There are multiple entrants in today’s sweepstakes, though no prize is actually available, or even offered. When trolling the wires I usually look for one of three things: 1) something that looks great, 2) something that does not, 3) something funny. Put all of these in category 2.
We’ll start with the Blue Jays, pictured above, who wore a road throwback for their home opener. I’ve said it before and it bears repeating: There’s a reason powder blue went away to begin with. Also, something isn’t ‘retro’ when: 1) it has an MLB logo on the collar, 2) it looks like pajamas for more reasons than simply being pajama-colored.
The Astros are next, for playing their fourth road game of the season without actually wearing their road uniforms. Drayton McLaine loves the reds. Great. Make that jersey the official road look and get on with it already.
And then there’s the A’s. What the hell …
Finally, there’s this lady. Cool, huh? She’s a serial offender, wearing this for the 2006 home opener (note the banner on the main gate on her hat), and this for a Packers game last season. Her husband, on the right in the first picture, dresses up, too. Clearly, the schtick is lettered sunglasses, feathered hair, and a white turtleneck. I feel sorry for anybody who has to sit anywhere near those two at any event, sporting or otherwise.
And now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to go paint my face and chest in Cubs pinstripes so I can properly cheer the team. — Bryan
#1 by Shayne on 04.05.08 7:29 am |
The only thing good to come out of my beloved BLUE Jays wearing that last night was the fact that they indeed did wear blue. This should/could’ve been one of those moments where a white pair of pants with mandatory stirrups and the powder blue jersey works. the pyjama look on the pants was too much and the billowy jerseys were too big.
#2 by Mark MihaIik on 04.05.08 7:50 am |
Another ridiculous look from last night: the Padres. I can live with the military alternate top, but couldn’t they have worn their white home pants?
This has to be one of the only times in MLB history where multiple teams wore away-colored pants at home.
#3 by Philly William on 04.05.08 8:16 am |
I’ve got a couple of MLB helmet questions:
1) When were catchers first required to wear helmets behind the plate? Was it the same time batting helmets became the rule, and were current catchers grandfathered?
2) When a batter reaches base, does he still have to wear an earflap helmet? Could he swap to a flapless helmet to run the bases?
#4 by Ryan Petrynka on 04.05.08 8:24 am |
Those Blue Jays jerseys are a classic piece of team history. Some may call it tacky and ugly, but to Jays fans they’re great and I’m glad they brought them back.
#5 by Tape on 04.05.08 8:48 am |
As someone who grew up with the Brewers in the early 80s, I was psyched when I turned on the Sox game and saw the blue Jays wearing those blues.
The only thing that bugged me is that it looked like there were two road teams playing.
#6 by Kevin G. on 04.05.08 9:21 am |
Did anybody else hear Hillary Clinton say that she wore a black armband after Martin Luther King was killed 40 years ago? Paul, you really have to dig for a picture on this one because there is no way I believe it. Here is a 20-year old, young Republican (which she was the time), growing up in an affluent suburb of Chicago (where there were no African-Americans living), during an extremely racially charged period, who would actually wear an armband to note the passing of Dr. King? Come one? Does anyone really believe that one? I think that’s about as truthful as her “Getting off the plane in Bosnia” quote.
#7 by Tony in Erie on 04.05.08 9:59 am |
So I’ve got a free gift certificate to a hotel in this small town in Pennsylvania called Lamar, PA, and I was trying to figure out what in the world there would be a hotel in that small looking town for.
Obviously its for the community college’s basketball team… Check out these RIDICULOUS uniforms. Oh. My. Lord.
#8 by Bryan Redemske on 04.05.08 10:02 am |
Kevin G. said:
How does this have anything to do with today’s topic, or uniforms in general? Let’s move on.
#9 by Jim W on 04.05.08 10:04 am |
When trolling the wires I usually look for one of three things: 1) something that looks great, 2) something that does not, 3) something funny.
Seriously Brian, and this is not a criticism simply an observation, when have you actually posted something where you have something positive to say. That said, the Powder Blue Jays were an easy target. Just hoping for more positive comments in the future.
#10 by StevieW on 04.05.08 10:04 am |
The stain is back on Julio Lugo’s left shoulder last night. Looking for a screen shot. He is either really good at getting a pine tar stain on his left shoulder or wearing the same jersey as last year.
I want to know what the Red Sox equipment manager thinks about his habit.
#11 by Sleepyfloyd on 04.05.08 10:14 am |
Jim W said:
I agree. I read uniwatch every day because I love uniforms, not because I love to hate on them.
I know it’s en vogue to be somewhat curmudgeonly (I think I just invented a word, or horribly misspelled one), but I’d be interested to see what kind of stuff you like, in addition to the stuff you find objectionable. Then the weekends won’t just be about “Who is Bryan going to make fun of today?”
Just like the poster above, I’m not questioning your pedigree, I’m just saying your criticisms would ring more true to me if they were contrasted with you found appealing, that’s all.
#12 by JohnnyO on 04.05.08 10:15 am |
A few things you notice on Brewers opening day
#13 by Robert on 04.05.08 10:19 am |
I could not stand powder blues back in the day, and I cannot stand them now. During that early time as a uni-obsessed youngster, my three primary concerns were the elimination of:
1. pullover jerseys
2. stretch pants (as opposed to belted pants)
3. powder blues
As we reached the late ’80s, and all three of these atrocities began to disappear, I felt that our society was finally becoming civilized.
