform and cap
San Diego
-Modification to batting practice jersey lettering
-Modification to batting practice cap
San Francisco
-Removal of All-Star Game patch
-Addition of commemorative patch
Seattle
-Removal of commemorative patch
-Modification to batting practice cap
St. Louis
-Removal of World Series Champion sleeve patch
Tampa Bay Rays
-Complete identity change including Club name and Club colors
Toronto
-Change to road jersey lettering
-Addition of sleeve patch to road jersey
-Change to batting practice jersey lettering
-Addition of alternate uniform (all-sky blue pullover jersey from the 80s)
Washington
-Addition of commemorative sleeve patch
#126 by Walaitis on 09.20.07 10:56 am |
Bluesfan said:
You have an option here … Gold as the predominant color … purple (a dark shade, one that from a distance might almost look black!) could be used for outlining the letters/numbers/logos, so gold figures don’t get lost against a white or grey background. It really doesn’t have to look so bad. If you’re going pinstripes, better go purple (btw, are the pinstripes in Colorado black or purple? In small quantities, it’s hard to tell!). Hope this helps.
#127 by AB on 09.20.07 10:57 am |
Where do you people find info like you have posted about uniforms. I KNOW ESPN and the MLB pages NEVER NEVER NEVER have this kinda info. Other than the UW page there AINT no info out there
#128 by chris on 09.20.07 10:58 am |
ESS said:
cool, thanks for the tip. I hope I’m free that night.
#129 by Brendan on 09.20.07 10:58 am |
Not athletic uniform related, but still a uniform:
British Army uniform history stamp set by Royal Mail.
#130 by scott on 09.20.07 10:59 am |
Thankfully the Phils know how to do an alternate uniform right, and not just go with a burgundy or red top.
Can the Jays really wear a powder blue uniform at home? That WAS a road uniform in the past. I thought MLB wouldn’t allow a road uniform to be worn at home?
#131 by Shaftman on 09.20.07 11:00 am |
AB said:
We are getting it from a link that Paul posted at the top of page in his daily report. Many people have been having trouble viewing the page and I reposted the pics here.
#132 by Bob Sherron on 09.20.07 11:02 am |
Regarding pitchers wearing 0, Omar Olivares wore 00 for a while with the Cardinals and evidently the Phillies back in the mid to late 90’s. No photographic evidence yet, but there’s a roster at Baseball Almanac.
#133 by Nate on 09.20.07 11:02 am |
I just got my first head baseball coaching job at a school…only to find the colors are gold and PURPLE. I have to design uniforms now…What do I do? I’d love some feedback. Thanks
Home:White with script team name in gold, with purple trim, and purple numbers.
Road:grey with script school name in purple, with purple trim, and purple numbers.
Alt:purple with script team name in gold, no trim, and gold numbers.
Cap:purple with team logo, and gold brim.
Socks: Purple stirrups with gold stripes.
hope that works!
#134 by Johnny O on 09.20.07 11:04 am |
Nationals Stadium Patch
D-Baacks Anniversary Patch
Giants Anniversary Patch
#135 by Nate on 09.20.07 11:04 am |
oh, and outline the gold lettering in purple
#136 by Stephen on 09.20.07 11:05 am |
Eriq Jaffe said:
I gotta say that I agree that this treatment looks really nice…but it really reminds me of a minor league team (more than the actual proposed design, even). Reminds me of this. But I still think it is better than what we’re actually going to get.
#137 by Paul Lukas on 09.20.07 11:07 am |
Bob Sherron said:
Several pitchers have worn double-zero, including Rick White and Curtis Leskanic. But I can’t think of any who’ve worn single-zero.
#138 by Cork Gaines on 09.20.07 11:08 am |
GregW said:
THANK YOU!
Classic unis are boring. that is why they are classic. Creative unis are nice, but they get old much faster. I am a Devil Rays fan *pause for laughter*…1 of 641. I like the current unis except for the green jerseys which look like t-shirts or BP jerseys. But overall I like the new duds.
1. I love the new font. Was never crazy about the old font.
2. Wish the road unis said Tampa Bay
3. Not crazy about the grey on grey road unis. Maybe Grey jersey on white pants? Not sure. But the all grey with the blue is a bit much.
4. I am glad that they kept the swiming Ray logo for consistency, but i could have done without the new splash of yellow on the fish. On the rest of the logos it is fine.
5. The starburst doesnt bother me. Could have been worse and I could see an alternate cap in the future.
6. The unis on the Creamer boards are AWFUL. this is a baseball uniform not an art class.
7. And can somebody get me some god damned stirrups!
#139 by Angel on 09.20.07 11:08 am |
I also think that those Tampa Bay “Alternates” are really just going to be the BP jerseys. I know the D-Backs introduced alternates to go with their new unis, but usually teams just go with a home and road uni when they introduce a new design. Alternates usually come later on down the line. And the only reason that Arizona had alternates from the beginning is because they have both Red and Black in their color scheme the two so called “IT” colors right now. That and they didn’t want to lose out to the Mets in the too many uniforms to count department…
#140 by Alan on 09.20.07 11:09 am |
It’s been bugging me all morning, but I finally realized what the Rays new logo/font reminds me of: this
There’s one of these dreadful ’steakhouses’ in my town and most Midwest towns, I believe.
#141 by Johnny O on 09.20.07 11:11 am |
Walaitis said:
My hometown of Stevens Point, Wisconsin has a university (University of Wisconsin Stevens Point) and their colors are Purple and Gold. Their nickname is the Pointers and their mascot is a dog (pointer dog) I don’t really like the purple in the uniforms (or maybe it is my deep hatred for the Vikings, who knows) Anyway, my point is that UWSP does a pretty good job of combining purple and gold and not letting it get out of hand. Here is a link to their athletics page, and you can browse and see if you like anything.
University of Wisconsin Stevens Point Pointers
#142 by adr on 09.20.07 11:12 am |
Marc said:
First thing I would do is find out if people are attached to the purple and gold scheme. You never know. People might identify the team closely with those colours.
#143 by Neil on 09.20.07 11:13 am |
The Rays logo looks like the callsign lettering for a local TV morning show.
“RAYS TV…start the day off right!”
Toronto going back to the powder blue jerseys gets a golf clap from me, though. Great news.
#144 by Nate on 09.20.07 11:13 am |
You have an option here … Gold as the predominant color … purple (a dark shade, one that from a distance might almost look black!) could be used for outlining the letters/numbers/logos, so gold figures don’t get lost against a white or grey background. It really doesn’t have to look so bad. If you’re going pinstripes, better go purple (btw, are the pinstripes in Colorado black or purple? In small quantities, it’s hard to tell!). Hope this helps.
That makes sense…..i would change my idea to purple pinstripes instead of purple trim on the home jersey…and is it Vegas gold or Oakland A’s gold? if its A’s gold, reverse the alternate and the cap i suggested.
#145 by Eriq Jaffe on 09.20.07 11:14 am |
Paul Lukas said:
The Sox did wear those 1906 throwbacks twice last year.
#146 by Tricia on 09.20.07 11:15 am |
Teebz said:
Yeah, I’m not sure that guy really understood the question. Since, apparently the replicas have straight hems, and the ’street fit’ authentics pretty much have to be worn over equipment.
As for the placement of the ‘C’ and ‘A’ – I guess it probably was left up to the teams. Although, the tip of the Wings logo extends a bit further than the rounded Oilers logo, so that might have been one of the reasons.
#147 by Nate on 09.20.07 11:15 am |
only problem I have with the Jays sky blue uni is that its a pullover. other than that, its great
#148 by Matt on 09.20.07 11:19 am |
Hmmmm….
Anyone else notice how the “RAYS” lettering on the front of the uniform lines up with the opening?
I think we are going to see an Arizona-esque splitting of the “A”
#149 by Paul Lukas on 09.20.07 11:20 am |
Eriq Jaffe said:
Yeah, but it was supposed to be their Sunday uniform. Didn’t work out that way.
#150 by Shaftman on 09.20.07 11:21 am |
Nate said:
Wow, good eyes. I completely missed that.
#151 by Teebz on 09.20.07 11:24 am |
Tricia said:
Yeah, I think he was a little confused, Tricia.
The problem with the “C” and “A” is the direct quote from the Detroit newspaper. “The letters had to be moved because the new jerseys are constructed of multiple panels, more so than the old models, and there wasn’t room for them above the tip of the Winged Wheel on the left side without hitting a seam”.
It’s seemingly the seam that is the problem with Detroit’s jersey, not the tip of the Winged Wheel.
#152 by Mark in Shiga on 09.20.07 11:24 am |
Paul, pitcher Tadahiro Ogino of the Chiba Lotte Marines wears single zero also.
Here’s a gallery of his; there are some good shots of the zero in action.
http://www.marines.c...
#153 by Broker75 on 09.20.07 11:24 am |
The Washington Wizards used to be the Washington Bullets. “Wizards” is ok, but “Bullets” had the NBA written all over it, (sounded like a pro team) Wizards sounds like a team from the television show Saved by the Bell. And now the Devil Rays are just Rays? So that makes the NBA and MLB making changes to their team names. Any other teams leagues changing names that didn’t leave the city that they were playing for? I’d love to read about it. I can’t think of any in the NHL or NFL.
