As you’re probably aware by now, Pedro Martinez (shown above being escorted off the mound by his personal valet — that’s a special clause in his contract) had a pretty rough time of it last night. What you’re probably not aware of is that he had his second button undone during most of his time on the mound, which looked sooooo 3rd-grade-dork. Drove me nuts every time they showed a close-up of him. “Fix that freaking button!” I kept yelling at the TV. Okay, so by “yelling at the TV” I actually mean “eating lamb chops and reading the paper,” but the button was still a major distraction.
So anyway, duh, no wonder he pulled a hamstring — with his button equilibrium all messed up like that, we’re lucky he didn’t end up in a body cast. Isn’t this the kind of thing the personal valet was supposed to look out for? Shouldn’t the lucky midget have noticed? Oh wait, the lucky midget died, which explains the whole problem. Next time out, Pedro’ll probably have his fly undone. Except now there’s no telling when his next time out will be. See how things spiral down the crapper once your lucky midget dies?
I’ve got a new ESPN column today (here’s the link), so that’ll have to do for today’s meat. Potatoes follow below. — Paul
Uni Watch News Ticker: Contrary to what we’d all been told, the Yankees are already wearing their All-Star Game patch (the party line had been that it wouldn’t be added until the beginning of all-star balloting next month), and of course they’ve also got their Yankee Stadium farewell patch, making for a double-barreled patch display. … More patch surprises: While tracking down photos of this year’s patches, I came across this. I couldn’t call the A’s to ask them about it because they were already on their way to Japan, but the patch wasn’t shown in any of the official MLB uni specs for this season, so I figured it was just a souvenir patch. And now it turns out I figured wrong. … Yet another uni change that wasn’t noted in any of the preseason literature: The front uni number on the Twins’ navy alternate jersey has changed from white to red. Also, it’s hard to see, but the nameplate lettering, which used to be white outline in red, is now just white. Neither of these changes is reflected in the MLB Style Guide. … Speaking of the Twins, nice moment before last night’s game, as Torii Hunter got to receive his Golden Glove award in front of his old fans. … Interesting April Fool’s joke here (with thanks to Minna H.). … “I was walking through an area of Pittsburgh called Frick Park,” writes Ryan Connelly. “Along the park path they have a ‘fitness circuit’ set up with signs to show/demonstrate the exercises at each point. Just check out these pics for some serious logo creep! My personal favorite is the ‘adidas shelltoe/Chuck Taylor all star’ thingy that the guy on the balance beam is wearing.” … Two games, two starters in stirrups. … That’s one weird-ass “3″. … More here about LaTroy Hawkins wearing No. 21. … The Denver Post ran an impressive package on baseball gloves the other day. There’s an article, a sidebar, a photo gallery, and a really great series of diagrams (which includes a timeline with some really amazing factoids — highly recommended). All this is courtesy of Harvey Lee. … Note to self: Don’t wear an Oilers jersey in Calgary. … For NYC-area readers: Several good authors will be reading from their sports-related books tomorrow night in Manhattan, and I hope to be there myself (as a spectator, not a reader). Details here. … Here’s something I haven’t seen before: Steven Wyder has a bunch of Bengals bobbleheads (save the jokes, they’re too obvious) and notes that Chad and Rudi Johnson have differing nameplate treatments. … Good view here of Akinori Iwamura’s gator-skin glove (as spotted by Marcus Ramsey). … Here’s another article on those patches representing secret Pentagon programs. Accompanying slide show here. … Minna H. can relax, at least for another month: The NFL’s hair-length proposal has been tabled until May. … Not uni-related, but as a sportswriter who works both sides of the street, so to speak (i.e., I work for the world’s biggest sports media company but also have my own independent site), I found this really interesting, and I suspect most of you will as well. … Please join me in donning a memorial patch for Bertha, who I learned to recognize during countless visits to the New York Aquarium. … Logo creep on spat tape? Enough already (good spot by Eric J. Mellington). … Douglas Hirschman points out that the Indians’ new retro-ish alt cap owes a certain aesthetic debt to what the White Sox wore from 1939 through 1944. … My friend David Kramer has some gorgeous baseball-themed artwork in the new issue of Hobart, plus his short accompanying essay is hilarious. Check out all of it here.
#1 by Kim on 04.02.08 8:30 am |
Technically, I wouldn’t call those Pittsburgh park illustrations logo creep. There are just too many conflicting logos.
Logo creep is when a company makes something and then puts it’s logo/trademark in obvious places to indicate (very obviously) who made it.
Nike wouldn’t underwrite a project that would put it’s trademarks so close in proximity to adidas’ and vice versa.
I think the graphic artists who made it, are just victims of this subliminal advertising and think that any athletic apparel must have logos on them.
#2 by MPowers1634 on 04.02.08 8:36 am |
The addition of handwritten logos on spatted tape jobs was a common occurrence during the 80’s and 90’s in the NFL. Many players who were under contract to a certain company were obligated to display said company’s logo whether on the shoe on the obscuring object.
This practice was the precursor to the Todd Helton Mizuno/Nike situation!
#3 by Steve on 04.02.08 8:43 am |
More here about LaTroy Hawkins wearing No. 21.
For one iota of a second, I was really, honestly thinking this was a Sean Taylor tribute.
#4 by Rich on 04.02.08 8:51 am |
Whenever I click a link that comes from http//d.yimg.com…. (such as the first three in the ticker for example), all I get is a blank page. Anyone else? I’ve tried Firefox and IE.
#5 by Dane on 04.02.08 8:57 am |
Thanks to the picture at the end of John Buccigross’ column, I stumbled across the Australian Ice Hockey League. I really like the logo of the Central Coast Rhinos. and it’s a fairly clean sweater, but I could do without the gray shoulder striping.
#6 by Mark K on 04.02.08 9:05 am |
Rich said:
They work for me.
#7 by LI Phil on 04.02.08 9:08 am |
i need a lucky midget
#8 by Greg V. on 04.02.08 9:16 am |
I get the blank page with Flickr photos. Just hit the stop button (red X) on the browser and the picture opens.