That said, I would not mind the Blue Jays or other former offenders wearing their powder blues once a year in a throwback game. That would be neat. But making them a frequently seen alt is another matter.
#14 by Matt Lesser on 04.05.08 10:33 am |
If nothing else, you’ve gotta give the Jays credit for that hat. God that’s awesome.
#15 by Shane on 04.05.08 10:37 am |
What the frig, Oakland?
#16 by ScottyJ in WV on 04.05.08 10:45 am |
For the record, I kinda dig the Jays throwbacks. Not crazy about them being pullovers and, on most players, at least 1 size too big, but overall, I like ‘em.
Is it just me, or is there a noticable increase in the number of big leaguers wearing stirrups? If so, that’s an upward trend I like seein’!!
#17 by LI Phil on 04.05.08 10:45 am |
Kevin G. said:
whoops…wrong board
#18 by Michael Lewis on 04.05.08 10:52 am |
I didn’t see pajamas, as much as I saw scrubs. I agree that it should only be a once in awhile thing rather than a regular alt.
The hat was awesome though. Maybe the O’s should bring back theirs with the white front…
#19 by Paul Lukas on 04.05.08 10:54 am |
Whatever one thinks of Toronto’s powder blues, the bigger question, I’d say, is whether it was appropriate for them to wear an alternate uni for their home opener.
By contrast, the Brewers wore their regular home uni yesterday, instead of their retro Friday alternate, to honor the occasion of Opening Day. They’ll be going back to the retro alts for subsequent Fridays.
And as long as we’re talking about the Brewers: Prince was at it once again.
#20 by tommy forrester on 04.05.08 10:56 am |
with apologies to the adam sandler character from punch drunk love—those jays jerseys are so beautiful i want to smash ‘em!!! now if i can just get my cardinals to go back to red hats on the road. . .
#21 by Mark MihaIik on 04.05.08 11:00 am |
Tony in Erie said:
Those are awful… but they’re not from Lamar, Pennsylvania. That’s Lamar State, from Port Arthur, Texas.
#22 by Rene on 04.05.08 11:00 am |
Why are the Tampa Bay Rays still wearing a devil ray sleeve patch on the left sleeve??? and the Blue Jays Throwbacks are SWEET…isnt that what everyone here always complains about?? can we be positive
#23 by Dan on 04.05.08 11:03 am |
Bryan Redemske said:
Why should we move on? Sure, it’s not about uniforms, but it is about a tribute to someone who has died, something we discuss on here all the time. I found that post very interesting and I would like to know if anyone knows anything about it or could possibly find a picture.
#24 by Shane on 04.05.08 11:06 am |
Paul Lukas said:
I didn’t see it mentioned the other day (I think Thursday?), but Prince was playing first base with a glove on his throwing hand for one of the games against the Cubs. The FSN Wisconsin guys likened it to Jim McMahon.
#25 by LI Phil on 04.05.08 11:19 am |
LI Phil said:
i think you just answered your own question
#26 by Robert on 04.05.08 11:24 am |
Prince Fielder appears to be using Deion Sanders as an inspiration.
http://images.google...
I wish that I could find a better photo, because Deion wore some supremely baggy (and silly-looking) pants during the period in which he was honoring Jackie Robinson.
#27 by The Big Man on 04.05.08 11:30 am |
How’s about we drop all of this political banter, and remember that, this site is about our enjoyment of everything “UNI”…for it allows us the benefit of ‘escaping” every once and awhile from the rigors/challenges/dangers of life…!!!
Retro all the way!!!
#28 by Thorold Blair on 04.05.08 11:39 am |
I was at the Blue Jays home opener last night and loved the powder blues. More importantly I was OK with them being worn for the home opener as they were honoring the past with the addition of Roberto Alomar and Paul Beeston to the Level of Excellence. The fans seemed to enjoy them too!
Also of note, you can count the Jays as one of the teams who uses a pink rookie backpack in the bullpen. No photo, but Randy Wells was shown taking it out to the ‘pen on the JumboTron for a good 20 seconds or so.
And it appears as though Kevin Cash, of the forward facing catcher’s helmet, may be Tim Wakefield’s personal catcher now that Doug Mirabelli is out of town.
#29 by Brad on 04.05.08 11:45 am |
Paul Lukas said:
Hey Paul, now that you are slacking with the blog posts here, you should have time to do some research. The Brewers are no longer wearing the retro uniforms on Fridays (or any other day of the week).
#30 by Kenny on 04.05.08 11:48 am |
Now we see the reason why Canada and Wisconsin get made fun of
#31 by Shane on 04.05.08 11:49 am |
Thorold Blair said:
Yep. He was Timmy’s catcher for a few weeks last year when Mirabelli was on the DL, as well.
#32 by Jim W on 04.05.08 11:54 am |
Thorold Blair said:
Nice, but I $$ don’t $$ think $$ it’s $$ about $$ honouring $$ the $$ past $$.
… and Alomar never wore the powder blues.
#33 by Max on 04.05.08 11:57 am |
Ryan Petrynka said:
They ARE classic…
If they are worn the right way as they were in 1977.
Not the hideous pyjama look.
#34 by Rich on 04.05.08 11:58 am |
Pajama pants are the reason I quit watching MLB, just couldn’t stand it anymore.