#154 by ESS on 09.20.07 11:26 am |
chris said:
Let me know if you need info. bookingumha@gmail.com.
#155 by sj32 on 09.20.07 11:27 am |
Mike said:
Tackle Twill is the material used for sewn-on numbers and letters on jerseys. It is also used for creating some of the wordmarks on baseball jerseys. Another method used on wordmarks is chain-stitching. Chain-stitching is a detailed embroidery that is used to produce the wordmarks on the St. Louis Cardinals, Philadelhia Phillies and Houston Astros uniforms. The Cardinals and Astros have the wordmarks stitched directly onto their uniforms. This is why those jerseys tend to be more expensive than other MLB jerseys.
#156 by Michael on 09.20.07 11:33 am |
The Rays new look is boring. The logos look like they something a hotel or resort would use. Maybe since they see a lot of that in Florida or they’re fan base is older & is used to those types of logos they thought that would look good. My take on that starburst thing is maybe they’re trying to invoke the other meaning of Rays as in ray of sunlight, once again more like a hotel type of thing. When I first heard they might be considering a change I was hoping they’d start over completely with a new name, colors & logo. They could have gone with history & went with the Tarpons. If you want to appeal to the vacationers & retired peeps then why not go with something like Tropics. Rays by it self is boring & sort of open ended why not go with Sting Rays or even there given name of Manta Rays.
I like the Royals new alternate.
The Phillies alternate is cool because it’s a tribute to the 48 unis. I wish the Cubs would do something similar this with the sleeveless jersey since they were the first to ware them.
Norfolk State’s Jerseys are a nice alternate look but the pants need some work.
#157 by Teebz on 09.20.07 11:34 am |
sj32 said:
Chain-stitching.
#158 by Walaitis on 09.20.07 11:34 am |
Nate said:
While I prefer button ups, I prefer the Blue Jays pullover throwbacks to the Brewers button down throwbacks. It just looks right. I don’t know if I’d call it a complaint, but it looks odd to me to see a pullover with a belt (as opposed to drawstring).
#159 by Adam on 09.20.07 11:35 am |
Shaftman said:
Aww, I kinda liked that alt, and it seems odd that they’d get rid of it for no reason. Maybe the vest look is just on the way out? Tampa, Cleveland and the White Sox are all dropping them.
#160 by John E on 09.20.07 11:37 am |
The A’s green alts are gone next year in favor of a revamp of the black they had a few years back.
I like the old black better but would have much preferred a return of the ‘82 white alts that are the best unis they’ve worn since the move to Oakland.
#161 by Rydell M. on 09.20.07 11:43 am |
Broker75 said:
..didn’t the Philadelphia Athletics switch to the Phillies?
#162 by Nate on 09.20.07 11:44 am |
As for the rays, I would go with the nickname Manta Rays, with navy and powder blue as the colors. go with a white vest with navy trim and lettering and a navy blue undershirt with “Manta Rays” on the vest; and have a gray vest with “Tampa Bay” for the road, and a navy blue alternate with powder blue trim and lettering. The cap is nice, though.
#163 by Adam on 09.20.07 11:46 am |
Rydell M. said:
No. Two seperate teams. But the Houston Colt .45s did switch to the Houston Astros. And if you go back to the 20s and before, teams switched names a lot.
#164 by Nate on 09.20.07 11:47 am |
While I prefer button ups, I prefer the Blue Jays pullover throwbacks to the Brewers button down throwbacks. It just looks right. I don’t know if I’d call it a complaint, but it looks odd to me to see a pullover with a belt (as opposed to drawstring).
I see your point, but the reason I don’t like pullovers is that it makes them look like a softball team. Not that I have a problem with softball, but I think baseball unis should be button-down.
#165 by Seth H on 09.20.07 11:47 am |
The Washington Wizards used to be the Washington Bullets. “Wizards” is ok, but “Bullets” had the NBA written all over it, (sounded like a pro team) Wizards sounds like a team from the television show Saved by the Bell. And now the Devil Rays are just Rays? So that makes the NBA and MLB making changes to their team names. Any other teams leagues changing names that didn’t leave the city that they were playing for? I’d love to read about it. I can’t think of any in the NHL or NFL.
NHL: New York Americans became the Brooklyn Americans in 1941 (but kept playing at MSG).
WHA to NHL: New England Whalers became the Hartford Whalers when they joined the NHL. The Bruins made it a condition of joining.
WHA: New York Raiders became the New York Golden Blades. (They later moved to NJ and became the New Jersey Knights. Then they moved to San Diego where they became the Mariners.)
#166 by todd krevanchi on 09.20.07 11:47 am |
a. my preference for the royals would be if the chest word mark would be in white as well. then outline that and the number in royal.
b. i just cant get into those jays alternates…
maybe if it was just a jersey alternate, jay logo over the heart and piping around the sleeves and button/neck line
c. id wish the phils would simply have used a red shirt, white piping and either phillies across, like current, or the p on the heart.
#167 by The Ol Goaler on 09.20.07 11:47 am |
Regarding the NHL’s gawd-awful “Edge” jerseys… I’m hoping against hope that it’ll be a one-year “experiment” a la the NBA’s “composition” basketball.
If the seams tear during a fight, seems to me they’ll tear if a player is hooked, held, or even checked tightly! And if your sweater is “riding up” when you stride, doesn’t that maybe mean that sweater’s too tight!?
As a goalie, I hated tight sweaters… they were a bear to put on (and even worse to take off) over the chest/arm protectors.
Lighter, more water-resistant hockey sweaters? Fine… but don’t make ‘em so tight you can’t move!
#168 by Joe Drennan on 09.20.07 11:55 am |
Adam said:
That’s right. The Red Sox were once even known as the Yankees. Go figure.
#169 by Nate on 09.20.07 11:56 am |
my preference for the royals would be if the chest word mark would be in white as well. then outline that and the number in royal.
That would look SO much better.
#170 by thrashboy on 09.20.07 11:56 am |
Any other teams leagues changing names that didn’t leave the city that they were playing for?
Not necessarily a name change, but:
Mighty Ducks of Anaheim – Anaheim Ducks
California Angels – Anaheim Angles – Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
#171 by Nate on 09.20.07 11:57 am |
And sorry, I thought the Jays’ throwbacks were alternates. I don’t have a problem with pullover throwbacks. My bad.
#172 by Joe Drennan on 09.20.07 11:58 am |
The Ol Goaler said:
I hear ya. When in college they switched my number one me without asking (Bastards) from 39 to 33. I specificaly chose 39 becasue it was the biggest jersey we had and I could move freely in it. I think the 33 was the smallest and I looked like I was in a scuba suit.
#173 by Commisso on 09.20.07 11:58 am |
Broker75 said:
Do Washington Bullets fans actually say “let’s go Wizards”? I know I couldn’t. If my team were to change their nickname I would probably find another team to cheer for. I don’t follow the NBA but didn’t the Bullets have some deep history behind them? Devil Rays to Rays is almost the same, you can still say “let’s go Rays” and people would know who and what you are talking about. But their fan base is only in the 100’s so whatever.
#174 by Roger Faso on 09.20.07 11:59 am |
John E said:
Those white alts were cool, but they played like crap that year.
BTW> The new ownership of the A’s were trying to eschew the Finley era image, by going with a more traditional look that year. So, they emulated what was then considered a traditional looking team … the Tigers. Their unis that year looked like the Tigers, even the road unis.
Check out the black shoes.
In ‘87 they copied the Dodger look that they still use to this day.
I wish they would change again. To this …
or something like it.
#175 by Tuffy on 09.20.07 12:00 pm |
Nate said:
Marc-
Congratulations on getting the job. Having been a baseball coach and designed two complete uniforms myself, I know how excited you must be.
Here are my thoughts based on my experience:
–It’s great that they’re giving you the resources to purchase new unis. You, now, have the responsibility to make them last. That said, go with grey pants; kids don’t always get things washed, and the inevitable stains are less visible on grey. I would highlight the pants with a single purple stripe (known as “soutache”) down the leg.
–If you go with grey pants, obviously one of your jerseys will be grey. I would suggested going with purple on gold (two color) lettering. One color lettering on grey looks cheap.
–For the second jersey (assuming you have the funds to do that), and you don’t like purple, I would go with a gold jersey. For lettering, I would suggest going with white on purple (two colors, again); putting a colored number on a colored jersey (in this case, purple on gold) never seems to go well, plus, you get to take out as much purple as possible.
–For the hat, you are pretty much stuck with purple, because gold, grey, or white hats will get very dirty over the course of the season (there is dirt in baseball, remember). If you really, really wanted to go with a gold cap, however, I would suggest one of the new generation of mesh caps. I like the mesh cap put out by Richardson, and it goes through the wash great. For a more traditional wool or acrylic cap, check out a company called Zephyr — very, very affordable. Stay away from New Era — too expensive for the high school market, in my opinion.
Good luck!
#176 by Marty Met on 09.20.07 12:02 pm |
Adam said:
The Phillies switched to the Blue Jays and then back to the Phillies
#177 by Purple Brigade on 09.20.07 12:05 pm |
Best 5 Dollar Bill Ever.
