Sometimes fate lobs you a softball. I was wondering what I’d write for today, especially since my brain’s still kinda in vacation mode, and then there it was: yesterday’s A’s/Rangers throwback game (with the teams dressed as the 1968 A’s and the 1968 Senators, respectively). And this wasn’t just any throwback game — mere hours after Bryan had griped about teams not going the extra mile to wear throwback helmets, the A’s and Rangers went that extra mile. If you look at that last photo, you’ll see that Oakland catcher Kurt Suzuki even had a throwback catcher’s helmet — a nice touch. (And speaking of helmets, Jack Cust’s lid still had a sticker on the underbill.)
Other notes from the game:
• Naturally, I loved the hot stirrup action, complete with yellow sanitaries for the A’s. While I don’t approve of the low-cut variety, it’s hard to argue with those stripes.
• Just once, I’d like to see throwback vests with old-school tailoring. Back in the day, vests were tailored narrow across the shoulders, almost like basketball tank tops; nowadays (and in yesterday’s throwback game), they’re just sleeveless jerseys, with too much shoulder coverage.
• I guess asking the Rangers to wear black cleats, instead of their usual blue, would’ve been too much. Still, the footwear is definitely the fly in this otherwise pleasing ointment.
• Speaking of footwear, this design really doesn’t belong in a throwback game.
• Too bad about the Majestic shoulder logo and rear-collar MLB logo, both of which should have taken a holiday.
• Also too bad about the modern dugout jackets, although it’s nice to see that the A’s coaching staff wore white caps — with white underbills! And the Oakland players had green underbills. The Rangers, however, had black underbills, which brings me to the most interesting element of the game…
• That is not a throwback cap — it’s just a current Nationals cap. But isn’t the Nats’ “W” subtly different from the one the Sens used to wear? That’s what I thought, and the Nats’ own web site seems to confirm this: They sell this as the team’s current cap and this a 1968-71 Sens throwback — note the blunt end on the right tip of the W. Then there’s this, which is also supposedly a Sens throwack cap — the W isn’t blunt-tipped, but it’s more flat-sitting, less italic-ish than the Nats version. But then I did a little photo research and turned up this, this, this, and this. And frankly, those all look more like the Nats’ cap than they do like either of those Sens throwback caps. Todd Radom, if you’re reading this, could you fill me in on the distinctions between the old Sens W and the newer Nats version you rendered? (And if Todd isn’t reading this, I’ll check in with him myself and report back in a day or two.).
OK, that’s enough for the first day back. Mega-thanks to Bryan and Vince for minding the store in my absence — you guys rock. Speaking of Vince, he’ll be in NYC this Wednesday, which means we’ll finally get to meet in person, a mere year and a half after he started working for me. Looking forward to it, bud — travel safe.
Incidentally, I’m well aware that the site has been behaving sluggishly in recent days. We’re working on it. Should be fixed soon. Yes, I know that’s what we always say. We’ll say it next time, too. Patience, please.
Research Request: I’ve always wanted to do an ESPN column about horse racing jockey silks, but it’s a subject I don’t know a whole lot about. If anyone out there could give me a crash course on this topic’s history and current state, please get in touch.