The Washington Post ran a front page photo of the team greeting Zimmerman after his game-winning HR on opening night, and all I could think of was how they look like shit in their PJs. (sigh)
Only 5 months ’til NFL kickoff…!
#35 by MPowers1634 on 04.05.08 11:59 am |
Mark MihaIik said:
I was hoping that there was something WATER related with the schools location considering that they’re SEAHAWKS!
BTW, the stripe down the side of their unis reminds me of another Seahawk team at UNC Wilmington!
#36 by Jeff I on 04.05.08 12:07 pm |
So I’ve made a peculiar (kind of) uni decision and I’d like to get some input.
I have a home Bruins jersey from before the RBK Edge switch. It’s blank and I’ve been debating personalizing it and have always thought about getting #91 Savard.
Then this year comes and there’s an infectious rookie on the team #17 Milan Lucic, plays like a young Cam Neely.
So, I’m going to Custom Crafted (who does all the Bruins jerseys for the big club) to get his name and number stitched on a jersey he’s never worn.
Lame? Cool? Unique? Meh? Hilarious Fifth Option?
#37 by Paul Lukas on 04.05.08 12:07 pm |
Brad said:
Wrong again, Brad. Got this note earlier today from reader John Okray:
Paul Lukas said:
I’ll go back to slacking off now.
#38 by Ryan Petrynka on 04.05.08 12:08 pm |
Paul Lukas said:
I agree there’s two sides to it. On one hand wearing the team’s regular uniform for the home opener is proper, but on the other hand the team can’t wait to show off the new old threads.
I don’t think they should wear the throwbacks for future home openers, but for the big unveiling I think it’s fine. The Jays won the home opener and the fans loved the old threads, what’s to complian about?
#39 by Fred Provencher on 04.05.08 12:12 pm |
I know I am supposed to be outraged by the Blue Jays wearing blue at home with pull-over tops and one of the worse hat designs in mlb history, but I have to admit all I felt was nostalgia. I think it was the hats. I just could not hate them. They are real throwbacks. Also I love the side striping. Outside of the Brewers there just aren’t enough teams that have them. Of course if Toronto wears this uniform too often they will ruin all this good feeling.
#40 by Luke Mohamed on 04.05.08 12:14 pm |
Ryan Petrynka said:
Agreed, I love them.
#41 by Wally1912 on 04.05.08 12:14 pm |
Here is a brief article from the Boston Herald about Manny’s glove.
#42 by Shane on 04.05.08 12:16 pm |
Jeff I said:
I was thiiiiiiiis close to pre-ordering a Lucic Edge sweater this past summer. But I ended up getting last season’s third/throwback (Bergeron).
Kinda wish I’d gone the other way. I would’ve ended up with one of the oddball Lucic #62 sweaters, before he switched numbers.
Anyway, go with Savard, for historical accuracy.
#43 by hockey sweaters on 04.05.08 12:18 pm |
I wouldn’t mind seeing the powder blues once or twice a year. but, there’s a reason they went out of style. Cool for a throwback, but anything more? No. By the way, i added a new page onto my website on hockey sweaters. First’s the new page, then the main page.
http://www.freewebs....
http://www.freewebs....
Paul- can you please put the link on your site? I need some exposure. Thanks.
#44 by lwiedy on 04.05.08 12:20 pm |
Kevin G. said:
The inappropriateness of the issue aside, the way to approach this is “Paul, I did some digging and found (this picture/no picture). Coming in with an off the wall topic (to this board) and asking someone else, “I’m interested in this and you should research it for me” is the fastest way to Shutupville.
#45 by Paul Lukas on 04.05.08 12:24 pm |
lwiedy said:
Exactly. Photo of politician wearing black armband = yes; article about politician wearing armband = probably; article about speculation of politician possilby having worn black armband = probably not; random hearsay and request for me to please investigate = no.
#46 by MPowers1634 on 04.05.08 12:26 pm |
Interesting uni-note from the Yankees/Devil rays gane last night.
During the top half of the 8th inning, Yankee reliever Latroy Hawkins gave up four runs. Throughout the debacle, the booing and chants of the Stadium crowd were audible above the commentary by Michael Kay, Ken Singleton, and John Flaherty.
The loudest chant was “Paul O-Neill”. Asall UWers probably know, a great outcry has been made concerning the wearing of 21 in the Bronx.
The broadcast crew acknowledged the chants and then engaged in a conversation concerning the mid-season changing of numbers by MLB players prompting speculation that he might consider switching numbers.
Is that even feasible by MLB concerning merchandising?
I was tickled by the NY fans who “get it”.
#47 by MPowers1634 on 04.05.08 12:27 pm |
MPowers1634 said:
Sorry, strike-thru didn’t work, game
#48 by Tod H. on 04.05.08 12:27 pm |
hockey sweaters said:
…and somewhere an angry Teebz is stiring…
#49 by Jeff I on 04.05.08 12:36 pm |
Shane said:
Dunno Shane, i LOVE Savvy, but I get the feeling that in 5 years Looch will have a C or A on his chest while Savvy will be on some other team.
Im sure you feel it too, but Lucic to me embodies the black and gold. I think I’m gonna go with it!
Go B’s!
#50 by lwiedy on 04.05.08 12:40 pm |
MPowers1634 said:
Sure he can change. Latroy was probably not the best candidate to take on this task. He was booed out of Chicago for just being bad and he will have to be perfect to live up to the association.