We will not be ignored!
#178 by Tao of Stieb on 09.20.07 12:05 pm |
scott said:
That’s what we’re wondering as well…
Also, the lettering change on the road unis…wonder if this will mean switching the current look of the “T” on the Jersey with the “T” on the alt cap?
Anyone got pics of this?
#179 by Tuffy on 09.20.07 12:11 pm |
scott said:
Could it be that the Blue Jays and Indians will be playing a “throw back game” in Cleveland next season? That would explain the Blue Jays alt in visiting blues…
#180 by Graf Zeppelin on 09.20.07 12:11 pm |
Broker75 said:
NY Titans –> Jets
This one doesn’t really count, but technically…
Tennessee Oilers –> Titans
There were also any number of name changes during the NFL’s early years, e.g., the Chicago Bears were the Chicago Staleys at one point (after being called the Decatur Staleys). The Boston (now Washington) Redskins were the Boston Braves (a number of early NFL teams took the names of local baseball clubs, e.g., NY Giants. There were also NY Yankees and Brooklyn Dodgers football teams at various times. No such connection, though, between football’s Chicago Cardinals and baseball’s St. Louis Cardinals).
#181 by DP30 on 09.20.07 12:11 pm |
Not a fan of the new Rays’ look; I really liked the unique feel of the green and blue color combo. Plus the typeface and the pointless sunburst in the logo reminds me of something that the Senior Professional Baseball Association (remember that ill-fated scheme, in the late 80’s?) would try to use.
Also, just to add to the differing number styles on the same uni, the New York Rangers were the first that came to my mind, with the use of their number 2…no serif on the sleeves, bottom serif on the back.
#182 by Nate on 09.20.07 12:11 pm |
Can the Jays really wear a powder blue uniform at home? That WAS a road uniform in the past. I thought MLB wouldn’t allow a road uniform to be worn at home?
I believe its an alternate or throwback now, so I don’t think its officially a road uniform.
And in 2004 the Yanks and the rays played a 2 game series in japan, and the Yankees wore their pinstripes for both games, though they were the “Visiting” team for one of those games, so I think its ok for teams to wear their road unis at home.
#183 by Graf Zeppelin on 09.20.07 12:14 pm |
Graf Zeppelin said:
In addition:
Boston Patriots –> New England Patriots
Phoenix Cardinals –> Arizona Cardinals
#184 by Pretty Boy Paulie on 09.20.07 12:27 pm |
R.I.P. OLD D-RAYS UNI’S! They were so underrated. I’m not really felling the new Oakland A’s alternate or the new Indians alternate cap, I actually like the script “I” cap. The Phillies new Alt’s are ok. But on the bright side the Royals get a very fresh new Alternate next year! Blue Jays are wearing their early 80’s throwbacks next year much like the Brewers & Padres did this year.
I want the Diamondbacks to get rid of their home uni, a white jersey with brick red pin-stripes and “A” logo would be cool. Also get rid of the font type on the names and numerals.
For those who didn’t see these….
njoy!
2008 Oakland Alternate.
2008 Cleveland Home Alternate.
2008 Kansas City Home Alternate.
2008 Philadelphia Home Alternate.
Toronto Blue Jays Home Alternate (Throwbacks)
D-Backs logo update.
Arizona 2008 Commemorative Patch.
Los Angeles Dodgers 2008 Commemorative Patch.
New York Mets 2008 Commemorative Patch
New York Yankees Commemorative & All Star Game Patch.
San Fransisco Giants 2008 Commemorative Patch
Washington Nationals 2008 Commemorative Patch.
#185 by todd krevanchi on 09.20.07 12:33 pm |
as far as the serif situation goes,
wouldnt the people at liebe’s embroidering have some input on this? or are they simply following instructions when they get an order.
i mean, when a client says put a 2 or 7 or 4 that looks like this on the torso, and a 2 or 7 or 4 that looks like this on the shoulders, wouldnt the next step be to confirm that the differences are done on purpose prior to making all those jerseys?
#186 by Kenny on 09.20.07 12:37 pm |
Marc said:
Isn’t there a website where you can design baseball & football unis? – I believe it was a Nike website
#187 by Adam on 09.20.07 12:38 pm |
Tuffy said:
It seems rather unlikely that a one-game uniform would be included in a leak like this, especially since Toronto had previously said they’d be wearing retro uniforms on a regular basis.
#188 by Kevin M on 09.20.07 12:39 pm |
Tricia said:
Are you sure the replicas don’t have a rounded hemline like the “real thing”? I was looking at some Blues’ unis at their team store on Saturday and could have sworn both had the rounded hem.
#189 by Adam on 09.20.07 12:40 pm |
Nate said:
The question is, if Toronto does get to wear those at home, why did MLB not let Kansas City wear blue pants at home too? Do any teams in MLB currently have more than two paits of pants?
#190 by Tricia on 09.20.07 12:45 pm |
Kevin M said:
Not sure at all, I was just going by what Paul had said higher up in the comments.
#191 by Shaftman on 09.20.07 12:48 pm |
Seth H said:
Teams that have changed there name but have not moved cities:
MLB:
Cleveland:
Cleveland Indians (1915–present)
Cleveland Naps (1905-1914)
Cleveland Bronchos (1902-1904)
Cleveland Blues (1901)
Brooklyn:
Brooklyn Dodgers (1932-1957)
Brooklyn Robins (1914-1931)
Brooklyn Dodgers (1911-1912)
Brooklyn Superbas (1899-1910), (1913)
Brooklyn Grooms (1891-1895)
Brooklyn Bridegrooms (1888-1890), (1896-1898)
Brooklyn Grays (1885-1887)
Brooklyn Atlantics (1884)
New York:
New York Yankees (1904–present)
New York Highlanders (1903-1912)
Houston:
Houston Astros (1965–present)
Houston Colt .45s (1962-1964)
Boston:
Boston Red Sox (1908–present)
Boston Americans (1901-1907)
Philadelphia:
Philadelphia Phillies (1884–present)
Philadelphia Quakers (1883-1889)
Chicago:
Chicago Cubs (1902–present)
Chicago Orphans (1898-1901)
Chicago Colts (1890-1897)
Chicago White Stockings (1870-1871, 1874-1889)
Cincinnati:
Cincinnati Reds (1958–present)
Cincinnati Redlegs (1953-1958)
Cincinnati Reds (1882-1953)
Cincinnati Red Stockings (1876-1882)
Pittsburgh:
Pittsburgh Pirates (1891–present)
Pittsburgh Innocents (1890)
Pittsburg Alleghenies (1882–1889)
St. Louis:
St. Louis Cardinals (1900–present)
St. Louis Perfectos (1899)
St. Louis Brown Stockings/Browns (1882-1898)
Los Angeles:
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (2005–present)
Anaheim Angels (1997-2004)
California Angels (1965-1996)
Los Angeles Angels (1961-1965)
NFL:
New York:
New York Titans (1960-1962)
New York Jets (1963–present)
Brooklyn (defunct):
Brooklyn Dodgers (1930-1943)
Brooklyn Tigers (1944)
Philadelphia:
Philadelphia Eagles (1933-1942)
Philadelphia-Pittsburgh “Steagles” (1943)
Philadelphia Eagles (1944–present)
Pittsburgh:
Pittsburgh Pirates (1933–1939)
Pittsburgh Steelers (1940–1942)
Philadelphia-Pittsburgh “Steagles” (1943)
Card-Pitt (1944)
Pittsburgh Steelers (1945–present)
Chicago:
Chicago Staleys (1921)
Chicago Bears (1922–present)
NHL:
Toronto:
Toronto Arenas (1918–19)
Toronto St. Patricks (1919-1927)
Toronto Maple Leafs (1927–present)
Chicago:
Chicago Black Hawks (1926 – 1986)
Chicago Blackhawks (1986-present)
Detroit:
Detroit Cougars (1926-30)
Detroit Falcons (1930-32)
Detroit Red Wings (1932-present)
Anaheim:
Mighty Ducks of Anaheim (1993 – 2006)
Anaheim Ducks (2006 – Present)
NBA:
Baltimore:
Capital Bullets (1973-1974)
Washington Bullets (1974-1997)
Washington Wizards (1997-present)
Denver:
Denver Rockets (1967-1974)
Denver Nuggets (1974-present)
NCAA:
Syracuse: Saltine Warriors/Orangemen/Orange
St. Johns: Redmen/Red Storm
I know that this is not a full list, as I ignore many defunct teams (as well as most of the NCAA) but it is a pretty good start and feel free to add to it.
#192 by Paul Lukas on 09.20.07 12:55 pm |
Adam said:
Mets: Home whites, home pinstripes, road grays.
#193 by Robert on 09.20.07 1:00 pm |
Roger Faso said:
Davey Lopes looks a little goofy in that road uniform, but on most folks it really looked good. There is a photo out there somewhere (I can’t find the damn thing) with Rickey Henderson wearing that uni, and it looks fantastic. It’s one of my favorite all-time baseball photos.
#194 by JPRays on 09.20.07 1:01 pm |
Cant believe as attention to detail oriented as all of us are we have completely overlooked the Blue Jays belt in the throwback uni!! It’s made to simulate the look of the pull up pants! How sweet is that? And why haven’t more teams done it? It looks amazing.