Uni Watch News Ticker: Good times last week in New Orleans, what with all the crawfish, beignets, cool neon signage, evocative graffiti, and awesome music. There was also a great Uni Watch moment on Wednesday afternoon, as I was having drinks on the porch of the Columns Hotel and found myself sharing a table with Cindy Hart, who happens to be Director of Suite Sales for the Saints. If you look closely at that pendant on her necklace, you’ll see that it’s the Saints’ original cartoon logo character. “His official name is Sir Saint,” Cindy explained. “We’re bringing him back into circulation.” Indeed, I saw the Leno-chinned character on a few window decals around town. I always loved Sir Saint (even if I didn’t know his name until now), and it’s great to see him back on active duty. … Also want to thank reader Chris Falvey and his wife Sue for sharing New Orleans drinks and advice. Much obliged. … Someone has put together a site devoted to the Diamondbacks’ uniforms. Among the interesting photos: a prototype sleeve patch (never actually worn on the field) and a great action shot of the 1999 futuristic design. … Robert Steinau notes that Jim Edmonds was up to his old windbreaker tricks in at least two games early last month. Longtime readers will recall that he also did this during the 2006 World Series. … According to this article, Georgia Tech will wear white jerseys at home this fall (with thanks to Jeff Parker). … Shorpy scores again. … This vintage jersey doesn’t look like much — until you take a closer look at the shoulder embroidery. … Expect to see this logo on lots of Wake Forest corporate merch this summer, although it won’t replace the school’s athletic logos (as reported by Dennis Reid). … Looks like we may soon be seeing more MLB mustaches (with thanks to Fred Worth). … Mustaches have also hit the volleyball scene. Photos here (thanks, Bryan). … “As you may have known, the Rockies brass were in a frantic rush after their World Series run to trademark the term ‘Rocktober,’ ” writes Reid Tynan. “Based upon their performance so far this year I’d say this shirt I designed features a much more fitting slogan.” … According to this article, Texas A&M athletic director Bill Byrne “was offended when [a] Nike official told him, ‘You’re not as good as [Texas] and you’re probably never going to be.’ That blunt assessment, Byrne said, made his move [from Nike] to Adidas easier. The Adidas deal also provides more money for A&M than their Nike offer, Byrne said” (with thanks to Glenn Stern). … Anyone know why the Red Sox have a jolly roger flag hanging in their bullpen? (As spotted by Randy Williams.) … New uni number, of sorts, for John Smoltz. … Ryan Clark wanted to switch uni numbers to honor Sean Taylor, but his request has been disallowed. So he’ll switch numbers for practices, but not for games. Details about halfway down this page (with thanks to Daniel Weimann). … Matt Cain went low-cuffed on Saturday night. “Not sure, but I believe this was the first time a Giants starter didn’t wear stirrups since the staff decided they would do so in spring training.” Might this be related to Barry Zito’s demotion to the bullpen? … Scott Springer notes that Erik Ainge is still wearing his Tennessee Adidas cleats. … Dig this 1962 Wilson uni catalog I won on eBay the other day. … Ryan Howard scored the winning run for the Phillies yesterday. How’d he do it? According to a quote in this story, “I got a good jump, and I think that was because of the shoes. I wore lighter-colored shoes today, and that might have made me look faster” (as reported by Bernie Langer). … Memo to the Yankees: Instead of bringing up Darrell Rasner or Kai Igawa, please promote Chase Wright instead, for obvious reasons (big thanks to Eddie Brewer). … here. … “If you look closely at this photo, you’ll notice a half-inch of dark stitching just outside Anthony Kim’s shoulder blade, in the shadowed area,” writes Fred Haumesser. “It was very noticable on TV that he had pleats stitched into the back of his shirt to help keep it from tugging on his shoulders. Tiger used to have a habit of pulling his shoulders up on each side prior to a shot but doesn’t do it anymore. Must be able to afford a better tailor these days.”
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#1 by Ricardo on 05.05.08 8:19 am | Quote
It sounds (and looks) as if White Sox players Nick Swisher and Bobby Jenks might wear PINK GOATEES on Mothers Day …
I don’t know if I’d laugh or cry.
#2 by Juan Grande on 05.05.08 8:20 am | Quote
I know last year that the Red Sox bullpen had a “pirate theme” running for most of the year. Papelbon sat out there for a game or two with a fake parrot on his shoulder. I guess they are continuing the theme for this season.
#3 by Lose Remerswaal on 05.05.08 8:23 am | Quote
The Jolly Roger in the Sox bullpen started last year — in addition to the “bullpen band”, with all their percussion instruments, they started calling themselves Pirates (including a stuffed parrot), each with their own nickname and other “fun” stuff.
