Did you know there was such a thing as organized competitive snowball fighting? Not only does this sport exist, but last weekend in Japan was the 20th annual edition of the Showa-Shinzan International Yukigassen, which roughly translates to snow (yuki), gather (ga), fight (sen).
That translation comes from, of course, our resident Japanese sports obsessive, Jeremy Brahm, who brought the snowball event to my attention. Here’s his report:
I didn’t realize there were uniforms for snowball fights, but this tournament requires that teams have matching uniforms or bibs. They had 155 teams participate this past weekend (128 men’s, 27 women’s). It takes seven people to play in a match, but nine are permitted on each team.
The small number on the right side of the bib is the team number; the large number is the player’s uniform number. Seven are to play in a match, but nine are permitted on each team. They even use roughly uniform snowballs!
Here are some posters from the 1996 and 2002 tournaments (that’s a phoenix clutching snowballs in its talons), and some uniform cartoons from 2003.
Amazing. And if you think snowball fighting is an odd sport, check out the pie-throwing pics and video here.
Uni Watch News Ticker: Giants equipment director Joe Skiba will be doing a live chat next Friday, March 7th, at 2pm eastern. In order to participate, you have to be a register at Giants.com, which you can do here. … Speaking of the Giants, I’m a month late with this, but here’s a good article about the guy who does all the stitching on their uniforms (with thanks to Eric Stangel). … The Yankees-centric blog Sliding into Home is claiming that Yankee Stadium vendors wore this in the 1970s (note the Yanks logo on the left chest). Is that really possible? Doesn’t seem very, y’know, Yankee-like. … Unusual hosiery configuration being sported by the Cal State Stanislaus Warriors: Bosox-style stirrups with black sanitaries (with thanks to Travis McGuire, who also sent along a shot of the new Oregon State baseball unis). … According to the next-to-last graf on this page, the Nats will be selling “W”-shaped pretzels to match the team’s curly-W logo this season. … Good work by AJ Brandt, who writes: “I was watching trade deadline stuff on NHL Network, and they had a guy in the studio making up new jerseys for players as they were traded. As they were talking to Martin Lapointe via phone about his trade, they were running video of someone assembling his nameplate.” … Never noticed before that Joe Frazier wore peekaboo-vented trunks during his second fight with Ali. … Yesterday I linked to this photo, showing a Virginia Tech memorial strip on an FSU baseball cap. Now decal maven Chris Willis reports that the Seminoles have also ordered memorial strip decals to wear on their batting helmets. I know Chris provides a quality product, but couldn’t they just have used some black electrical tape? … In case you didn’t realize the Mets were now a wholly owned subsidiary of Citibank, they underscored the point the other day by wearing Citi Field caps, which is so utterly nauseating that I think Mr. Met just popped a few stitches on his head. … NIU’s sports program has returned to action, with what may be history’s lengthiest memorial ribbon. But at least it appears to be a genuine ribbon, not a graphic depiction of same — they get bonus points for that. … Mike Rich notes that Mark Teixeira’s been wearing red shoelaces. … More Iowa girls’ hoops tourney action from Jesse Gavin: “The one thing that really struck me today was Treynor’s shooting shirts. I don’t know how old they are, but they still have the ‘100th Anniversary of Basketball’ patch from 1991-92. Also, Davenport Assumption checked in with the tourney’s first racerback sighting.”
#1 by Matt on 02.27.08 7:58 am |
Snow job? More like
#2 by Robert Michel on 02.27.08 8:00 am |
I found your blog on google and read a few of your other posts. I just added you to my Google News Reader. Keep up the good work. Look forward to reading more from you in the future.
Robert Michel
#3 by James Craven on 02.27.08 8:13 am |
Nice early 20th Centry vibe on Oregon State’s new baseball unis with the black placket.
For once, let’s give Nike a bit of credit on doing some research on baseball history.
Also, those “Walgreen’s W” pretzels which I posted yesterday Paul look something like this. To which I asked “Logo creep or logo eat?” You decide.
#4 by MPowers1634 on 02.27.08 8:18 am |
As for the Yankee Stadium bleacher piece, I now have an excuse to talk to one of my ex girlfriends!