#51 by lwiedy on 04.05.08 12:41 pm |
#52 by MPowers1634 on 04.05.08 12:42 pm |
This past Wednesday, my daughter was given her Tee-Ball uniform by her coach.
The players were arranged in size order and then given subsequent numbers starting from the smallest child. The number would also determine the batting order as well as who would lead off each game, (ie, #1 leads off game 1 etc.)
However excited my daughter was, I was a bit miffed at the quality of the jersey. I know, I know, it’s tee ball however last year the kids looked great. Every team in the league carries the name of a minor league ball-club. Last year they were the Louisville Bats, this year they are the Augusta Green Jackets. As Jim Nantz might say, “A uniform unlike any like no other”, not even close!
Pullover tops with a corporate sponsor. Before this year, I probably wouldn’t have had a problem with it. That was when I resided in the dark without the illuminating light of UniWatch.
Much to my disbelief, it wasn’t I who had the MAJOR problem, it was my wife who was really upset. A woman who suffers from Narcolepsy every time I begin to mouth the terms “Vertical Arching” or “System of Dress”.
Check out the e-mail she wrote to one of the board members of the league:
Myself, as well as other parents are very disappointed about the team jerseys! It seems as though we are using the children as walking bilboards! No where on the jersey does it say their team name! The children should be proud of the team they represent, as well as the name! My daughter wore her jersey to school on Thursday & she said many teachers asked what team she was on and she couldn’t remember! I understand that there are many sponsors who keep the program going, but why should our children be the advertisement???
Sincerely,
Willy
I can’t tell you how proud of her I was!
#53 by lwiedy on 04.05.08 12:45 pm |
To whom it may concern;
I am having a custom football figure made from the 1976 season and in one photograph of the reference photo, this redskins player (Chris Hanburger) wore the patch on his white jersey, but I have not been able to find out whether the Redskins wore the patch for the Burgundy jersey as well. Do you have insight or information about whether NFL teams, specifically the redskins, decided to wear the bicentenial patches on only one set of jerseys or did they wear these patches throughout the season? Thanks for your time and attention in this matter.
Sincerely,
Matt Carey
Arlington, VA.
Sorry I missed this today. I would like to see the photos you are referencing, but the only patch the Skins wore after 1969 and before 1986 was the 1976 US Bicentennial patch. It was worn during the 1975 Hall of Fame Game and gone by at least by the regular season if not by the second preseason game, but not at all during the regular season of 1975.
I will repost this tomorrow as the hour is late and you might not see this.
This one, too.
#54 by MPowers1634 on 04.05.08 12:49 pm |
“A uniform unlike any other” and here are pics of the different unis:
Last Year
This Year
#55 by hofflalu on 04.05.08 12:49 pm |
Love how the woman with the Brewers/Packers headgear is apparently also sporting a Farrah Fawcett/late 70’s/early 80’s flip-back hair style as well.
#56 by lwiedy on 04.05.08 12:50 pm |
MPowers1634 said:
On the bright side, you gained stripes.
#57 by MPowers1634 on 04.05.08 12:58 pm |
hofflalu said:
I don’t mind that hairstyle, it can still look pretty darn good.
Example 1
Here is the reply, from the president of the league, to my wife’s e-mail:
Willy,
We are not happy with the way the uniforms turned out but unfortunately it would take 6-8 weeks and alot of money to correct the problem.? We needed to raise extra money this year because of the storm damage at the Legion Field?and thought
uniform sponsors was an option rather that raising the application fees.? I regret this decision because you are right, they should have had the team logo on the front and the sponsor
on the back.? We will not do this again I promise you.? Blank Little League charges about $120 more per player than we do so while we might raise our rates slightly next year, you
will see much improved uniforms for sure.
P. C.
Commissioner
#58 by Mike on 04.05.08 1:00 pm |
I’m new here, thus this may have been linked in the past. Suffice to say that I was significantly disturbed by this to contribute.
A sign of the apocalypse perhaps.
#59 by Mike on 04.05.08 1:02 pm |
#60 by MPowers1634 on 04.05.08 1:18 pm |
I meant this Farrah look-alike.
#61 by =bg= on 04.05.08 1:23 pm |
Now, are those people with all those buildings on their heads allowed to wear those inside and sit with them in their seats? You can’t see around those!
#62 by D. Hall on 04.05.08 1:28 pm |
I dont understand why people are upset about local businesses having their name on the uniforms of kid’s leagues. All leagues around my hometown have sponsors as the team name on the front of the uniform. It is a way for these local businesses to get their name out there and show that they are supporting youth baseball other than just buying a sign that hangs on the fence in the outfield. Granted I thought it was a little weird that I played for “L&L Liquors” in the 7-9 year old leage, but it has been something that has always been done in our leagues, no matter the age group. Even in our Babe Ruth League (13-15 yr. old) the two sponsors were the local VFW and an insurance agency. There are only two teams not sponsored by local businesses are known as “Red” and “Black” to coordinate with the colors of the local high school. I always thought it was kind of weak to use MLB teams or MiLB teams as nicknames for youth leagues, thought thought it was creative when they came up with their own nicknames like the “Spikes” or “Sliders” or something like that.
#63 by Talon Lardner on 04.05.08 1:29 pm |
Rich said:
I must be crazy, or the only person here that thinks this, but I HONESTLY don’t mind pyjamma bottoms. Yeah, they aren’t as good as stirrups, but they are a lot better than solid-color pulled up socks. I personally think it is an acceptable evolution of the uniform, and doesn’t really look bad.