Bad example of it is here, where you can buy a t-shirt for Mom, about the pirate deal.
#4 by Lose Remerswaal on 05.05.08 8:25 am | Quote
more about the parrot getting stolen after the ALCS last year
#5 by John on 05.05.08 8:26 am | Quote
In that pic of Joe DiMaggio as an Oakland A’s coach, is that a 15 on the sleeve of his jacket? Normally, I object to coaches using ‘player’ numbers, but fer cryin’ out loud! This is DiMaggio! Couldn’t someone have given him his number?
#6 by Jim on 05.05.08 8:37 am | Quote
Thank God!
No more of these
http://www.gettyimag...
Or These
http://www.gettyimag...
in the NHL playoffs. All is right in the world…
Oops, guess not…
http://www.gettyimag...
Now if we could only get ride of this….
http://www.gettyimag...
#7 by Mike on 05.05.08 8:41 am | Quote
The Reading Phillies wore powder blue this weekend. linky
#8 by lwiedy on 05.05.08 8:42 am | Quote
No to worry, a 1968 Oakland scorecard lists his uniform number as 5. Maybe it says #1,5 as in #1 in our hearts ;-)
#9 by lwiedy on 05.05.08 8:48 am | Quote
Déjà vu.
#10 by Fred on 05.05.08 8:56 am | Quote
“Left tackle Jake Long , the No. 1 overall draft pick, was wearing No. 79 instead of his customary 77, which is currently worn by second-year lineman Drew Mormino .
‘I wore it all through high school and all through college, so we’ll see what happens,’ Long said. ‘But I like 79. My little brother wears 79, so it’s a good number, too.’”
Source.
#11 by LI Phil on 05.05.08 8:57 am | Quote
nice catch larry…i really dig how josh went the full nine-yards with the blue shoes & gloves, and especially all that ink, to honor hondo
#12 by JF in DC on 05.05.08 9:01 am | Quote
About the Senators/Nats curly W on the caps, I remember reading back when the Nats uni was first introduced, that the Nats braintrust purposely pointed the W on the cap up at an angle, pointing toward 2:00, to show that the franchise was on the move up, or something like that. Wish I had a link, but I’m going on memory here.
In short, the management at the time recognized that the Senators’ curly W was more or less flat, and the Nats decided to tweak it somewhat.
#13 by Don on 05.05.08 9:05 am | Quote
Swoosh Boy should ask Colt McCoy whether the Longhorns are that much better than the Aggies.
#14 by MPowers1634 on 05.05.08 9:14 am | Quote
Those modern basketball,(Nike Huarache 2K5), turned baseball cleats have got to go!
As do these deplorable shoes!
#15 by Steve on 05.05.08 9:18 am | Quote
Memo to the Yankees: Instead of bringing up Darrell Rasner or Kai Igawa, please promote Chase Wright instead, for obvious reasons (big thanks to Eddie Brewer). … here. …
As a Red Sox fan, I also hope Chase Wright is promoted to the big leagues. He stinks! Anyone remember him giving up 4 straight HR’s to the Red Sox within a span of 13 pitches????
http://sports.espn.g...
#16 by Walaitis on 05.05.08 9:22 am | Quote
Welcome Back!
… and speaking of colorful baseball uniforms … Has this been discussed before? I’ve seen it referenced in two different places while Paul was out, but I don’t remember seeing it here.
#17 by Anthony Verna on 05.05.08 9:22 am | Quote
The “Oakland” across the jersey was also a lot bigger in the older jerseys.
Old.
Throwback.
#18 by Steve on 05.05.08 9:25 am | Quote
Paul, in the ticker, the D-Backs 1999 futuristic design link isn’t working for me……
#19 by Josh on 05.05.08 9:30 am | Quote
Is it kinda unstable that the Rangers wore part of a current team’s uniform as a throwback? It’s not like the Rangers don’t have some cool uniforms in their own past… I guess they wanted both teams to have throwbacks from the same year.