#195 by Perry on 09.20.07 1:04 pm |
Kip Whiffle said:
I agree, the Bengals helmet is cool. It’s the rest of their uni that’s hideous. And purple is a fine uniform color IMO.
#196 by Nate on 09.20.07 1:06 pm |
Cant believe as attention to detail oriented as all of us are we have completely overlooked the Blue Jays belt in the throwback uni!! It’s made to simulate the look of the pull up pants! How sweet is that? And why haven’t more teams done it? It looks amazing.
Dang…I didn’t notice that. Its looks great.
#197 by Alex B on 09.20.07 1:08 pm |
Paul, it appears that the disease is spreading.
$5 bill to have splashes of purple, gray
#198 by Nate on 09.20.07 1:09 pm |
Yesterday I mentioned that the Jets had inconsistent 2s in the late ’60s, but the pseudonymous Graf Zeppelin pointed out in yesterday’s comments that they apparently had a similar problem 20 years later, as seen on the cover of their 1989 yearbook.
Speaking of yearbooks, the 2000 Texas Rangers yearbook had a nice article about the history of baseball unis.
Can’t find the yearbook though, must be in the garage.
#199 by Chance on 09.20.07 1:16 pm |
Joe Drennan said:
I’m sorry, I can’t let that pass without comment.
Are you sure you aren’t confusing them with the Boston Yanks NFL team?
Or the story that circulated a couple years ago about the Yankees possibly relocating to Boston in 1921?
#200 by Cy on 09.20.07 1:17 pm |
Sadly, no word on if the Nats will get to wear their awesome-beyond-description Negro League throwbacks more often.
:crosses fingers, toes, eyes:
#201 by sj32 on 09.20.07 1:17 pm |
Paul Lukas said:
Brewers: Home whites, alternate pinstripes, road grays
#202 by sj32 on 09.20.07 1:18 pm |
sj32 said:
Astros: Home whites, home pinstripes, road grays
#203 by Joe Drennan on 09.20.07 1:19 pm |
Chance said:
I’ll look for the exact passage in the book, but I am 98% certain that in the book Crazy ‘08 it’s referenced. It’s actualy a great book as they mention many teams and their early names.
#204 by Chance on 09.20.07 1:20 pm |
sj32 said:
The Pirates also have home whites, home pinstripes and road grays.
#205 by Gabe on 09.20.07 1:21 pm |
Check out the lower serif on the 2 worn by the mid-’80s Browns (home, road).
Does anyone else not see the difference in the 2’s? I can’t see it. A little help anyone?
#206 by Ed on 09.20.07 1:22 pm |
Joe Drennan said:
Yep. Same holds true in other areas. Look at the unevenness of the designs of the state quarter series. Wisconsin’s looks like it was clearly designed by a committee (”well, we’re known for cheese” “don’t forget other dairy, so throw a cow in there too” “the corn lobby wants in on this action” “so how do we make this uniquely Wisconsin?” “How bout we put the state motto on it” “OK, I’ll whip something together tonight and send it off to the mint.”)
Compare it with this sublime design (ironically, from Oregon):
No offense intended to the great residents of the state of Wisconsin.
ed
#207 by Joe Drennan on 09.20.07 1:23 pm |
Joe Drennan said:
From Crazy o8, page 4, 3rd paragraph on the page.
The owners do fiddle with a few things. In the American League, John Taylor, owner of the Boston team, decided to redesign the team’s uniform, switching from light-blue stocking to red ones. Taylor jokes, “You newspaper men will have to pick a new nickname for my team.” then known as the Pilgrims, and previously as the Collinsites, Puritans, Somersets, and even Yankkes…
#208 by Perry on 09.20.07 1:23 pm |
Broker75 said:
I think the Titans were still known as the Oilers their first few years in Tennessee.
#209 by Bluesfan on 09.20.07 1:26 pm |
I don’t follow the NBA but didn’t the Bullets have some deep history behind them?
Hope this does not sound nitpicky, but it depends on what you call “history”…in the 1970’s they were the Baltimore Bullets and then moved to Landover, Maryland and were called the Capital Bullets then later changed to Washington Bullets.
#210 by Kevin on 09.20.07 1:26 pm |
Here’s a link to the Redskins throwbacks that they’ll wear on Sunday. Bonus coverage of Sean Taylor’s afro.
http://blog.washingt...
#211 by Nate on 09.20.07 1:29 pm |
Here’s a link to the Redskins throwbacks that they’ll wear on Sunday. Bonus coverage of Sean Taylor’s afro.
Dang. They should wear those all the time.
#212 by Shaftman on 09.20.07 1:30 pm |
Perry said:
Yes, but that was when they played in Memphis. When they moved to Nashville they changed the name/uni’s and went to the Titans.
#213 by Perry on 09.20.07 1:30 pm |
Rydell M. said:
No, they were different teams, the Athletics moved to KC and then Oakland. Also, the Braves didn’t become the Red Sox, the Browns didn’t become the Cardinals, and the Giants didn’t become the Mets. :-)
The Highlanders did become the Yankees, but back then names were fairly informal and unofficial and that sort of thing happened a lot.
#214 by Mike on 09.20.07 1:31 pm |
Tuffy said:
My high school was a purple and gold school. We had two uniforms…a gray uniform with purple lettering and a yellow outline…looked nice. and then our other jersey? give this a chance…it was black…with gold lettering and a purple outline. i know you all hate black but it looked REALLY good.
#215 by Chance on 09.20.07 1:32 pm |
Joe Drennan said:
Hmm. We’ll need more than that, I think. Did Murphy provide a source for the assertion?
#216 by Bluesfan on 09.20.07 1:34 pm |
Couple of other College Teams (off the top of my head) that changed their names…mainly because the PC crowd took control:
Stanford Indians/Cardinal (with a friggin Tree as a mascot)
Marquette Warriors/Golden Eagles
#217 by Original Jim on 09.20.07 1:35 pm |
Helvetica uniform connections:
Philadelphia Phillies, 70’s-80’s. Some of the numbers may have been modified, but it’s definitely Helvetica.
NY Rangers ‘76-77/77-78. The numbers definitely look like Helvetica. They may also have been modified, but I haven’t seen that may photos aside from the Vintage line put out a few years ago, and those may or may not be totally accurate.
Bowling Green University Football 2006. The road uniforms used Arial Bold numbers…Arial is the bastard child of Helvetica for PCs.
The Newark Bears use Arial Black in the logo, but wear a modified version of Helvetica Bold for the uniform numbers.
The Philadelphia Sixers have already been mentioned, but that was just for the wordmark, not the numbers.
#218 by Nate on 09.20.07 1:35 pm |
My high school was a purple and gold school. We had two uniforms…a gray uniform with purple lettering and a yellow outline…looked nice. and then our other jersey? give this a chance…it was black…with gold lettering and a purple outline. i know you all hate black but it looked REALLY good.
The way I imagine it, they do look good.
#219 by Nolan on 09.20.07 1:37 pm |
Matt B said:
This was my thought when I saw a pic of a Vancouver player. But it would just give the appearance of a short jersey, no?
There is only one solution. Straighten it out.
#220 by Ronnie Poore on 09.20.07 1:43 pm |
Marc said:
here are some examples of how LSU (same colors) has handled it:
http://media.225bato...
https://www.nmnathle...
http://www.uscho.com...
http://farm1.static....
#221 by Joe Drennan on 09.20.07 1:43 pm |
Chance said:
She did – Sporting Life, December 28, 1907
#222 by Walaitis on 09.20.07 1:48 pm |
JPRays said:
Ah HAH! Took me a while (maybe I am taking this obsessive thing a little far) … but I did mention that about 11:30 … “I don’t know if I’d call it a complaint, but it looks odd to me to see a pullover with a belt (as opposed to drawstring).”
#223 by ScottyJ in WV on 09.20.07 1:53 pm |
Marc said:
Here’s some photos of the East Carolina Pirates…
#224 by Mark on 09.20.07 1:54 pm |
The new Cleveland alternates do nothing for me. I do wish, however, that they would go back to a wishbone-C on the caps or even the from the 70s. Now I would dig that. The current (now defunct I guess) alts grew on me and while they were nothing special, I do feel they were a bit underrated.
I am happy that the silver/metallic is gone. I was never a fan of that and preferred the white they had from 94-02(?). Have they worn 80s era throwbacks at all?
#225 by dilbert719 on 09.20.07 1:54 pm |
Shaftman said:
OK, truncated that royally so as to avoid the ridiculous long string of text that would result, but I wanted to add that if you’re going to include the Steagles and Card-Pitt for Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, you’d also need to include Card-Pitt for the Cardinals as well.
As far as the Phillies being the Blue Jays, that was attempted, but it never took. According to that most reliable of sources, Wikipedia, the team was still officially the Phillies, and were the Blue Jays unofficially. The team uniforms during that period did not change to reflect the new nickname, except to add a blue jay patch on the shoulder, so that lends credence to the argument. We also went through something similar with the name “Live Wires.”