Both of her parents were teachers in the Bronx for some time. Somehow her father obtained a job as a beer vendor in the bleachers at the Stadium.
Many a game, he took care of my friends and I.
Luckily, we’re still friendly so I will start my research immediately!
#5 by MPowers1634 on 02.27.08 8:26 am |
Sorry, I meant Yankee Stadium vendor piece!!!
#6 by Jason Axel on 02.27.08 8:33 am |
that looks tasty….
#7 by Mike on 02.27.08 8:34 am |
Two interesting things from the Arena League…
New Rattlers jersey….
Ditka!
#8 by LI Phil on 02.27.08 8:43 am |
from the sliding into home yankee blog:
trademark infringement?
at least he didn’t say they Get It(TM)
#9 by Brendon on 02.27.08 8:43 am |
This is way out of control
#10 by Brendon on 02.27.08 8:47 am |
click on the larger view for the Cleveland Gladiators Jersey On their pic, looks like the number on the front is stitched on, and the back is printed
#11 by BSmile on 02.27.08 8:51 am |
The Yankees vendor shirt….posted by me on Feb.23rd:
http://www.baseball-...
#12 by DJ on 02.27.08 8:58 am |
The Yankee vendor shirt reminds me of the 70’s era NFL bedroom sets for kids (curtains, blanket, etc.) The motif was all the NFL wordmarks. If you look at that Yankee shirt, some of the fonts are current or past NFL fonts.
#13 by teamcinnamon on 02.27.08 9:05 am |
It’s kind of absurd that they sell these owner’s jerseys.
I know that everytime I go into Modell’s and I see a Bon Jovi Soul jersey hanging on the rack I think that it’s the one that’s been there since they came into the league 5 years ago.
AFL - Kitchy or fringe-sport?
#14 by +JohnnyBoy- on 02.27.08 9:06 am |
The NHL has a network?
#15 by Pat on 02.27.08 9:12 am |
Dude,
Calvin and Hobbes. Greatest comic strip ever.
#16 by xyz on 02.27.08 9:12 am |
This is in regards to yesterdays post on the buttermilk drink from the Hot Dog joint in NJ. Is it the same buttermilk you would buy in the dairy section of a local grocery store or is it a special blend?
#17 by teamcinnamon on 02.27.08 9:13 am |
And going along with that.. this.
#18 by Jamie K. on 02.27.08 9:18 am |
Paul,
Here in East Tennessee, at the tssaa high school girls tourney, there was one team with the “racer” back design, but the only picture i could find was not from the actual tournament.
Heres The Picture, Enjoy It.
jamie
#19 by Kyle at IU on 02.27.08 9:18 am |
Ohhh, you beat me to the picture of the “Pretzel W”. Hopefully, I can find my way back to the Nation’s Capital for (1) one of those lovely pretzels, and (2) some BEN’S CHILI BOWL AT THE BALLPARK!!! (anyone familiar with that particular establishment will understand my excitement…chili half-smoke, anyone?)
#20 by Jamie K on 02.27.08 9:21 am |
I know the picture in post #18 aint the best showing the racer back design, but it was the best one i could find.
Thanks
jamie
#21 by Tom on 02.27.08 9:22 am |
Did anyone else get the disposable underwear ad at the bottom of todays blog? whoa.
www.dnaproductsonline.com
#22 by Txhunter on 02.27.08 9:22 am |
That ‘professional snow-ball fighting league’ looks like they put away their paintball guns when winter comes.
#23 by dm00n [Doug] on 02.27.08 9:35 am |
Um, congrats, but I wish the link had more info, rather than the just the same picture.
#24 by John T on 02.27.08 9:35 am |
Anyone up for some Calvinball?
#25 by TOG on 02.27.08 9:49 am |
Too much fun.
http://www.hockeywid...
#26 by Joey Guns on 02.27.08 9:52 am |
Former Steelers announcer Myron Cope has died. Will the Steelers have a memorial patch (or terrible towel patch??) next year?
http://sports.espn.g...