The different treatments on the Bengals bobbleheads is because the Bengals used to have a linebacker named Riall Johnson, so R. Johnson would not have worked for Rudi. Riall is gone now and Rudi no longer wears his first name on his jersey.
#9 by =bg= on 04.02.08 9:20 am |
Yeah I had read the A’s weren’t going to wear their “Oakland 40 years” patch- I guess they decided to, which makes sense.
Reminds me of the similiar anniversary for the Bengals a few years back. Mike Brown refused to put the patch on the jersey.
#10 by Juan Grande on 04.02.08 9:25 am |
On the NFL.com merchandise page you can ordered customized tee shirts (odd but strangely interesting). When choosing a name and number for the tee shirt, you may make your own name and number or you may choose a player from the team roster. Sean Taylor #21 is still listed on the active roster! I hope the Skins are not going to carry him on the eternal roster.
#11 by Taha on 04.02.08 9:42 am |
LI Phil said:
have a kid, and you can name him LI’l Phil!
#12 by Joey Guns on 04.02.08 9:49 am |
The minor league baseball logo contest on CNBC has ended. The winner was the Southern Illinois Miners:
http://www.cnbc.com/...
#13 by Rich on 04.02.08 9:50 am |
Greg V. said:
I don’t have that option, the x is grayed out.
#14 by Kevin on 04.02.08 9:56 am |
You think the “3″ is bad…Check out those ridiculous shoes. They look clunky and heavy. I never liked the idea of “Shox cleats”. Almost seems dangerous.
#15 by Kevin on 04.02.08 9:57 am |
http://assets.espn.g...
#16 by Brandon on 04.02.08 10:01 am |
Don’t have a pic but Brian Barton of the Cardinals got his first MLB hit last night in his first big league at bat wearing stirrups. Rico Washington who also got his first big league at bat last night but was not wearing stirrups grounded out.
#17 by Paul Lukas on 04.02.08 10:05 am |
My editor’s gonna add a few photos to the page of today’s ESPN column, but the text and links are now final — look here.
#18 by Garbonzo Bean on 04.02.08 10:05 am |
Kevin said:
I was watching the game last night and was curious and thought about the team the Yanks were playing, the BLOW Jays…and how they really werent very blue…sure there were the JAYS on the unis, but they have them throw backs coming out of moth balls for a reason I am thinking…their hat isnt blue any more…they look like another cardboard cut out uniformed team
#19 by Tyler on 04.02.08 10:08 am |
Brandon said:
I was watching that game and I think Barton’s stirrups were actually just socks that the Cardinal’s minor league teams have worn in the past.
#20 by Evan on 04.02.08 10:09 am |
Paul Lukas said:
Once I read the title, the first thing I thought of was Jow Pepitone, now Im way too young to have ever seen him play, but I met him and all my dad would say was, “you know he was the first baseball player to bring a hair dryer into the locker room”
#21 by Mets/Jets Fan in Chicagoland on 04.02.08 10:15 am |
Anyone out there read the Chicago Tribune? Check out the Tempo section and look for that dingbat Ellen Warren’s story on the jerseys worn by the women’s Elite Eight teams. I’ve searched high and low on the Tribune website for a link to the story, but came up empty. In short, you have to see it in print to truly appreciate gems such as these while discussing the various merits of the LSU and Tennessee uniforms:
“Trend watchers appreciate the faceoff of the two teams that embrace the ‘it’ spring color – yellow. And both Tennessee and LSU pair their yellow with blue…”
Is this bee-yotch blind or drunk or both?
#22 by josh on 04.02.08 10:16 am |
Topps got a lot of people with that prank, myself included. kind of pisses me off. thought i had pulled something that would be valuable one day. now i just feel like an idiot
#23 by MPowers1634 on 04.02.08 10:19 am |
Kevin said:
Among us hybrid UW/Niketalkers, the SHOX Ups that Frank Thomas has cleated are often referred to as the worst example of cleated sneakers, by far.
#24 by MPowers1634 on 04.02.08 10:32 am |
MPowers1634 said:
These are my favorite “cleated sneakers”.
#25 by Perry on 04.02.08 10:32 am |
Tyler said:
I think you’re right — they had that same weird look, with sharp angles rather than rounded half-moons. Still, way better than pajama pants. He was showing all the stripes, too. The Rockies’ announcers were commenting on it — George Frazier said when he was coming up with the Cardinals in the 70s you didn’t dare walk out of the clubhouse without every stripe showing.
#26 by LI Phil on 04.02.08 10:37 am |
from paul’s espn piece:
LI Phil said:
this is, not coincidentally, the first and only occurrence of a player being disappointed to learn “he hasn’t been dealt to the astros”
#27 by josh on 04.02.08 10:38 am |
Perry said:
all of the minor leaguers do it for the cardinals and most of them do it at least for a while when they come up but eventually they just stop
#28 by Ian on 04.02.08 10:41 am |
Here’s my two cents on LaTroy Hawkins not wearing #21.
If 21 was issued to someone in 2002, this would not be an issue. However, the fact is since it wasn’t used for six years, fans have speculated that it would be retired for Paul O’Neill, with the team constantly denying it either way. If they flat out said it would not be retired, we wouldn’t have this commotion. Its just that they quietly gave #21 to a non-roster invitee, years after higher profile career #21’s like Roger Clemens and Ruben Sierra (who wore #21 everywhere else as a tribute to Clemente) did not even ask for it.
My disappointment isn’t necessarily that O’Neill isn’t getting that honor (although I would like to see it happen), but that a Yankee I watched for years for Joe Torre would be honored sooner than later. It could have been Torre himself, but his divorce from the Yankees won’t let that happen for quite some time. I just hope there is one more number added to Monument Park before the House is closed this fall. Bernie?
#29 by MPowers1634 on 04.02.08 10:42 am |
MPowers1634 said:
These are my least favorite.
By the way, while watching the Angels and Twins two nights ago, I realized that I had never really noticed their interesting font style.