#226 by Kris McInnis on 09.20.07 1:58 pm |
Wait, I missed something. In dropping the ‘Devil’ from Devil Rays and changing the team identity, is Tampa Bay now trying to portray ‘Rays’ in the same vein as ‘Golden Rays of Sunshine’? If the uniform and the logos were a landscape, with the sky-ish colors and sunbursts, that manta ray on the sleeve would be the retarded alien thing, flying trough the air and no one can explain why. So out of place.
#227 by My name is not Earl on 09.20.07 2:00 pm |
More NCAA teams that have changed: Louisiana-Lafayette (formerly Southwestern Louisiana) was once the Bulldogs until becoming the Ragin’ Cajuns in the 1960s. And then ther’s the whole fiasco involving the Rainbows and Warriors at Hawai’i
#228 by Bluesfan on 09.20.07 2:04 pm |
For some reason, I thought a few years ago North Texas State changed their name to the “Mean Green”. Am I wrong?
#229 by Ronnie Poore on 09.20.07 2:07 pm |
Shaftman said:
they played in Memphis (Liberty Bowl stadium) as the Oilers in 1997, then in Nashville, again as the Oilers, in 1998 (at Vanderbilt stadium). when their Nashville stadium was finally ready in 1999, they changed to the Titans.
#230 by Bluesfan on 09.20.07 2:15 pm |
Paul
YOU ARE GOING TO SCREAM!
I am guessing you will probably use nothing but a debit card.
This came from Yahoo! news. I am not providing the whole story…just enough to make Paul gag.
$5 bill to have splashes of purple, gray By MARTIN CRUTSINGER, AP Economics Writer
Thu Sep 20, 9:10 AM ET
WASHINGTON – Honest Abe will become Colorful Abe with splashes of purple and gray livening up the $5 bill.
#231 by Kip Whiffle on 09.20.07 2:16 pm |
I don’t know all the details, but Virginia Tech was the Fighting Gobblers before they became known as the Hokies.
#232 by Paul Lukas on 09.20.07 2:17 pm |
Original Jim said:
Jim, you probably know more about type than I do, but couldn’t “modified Helvetica” just be Univers, or something like that?
#233 by Shaftman on 09.20.07 2:18 pm |
Ronnie Poore said:
I stand corrected. Thanks.
#234 by Poo Holes on 09.20.07 2:20 pm |
Regarding the potential safety issues involving the RBK sweaters:
Ugly jerseys don’t hit goons, goons hit goons.
#235 by todd krevanchi on 09.20.07 2:22 pm |
if my name was ray, id get my wife one of those new tampa jerseys. like showing possesion… as though she was lableled “rays”
i remember a shot of jessica simpson (when still married) wearing a ny knicks sweatshirt, withought the K, so it said, nicks.
#236 by Eriq Jaffe on 09.20.07 2:29 pm |
Paul Lukas said:
I don’t recall that it was going to be an every Sunday thing, just an occasional throwback. Are you thinking of this one, which they wore on Sundays in 2001?
#237 by Chance on 09.20.07 2:31 pm |
Joe Drennan said:
Interesting. I’d love to see that.
The first reference to the New York team as “Yankees” I can find was in 1906, in the New York Times – April 15, 1906.
#238 by Chance on 09.20.07 2:34 pm |
Also found this:
09/09/1904 – Boston Herald again refers to NY baseball club as Yankees, when it reports “Yankees take 2,” Yankee name not official till 1913
But the Herald’s online archives only go back to 1991, so I cannot confirm. If both the Boston and NYC papers were using the nickname “Yankee” for the NY AL club by 1907, is it possible that Murphy is incorrect?
#239 by Roger Faso on 09.20.07 2:34 pm |
I assume this has already been posted, but I haven’t seen it here, before.
Stumbled upon this link on Sport Guy’s page.
http://www.mghelmets...
It’s very cool. Deserves to be in the Links Sections.
Enjoy.
#240 by Chance on 09.20.07 2:35 pm |
todd krevanchi said:
There was a fashion in NYC for a while in the 1990s to buy a NY Rangers sweater and remove the “S” and first “R”…
#241 by KW on 09.20.07 2:36 pm |
The reason why the glove is on the inside of his glove is MLB and the Players Association came to an agreement this past off season that no flags are to be shown on gloves, batters gloves, bats, or footwear anymore
Doesnt mean that everyone follows the rules though…
#242 by Jkads on 09.20.07 2:37 pm |
Bid on Sandy Koufax’s synagogue worn yarmulke:
Ebay link
#243 by Robert on 09.20.07 2:38 pm |
Ronnie Poore said:
My high school team went with purple-over-purple, with purple/yellow hats, yellow-sleeved undershirts, yellow stirrups and white shoes. You had to love the early 1980s.
It kills me that I cannot find a photo of those uniforms, and I have looked far and wide. At the time, the guys on the team thought that we looked really sharp, and we made fun of the uniforms from years earlier that were traditional white w/ red pinstripes.
#244 by timmy b on 09.20.07 2:41 pm |
Boston Braves baseball team known as the Boston Bees c.1935 thru c.1944
As noted in The Sporting News of the era.
Also, weren’t the Oakland Athletics known OFFICIALLY as the Oakland A’s from 1970 thru roughly 1980??
#245 by Original Jim on 09.20.07 2:43 pm |
Paul Lukas said:
No…two entirely different fonts. I should have said “tweaked” rather than modified.
The teams might have taken Helvetica and just slightly altered it, whether it was by getting rid of the arm of the 1, raising the middle bar of the 5, and so forth. It’s still the same font, just with minor changes to it.
I do know that many teams have used other sans serif fonts (altered or otherwise) for their uniforms…the US Soccer team used a form of DIN for the 98 and 02 World Cups, and a few AHL teams used some of the Franklin Gothic family for numbers and nameplate lettering.
#246 by Bluesfan on 09.20.07 2:45 pm |
Also, weren’t the Oakland Athletics known OFFICIALLY as the Oakland A’s from 1970 thru roughly 1980??
I am not sure, but I think they only went by the A’s, but there wasn’t anything formal or official.
#247 by Chance on 09.20.07 2:45 pm |
timmy b said:
Not to my knowledge. They wore the “A’s” logo on their jerseys and might have downplayed “Athletics”, but I don’t know that they officially dropped it.
#248 by Will Morris on 09.20.07 2:47 pm |
In regards to the Phillies’ blue caps.
No.
Just… no.
Didn’t we prove in 1994 that blue hats for the Phillies just do not work? The fans did not like them, the PLAYERS did not like them, and moreover, thhy were unlucky articles of clothing, as the Phils lost most of the games they played in them.
#249 by Joe Drennan on 09.20.07 2:53 pm |
Chance said:
No, this isn’t refering to the NY ball club as the Yankees,. but Boston, the Red Sox, the team whos fans despise the New York Yankees. If you think about it, it’s like the Pakcers being known as the Bears early on in their club’s history.
#250 by Eriq Jaffe on 09.20.07 2:54 pm |
Chance said:
The Phillies tried to transition into being known as the Blue Jays during WW2, but it was never official and only lasted a couple of years.
Check out the sleeve patch on these.
#251 by Chance on 09.20.07 2:54 pm |
One more note on the “New York Yankees” nickname: this guy researched NYC papers, and found that the nickname was regularly used by the press as early as 1904….
#252 by Chance on 09.20.07 2:59 pm |
Joe Drennan said:
It sure would be, if true.
The fact that New York papers had been calling the Yankees “the Yankees” for three years by that point tends to make me a little skeptical, though.
It would be like the Packers being called the “Green Bay Bears” in 1925, after the Chicago club had become known by that name.
#253 by Joe Drennan on 09.20.07 2:59 pm |
Joe Drennan said:
I gues you coulld speculate that Murphy could be wrong, but she has an extensive bibliogrpahy citing many sources of her information making me think this nugget is true.
#254 by josh on 09.20.07 2:59 pm |
As a rule, the NBA doesn’t allow name changes for any reason, which is why we have the completely illogical Los Angeles Lakers and Utah Jazz. An exception was made in DC because at the time, DChad the highest murder rate in the country and the irony of the local team being called,”Bullets” in that context was a little too bitter. My only beef is in light of this unprecedented exception , they come up with, “Wizards”?
And if the White Sox decide to go the throwback route again, here’s my choice.
http://exhibits.base...
#255 by Chris on 09.20.07 3:00 pm |
Are the phillies eliminating their Interleague caps. If so, that sucks. I liked them even though I am a marlins fan.
Btw, I have tried to get a hat from every team in the lague, and let me tell ya, there are too many red, black and blue teams. Go for the yellow, green, purple, gold, and greys. jeez. use the secondary color for gods sake.
#256 by Orange and Blue on 09.20.07 3:01 pm |
My God…Those Cleveland Indian home alternates are a thing of beauty….
And those Redskins throwbacks don’t look half-bad either. Those are my first memories of the ‘Skins. Can’t wait to see them in action on Sunday.
#257 by Chance on 09.20.07 3:02 pm |
Eriq Jaffe said:
I love that patch.
The fact that they never took “Phillies” off the front of the uniform is interesting.
There’s a great scan of a 1945 program here, with a good look at the secondary Blue Jays logo.