#27 by Matt on 02.27.08 9:54 am |
None of the unis on that were being assembled used official fonts or numbering, they were just straight black letters and numbers.
If you want an interesting uni story for hockey, document the draft and how they get the names on the back of players jerseys in the 20ish picks.
#28 by john in DC on 02.27.08 9:55 am |
glad to see the Isles Ice Girls get the….exposure….they deserve.
if this girl is part of the Pens Patrol, why is something else imprinted on her cheek?
#29 by Rick White in Cedar Park, TX on 02.27.08 10:02 am |
I’m about ready for “Ditch The Pink”.
#30 by Buzz on 02.27.08 10:03 am |
#26 by Joey Guns on 02.27.08 9:52 am | Quote
Former Steelers announcer Myron Cope has died. Will the Steelers have a memorial patch (or terrible towel patch??) next year?
http://sports.espn.g...
I’m thinking a capital “Y” & “I” with the Steelers logo in between them….
#31 by Jordan Pope on 02.27.08 10:04 am |
looks like oregon state has made the full switch to nike
#32 by BSmile on 02.27.08 10:06 am |
The Yankees vendor shirt….posted by me on Feb.23rd:
http://www.baseball-...
Um, congrats, but I wish the link had more info, rather than the just the same picture.
There really isn’t any more info about it. I originally found it in this auction from 2007. It went for $48.00…..not a bad deal:
http://sports.ha.com...
#33 by Mike V. on 02.27.08 10:08 am |
They probably will, and should. He gave Pittsburgh a integral part of any fans uniform
#34 by todd krevanchi on 02.27.08 10:12 am |
too much fun is right… thats a few hours right there…
not a steeler fan by any stretch of the imagination, but the steeler family lost a great one today…
#35 by Duckstyle on 02.27.08 10:13 am |
Anyone know if this is just a practice jersey DC United is wearing, or if they’re having a 3 jersey I wasn’t aware of?
#36 by kj on 02.27.08 10:21 am |
DCU - That’s a training kit, for sure.
I think it says “Pens.”
#37 by Jason G. on 02.27.08 10:22 am |
That Yankees Vendor shirt is so bad that it’s great. It’s so fitting of the era. It just screams 70’s.
Major kudos to Paul for having Calvin as today’s picture.
#38 by Rick White in Cedar Park, TX on 02.27.08 10:25 am |
Please forgive my ignorance, but why a ‘Y’ and an ‘I’?
#39 by jere on 02.27.08 10:25 am |
“
“Ham & cheese here! Get your red hot ham & cheese! Shrimp roll! Milkshake! … Cigar? I can get you a brand new Cadillac with the pink slip for two grand….”
#40 by Minna H. on 02.27.08 10:28 am |
Rick W., I was born ready to eradicate pink from sports–not to mention from the face of the earth. Oh, and, Brandon, please put a pink warning the next time you post a link that includes pink ‘unis’ so I can brace myself. Thanks.
As for the Oregon State baseball unis, this is the one time that I think that the black should be a different color, or thinner. It just looks wrong–especially with the black undershirt.
Did I just say get rid of the black? Next thing you know, there will be a pink uni that I actually li–no, that will not happen.
#41 by Minna H. on 02.27.08 10:31 am |
Sorry, that bit about a pink warning was for Brendon. I was so discombobulated by the picture, I got your name wrong.
#42 by steve on 02.27.08 10:31 am |
Cope invented a gold dish rag for steelers fans to wave obnoxiously…put him in the ring of honor or have a nice tribute at the home opener, doesn’t deserve another friggin patch
#43 by Marty Met on 02.27.08 10:33 am |
It’s still better than that pinstripe “uniform” the players wear. Now that’s ugly.
#44 by KT on 02.27.08 10:34 am |
Practice, I think. I’m not aware of any thirds in the league this year. But adidas goes nutzo on practice gear and you see it a lot in the preseason.
This DC third from a decade or so ago was hot, but better with long sleeves.
Meanwhile the NHL Ice Girls thing on SI.com features the Carolina Hurricanes’ “Strom Squad,” named, of course, after former NFL backup quarterback Rick Strom.