Then again, I’m one of the youngest here at 22, so that may be part of the reason.
#64 by Ryan Petrynka on 04.05.08 1:30 pm |
More Blue Jays news: today they’re wearing their black alts, so with two home games in the books they’ve yet to wear their regular white home jerseys.
#65 by Chad on 04.05.08 1:37 pm |
Mets fans are in trouble!!! The team is having an online vote to have a song played during the eighth inning and the web community are trying to have it Rickrolled. I can’t imagine having to hear that due to a bunch of 15yr olds writing in on the “other” option of the ballot, but i wouldn’t be surprised if they got it done.
#66 by Mike D on 04.05.08 1:39 pm |
I like the Blue Jays throwbacks, but they should save them for road games, not home. They should also bring these back, not just as throwbacks, but full time.
I like Prince Fielder’s look.
#67 by Chris on 04.05.08 1:41 pm |
I really like the Jays bringing back the powder blues. I wouldn’t so much like them if it was a full time thing, but it’s only for 13 times this year out of 162. They wanted a retro look, and this is so very dated and retro. And the blue vs. grey looked fine I thought, they contrasted great. When you have two dark alts, even with different pants, that’s what I don’t like.
My favourite part was the mint condition old-school helmets just absolutely shining last night. Those looked so sweet.
#68 by Ryan on 04.05.08 1:43 pm |
Chad said:
I’ve been a huge Mets fan my whole life. As a native New Yorker living in Boston I kinda hate the fact that they play Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline” during the 8th at Fenway…he is a Brooklyn guy after all. Anyway, I think Rickroll would be amazing. How can you not have an awesome time at a game with that song playing?
#69 by Jeff I on 04.05.08 1:46 pm |
Chad said:
#70 by Jim on 04.05.08 1:49 pm |
Hey, everyone vote for Never Gonna Give You Up by Rick Atsley and Rick Roll the Mets!!
#71 by Jim on 04.05.08 1:49 pm |
#72 by Mark in Shiga on 04.05.08 1:50 pm |
MPowers, I’m not a big fan of sponsors either, but it looks like the lettering is small enough that they could have fit the sponsor name underneath the team logo. They could also have put the sponsor logo on the sleeve. When I was in little league one year, they put the sponsor name on the back, in place of a number! One of the coolest things about joining a baseball team as a kid is having your own number; it captures the “individual as part of a team” feeling perfectly. And yet that stupid sponsor made it tough for our coaches to tell who was who from the back!
And what’s with all this hate for the powder blue Jays? Even with pajama pants, the blues look much better than the ugly reglar uniforms with those big clunky names on the backs and the multiple font styles clashing all over the place. I’d be ecstatic if Toronto brought back the blue on the road and white 1980s uniforms at home and wore them every game.
#73 by lwiedy on 04.05.08 2:05 pm |
Jim said:
And then have your testicles removed and get it over with!
#74 by DP30 on 04.05.08 2:10 pm |
Chad said:
I went with “Other” and voted for “I Saw Her Standing There” by the Beatles, for 2 simple reasons…A) Everyone sings along to the “Woo’s” in the song, and B) It is a subtle recognition of the Beatles historical significance to Shea.
As for the Blue Jays’ unis, I’m not personally opposed to powder blue, throwbacks, or even pullover jerseys (though I definitely prefer button-down).
But it continues to bother me that it’s a formerly exclusive road jersey now being used at home. To me, that’s tacky. I know that it’s the more “boring” of the two, but if you want to honor that era, wear the home-white version. Otherwise it just strikes me as a “money grab” and nothing more.
#75 by Michael Lewis on 04.05.08 2:28 pm |
Personally, I find nothing wrong with wearing the powder blues myself. In fact, I really liked that font for the Jays! I always felt that it was kind of a trademark of the franchise. I wouldn’t mind if they also brought back the home whites and road greys from when they were competing and winning titles, not simply what kind of third place they would finish. Yet, the powder blues should be an alt road jersey, with the emphasis on ROAD!!!
However, I feel that they could use this as an alt home.
I understand that Mr. Key is modeling this with powder blue pants, and the stretchy pullover stuff that reminds you it’s 1985 and Van Halen was rockin’. I think this would be really sweet with home white pants… and blue stirrups. Still think that these blues look like scrubs, though.
And whenever the Braves wear their blue alts, I will now refer to them as Georgia Economy Paint Supply. They just seem really Friday night beer league to me…
#76 by Azul Army on 04.05.08 2:51 pm |
On the corporate sponsorship of youth teams, I don’t think it’s all that uncommon, but on the back of the unis, not the front. In my youth league, there was a team called the “Brokers”, sponsored by the local real estate association. (It took me 10 years to figure out exactly what a broker was.) Anyway, the sponsor name was on the back. All the rest of the teams had traditional names, Dodgers, Cubs, Braves, etc, with sponsor on the back. Of course, this would be a famous back of the uniform sponsor.
As for the Jays, loved the powder blues, but the baggy looks ruined it for me. I join with everyone else who loved the hats.
And if Prince would wear real stirrups, he would look awesome! Maybe his pants are so baggy because of his new diet, errrr “lifestyle change.”