#30 by Derek on 04.02.08 10:44 am |
Not uni realted but this is pretty funny, especially the guys comment
#31 by Derek on 04.02.08 10:45 am |
heres the link for the above comment
http://www.fannation...
#32 by Ian on 04.02.08 10:53 am |
The Knicks need a bailout from the NBA to either dump cap room or dramatically change the rules so Walsh doesn’t have to be stuck with the impossible salary cap situation…
Derek said:
#33 by Alan #44 on 04.02.08 10:57 am |
NHL third jersey info for next season:
http://nhllogos.blog...
#34 by Dave in VA on 04.02.08 11:05 am |
Alan #44 said:
Man, I hope the Flyers break out the vintage orange jerseys from the glory days. “Ditch the black ™”!!
#35 by Roger Faso on 04.02.08 11:06 am |
What?
No mention of Bill Caudill taking the mound with half a beard?
While trying to find a pic of Caudill with half a beard, I stumbled upon this.
I’ve never seen that jacket.
#36 by Roger Faso on 04.02.08 11:07 am |
Roger Faso said:
Stumbled upon this, as well.
Pretty good pic of the St. Pats uni.
#37 by Marty Met on 04.02.08 11:09 am |
Ian said:
O’Neill / Clemente. C’mon now. Honoring Clemente is much more important than Honoring O’Neill. I personally think that if 42 is retired league wide and the NHL did the same with 99, than MLB should retire 21 league wide. But really Yankees fans O’Neill wasn’t Willie Stargell, Eddie Murray or Harmon Killabrew. He was an average player.
#38 by Jeag on 04.02.08 11:13 am |
I want those Bengal bobbleheads so I can ask them questions a Bengal would say yes to.
“Do you have ugly uniforms?”
“Did you get pulled over with coke in your car?”
“Do you still play at Riverfront Stadium?…Liar!”
#39 by Walaitis on 04.02.08 11:20 am |
LI Phil said:
Along those lines … and Cub fans help me out, please … Vague, vague memory tells me that Bill Buckner was tired of being “phased out” by the Cubs and stopped shaving in protest, then, when he came out beardless for the second half of a double-header, everyone knew a trade was in the works.
Does anyone else remember this, or did someone slip something funny into my 8th grade Kool-Aid back in 1984? I can’t find ANY mention of anything similar on Google, and I would think this would have been documented somewhere, if it really did happen.
#40 by StevieW on 04.02.08 11:21 am |
I ask my Bengal bobbleheads all the time: Are you guys going to not meet expectations, ruin my christmas and miss the playoffs again?
They always nod yes !
#41 by Pat on 04.02.08 11:22 am |
Ian said:
They got one, remember? Just too bad the most poorly run franchise in all of sports couldn’t properly take advantage of it.
#42 by Paul Lukas on 04.02.08 11:23 am |
Walaitis said:
That’s an awesome story — if true. Can anyone confirm? If I can get some solid confirmation, I’ll add it to today’s column!
#43 by Walaitis on 04.02.08 11:26 am |
Walaitis said:
OK … I may not be TOTALLY insane about this … According to Cubs Journal, The Cubs played a double header on May 24, 1984, and Buckner was listed as traded the next day. I just wish I could find something about him shaving to coincide.
#44 by interlockingtc on 04.02.08 11:26 am |
The Twins can tweak those alternates all they want, but at the end of the day they’ll always look like beer league softball shirts.
#45 by LI Phil on 04.02.08 11:29 am |
LI Phil said:
yeah, ok
…and im no yankee fan
#46 by ryan c #40 on 04.02.08 11:30 am |
check out the yankees sleeve patches… wishful thinking?
http://www.spawn.com...
#47 by Aaron Scholder on 04.02.08 11:39 am |
Even more news on NHL Third Jerseys next season courtesy of Steve Zipay, the Rangers beat writer:
http://www.newsday.c...
“The Rangers are among the 10 or so teams who apparently will not unveil a “third” jersey next season. According to several folks familiar with the process, several will have a vintage look (possibly with laces at the collar) and five or six will be black.”
#48 by Garbonzo Bean on 04.02.08 11:40 am |
LI Phil said:
Average player? Was Dwight Evans an average player? Or HOJO? Or even Harold Baines in CHicago…Dont think so and their #s are sacred…except for the travesty who is wearing 24 in bow-ston
#49 by Robin on 04.02.08 11:44 am |
Mets/Jets Fan in Chicagoland said:
Wow, just. . . . . wow. It’s hard to count how many things are wrong with that statement. I think she may be a bit on the color blind side. Or perhaps she failed color recognition in kindergarten
#50 by Mets/Jets Fan in Chicagoland on 04.02.08 11:45 am |
LI Phil said:
Me, either…..apparently this guy heard about the proposal for the Yank-me’s to add NOB for 2009
#51 by Sports Tsar on 04.02.08 11:46 am |
didnt pedro similarly jinx himself fashion-wise in the middle of a no-no a few years back when he took off his chain?
George
http://sportstsar.co...
#52 by Philly Bill on 04.02.08 11:55 am |
Sports Tsar said:
His chronic injuries also started immediately after he said, “Dig up de Bambino and have him face me. Maybe I’ll drill him in the ass.”
Maybe my favorite baseball quote of all time.
#53 by ScottyJ in WV on 04.02.08 11:55 am |
Joey Guns said:
Beat me to the punch, Joey.
I think the Miners have a good logo, but certainly not the best. Technically it’s not even a minor league logo. The Miners play in the independent Frontier League.
#54 by Mets/Jets Fan in Chicagoland on 04.02.08 12:00 pm |
Robin said:
…either of which should disqualify you (I think) from writing fashion articles for a major newspaper
#55 by LI Phil on 04.02.08 12:01 pm |
would it be possible to institute a ‘new rule’ that if you have a blog, which is cool by me, can you at least keep your link OUT OF THE MAIN BODY OF YOUR POSTS?
just put it in the “URI” (as many of you do)
it’s not just one offender, so this isn’t directed at anyone in particular…it just seems that there have been several recently…if you DO want to announce your website/blog…just say (once) ‘click on my name’
thanks
anyone else agree? cuz you can all tell me to f-off if you think im being ridiculous
#56 by ja on 04.02.08 12:09 pm |
this would never have flown if a uniwatch reader would have seen the card (new seahawks jersey a pretty good tip that the picture was not taken in 1980..
http://www.palmbeach...