#45 by KT on 02.27.08 10:37 am |
I would think that since they do these things for their fans and their “family” and not for us, that they get to decide what is deserved and not deserved.
In short, it’s not our call.
#46 by KT on 02.27.08 10:38 am |
Speaking of Ice Girls, this one has interesting hosiery. That’s one way to…well, I don’t know what it’s one way to do. But it seems to be one way to do it.
#47 by DarkAudit on 02.27.08 10:38 am |
It spells “Yoi!,” one of his trademark phrases. Also “Double Yoi!”
He will be missed. A voice made for sportswriting to be sure. :)
#48 by Buzz on 02.27.08 10:41 am |
#38 by Rick White in Cedar Park, TX on 02.27.08 10:25 am | Quote
#26 by Joey Guns on 02.27.08 9:52 am | Quote
Former Steelers announcer Myron Cope has died. Will the Steelers have a memorial patch (or terrible towel patch??) next year?
http://sports.espn.g...
I’m thinking a capital “Y” & “I” with the Steelers logo in between them….
They probably will, and should. He gave Pittsburgh a integral part of any fans uniform
Please forgive my ignorance, but why a ‘Y’ and an ‘I’?
Cope’s signature line was “YOI!” (or double-Yoi or Triple-Yoi). In fact, his autobiography was titled, Double Yoi!
#49 by Smail on 02.27.08 10:44 am |
The logo creep throughout that gallery is cracking me up. On the tops, the shovels, the “skirts”, the waistbands , it’s everywhere!. The Stars girls manage to squeeze Planet Tan ads on their tops, the front of their pants, and on the back.. And if you were wondering why the Blue Jackets squad wears green, it’s because they’re sponsored by Mountain Dew.
#50 by LI Phil on 02.27.08 10:45 am |
while searching for something else, i came across this
what’s a dikfore?
#51 by Paul Lukas on 02.27.08 10:46 am |
That over-the-skate hosiery style has been increasingly popular in figure skating in recent years, and I really hate it. Makes the skate look like a naked clubfoot, and ruins the nice sense of contrast the skate would normally provide.
#52 by Smail on 02.27.08 10:48 am |
Hmm, most of those image links are shifted one or two spots from where they were meant to direct. Oh well, I’m sure most of you looked through the entire gallery and got to see it for yourself.
#53 by teamcinnamon on 02.27.08 10:49 am |
Pink, black, purple, ice girls, I don’t know what this world’s coming to.
#54 by Buzz on 02.27.08 10:52 am |
#47 by DarkAudit on 02.27.08 10:38 am | Quote
#26 by Joey Guns on 02.27.08 9:52 am | Quote
Former Steelers announcer Myron Cope has died. Will the Steelers have a memorial patch (or terrible towel patch??) next year?
http://sports.espn.g...
I’m thinking a capital “Y” & “I” with the Steelers logo in between them….
They probably will, and should. He gave Pittsburgh a integral part of any fans uniform
Please forgive my ignorance, but why a ‘Y’ and an ‘I’?
It spells “Yoi!,” one of his trademark phrases. Also “Double Yoi!”
He will be missed. A voice made for sportswriting to be sure. :)
One of my brothers suggested a mini Terrible Towel decal with “MC” on it. I’d still prefer “YOI” on it…
#55 by JJD on 02.27.08 10:53 am |
Those OSU baseball jerseys look like ugly cardigans to me, but maybe they are just trying to bring the ugly before Oregon steps onto the field.
what’s a dikfore?
I will spend the rest of my day imagining you are serious and chuckling.
#56 by Minna H. on 02.27.08 10:53 am |
I agree. It’s like wearing footy pajamas–only not so cute. On anyone. I used to watch figure skating, but stopped right around the time this little trend started. Coincidence? I think not.
#57 by Mike Engle on 02.27.08 10:57 am |
But we all know if the leggings were black, you’d unequivocally approve.
{/sarcasm?>
#58 by Dane on 02.27.08 10:59 am |
Myron Cope absolutely deserves every honor that can be bestowed at this time. He meant everything to Steeler Nation, just as Harry Caray did to da Cubbies (or Bob Prince to the Buccos).