#20 by Big AB on 05.05.08 9:31 am | Quote
So I noticed 2 things from the A’s / Rangers Throwback game…
1) The Oakland rear numbers are in the Font of the Red Sox, and if memory serves me correct, someone on the board once asked why the Yankes had the same font back in the day, and even went as far to say it was the Yankees Font BEFORE the Sox…So what is up with that font?
2) Although it is nice that both teams had throw back helmets, is it really that hard for MLB to ship 40 Current NATIONALS Helmets to Oakland???
#21 by War Damn Eagle on 05.05.08 9:32 am | Quote
Looks like the Braves dug around in the closet and pulled out an old Russell Athletic jersey to use in commemoration of Smoltz’s 3000th strikeout. If you’re going to use the old jersey, then at least use the old nameplate with vertically arched lettering.
#22 by Dustin Pomprowitz on 05.05.08 9:33 am | Quote
Best yet, it looks like the coaches and players wore different caps in Oakland, something I know was a discussion on this site some time ago.
#23 by James Craven on 05.05.08 9:33 am | Quote
As noted in the comments yesterday, Papa John’s Pizza will sell 23-cent large one-topping pizzas as part of a formal apology to Cavaliers fans in Cleveland over a promotional giveaway at Washington during Game Six of the Cavs-Wizards series in which shirts were given away calling LeBron James (in the words of Brendan Haywood) a “crybaby”. the pizzas will be sold on thursday (5/8) with proceeds (and an extra $10K) given to the Cavs’ Youth Fund. More details here.
#24 by Big AB on 05.05.08 9:35 am | Quote
http://images.sports...
This is getting out of hand, is stupid and I would love to see him actually have to wear it!
#25 by Kek on 05.05.08 9:41 am | Quote
The bottom of this story talks about numbers issued to the rookies at Steeler mini-camp.
I’d like to see the debate from UW posters on the fact that Mike Tomlin and the Steelers have no problem issuing outgoing star Alan Faneca’s #66 to a rookie which is in direct contrast to Jeff Fisher’s puzzling decision to make a rookie take of Pac Man’s number. Why not issue it and move on?
In other Steeler-related number news, this story talks about Ryan Clark. I’m not trying to get into the Sean Taylor thing again. What I find odd is that the NFL turned this down despite Clark saying he’d buy up all the jerseys in the old number. What makes me laugh is that I was at four regular season games and a playoff game at Heinz Field and I saw a lot of different jerseys. I didn’t see a single Ryan Clark jersey though so the rejection seems odd.
#26 by Paul Lukas on 05.05.08 9:47 am | Quote
Now fixed.
#27 by Jen on 05.05.08 9:53 am | Quote
Giambi is wearing high cuffs now (I think he started on Saturday). I’m guessing it’s to try to change his luck at the plate. Doesn’t seem to be working so far.
#28 by lwiedy on 05.05.08 10:01 am | Quote
The numbers are NOT indigenous to the Red Sox, but to McAuliffe Mfg. who among many teams (A’s, Angels, Pilots, Astros) in the late 60’s/early 70’s. The Sox may have been one of the last clubs to get from McAuliffe (who were based in Boston). Sox switched to Wilson in 1979, but obviously kept the number style (but only at home until 1990).
This site has documented the use of such a number style in some Yankees 1930’s-1940’s sets, but that too was probably related only to who made the uniform.
#29 by Beauregard on 05.05.08 10:01 am | Quote
I just find it really strange that the Rangers wore Senator’s uniforms. I guess they have to wear them in order to keep the copyright (and prevent the Nats from using it) but cmon teams shouldn’t wear throwbacks from other cities.