#57 by Mets/Jets Fan in Chicagoland on 04.02.08 12:17 pm |
LI Phil said:
Like this? (see above)
#58 by Wollen1 on 04.02.08 12:28 pm |
Note to self: Don’t wear an Oilers jersey AND ACT LIKE A DRUNKEN PR_CK in Calgary.
#59 by Paul Lukas on 04.02.08 12:29 pm |
Garbonzo Bean said:
HoJo? Of the Mets? His No. 20 isn’t sacred in the least. A sampling of the many, many players who wore No. 20 after HoJo left the Mets: Ryan Thompson, Roberto Petagine, Mark Johnson, Jeromy Burnitz, Prentice Redman, Karim Garcia, and Shawn Green (and that’s about half of th list).
Anyway, the REAL No. 20 for the Mets will always be Tommie Agee.
#60 by Shaftman on 04.02.08 12:40 pm |
Paul Lukas said:
I was thinking the same thing…although it is weird to see HoJo wearing 52.
#61 by Matt Camino on 04.02.08 12:41 pm |
Not so much uniform related, but MLB logos on candy: http://www.mymms.com...
#62 by Adam on 04.02.08 12:43 pm |
Walaitis said:
From the Chicago Tribune, 5/25/84 – “BILL BUCKNER shaved his beard between games of Thursday’s double-header but he hasn’t been delivered to the Boston Red Sox as yet.”
Here’s the link – http://tinyurl.com/6
The full article might have more, but I don’t want to pay for it. I’ll look a bit more.
#63 by John T on 04.02.08 12:50 pm |
Paul Lukas said:
Hey, don’t forget Choo-Choo,
#64 by Paul Lukas on 04.02.08 12:53 pm |
Adam said:
Great work — I went ahead and bought the article. Here it is.
#65 by Mets/Jets Fan in Chicagoland on 04.02.08 12:54 pm |
Paul Lukas said:
AMEN!
So, when are my beloved Mets retiring Mookie’s #1?
[slight sarcasm]
#66 by Jay on 04.02.08 1:09 pm |
Marty Met said:
C’mon, Paulie was the backbone of those great Yankees teams of the late 90’s-early 00’s, and of the Reds before that.
How many World Series have the Yankees won since Paulie retired?
Until Torre went to the Dodgers, he’d been continually trying to replace the clutch hitting and leadership that Paulie provided.
He’s one of those players to which the stat line doesn’t do justice.
#67 by Jay on 04.02.08 1:09 pm |
But Paulie wasn’t more important than Clemente…
#68 by Jason on 04.02.08 1:15 pm |
Eric Wedge’s beard made the ESPN article, but the controversy over his mustache was skipped! There was even a Shave Eric Wedge website (which is no longer available, apparently.)
#69 by Dave in VA on 04.02.08 1:18 pm |
Jay said:
But Scott Brosius also retired after the ‘01 season, along with O’Neill (I’m just sayin’…)
#70 by Pedro on 04.02.08 1:25 pm |
Can someone make an “obvious” Bengal bobblehead joke? (Just for example)because I’m not getting it…
#71 by Chad G on 04.02.08 1:26 pm |
Shaftman said:
I was reading Mets by the numbers yesterday and it says HoJo is back in #20 for this season since Shawn Green is gone
#72 by Shaftman on 04.02.08 1:28 pm |
Chad G said:
Wow, that’s great. I haven’t noticed since he’s always on the bench now (instead of coaching first like in the first half of last season.)
Thanks for the update.
#73 by LI Phil on 04.02.08 1:35 pm |
LI Phil said:
right after we retire this, this,
this,this, and this#74 by MPowers1634 on 04.02.08 1:36 pm |
Dave in VA said:
Having grown up 25 minutes from the Stadium, I loved watching the baseball that thoseYankees played. I would often find myself sitting directly behind O’Neill in the RF bleachers. As a college freshman in 1996, I could get into the bleachers, trip included, for under 10 dollars:
SI Ferry was free, The 4 train up from Bowling Green was 1.50, a hot dog outsidethe stadium for a few bucks and a bleacher ticket was 6 dollars. Unbelievable!
A sight, I would love for my children to not only see, but enjoy occurs after riding the subterranian train for a short while, only to rise back to the light and not only see the stadium in all of it’s historic majesty, but to catch the a glimpse of the most brilliant green this side of County Cork, when the break between the 1st Base box seats and the right field bleachers allows you in for the briefest of moments.
Nonetheless, I truly loved the way O’Neill played the game. His intensity, pride and all out desire was second to none. Those abstract qualities were not trumped to compensate for a lack of skill or talent, because he was one of the better hitters that I have evr watched.
But to place his career and abilities on a pedestal with Roberto Clemente as well as the great Yankees that came before him: even I have to question that.
But to my point
#75 by LI Phil on 04.02.08 1:36 pm |
Pedro said:
i think you just did
#76 by Dave on 04.02.08 1:48 pm |
No pic yet, but I was at the M’s Rangers game last night and I am pretty sure Josh Hamilton was wearing his sunglasses on his hat, for a night game…with the roof closed
#77 by Pedro on 04.02.08 1:49 pm |
LI Phil said:
good stuff…but still lost
#78 by LI Phil on 04.02.08 1:49 pm |
LI Phil said:
was anyone saying paulie was better than, or even equal to, arriba? no…merely pointing out to marty that he was far from an average player
LI Phil said:
you had one?
#79 by MPowers1634 on 04.02.08 1:50 pm |
This flight wasn’t by any chance going to Oakland, was it?
#80 by MPowers1634 on 04.02.08 1:52 pm |
LI Phil said:
No, poor job of editing a soap box style rant
#81 by Robin on 04.02.08 1:52 pm |
LI Phil said:
Are those bobbleheads to scale? I think Chad Johnson’s head really is that big in proportion to the rest of his body.