#258 by Stuby on 09.20.07 3:03 pm |
Wow, that Giants 50th anniversary patch is really boring. I guess when you haven’t won a championship in your 50-year stay in a particular city, there’s nothing to really crow about.
#259 by Roger Faso on 09.20.07 3:03 pm |
Bluesfan said:
They were officially called the Oakland A’s. Upon buying the A’s from Charlie Finley, the Haas family returned to the Athletics.
The Pittsburgh Pirates were called the Spiders for a short time.
#260 by Ian K on 09.20.07 3:12 pm |
Bluesfan said:
They go by both “Mean Green” and “Eagles”. Mean Green is used more, but Eagles is still prevalent. They also changed from North Texas State to University of North Texas in the early 90s.
#261 by Marty Met on 09.20.07 3:18 pm |
Paul Lukas said:
Univers and Helvetica are completely different typefaces but there are fonts out there that look like “modified” Helvetica
#262 by Eric on 09.20.07 3:19 pm |
Broker75 said:
MLS had quite a few name changes without team moves, off the top of my head, I recall:
San Jose Clash –> Earthquakes (hat tip to the old NASL ‘Quakes)
KC Wiz –> Wizards (yes they were originally just the “wiz”
NY/NJ MetroStars –> NY RedBulls (Corporate Sponsorship tie in)
Dallas Burn –> nothing (now simply FC Dallas)
#263 by muskiejim on 09.20.07 3:28 pm |
Tricia said:
Shocked that no one has pointed out the blatantly mismatched pants and jerseys/socks the Leafs are wearing. Hopefully that will be fixed by the regular season.
#264 by J.T. on 09.20.07 3:30 pm |
new documentary film about the typeface Helvetica (called, of course, Helvetica) is currently screening here in New York. I saw it two nights ago and loved it. No team I can think of has ever used Helvetica on its uniforms, which helps explain why the movie has no sports-related content, but there are several good interludes with graphic designer Michael Beirut, who I know has done some work for the Jets, plus plenty of detail-driven bits that should appeal to anyone who Gets It™. Recommended viewing.
IT SEEMS THE OTTAWA SENATORS NEW “EDGE” UNIS USE HELVETICA FOR THE NAMEPLATE.
#265 by Adam on 09.20.07 3:39 pm |
Eriq Jaffe said:
I can’t remember for sure if there was ever an official announcement or if it was all gossip, but people did expect them to be worn more (for example, this, from a May 2006 Uni Watch entry: “The White Sox were supposed to be wearing a 1906 throwback outfit — complete with a henley pullover and a blank cap — for Sunday home games this season.”)
#266 by Adam on 09.20.07 3:41 pm |
Adam said:
I meant to add, and this may be way off, but I have a hunch that they were planning to make a bigger deal about the 100th anniversery of the 1906 championship, including wearing the uniforms more, but then they won in 2005 and that took center stage.
#267 by Eric on 09.20.07 3:43 pm |
Bluesfan said:
It is worse than that for Stanford, they in fact went from Indians to Cardinals (the bird) to simply the singular Cardinal (the color, no joke). I grew up in the South Bay, and I remember the days of the usage of the plural “Cardinals”
#268 by Graf Zeppelin on 09.20.07 3:43 pm |
Not uni-related, but…
Kudos to Paul for capturing my pain so precisely over at the Page 2 Pity Party:
“My team doing an unprecedented choke + my most hated team pulling off an unprecedented comeback = worst season ever. Nearly every day, the Mets’ lead falls by another game, and so does the Yankees’ deficit — it’s like watching the world collapse in slow motion.”
#269 by Neil on 09.20.07 3:44 pm |
Nice Canadian $5 bill you got there.
Oh well, ours is worth more now anyway.
#270 by Adam on 09.20.07 3:44 pm |
Chance said:
Wikipedia:
From 1972 through 1980, the team nickname was officially “Oakland A’s,” although, during that time, the Commissioner’s Trophy, given out annually to the winner of baseball’s world series, still listed the team’s name as the “Oakland Athletics” on the gold-plated pennant representing the Oakland franchise
#271 by Neil on 09.20.07 3:45 pm |
Oh yeah, team name changes:
Alberta Oilers -> Edmonton Oilers
#272 by Adam on 09.20.07 3:49 pm |
josh said:
It’s a shame the White Sox were so horrible from the 20s to 40s, because there are some interesting uniforms I doubt we’ll ever see again, since all the White sox throwbacks I can think of (not counting road games) were from winning years (1906, 1917, 1917 World Series, 1959, 1983).
#273 by My name is not Earl on 09.20.07 3:50 pm |
Speaking of name changes . . . we had Hofstra changing from the Flying Dutchmen to the Pride.
–>Louisiana-Monroe changed from Indians to Warhawks
–>SE Missouri went from Indians to Redhwaks
–>UT-Chattanooga went from Moccasins to just Mocs, and its mascot is now a mock (yeah) ing (yeah) bird (yeah) . . . Mockingbird
–> Dartmouth went from Indians to Big Green in ‘68, and they have the greatest mascot of all time, Keggy the Keg
#274 by Matthew S. on 09.20.07 3:50 pm |
Ian K said:
My understanding is that ‘Eagles’ is still the official nickname, while ‘Mean Green’ is an unofficial nickname which the team adopted to honor the best player to come from the football program, Mean Joe Greene: http://en.wikipedia....
Here is their mascot: http://www.psci.unt....
At the SMU-UNT game two weeks ago, SMU’s stadium announcer kept switching back and forth between ‘Eagles’ and ‘Mean Green’.
#275 by Chris on 09.20.07 3:54 pm |
Are the Phillies eliminating their Interleague caps. If so, that sucks. I liked them even though I am a Marlins fan.
Thanks Chris
#276 by Matthew S. on 09.20.07 3:55 pm |
Matthew S. said:
And just found this on Deadspin about UNT: http://deadspin.com/...
#277 by UW justin on 09.20.07 3:57 pm |
Joe Drennan said:
Read that again. “15,000 SEE YANKEES TAKE FIRST GAME; Bunched Hits Beat Boston”. Yankees take first game. And bunched hits beat Boston. So Yankees win, Boston loses. How again do you make the arguement that the article is calling Boston the Yankees?
#278 by Joe Drennan on 09.20.07 3:59 pm |
In post 207 I gave the exact passage from the book. In later post I gave the source Murphy used for that information. I don’t have the particular copy of Sporting Life that she got it from, but her meticulous bibliography makes me believe it’s a factual nugget.
#279 by Philly Bill on 09.20.07 4:06 pm |
Matthew S. said:
I wouldn’t discount the fact that no one wants to be called the Eagles in north Texas, given the Cowboys fanaticism.
As for all you bellyachin’ Mets fans, SAVE IT. Your team still has a 94.5% chance of making the postseason, no matter how lost they look right now. The Phillies haven’t made the playoffs in the entire wild card era. The Braves were in the Western Division the last time the Phillies made the playoffs. And — most importantly — theyre not gonna make it this year either! (Current odds: 29.4%.)
#280 by Eric on 09.20.07 4:07 pm |
My name is not Earl said:
Univeristy of Hawaii mens teams were always the Rainbow Warriors, the womens teams were the Rainbow Wahine (wa-hee-nay) (Wahine= female in Hawaiian).
This was almost always shortened to Rainbows (or ‘Bows), and the men’s programs didn’t like the look or sound of it. In fact their old helemet logo looked like it was pulled off of a CareBear’s stomach. Women’s teams are still reffered to as the “Wahine” I believe.
UH also was an early adopter of the recent phenomenon of darkening your main color, going from a Kelly Green to the near black Green they sport now.
#281 by Mike on 09.20.07 4:07 pm |
Nice little blurb on the Page 2 Baseball Pity article Paul.
Although you were kinda fighting a lost cause…you can’t really argue the Mets’ suffering when going against the likes of the Pirates or Mariners.
#282 by tim b on 09.20.07 4:15 pm |
Only thing I dont like about the Indians’ proposed ALT is how generic the C is on the cap. And I hope the renderings are just deceiving and the brim of the cap isn’t black.
Although it is similar to designs of late 50s, early 60s and early 70s, I am wondering if the Civil Rights Game uni’s this year had anything to do with it too?
#283 by Perry on 09.20.07 4:22 pm |
Joe Drennan said:
I suspect the reference to Sporting Life is only for the Taylor quote, not for the bit about the Red Sox once being known as the Yankees.
#284 by Ed on 09.20.07 4:23 pm |
Neil said:
Not so fast…as of today, the two are trading basically even. (Yeah, my jaw dropped, too.)
http://money.cnn.com...
ed
#285 by Matthew S. on 09.20.07 4:28 pm |
Was just looking through an SI photo gallery and saw this picture of Curtis Granderson wearing what appears to be the Flanders Poppy on his suit jacket.
The Flanders Poppy is the British, Canadian, Australian, and New Zealander version of the yellow ribbon in this country and is worn by politicians and people of those countries in remembrance of their fallen soldiers. The origin is from World War I when many Allied soldiers died in the fields of Flanders: http://www.army.gov....
Another explanation: http://en.wikipedia....
My question is why Granderson is wearing this. Was it a league wide promotion? Was he overseas during the offseason? What gives?
Regardless of the reason, it’s pretty cool.