#77 by Sports Tsar on 04.05.08 2:58 pm |
that lady a serial offender? more like fashion icon…
George
#78 by Ben on 04.05.08 3:17 pm |
So, when did Prince Fielder become Payne Stewart? Or will the transformation be complete when Fielder starts wearing Brewers Plaid socks?
#79 by Stevo on 04.05.08 3:48 pm |
D. Hall said:
One year when I played LL my town had 2 teams in a league with another town: the Cubs and the Blue Jays. Now, I love the Cubbies as much as the next Iowan with cable in the 80’s, but I loved playing for the Blue Jays because that just happened to also be the nickname of the home school’s teams.
#80 by MLB2PDX on 04.05.08 3:57 pm |
Paul Lukas said:
Good for Mr. Fielder. Glad to see it. Baggy or not, I hope it lasts the rest of the year.
#81 by Matty L on 04.05.08 4:05 pm |
I thought the powder blues looked alright, the pajama look didn’t really suit them. Personally for a Jays blue coloured throwback I would’ve gone with this. Which if I remember right, they debuted on an opening day.
#82 by Shayne on 04.05.08 4:17 pm |
… and Alomar never wore the powder blues.
I am so glad you said that because the jays changed the uniforms for 1989 the year they moved to the SKYDOME. The button up jerseys from that era were easily the best ones the jays ever wore. They should just go back to that whole look. May be create a hyrid of their new jay on the old logo so it’s both fresh and traditional…..DITCH THE BLACK
#83 by Dave A on 04.05.08 4:43 pm |
#84 by DrBear on 04.05.08 4:59 pm |
Hey, I’m 51 and I voted for Rick Astley! I don’t care what Mets fans hear; I’m from Milwaukee. For all I care, they can listen to Lou Reed’s Metal Machine Music album for the whole game. It would probably be an improvement over the jet noise.
#85 by Jim W on 04.05.08 5:00 pm |
Azul Army said:
It’s a necessary evil in a lot of cases. Case in point, the SJHL, a Tier 2 junior hockey league in Saskatchewan. Have a look at these great jerseys (Bruins vs. Wings). Ads on the back, but not a huge deal:
http://www.weyburnre...
#86 by Dave A on 04.05.08 5:14 pm |
Matty L said:
Not in 1997 as the number on the back may indicate. The Jays used that style of blue jersey as an alternate from 1994-96. In 1997, the Jays switched to this style.
#87 by Bradley on 04.05.08 5:17 pm |
Rich said:
Dude if you quit watching baseball just because the uniforms then you were wasting your time because you weren’t a real fan in the first place.
#88 by The Big Man on 04.05.08 5:20 pm |
Ben said:
This is an organization that should have been “contracted”…what a joke….they are the Chicago/St. Louis/Phoenix/Arizona Cardinals of MLB…!!!
#89 by Stevo on 04.05.08 5:33 pm |
The Big Man said:
Actually the Brew Crew only moved once, from Seattle to Cheeseland, and they’ve had some good seasons in Milwaukee.
#90 by johnny on 04.05.08 5:34 pm |
Talon Lardner said:
Agreed, I’m younger than that and I know it’s like blasphomy here but when I play baseball its just much more comfortable to wear the long pants and in my opinion I think it looks better.
#91 by MLB2PDX on 04.05.08 5:53 pm |
johnny said:
I think the main problem for us old guys (33) is the pants are just way too long. If they kept the elastic in, and had them above the laces, it’d look ‘better’. But letting them hang down to the heal just looks sloppy and like crap (to some of us).
#92 by Brad on 04.05.08 6:26 pm |
Shane said:
I’m an A’s fan…I think they look great.
#93 by alex on 04.05.08 6:50 pm |
Montreal Canadiens 2009 All-Star Ga……zzzzz……
huh, what?……oh right…Game Logo
#94 by Colin on 04.05.08 7:02 pm |
Ben said:
There’s probably no historical precedent, so why do plaid (or, rather, argyle) baseball socks strike me as a really good idea? I’m serious — there’s some awesome hosiery potential. Who wouldn’t want to see Prince in something like these? As stirrups, of course.
#95 by wallofbeef on 04.05.08 7:03 pm |
Isn’t just time everyone accept there is no longer a “Home” uniform, or a “Road” uniforms? That its just that the two teams can’t look the same on the field/rink/pitch etc.
Colored unis at home always made more sense to me anyways.
#96 by Philly William on 04.05.08 7:12 pm |
MLB2PDX said:
I’m 27, and hate the long, baggy look. When I played ball (little league through high school) I always went with high socks, although
I had to go with solid socks as they stopped handing out stirrups after my freshman year and solid was better than the faux stirrup striped socks. When I asked my coach why they quit handing out stirrups, he said it was because they got lost so often and the school wasn’t going to keep paying to replace them.
#97 by Mike Engle on 04.05.08 7:15 pm |
MPowers1634 said:
I’m sure it could be done. Didn’t Roger Clemens abandon 12 in the middle of a season in favor of 22?
If it can be done by any team, it would be the Yankees because there are fewer NOB’s involved. Besides, I doubt anybody was itching to get a LaTroy Hawkins jersey in the first place. Just may have to put THE one soon-to-outdated jersey on clearance. Or Special Edition Paul O’Neill markup.
#98 by Mike Engle on 04.05.08 7:29 pm |
Who wants to do a lame Paul Lukas impersonation? This blogger, of course!