#82 by Jay on 04.02.08 1:52 pm |
Dave in VA said:
You really think it was Brosius?
#83 by lwiedy on 04.02.08 1:55 pm |
Marty Met said:
My take:
Not average, but not worthy of number retirement. If it were, it would be the only Yankees “retired” not to have/done the following: HOF, MVP, Cy Young.
As for Clemente’s 21, Robby’s 42 was done as much (if not completely) for being the central figure in one of the most socially significant events of the 20th Century, than for any baseball ability. So 21’s universal retirement would be at least a different consideration and not quite there, IMO.
#84 by lwiedy on 04.02.08 1:58 pm |
MPowers1634 said:
Has this guy be sleeping for the last 8 years?
#85 by lwiedy on 04.02.08 2:02 pm |
lwiedy said:
Oops, not Billy (meant the throw in WS Mgr., which is distinctly different from playing on one)
#86 by MPowers1634 on 04.02.08 2:06 pm |
lwiedy said:
I would prefer sleeping for an extended period of time over playing for the Golden State Warriors.
#87 by lwiedy on 04.02.08 2:09 pm |
I really enjoyed the ESPN column. Couple of thoughts:
Paul wrote: “1976: On Opening Day, Yankees owner George Steinbrenner instructs team publicist Marty Appel to recall the club’s yearbooks because several of the photographs show players with long hair.”
Anybody have the 1981 yearbook with Georgie’s lipstick job?
Also worth mentioning on the facial hair history:
Frenchy Bordagaray and House of David.
#88 by Dave in VA on 04.02.08 2:10 pm |
Jay said:
All I’m pointing out is that the assertion that the Yankee dynasty of the late ’90’s ended when O’Neill retired is specious; especially when combined with the fact that Brosius also retired after that season, and had a World Series MVP to his name (1996?) to boot.
Yes, O’Neill was a fine player; I’m sure he means much more to Yankee fans than most of us realize. But to anoint him as worthy of having his number retired is farcical. That honor should be reserved for the truly great.
#89 by Dave in VA on 04.02.08 2:13 pm |
My error – Brosius won his WS MVP in 1998.
#90 by lwiedy on 04.02.08 2:15 pm |
Matt Camino said:
I thought the Twins were phasing out that logo ;-)
#91 by Lee on 04.02.08 2:24 pm |
#92 by JohnnyO on 04.02.08 2:27 pm |
Brewers in their road gray’s in Chicago this afternoon. They must read Uni Watch. It’s also worked out well so far, Rickie Weeks hit the first pitch of the game over the left field fence.
#93 by Walaitis on 04.02.08 2:35 pm |
Along those lines … and Cub fans help me out, please … Vague, vague memory tells me that Bill Buckner was tired of being “phased out” by the Cubs and stopped shaving in protest, then, when he came out beardless for the second half of a double-header, everyone knew a trade was in the works.
Does anyone else remember this, or did someone slip something funny into my 8th grade Kool-Aid back in 1984? I can’t find ANY mention of anything similar on Google, and I would think this would have been documented somewhere, if it really did happen.
OK … I may not be TOTALLY insane about this … According to Cubs Journal, The Cubs played a double header on May 24, 1984, and Buckner was listed as traded the next day. I just wish I could find something about him shaving to coincide.
From the Chicago Tribune, 5/25/84 – “BILL BUCKNER shaved his beard between games of Thursday’s double-header but he hasn’t been delivered to the Boston Red Sox as yet.”
Here’s the link – http://tinyurl.com/6
The full article might have more, but I don’t want to pay for it. I’ll look a bit more.
Great work — I went ahead and bought the article. Here it is.
Well, thank GOODNESS! When I couldn’t find anything on Google, I was starting to doubt myself. I was thinking it was time to stop wearing my “Bleacher Bum” t-shirt that’s ten sizes-old.
#94 by MPowers1634 on 04.02.08 2:39 pm |
Check this out:
1. Idiot airplane passenger
2. Point Guard wearing Idi Amin’s coat
3. Point Guard in Jay-Z’s/LeBron James’ Dressing Room
4. Hysterical
#95 by MPowers1634 on 04.02.08 2:43 pm |
3. Point Guard in Jay-Z’s/LeBron James’ Dressing Room
#96 by LI Phil on 04.02.08 2:56 pm |
MPowers1634 said:
MPowers1634 said:
maybe im not following…matt, are you saying the ‘idiot airline passenger’ looks like baron davis?
#97 by Paul Lukas on 04.02.08 3:14 pm |
Dave in VA said:
I agree that O’Neill was a nice player — an above-average player, certainly — but not one who deserves to have his number retired, esp. on a team like the Yankees, where the bar is very, very high (yes, they’ve retired tons of numbers, but mostly for truly immortal players). Also, O’Neill played almost as many seasons for the Reds as he did for the Yankees. He’s an Ohio native and is still thought of as a Red by many fans in the Midwest.
I don’t completely agree, however, that number retirement should always be reserved for “the truly great.” I always felt, for example, that the Mets should have retired Ed Kranepool’s No. 7 when he retired. Was Eddie an immortal? Of course not. But he played with the team for every single one of the franchise’s first 18 years of existence (nobody else was even close) and held many of the club’s all-time offensive records when he retired (he still ranks near the top in several categories). Was he a great player? No. But was he a special Met? I say yes. He was literally the only player to wear No. 7 for nearly the first two decades of the team’s existence! They should have made it permanent by retiring the number when he hung up his spikes.
#98 by Jen on 04.02.08 3:19 pm |
Yankees first base coach Tony Pena wore his helmet during pregame introductions last night.
#99 by Minna H. on 04.02.08 3:26 pm |
Ok, Toriiii just does not look right in a Los Angeles Angels of Orange County, Anaheim, California uniform–just like a certain pitcher looks better as a Twin. It’s too weird watching him play center whilst wearing the opposition’s colors.