Without Myron Cope, we would never have the often-imitated, never-duplicated Terrible Towel. We would not have The Bus, or Slash, or the Bungles.
It would put a smile on many faces to see a little Terrible Towel adorning Steeler jerseys in 2008.
(And even if you dislike the Towel, the proceeds have been going to charity for the last decade or so, and that’s a good thing.)
#59 by Mike on 02.27.08 10:59 am |
Can anyone help me by posting some soccer teams who wear pink. My intermural team FC Keep it Real United is going with the pink this year and I need to dress accordingly.
#60 by Minna H. on 02.27.08 11:00 am |
Mike E., did you not read my post up a bit where I said OSU needs a different trim color than black? On basic jerseys–yes, I will almost always choose black. Pants, too. But if you gave me a choice between black leggings pulled over the skate like that and regular ecru hose worn the way it’s meant to be worn, I would choose the latter. Ideally, it would be black hose that is worn properly, but one cannot have everything.
#61 by Jason G. on 02.27.08 11:00 am |
Yea, I hate it when strippers ice skaters wear those things.
#62 by Jason G. on 02.27.08 11:01 am |
Strikethru didn’t work for “strippers”.
#63 by Brendon on 02.27.08 11:02 am |
I think it says PENS
#64 by Mike on 02.27.08 11:03 am |
Yoi and double yoi
#65 by Rick White in Cedar Park, TX on 02.27.08 11:03 am |
I get it. That would be a cool patch.
#66 by jesse on 02.27.08 11:06 am |
FWIW Myron Cope owns the trademark for that “dishrag” (Terrible Towel) and for more than 25 years he gave every penny he earned selling them to charity. When they caught people selling counterfeit ones, a weekly occurrence, the punishment was finish selling them and give every single penny you get from selling them to the same charity.
He was a pretty decent guy, though not much of a driver. He’ll be missed around here (Pittsburgh).
#67 by Roger Faso on 02.27.08 11:08 am |
The pie fight was amazing.
Here’s the exact opposite to even things out.
#68 by Brendon on 02.27.08 11:10 am |
Minna, I’m terribly sorry for not warning you of the monstrosity that was about to ensue. Please forgive me. I will pay for all medical bills piled due to this accident. LOL. Once again, I apologize to your eyes, as well as everyone else’s, for the horror.
-Brendon
#69 by Breezy on 02.27.08 11:11 am |
This should be tribute enough:
YOI!!!!!
#70 by Brendon on 02.27.08 11:13 am |
Phil, what were you looking up, underage girls?
#71 by Erkki C on 02.27.08 11:13 am |
It might be a nice gesture for Myron Cope to have one game where they sell black Terrible Towels and donate that money to charity.
#72 by Mike on 02.27.08 11:14 am |
ah…..yeh….
how about this one instead? terrible towel
#73 by todd krevanchi on 02.27.08 11:26 am |
that vendors shirt got me inspired…
im selling hoagies and ham and cheese sandwiches for softball this summer… we need a few more miken ultra ii’s.
who wants some!
#74 by LI Phil on 02.27.08 11:31 am |
yes
#75 by Robert on 02.27.08 11:33 am |
I am not sufficiently articulate to say why, but the over-the-skate pantyhose REALLY gives me the creeps.
#76 by Teebz on 02.27.08 11:37 am |
I’m going to assume this is a joke, and that you’re not dyslexic. If you are, I apologize.
They’re the “Storm Squad”. Hurricanes, storm… makes sense, right?
#77 by Paul Lukas on 02.27.08 11:39 am |
Me too. It makes me think of Tom Dempsey’s foot, without the special shoe — a naked, toeless appendage, a hunk of malformed flesh.
#78 by todd krevanchi on 02.27.08 11:41 am |
perhaps a parody of all the darfur shirts that floated around?
#79 by John T on 02.27.08 11:41 am |
(hide your eyes Minna, PINK warning)
Tough to find clubs that use pink as primary colour, but here is one Palermo from Serie A.
Juve also about 10 yrs ago and everton had one for a breast cancer awareness day.