#286 by Aaron Scholder on 09.20.07 4:29 pm |
Shaftman said:
I love that Shea patch… No names on Cleveland’s new uniforms?
#287 by Matthew S. on 09.20.07 4:31 pm |
And I forgot the picture of Granderson: http://sportsillustr...
#288 by Tricia on 09.20.07 4:34 pm |
muskiejim said:
Yeah, the colours are pretty far off, now that I look at it. I didn’t think they had made too much of a colour shift, maybe its just with the different fabrics. Those pants Williams has on look like a very dull shade of blue, so they might be last years as well.
#289 by Perry on 09.20.07 4:37 pm |
UW justin said:
What’s in question is Murphy’s assertion in Crazy ‘08 that the Boston AL team was once known, among other names, as the Yankees.
#290 by stan aka the took on 09.20.07 4:45 pm |
rays uniform… boring, REALLY boring. i understand the ray part of the jersey (you know sunburst=ray) but do we really need the 80’s farm team look to the jersey? yeahhh… i dont understand why they had get rid of the green and grey one.
#291 by 5w50 on 09.20.07 4:47 pm |
“Speaking of typography, a new documentary film about the typeface Helvetica (called, of course, Helvetica) is currently screening here in New York. I saw it two nights ago and loved it. No team I can think of has ever used Helvetica on its uniforms, which helps explain why the movie has no sports-related content, but there are several good interludes with graphic designer Michael Beirut, who I know has done some work for the Jets, plus plenty of detail-driven bits that should appeal to anyone who Gets It™. Recommended viewing.”
Think the late Namath, early Riggins era Jets used Helvetica or one its variants in the name plate on the back of the uniform, and I think there were screen printed. You can see it in a lot of NFL Films material from approx. 1972-1975 .. unis probably came from Champion.
#292 by Aaron Scholder on 09.20.07 4:48 pm |
This is awesome: http://cgi.ebay.com/...
#293 by Neil on 09.20.07 4:53 pm |
Matthew S. said:
That poppy has actually been the basis for a jersey; the Hamilton Bulldogs wore a Remembrance Day jersey in 2003-04. Ron & Don promoted them on HNIC one night (link goes to video):
http://www.hamiltonb...
#294 by UW justin on 09.20.07 5:03 pm |
Perry said:
I understand what started this discussion, however, the quote “No, this isn’t refering to the NY ball club as the Yankees,. but Boston” is talking about the article that was linked. My point is that I don’t understand how you could get that from the headline…
#295 by Aaron Scholder on 09.20.07 5:05 pm |
Here’s a Gold Dallas Stars jersey for sale (the one that was never worn): http://cgi.ebay.com/...
#296 by Christopher on 09.20.07 5:10 pm |
Actually, minus the goofy white and yellow side things, I’d like the Rays batting practice uni as an away jersey (with the white, not grey).
Also, since their 2nd color is yellow, how long until a “third alternate, Friday only” jersey that’s all yellow?
Ewwwwwwwwww!
#297 by Marty Met on 09.20.07 5:10 pm |
Aaron Scholder said:
Norm Green STILL sucks!
#298 by Bluesfan on 09.20.07 5:26 pm |
For everyone who answered my North Texas “Mean Green” question…Thanks.
Gold Dallas Stars Uniform – The only saving grace for the ugly gold and green sweater is their new green jerseys suck even more.
Cleveland – I like the throwbacks, but I also prefer Chief Wahoo cap insignia over the “C”
#299 by Graf Zeppelin on 09.20.07 5:32 pm |
Rays design is fine, though they really didn’t need to change the colors. Not enough green in MLB, aside from the grass. And the seats. And the $$$.
Speaking of which, isn’t it ironic that the Rays have incorporated the sun (get it? rays?) into their logo, when they play in the darkest, dankest, dingiest indoor stadium this side of the late, unlamented Kingdome?
#300 by Ryan on 09.20.07 5:41 pm |
300 comments! wow
#301 by S Bennett on 09.20.07 5:41 pm |
#302 by Pedro on 09.20.07 5:45 pm |
MT in Chicago said:
True that…I’m gonna break the monotany here: I like them, they’re just OK uniforms. Not too good and not too bad. Atleast they went the conservative route, I can only imagine the bitchfest in here if they had gone with something extreme. I am still a uniwatcher though so here goes: WHY CHANGE SOMETHING THAT ISNT BROKEN!!!!. If the word DEVIL was the problem then they should have removed it and left everything else alone.
#303 by Bluesfan on 09.20.07 5:57 pm |
If the word DEVIL was the problem then they should have removed it and left everything else alone
It seems to me they have basically already taken the word “Devil” out. I mean their current home jersey’s just say “Rays” on them.
I am with most, they are not bad…just unispiring. The logo is a takeoff of the Padres (as someone has already mentioned). I think they should have gone for a complete rework and changed the name.
#304 by Dave W on 09.20.07 5:57 pm |
I dig the Indians alternate/throwback; but then I realized that with next year being the 50th anniversary of the Tribe’s last World Series title back in 1948, wouldn’t it have made more sense to wear a replica of that uniform?
I don’t have any pictures (and Dressed to the Nines seems to have vanished), but I referred to my handy 2007 Tribe Media Guide and see that uniform had a different script and a wishbone “C” cap logo – this one seems sort of generic.
The downside is that the ‘48 jersey featured an even more grotesque Chief Wahoo. I love my Tribe, but I’ll be really happy the day that logo goes for good.
#305 by Chuck Ryals on 09.20.07 6:13 pm |
those Indians alternate jerseys look SWEET! No piping, no silver, awesome!
#306 by Taylor on 09.20.07 7:12 pm |
GregW said:
Exactly. It’s like anything that is new (excluding the new Bruins jerseys) gets basked on here. I think the new Rays jerseys are nice. Sure, they’re plain, but I’d rather wear plain like the Rays than fancy like Oregon State or the Blue Jays.
#307 by redemske on 09.20.07 7:16 pm |
On powder blues …
There’s a reason they went away to begin with: they’re lame. These won’t be the high-stirruped, tailored powder blues. They’ll be pajamas, and therefore very lame.
I don’t understand the excitement over 70s/80s throwbacks at all. Those were dark times. Pullovers? Elastic waistbands? Yuck.
#308 by TOG on 09.20.07 7:32 pm |
The A’s black jersey is ridicuous. Green and Gold… Not black and hunter green please?
This is what the A’s identity should take their inspiration from:
http://www.sportsart...
Charlie O. Finley Baby!!!
#309 by Randy Miller on 09.20.07 7:49 pm |
More Mean Green:
In the ’70s, North Texas State made its push toward the big time. With Hayden Fry and Bill Blakeley as its football and basketball coaches, the teams became respectable quickly — if not national powers, they were at least solid non-pushovers.
At that time, the athletic department decided to emphasize the Mean Green nickname by putting its teams into “Mean Green,” an oh-so-’70s shade that was somewhat like:
(a) a slick apple green
(b) a lightish olive
(c) (as its rivals sneered) baby vomit green
I don’t have any photos available but perhaps some enterprising North Texan can dig some up. The uniforms were ugly and the athletic department soon enough ran out of money and Hayden Fry.
But at least they didn’t wear TCU lavender.
#310 by John on 09.20.07 7:54 pm |
Paul,
Huge comment day. What’s our current record? My thoughts on the Rays:
-I LOVE new color scheme!
-I really like the logos
-and an easy fix to the boringness of the jersey would either be to extend the tail on the “R” to look more like a rays tail or use that TB mark as a chest logo which would look really cool as on a navy blue alt.
#311 by Mike Engle on 09.20.07 8:11 pm |
josh said:
The name “Wizards” was chosen as a cross-promotion with the WNBA Mystics. This is why the Wizards and Mystics (and until recently the Capitals) had that ugly blue/bronze/black color scheme in common.
#312 by sj32 on 09.20.07 8:23 pm |
John E said:
I agree. I think the 1982 A’s home/white alt is the most underrated uniform in baseball history.
#313 by Scott Jenkins on 09.20.07 8:37 pm |
Alan said:
YES! This is exactly the same thought I had. Disgusting.
#314 by sj32 on 09.20.07 8:44 pm |
Going back to the mismatched typography discussion, I think we have missed one of the more obvious examples. In 1972, the Oakland A’s added a front number in the Old Expos font while using block numbers on the back
#315 by odessasteps on 09.20.07 8:50 pm |
Mike Engle said:
IIRC, one of the contributing reasons was Abe Pollin’s friendship with an Israeli Prime Minister who was assassinated.
#316 by BS on 09.20.07 9:09 pm |
On the forum about the Rays unis, look at the comment posted by “VoxPVoxD”
This guy obviously patronizes the streets in St. Pete with shoes hanging on the wires.
PS: watching the Miami-A&M game and noticed the A&M tight end wearing 85 to support Everret, but his helmet number is still 13
#317 by BS on 09.20.07 9:14 pm |
John said:
I thought so too (comments), but I found an easier way to fix the jerseys.
#318 by Mike Engle on 09.20.07 9:24 pm |
BS said:
I’d love to throw in a Scott Proctor joke here, but seeing that you uniform junkies would know that he only burned his cap, glove, and undershirts that were HIS and not his uniform which the Yankees own(ed), I’d look like the idiot. So I won’t.