As for the NFL hair rule–great, so they are going to be like Microsoft. We’ll decide May, July, next year, whenever we want about this issue. Decide now that it’s a stupid rule and be done with it.
Finally, I have got to get me some of those Black Op patches–I sense a new collection arising.
#100 by LI Phil on 04.02.08 3:27 pm |
Paul Lukas said:
great reminisence paul…it’s funny you mentioned krane, when just yesteday i was reading the kranepool society and this little beaut was part of the blog (the author is talking about winning free tickets to the final regular season game at shea):
First do not show up in a black Mets jersey. Do not wear your Mets cap backwards, that is a sure sign of disrespect and bend that brim. Do not come into the interview room with a cell phone in you ear or one of those WE’ER NUMBER 1 Foam Fingers on your hand as both will be shove so far up your ass you’ll be able to dial that phone with that foam finger by passing gas. Do tell me how Ed Kranepool’s Number 7 should be retired and how Tom Seaver’ bust should be carved into Mt Rushmore. Bring in a 6 pack of Rheingold and if you bring in the Rheingold in a Chug-A-Mug bottle I’ll put you in a luxury box. You will have to able to tell me what scared Juan Samuel so much that he refused to leave his Corona apartment to play a game at Shea
love it…you can read the full story here…also a good story today about how the author thinks petey is done for the season…hope he’s wrong
#101 by lwiedy on 04.02.08 3:29 pm |
Jen said:
Funny you should mention that. As a catcher who wore that exact style helmet, he’s probably more comfortable than most wearing it.
In a related item, I hear Bowa was tossed last night, not for not wearing the helmet (as he pledged to attempt) but for wandering outside the box.
#102 by LI Phil on 04.02.08 3:32 pm |
LI Phil said:
that’s how i got divorced!
#103 by werthj on 04.02.08 3:33 pm |
Jeag said:
Awesome Mitch reference…..
#104 by ryan c #40 on 04.02.08 3:37 pm |
Not so much uniform related, but MLB logos on candy: http://www.mymms.com...
I thought the Twins were phasing out that logo ;-)
LOL! GOOD ONE!!!
i don’t know if any of you heard this, but the pirates are slowly phasing out the “angry pirate” logo and are using the classic “P” more and more! which i am TOTALLY fine with! you will obviously still see the “angry pirate” logo around, but way less.
and please sickos… no “angry pirate” jokes!!! the team is bad enough! lol
#105 by ScottyJ in WV on 04.02.08 3:40 pm |
Good lookin’ old school Marshall University basketball shorts.
Love the simple little side graphic.
#106 by Jay on 04.02.08 3:40 pm |
Dave in VA said:
I’m not advocating for retirement of 21 by the Yankees. I don’t however, think that it is somehow specious to claim that Paul O’Neil is a very large part of that Yankees dynasty – moreso than Brosious, Martinez, or anayother name you pull off that roster. Brousious also got thereter the dynasty was off and running.
You can trace the success (and aguably decline) of two organizations – the Reds and the Yankees – through Paulie. I don’t think that’s coincidental. Others may think differently…
#107 by u2horn on 04.02.08 3:44 pm |
Have the Yankees retired anyone’s number who isn’t in the HOF?
#108 by Jen on 04.02.08 3:46 pm |
Maybe the All-Star patch was just for Opening Day. Pete Abraham is reporting that the uniforms worn last night will be sold off.
#109 by Christopher on 04.02.08 3:49 pm |
Geaux LSU Tigers!
#110 by Christopher on 04.02.08 3:52 pm |
u2horn said:
Roger Maris
Thurman Munson
Don Mattingly
Elston Howard
Ron Guidry
#111 by lwiedy on 04.02.08 3:55 pm |
LI Phil said:
After I saw this posted, I said Hmmm….who’s gonna see that another way. I should have known!
This may not make up for Cone-for-Hearn, but it’s a start (check visiting pitching line).
#112 by Graham on 04.02.08 3:57 pm |
when will they stop?
#113 by lwiedy on 04.02.08 4:00 pm |
Christopher said:
Billy, too. As I mentioned above, all the above players did win an MVP or Cy Young, so for at least one season, they were considered great not only by their team but by baseball in general, a distinction never associated with O’Neill.
#114 by Graham on 04.02.08 4:00 pm |
ugghhhh
#115 by lwiedy on 04.02.08 4:02 pm |
More Bannister. He has changed from #40 to #19, which was his dad’s number.
#116 by Christopher on 04.02.08 4:05 pm |
Agreed on the retired numbers thing. It should be for players special to that team/city, not hall of famers or players special to the league.
Harold Baines is getting a freaking *statue* this year in US Cellular.
#117 by Craig on 04.02.08 4:11 pm |
Hey gents, I need a little help. Can I get someone to help me ID the patch on this Ted Lindsay picture? If anyone has a better shot of it I’d sure appreciate a copy.
#118 by Dave in VA on 04.02.08 4:16 pm |
Christopher said:
Statues are great; that’s a nice tribute. If teams keep retiring numbers for “special” players, pretty soon we’ll be having player numbers in the triple digits.
I like what the Phillies do – no number gets retired until the player is elected to the Hall of Fame.
#119 by JN on 04.02.08 4:16 pm |
this has nothing to do with facial hair, but this is actually in reference to the beckham stuff that was brought up a few days ago about his 100th cap (here, here, and here)…
but i thought this might be going a little too far?
#120 by Craig on 04.02.08 4:19 pm |
ted lindsay
#121 by =bg= on 04.02.08 4:31 pm |
Ya know, the Giants are terrible- but their TV spots are really good.
#122 by Rob Weber on 04.02.08 4:33 pm |
While watching the Dodger-Giant game last night I was struck by the SF logo on the Giants helmets (sorry no screen grab) – is it my imagination or have they significantly thickened up the letters? They looked like crap, and were clearly thicker than the treatment on their caps.
#123 by Duckstyle on 04.02.08 4:34 pm |
Christopher said:
Which is ridulous, but hell, they also made a Chomisky statue and that SOB is the whole reason the Black Sox Scandle happened in the first place. Only White Sox’s worthy of a statue, IMO, are “Shoeless” Joe, Minoso, Frank Thomas(10 years from now), and maybe Nellie Fox.