There might be a few more out there I am sure
#80 by Chris ATL on 02.27.08 11:46 am |
This is fun. Didn’t have some of the players I wanted though.
#81 by Patrick on 02.27.08 11:51 am |
Here’s the Dikfore shirt from Busted Tees.
#82 by Rick White in Cedar Park, TX on 02.27.08 11:51 am |
Well, it was only half horror.
#83 by John T on 02.27.08 11:52 am |
oops, didn’t see that coming….
try this or this
#84 by shadoquad on 02.27.08 11:54 am |
Heard a rumor that the owners of Wrigley Field are listening to offers for corporate naming rights. Anyone else think that’s sacrilegious? I kinda put that stadium in with places like Fenway or Camden. Don’t think it should be named anything but Wrigley. Anyone else hear that rumor?
#85 by Maks on 02.27.08 11:57 am |
About those Oregon State baseball unis: do anyone know if they will be keeping the off white/tan uniform with the classic typography of “Beavers” across the chest? i HOPE so. the new uni isnt that great but definitely an improvement than the gray with white OSU last year.
image if not sure: OSU Beavers
#86 by DAL on 02.27.08 11:58 am |
Bad news for uni watchers everywhere. Great news for people with no sense of dignity.
http://consumerist.c...
#87 by Joey Guns on 02.27.08 12:09 pm |
Some people amaze me. Trying to make money off somebody’s death, only hours after finding out about it:
http://184977.spread...
#88 by Juan Grande on 02.27.08 12:11 pm |
The city of Chicago would rise up and go crazy. They learned their lesson when Comisky was re-named. I think the Bleacher Bums would burn down the field rather than allow it to be renamed. The drunken ghost of Harry Carey would forever roam the clubhouse and pressbox mumbling his way through “Take me out to the ballgame”
#89 by Cathy on 02.27.08 12:12 pm |
quote comment=”230950″]
(hide your eyes Minna, PINK warning)
Tough to find clubs that use pink as primary colour, but here is one Palermo from Serie A.
Juve also about 10 yrs ago and everton had one for a breast cancer awareness day.
There might be a few more out there I am sure
Palermo home (your link didn’t work on my computer) and alternate . Juventus old Pink from about 5 years ago. Benfica alternate Jersey and Sevilla .
#90 by Mike Edgerly on 02.27.08 12:12 pm |
Benfica Away Kit
RCD Espanyol Away Kit
#91 by Johnny O on 02.27.08 12:15 pm |
I am just glad that in my lifetime, there is no way in hell that Lambeau Field will be changing its name since it is co-owned by fans, and the city of Green Bay and state of Wisonsin would go into a State of Emergency if the name would change.
#92 by Cathy on 02.27.08 12:16 pm |
sevilla …my link didn’t work.
#93 by lwiedy on 02.27.08 12:17 pm |
#94 by RWV on 02.27.08 12:17 pm |
FYI
The profits from those shirts are going to Art Rooney’s Scholarship fund.
#95 by TOG on 02.27.08 12:18 pm |
http://pictopia.com/...
Sanitary Sox Appeal
#96 by Rick White in Cedar Park, TX on 02.27.08 12:18 pm |
I was walking behind a young lady (but old enough) last night that had a t-shirt with the writing “Who’s leg do I have to hump to get a beer around here?” on the back. I thought about offering her a beer but I didn’t think the other people in Walgreens would appreciate it.
#97 by RWV on 02.27.08 12:18 pm |
http://184977.spread...
#98 by Justin B on 02.27.08 12:19 pm |
The comments are funny.
#99 by lwiedy on 02.27.08 12:19 pm |
#100 by Mike Edgerly on 02.27.08 12:20 pm |
Not soccer, but no discussion of Pink is ever complete without the leader’s jersey of the Giro d’Italia!
#101 by Rick White in Cedar Park, TX on 02.27.08 12:23 pm |
With a price of $15 and $3 going to the charity you’re telling me that the shirt costs $12 to be manufactured. Do I have that correct?
#102 by Mark Mihalik on 02.27.08 12:28 pm |
The Mets scrimmaged the University of Michigan yesterday, and even though I hate Michigan,