#319 by BS on 09.20.07 9:32 pm |
#320 by BS on 09.20.07 9:33 pm |
!
Didn’t work first time
#321 by BS on 09.20.07 9:35 pm |
sorry if no one got my shoes joke, but if you live anywhere near st. pete, you probably get my drift
#322 by Mike Engle on 09.20.07 9:45 pm |
BS said:
Mmmm…stop it! You’re making me thirsty!
#323 by scott on 09.20.07 9:59 pm |
Are the Mariners the only team to trot out the BP jersey in a regular season game this year? And now the D-Rays (er, Rays) plan to do that next year? Ugh.
#324 by Mike Engle on 09.20.07 10:07 pm |
scott said:
No. The Rangers and the Mariners wore BP jerseys at the same time this year. It was game 2 of a double-header, and an astute Uni Watcher other than myself conjectured that the teams were not equipped with another set of fresh white and gray tops, so they used what was not dirty from game 1.
#325 by sj32 on 09.20.07 10:09 pm |
scott said:
I believe the Rangers wore them in a game against the Mariners (it might have been the back end of a doubleheader), but I’m going completely from memory on that.
#326 by Monte on 09.20.07 10:13 pm |
I apologize for reposting this.
The reason I am is because what I said in jest is actually 1000% better than the drab Yankee color scheme and TB (NYish) logo rip off.
How dull.
Anyway, read this and tell me that this crackpot idea wouldn’t have been better-
They are changing their name to the Tampa Bay Rays as of next season.
They are also changing their colors.
Originally they had that ultra-bizarro rainbow lettering.
Then they switched to the current green/black/grey ensemble. Watching the D-Rays on tv was like watching an old black and white set.
Their new colors will be navy, yellow, and light blue.
I think they dropped the ball.
They should have come up with either a fierce looking sting ray or ditched the Rays thing altogether.
Start fresh.
The Devil Rays are synonymous with sucking.
(Only in the south. They actually had been under pressure to drop the ‘Devil’ part of their name for years)
They could have been the Tampa Tiger-Sharks (Tampa T-Sharks)
Tampa Sting or Stingers
Tampa Bay Sunshine (they could have had a happy face as a primary logo)
Tampa Bay Nippon Ham Fighters
Tampa Bay Rattlers or Racers after snakes from the region
Tampa Cranks (after all the old people in Florida)
Tampa Explos (after the early explorers of Florida)
Or some other names.
Devil Rays or Rays still equals loser to me.
Maybe they could be the Tampa Yankees after the minor league team that was there.
Or the Jr. Yankees.
They could buy into that whole redneck thing and be the Tampa Bay Rebels or TB Confederates.
Play up the whole Yankee hate thing down there.
Don’t know how minority players would dig it, but the free publicity would be out of sight.
How could anyone who roots for the Redskins (OMG how bad is that name by today’s standards), Braves, Indians, Twins, etc honestly protest the Rebels or Confederates?
Merchandise would fly off the shelves.
I would even take the job (at a huge salary) of presenting the new name and colors to the public.
Rebel flags everywhere.
Mascot who is a big cute Confederate soldier.
Dixie would be played in the 7th inning.
Make the players wear Confederate Army caps as a ‘throwback’ day.
I would be the point man on this.
Being highly paid because I knew the job would last 6-18 months before the pressure would be so hiogh they’d can me (blame me) and then they could rechristen themselves some bland vanilla name.
They would cash in on both selling the Rebel merchandise to rednecks and then the new name after they drop the Rebel theme.
Of course you know how the relief pitcher would enter the game?
In the General Lee.
***************
Have a good night
#327 by Nolan on 09.20.07 10:14 pm |
scott said:
The Rangers did it too.
It was mentioned much much further up today that picture is mislabeled that is just their BP jersey and hat
#328 by Original Jim on 09.20.07 10:49 pm |
…and I forgot one other example of Helvetica. The Buffalo Bills of the 90’s also used Helvetica Black for their nameplates. At least, many players had that font for the nameplates. Some players used a standard block font, others used a compressed font.
Very inconsistent.
Of course, most Champion replica football jerseys of the late 90’s and early 00’s used Helvetica Bold Condensed for the nameplate lettering, regardless of the team.
#329 by Pantherfid on 09.20.07 10:51 pm |
As a fan of the Tampa Bay Rays (I REALLY hope the front office does not push for something stupid like “Go Bay Rays!”, but you know they will), all I have to say about their new look is simple…
I will not be buying any new merchandise when it comes out. My “old” stuff looks better, and now it is even cooler because it is a “throwback.” And I also have a uber-cool St. Pete uni designed by Scott X.M. Turner…so I’m good.
Oh…by the way…I didn’t notice if anyone mentioned the Cards…they started off as the Phoenix Cardnials, then changed to Arizona.
#330 by Patrick on 09.20.07 10:56 pm |
Re: Colleges changing team names to something more PC-friendly
Eastern Michigan used to be the Hurons, now they are the Eagles. BORING! I was hoping they would change to the Fighting Emus seeing as the school colors (green and white) are also the color of emu eggs.
#331 by Broker75 on 09.20.07 11:25 pm |
The Washington Wizards used to be the Washington Bullets. Any other teams leagues changing names that didn’t leave the city that they were playing for?
Neil said:
can’t seem to find a pic of the Alberta Oilers anybody got one?
By the way, anbody in Calgary reading this right now look out lol
#332 by RefUni on 09.20.07 11:35 pm |
Broker75 said:
They were the Alberta Oilers in the WHA….they were the Edmonton Oilers by the time they entered the NHL
#333 by Michael Emody on 09.20.07 11:54 pm |
How could anyone who roots for the Redskins (OMG how bad is that name by today’s standards), Braves, Indians, Twins, etc honestly protest the Rebels or Confederates?
Could someone explain what is offensive about “Twins?” Lighten up. It’s not like they’re the “Siamese Twins” or their logo is a set of hooters.
#334 by badly drawn boykins on 09.21.07 12:07 am |
Apologies if this has been mentioned already, but the season premier of Friday Night Lights is online, and the Dillon Panthers are wearing Under Armour jerseys this year.
If I’m not mistaken, they started the season unbranded, and added some UA gear after the after the pilot was picked up, but the jerseys were still unmarked. The UA logo figures prominently this season, it looks like.
#335 by =bg= on 09.21.07 12:09 am |
josh said:
Is that right! I know how they got the Lakers name from Minneapolis and all that, but the alliteration seemed to fit. LAL. But I have always thought Utah JAZZ was so wrong. Like if the Dallas Cowboys moved to Seattle and became the Seattle Cowboys. They should allow a name shift if the name is tied to a geographic person-place-thing.
#336 by =bg= on 09.21.07 12:15 am |
PS-
Is it a matter of time before the MLB and the NBA logo’s get a remake?
#337 by Matt D. on 09.21.07 12:20 am |
OMG it’s Notre Dame is playing the Patriots on ESPN2! Oh wait it’s just high school football with stolen uniforms and logos. Strange how even Notre Dame high school is getting shutout as well.
#338 by badly drawn boykins on 09.21.07 1:08 am |
badly drawn boykins said:
I meant to add that their game day gear appears relatively logo free, but their practice jerseys and coaching apparel definitely have more UA logos than last year.
#339 by Michael Churchill on 09.21.07 4:42 am |
Matthew S. said:
Curtis did do a promotional tour of Europe in the offseason, and a quick google reveals that he was in London around the time of Remembrance Day (11 November), so I presume the photo was taken then.
By the way, following his visit, Curtis has been adopted by five, the TV channel that covers MLB in the UK. They’ve had him on the phone a few times and they have an “Ask Curtus” feature where viewers can e-mail in questions.
#340 by Johnny Garfield on 09.21.07 8:11 am |
One more use of Helvetica in sports: The Seattle Supersonics used it on their logomark and player names from 1975?-95.
#341 by Monte on 09.21.07 8:15 am |
Could someone explain what is offensive about “Twins?” Lighten up. It’s not like they’re the “Siamese Twins” or their logo is a set of hooters.
****************************
I was kidding with the Twins :)
Although I would definitely like to see the mascot of the Minnesota Siamese Twins.
The Hurons should have just said they were honoring the Great Lake and all who enjoy it or make a living off it or some other nonsense.
Used some sort of wave logo or something.
#342 by Chance on 09.21.07 10:33 am |
Perry said:
And given that it has now been established that the Yankees had been called by that name in the press for at least three years before the quote she cited, I tend to think that she made a mistake.
We’ll need to see her source before giving her credit for such a dramatic discovery.
#343 by jexcel89 on 09.21.07 4:15 pm |
josh said:
I own two of those three White Sox jerseys from Mitchell and Ness, they are indeed among my favorites.
Although not very unique, I’ve begged M&N to make the road version from 1932. but so far – no luck.
#344 by Jayemay on 09.22.07 12:34 am |
The Green Dots are used to indicate which helmets are equipped with the sideline-radio receiver. (Hence the reason why quarterbacks always have them) The idea is to allow officials to ensure that there is only one such equipped helmet on the field at a time.