#124 by Banker Bill on 04.02.08 4:45 pm |
lwiedy said:
Floyd’s kid is going to come back to haunt us. – I know it.
#125 by Dan King on 04.02.08 4:46 pm |
JN said:
well lets see; the first picture is his own brand of cleats made by adidas, second one i can understand, the third looks like a souvenir available to fans, and the ipod was bought by his teammates. none of them seem that out of line. i also don’t think some people understand how rare this feat is. perfect games happen more often than appearing 100 times for your country.
#126 by lwiedy on 04.02.08 5:31 pm |
Craig said:
Maybe a city of Detoit thing:
http://images.google...
#127 by lwiedy on 04.02.08 5:34 pm |
lwiedy said:
That “Detoit” was NOT intentional!
#128 by Aaron Scholder on 04.02.08 5:38 pm |
Don’t kill me if this has been mentioned before but the Mets have gotten rid of that rectangular box next to the Y on their road jerseys.
Compare recent a recent year’s: http://blogs.nydaily...
To This year’s:
http://d.yimg.com/a/...
#129 by lwiedy on 04.02.08 5:38 pm |
lwiedy said:
250th Anniversary
#130 by johnny on 04.02.08 5:39 pm |
Jen said:
In regard to this, after having a concussion last year, I contacted some friends who own the Washington Nationals and was able to obtain that model of helmet from the team and after wearing it to play baseball, I have found that number one they are really comfortable and are not all that bad to wear. Just my 2 cents
#131 by lwiedy on 04.02.08 5:41 pm |
Aaron Scholder said:
That is a velcro piece sewn to the inside of the jersey to keep it together in case of overzealous unbuttoning.
#132 by Walaitis on 04.02.08 5:42 pm |
Aaron Scholder said:
I’m guessing that’s a piece of velcro sewn in since the buttons above and below were moved to make room for “New York”.
#133 by Chris on 04.02.08 5:46 pm |
Apparently people think the Kaz Uzuki cards are of an actual prospect. Lots of them available on ebay for a couple bucks a pop.
#134 by Walaitis on 04.02.08 5:51 pm |
Chris said:
Just because their on eBay doesn’t mean people don’t think they could be valuable. In fact, that might end up being the most valuable card in that entire series when it’s all said and done. Sure there have been hundreds of thousands of baseball cards before (millions?), but how many of them have been for a fabricated player?
#135 by Walaitis on 04.02.08 5:54 pm |
Walaitis said:
Speaking of which, I’m sure Kaz’s features are a combination of a group of other people’s, but why does he, to me, anyway, most resemble Johnny Damon?
#136 by lwiedy on 04.02.08 5:59 pm |
Walaitis said:
Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem to matter what your letter placement is, the gap is wide on one’s that don’t even need it.
#137 by Paul Lukas on 04.02.08 6:01 pm |
Walaitis said:
That’s exactly what it is — it’s a Mets thing (and it looks like shit). And indeed, it appears to be missing this year. But I think that’s because they went straight from spring training to a road trip — I suspect the little Velcro patches will be sewn in once they get back home.
#138 by lwiedy on 04.02.08 6:13 pm |
Paul Lukas said:
When you say it’s a Mets thing, you don’t mean they are the only one’s to do it, do you?
#139 by Mike Engle on 04.02.08 6:14 pm |
Mr. Lukas:
Great article. What’s your razor of choice?
#140 by Mike Engle on 04.02.08 6:18 pm |
Mike Engle said:
Sorry to quote myself, but just thought of something…wasn’t there an old time ballplayer for John McGraw’s New York Giants who was specifically exempt from the no-beards rule due to a skin condition? If I remember correctly, he also kept his beard while serving in the Army for the same reason. Can’t recall the name though…
#141 by Ben on 04.02.08 6:25 pm |
josh said:
One card every 72 packs may still be valuable…check ebay and see what they’re selling for today.
#142 by Brad on 04.02.08 6:26 pm |
Jeag said:
Mithc Hedberg’s genius stand-up may be gone forever, but he lives on through parody
#143 by Craig on 04.02.08 6:31 pm |
lwiedy said:
LOL, no worries…thanks for the lead, that really helps
#144 by Ben on 04.02.08 6:41 pm |
Walaitis said:
I think he looks a little like a photoshopped Jimmy Phallon…
#145 by MetsFan AZ on 04.02.08 6:51 pm |
lwiedy said:
PL actually addressed this once, or it might have been an observation in the comments. Majestic just uses the same template for button placement regardless of where the name is. I think the White Sox was the example used last time.
#146 by Paul Lukas on 04.02.08 7:40 pm |
lwiedy said:
No, but they’ve been doing it for the better part of a decade now. A few other teams do it as well. It depends on the equipment manager.
#147 by Whayne on 04.02.08 8:13 pm |
So, when Larry Bowa got ejected last night, and they had to use a new third base coach, di that guy have his own helmet, or did hafta use Bowa’s or someone elses? If the new coach had his own, i wonder how many of the bench coaches have their own helmets for just such occasion…
#148 by Little Wolf on 04.02.08 8:33 pm |
I dunno if anyone noticed but Shane Victorino is in the double-flap batting helmet club. Just noticed it tonight in his 6th inning at bat.
#149 by =bg= on 04.02.08 9:18 pm |
test
#150 by Lee on 04.02.08 9:25 pm |
though most likely already mentioned, front story on espn.com. whatever this new contract you got, its working well for you.
#151 by tmac3217 on 04.02.08 9:40 pm |
interlockingtc said:
Agreed. The dark jerseys (with red piping) just don’t look right with the pinstriped pants. Maybe they could do a white pinstriped alternate with either the TC logo or the old-time Twins lettering…
#152 by LI Phil on 04.02.08 9:54 pm |
coupla three things…
yankees still have both patches…so it wasn’t a one-n-done (game-wise, not series-wise) thing…
the bjays “3″s STILL look funky and…
why is their NOB a different, and quite hard to read (contrast-wise) color? it’s different from the #OB, #OF & ‘toronto’…style be damned, it looks shitty
#153 by Priest on 04.02.08 10:00 pm |
Couple more things from the Toronto/NYY game….