#99 by Timmy B on 04.05.08 7:32 pm |
Man, when someone says “Blue Jays”, those jerseys and that cap they wore last night pop right into my head. To me they say, Doug Ault (God rest his soul), Steve Staggs, Roy Howell, Al Woods and Jerry Garvin. Sweet threads!
#100 by d-webs on 04.05.08 7:47 pm |
Uni note today from the Cleveland Indians website.
I found this of particular interest:
“You can’t wear blue [against] black or blue [against] blue,” Indians clubhouse manager Tony Amato said. “That’s an MLB mandate.”
So, does that mean no red-vs.-red match ups either?
#101 by scott on 04.05.08 7:55 pm |
wallofbeef said:
White home uniforms always made more sense to me anyways. I take it you’re not a baseball fan?
#102 by James Craven on 04.05.08 7:58 pm |
Mike Engle said:
*lame Regis Philbin impression* Is that your final answer? */lame Regis Philbin impression*
#103 by scott on 04.05.08 7:58 pm |
Chris said:
I agree that the contrast is important between two teams so you can tell them apart, even in baseball. But why didn’t the Blue Jays create a retro uniform that they actually wore at home?
#104 by Teebz on 04.05.08 8:06 pm |
Tod H. said:
I read, but I refrain from commenting due to me already giving 7 reasons why his site needs serious help. I’m not even going to make a comment on the “additions”.
I play softball, I watch baseball, but what I wouldn’t give for a bat right now. >:o|
#105 by LI Phil on 04.05.08 8:09 pm |
LI Phil said:
well, if by “12″ you meant “methandrostenolonum” and by “22″ you meant “oxandrolone”
then…yes
#106 by LI Phil on 04.05.08 8:13 pm |
Philly William said:
im 42…christ, i must be dead
#107 by Shane on 04.05.08 8:19 pm |
Jeff I said:
For sure. I love that sort of player. David Clarkson from the Devils, too. I got to see a lot of him when Jersey’s AHL affiliate was in Albany.
LI Phil said:
Bahahaha. I turn 21 in 11 days.
#108 by J-P on 04.05.08 8:31 pm |
#109 by Jeff I. on 04.05.08 8:32 pm |
Shane said:
You must have feelings about Lucic TKO’ing Clarkson then haha
#110 by LI Phil on 04.05.08 8:36 pm |
hockey sweaters said:
please STOP posting direct links to your board in your messages…im down with you plugging your “site” (although teebz may disagree) if you keep it the URL…
and i think a better way to have mr. lukas accede to your request might be through an email, rather than a demand in the comments section…
lots of luck with that
#111 by Shane on 04.05.08 8:45 pm |
Jeff I. said:
Loved it. The best thing I’ve ever seen though..back in Albany. Clarkson went THROUGH the penalty boxes to fight a guy. It was unreal.
#112 by Casey (Davis, CA) on 04.05.08 8:58 pm |
The logo (which will become a patch) for the 2009 NHL All-Star Game was released today.
Not so good.
#113 by Stuby on 04.05.08 9:29 pm |
Casey (Davis, CA) said:
Buncha random crap, thrown into a soup.
#114 by Stevo on 04.05.08 9:33 pm |
scott said:
I consider white to be home for all sports except football, where colors are home, and volleyball, where you wear the same unis for all games cause the teams are always separated by the net.
#115 by Ben on 04.05.08 9:41 pm |
Maybe if Carolina didnt have so many patches on their jerseys they could make it up and down the floor….
#116 by B Johnson on 04.05.08 9:43 pm |
Are those A’s unis black or green? My computer has a bad monitor and I couldn’t tell.
#117 by LI Phil on 04.05.08 9:54 pm |
Ben said:
roy @ the half
#118 by tmac3217 on 04.05.08 10:11 pm |
I don’t see what the big deal is with LaTroy wearing #21. The Yankees had plenty of time to retire the number. They didn’t — so it seems that they didn’t feel Paul O’Neil was worthy of that honor. Paul may have been an important piece of their Championship teams — but every championship team has important players whose numbers don’t get retired.
And LaTroy hasn’t been the same since he left the Twins for big $$$. Rick Anderson is the only pitching coach who could ever get through his thick skull….
#119 by Stevo on 04.05.08 10:18 pm |
tmac3217 said:
The 4 scariest words heard at Wrigley Field: Now Pitching, LaTroy Hawkins
#120 by ScottyJ in WV on 04.05.08 10:28 pm |
Prince Fielder past.
Prince Fielder present.
I’ll take present every time.
Looked pretty good on this guy too.
#121 by ScottyJ in WV on 04.05.08 10:30 pm |
Oops.
Prince Fielder past.
#122 by Eric B on 04.05.08 10:39 pm |
i was watching the Missouri/Oklahoma St. baseball game today and noticed that Mizzou was wearing Under Armor unis. the football and basketball team wear Nike. do schools often use different manufacturers based on the sport? thought that the school (athletic dept) signs with the manufacturer, not the individual team.