- Baraja’s helmet has #23, but he is wearing #20 (he gave 23 to Shannon Stewart once he made the team, I haven’t gotten a good look at Stewarts helmet since I noticed Baraja’s)
- Brian Tallet is wearing his pants low again (and sporting a full beard)
- Molina is wearing a touque under his catching helmet.
#154 by Zakawitz on 04.02.08 10:01 pm |
So after pointing out the Chico thing from Monday afternoon, I spent the whole Phillies/Nationals game looking for more upside down I’s. And sure enough – Paul LoDuca’s was upside down. They’re having some really problems in Washington. No picture yet though – I’ll keep searching
#155 by GoMac on 04.02.08 10:06 pm |
I think they should retire O’Neill’s 21 and Tino’s 24..
It’s almost hard to remember how dominant they were from 96-2000…since it’s been 8 years..but that team tore through each season and playoffs until the D-Backs beat em in game 7..
And O’Neill and Tino were the heart of those teams..even if they didn’t have HOF careers, they were Yankees.
Seriously..was there anyone in the world you would have rather had batting with the bases loaded and 2 outs in the ninth than Tino?
#156 by lwiedy on 04.02.08 10:08 pm |
LI Phil said:
Just from the photos you posted, there does seem to be a difference with the color scheme used for the TORONTO lettering, the numbers and the NOB lettering. If you look real carefully, the “inner” blue on the Toronto and numbers has some sort of black shading to the right, the NOB letters don’t and that MIGHT account for how they appear.
This is hardly solidly backed evidence, but conjectures ok here, right?
#157 by Priest on 04.02.08 10:16 pm |
Priest said:
Just noticed his catching helmet has #20 on it. Interesting that they would change one, but not the other.
#158 by Nif on 04.02.08 10:19 pm |
no screengrab but it looks like jeremy accardo for the blue jays has his initials on the left side of the bill of his cap.
#159 by LI Phil on 04.02.08 10:19 pm |
lwiedy said:
perhaps i worded my statement poorly…the “blue” (got the game on tv now, after watching the metsies DESTROY a minor league team)…and i’d say the ‘blue’ in both the NOB and the numbers/toronto is the same shade…
my point is that the NOB doesn’t have the black shading…and on the gray jersey, it’s somewhat hard to read…it’s hardly unique for a team to use a different style (and it looks like a different font, too) for the NOB…my point is that it is not so pleasing to my eye (although, it IS easier to read in HD than in the pics i posted)
#160 by lwiedy on 04.02.08 10:30 pm |
LI Phil said:
You were asking
LI Phil said:
I get it, you were asking “why did they do that”, not “why is it different”, you already knew that.
#161 by lwiedy on 04.02.08 10:32 pm |
GoMac said:
Look, in a few years, there will be AT LEAST three more retired numbers from this group (2, 42 again & 6, they will kiss and make-up someday). And why hasn’t Bernie Williams name come up in this debate? I personally don’t think it should be retired either, but his numbers were better than O’Neill, comparable to Martinez and he played his entire career in NY. Are we going to retire SIX numbers from this squad?
I get how beloved O’Neill is by Yankee fans, and I know many of them believe his 21 should be retired but introducing fan appeal so prominently into this decision would, IMO, be foolish.
#162 by Jordan Pope on 04.02.08 10:46 pm |
looks like there will be more green dots on the back of nfl helmets next season
#163 by LI Phil on 04.02.08 10:49 pm |
LI Phil said:
yeah…im just not good at actually SAYING that ;)
on a different but related note…paulie was an above average player, and a beloved yankee…but the yanks aren’t retiring 21 or 24 and maybe even 51 anytime soon…so lets end this debate
larry is right…2…42…and 6 will go in within 10 years…and that’s all
#164 by lwiedy on 04.02.08 10:50 pm |
Jordan Pope said:
How ’bout red dots for defense.
#165 by lwiedy on 04.02.08 10:51 pm |
LI Phil said:
Look up these guys and see what they did to contribute to Yankee championship teams:
Hank Bauer, Tommy Henrich, Eddie Lopat, Johnny Mize, Allie Reynolds just to name a few. Easily in O’Neill’s class as ballplayers and no one is campagning (rightfully so) for them.
This may be overkill, but the O’Neill stuff keeps coming up and is kinda silly when you take your heart out of it.
#166 by LI Phil on 04.02.08 11:04 pm |
LI Phil said:
preachin to the choir here
i admit, it was HARD to hate those damn teams…they were a great bunch of guys and so much better than the players they have now
but, and i could be wrong…gomac prolly GREW UP with them (a guy in my office feels the EXACT SAME WAY)…but when you take o’neill’s numbers and even the things that DON’T show up in a box score … and stack them up against some of the great yankees of the past
well…it’s just not close…he’s not a HOFer and he doesn’t deserve to get the 21 in the new monument park
and…there are probably 100 guys id rather have up in the bottom of the 9th with the sacks full than tino…and that’s NO slight to him either
#167 by Matt on 04.02.08 11:20 pm |
In addition to ditching the silver trim, the Indians have also ditched the awkward looking drop shadow on their nameplates. It also looks like the Chief Wahoo patch is slightly larger on the sleeve.
Sorry no pics…
#168 by Mike Engle on 04.02.08 11:49 pm |
I thought Kosuke Fukudome was going to have KOSUKE as his NOB due to “Fukudome” looking a little too much like “F*ck you, do me.” Apparently not.
#169 by Mike Engle on 04.02.08 11:55 pm |
Mike Engle said:
In case the link isn’t direct, it’s from ESPN.com, in the photo gallery “Brewers v. Cubs 31 March 2008.” Photo 17 is the best view.
#170 by Dan on 04.03.08 12:05 am |
UniWatch is the main story on ESPN.com right now, congrats.