#123 by LI Phil on 04.05.08 10:41 pm |
Stevo said:
i thought they were: “your seat, mr. bartman”
#124 by Teebz on 04.05.08 10:44 pm |
#125 by Teebz on 04.05.08 10:45 pm |
Damned closed quotes. lol
#126 by LI Phil on 04.05.08 10:50 pm |
LI Phil said:
that’s what i meant to type…”URI” (not URL as i typed-so it shows up as a link where your name appears)
…i don’t suppose there’s any chance of adding an ‘edit’ button, mr. lukas, mr. ekdahl or mr. redemske?
sorry for the confusion teebz :o(
#127 by Leo on 04.05.08 10:51 pm |
tmac3217 said:
I’ll agree with you that if teams want to do it right, they should go ahead and retire a number properly. But, with that said, even if they don’t retire a number (for whatever reason), certain numbers just should not be worn anymore. My personal example is with my beloved Tigers. I can think of two numbers that should never be seen on an Old English D again. I don’t care how much of a savior you’re supposed to be, choose a new digit.
#128 by Bryan Redemske on 04.05.08 10:55 pm |
LI Phil said:
Or, “playing shortstop, Alex Gonzalez”
#129 by =bg= on 04.05.08 11:34 pm |
B Johnson said:
Black caps. Black jerseys.
HORRible.
IF they want an alt, how about the classic 70s 3 WS’s in a row look?
#130 by LI Phil on 04.05.08 11:45 pm |
=bg= said:
i agree with ya, =bg=
how about this for their ONLY alt, if they have to have one?
#131 by =bg= on 04.05.08 11:50 pm |
that’s it, period, and end of story. I remember that uni vividly from the 72 WS, when Gene Tenace and the A’s came to town and personally dismantled the Big Red Machine.
I loved their all-whites for Sunday only.
But the white caps looked stupid IMO.
#132 by chance on 04.06.08 12:17 am |
Paul Lukas said:
The Brewers are not going to stop wearing the throwbacks – they sell too much merchandise with the classic scheme.
They’ll adopt the old Blue and Gold full-time before they abandon Throwback Fridays.
#133 by Peter on 04.06.08 12:25 am |
Growing up our fastball teams always had ads on the front. I was more than a little amused when I was on ABP Recycling at 15. That stands for Animal By Product by the way. I also played on Fortino’s (a local grocery chaing, how many O’s in Fortino’s? haha) a couple of times and they gave us all kinds of free food for our year end party. It seemed perfectly natural since they paid for our jerseys and helped to keep the league running. Everyone was pretty happy that it didn’t cost that much to play house league. Of course the rep teams had sponsors on the back because they represented our association. I never saw an issue and I still don’t.
#134 by James Craven on 04.06.08 12:37 am |
Bryan Redemske said:
BA-ZING!
#135 by James Craven on 04.06.08 12:38 am |
Bryan Redemske said:
BA-ZING!
(and fixed!)
#136 by Louise on 04.06.08 1:21 am |
I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THE JAYS RETRO GEAR! and they did it right, with the hats and batting helmets. Now, i want to see them with the stirrups too, and hopefully a home version of the retros sometime soon. I love the powder blue, and wear my matching retro majestic jacket with pride.
#137 by Jason on 04.06.08 3:14 am |
Mike D said:
Agreed 100%!
Also, I noticed that Shaun Marcum (the Jays pitcher in the photo for today’s post) was wearing a mouth guard. Granted I don’t watch a lot of ball anymore, but I don’t remember ever seeing a baseball player do that before.
#138 by hofflalu on 04.06.08 1:11 pm |
MPowers1634 said:
It’s an underrated hairstyle, I’ve always thought it deserved a full-fledged comeback. There was a modern variation on it I saw a lot around 5-8 years ago, but nothing to match a complete Farrah look.
#139 by simon on 04.06.08 1:14 pm |
Maybe the fact that the Jays are not steeped in tradition makes the use of their throwback powder blues on opening day much more appealing to local fans (where reactions seem to be more positive, unlike many of the regulars here). So, wearing alts on opening day probably has different impact depending on how tradition bound the teams are. In fact, Toronto’s uniform designs since their WS championship eras have felt more like marketing gimmicks than the throwback, as odd as that sounds, and even though I know that the throwback is a marketing gimmick itself too. So, between all the marketing hoopla, the throwbacks ain’t bad at all. You could almost say that the Jays throwbacks have more tradition than the recent editions of their jerseys.
And since no team wears powder blues anymore, there’s no confusing teams on the field just because the Jays wear them at home on Fridays this season. And as many have pointed out, dark top vs dark top looks lot worse, even if both teams are wearing proper pants.
And personally, I always liked the soccer method of always wearing the first kit unless the colours clash with the opposition when your team’s the visitor. Not that soccer ideas ever carry any weight in North American sports (Beane’s recent soccer dabblings aside.)
#140 by Carmen Fanzone on 04.06.08 7:09 pm |
D. Hall said:
I grew up the same way. We were just “colors” in mustang league. In little league, we were “lafayette national bank” (Our coach was pretty cool though, and had our uni’s made to say “LN Bankers”, with numbers on our pants to boot), Pony League we were “spiker oil” (ugly orange and black), colt league we were “Wendy’s” (with hideous red and yellow unis). Our town always had sponsors in every level of youth baseball. Still do.
#141 by MattG on 04.07.08 9:39 am |
I think you missed the point of those Jays powder blues (which by the way, are to be worn at every Friday home game). Even though they were road jerseys they are being used at home as a treat to Jays fans. What good is wasting a sweet throwback look like this on another teams fans!
These jerseys also bring back memories of a time when the Jays were good…before the Yankees and Red Sox effectively ruined baseball…
Go Jays, get that AL East third place again!
#142 by Rick on 04.07.08 10:25 am |
At least the Blue Jays did the right thing and wore the correct batting helmet to match the retro hats.