#30 by Monte on 05.05.08 10:03 am | Quote
the A’s undershirts might be the best part
#31 by MPowers1634 on 05.05.08 10:05 am | Quote
A bit OT, but the other night, while shopping with my wife at the Palisades Center mall, I noticed a young man wearing this cap with these shoes. Great coordination!
And a repost from Saturday:
Coming home from work at the golf course, I spotted this ice cream shop that the Trajan Sucks guy would fall in love with!
#32 by Lauren on 05.05.08 10:19 am | Quote
Not uni-related, but one of the most amazing things I have ever seen– even with the logo creep.
http://blog.oregonli...
#33 by lwiedy on 05.05.08 10:22 am | Quote
They wore them because it’s THEIR throwback. You’d have to explain the copyright issue you brought up to me, but the Rangers were the Senators in 1968. That’s the reason they used it, not to keep the copyright. The Nats borrowed it from them (really from MLB who controls the marks).
#34 by Morris Levin on 05.05.08 10:22 am | Quote
Oakland-Texas TBC Game:
(1) Another inaccuracy in the A’s uniforms yesterday was the lettering material. The letters in the 1968 originals were a thick embroidery giving greater visual depth to each letter of the word-mark. This is very difficult to do and the reason that even Mitchell & Ness was unable to recreate this specific jersey for years. Majestic did straight multi-layer tackle-twill.
(2) The Rangers could have worn the unis of the 1968 Dallas-Fort Worth Spurs. The Spurs actually played in Arlington Stadium, where the Rangers themselves played until the 1990s. There is precedent for minor league precursors - see the Tampa Bay Devil Rays dressing as the Tampa Tarpons and St Petesburgh Saints, and 1996 Seattle Mariners dressing as 1940s Seattle Rainiers.
#35 by Joey Guns on 05.05.08 10:23 am | Quote
Jason Giambi is trying anything possible to get out of his slump:
http://www.nypost.co...
Jason Giambi said he was hiking his pants up and showing a lot of blue nylon for a second day, but if he didn’t start to escape the funk he was in at the plate the pants were going back to being worn like Dockers.
“One more day and that’s it,” Giambi said. “If it doesn’t work I will try something else.”
Considering he went 0-for-3 with a sacrifice fly, Giambi will likely let the pants down tomorrownight if his frigid wood doesn’t get him a seat on the bench.
Giambi is batting .150 (12-for-8) overall, .074 (2-for-27) with runners in scoring position and is hitless in 16 at-bats against lefties.
Here’s a photo from yesterday:
http://sports.yahoo....
#36 by mark on 05.05.08 10:24 am | Quote
just find it really strange that the Rangers wore Senator’s uniforms. I guess they have to wear them in order to keep the copyright (and prevent the Nats from using it) but cmon teams shouldn’t wear throwbacks from other cities. “
the game was to honor the move by the A’s to Oakland in 1968. The texas rangers did not exist in 1968, so what uniforms should they have worn? they wore what the franchise was wearing in 1968
#37 by LI Phil on 05.05.08 10:28 am | Quote
to solve this whole stupid dilemma…mlb should have scheduled the angels…who could then have worn ‘larry’s halos’ caps…instead of the rangers…for the 1968 uni day
just my $.02
#38 by LI Phil on 05.05.08 10:29 am | Quote
’nuff said
#39 by lwiedy on 05.05.08 10:30 am | Quote
I really don’t have a problem with the Rangers taking on their previous moniker. In the cases stated (TB & Seattle) for the year they were creating, there was no franchise so that was the solution. Not the case here.
#40 by MPowers1634 on 05.05.08 10:32 am | Quote
Giambi is batting .150 (12-for-8)
12 for 80
One of my favorite T-Shirts of all time had this across the front:
6 out of 5 people…Have trouble with fractions
By the way, I love the MLB logo on the back of the jersey. New Era used to match the colors of the caps to the logo on the back. No more!
#41 by Joey Guns on 05.05.08 10:33 am | Quote
Sorry, you beat me to the punch about Giambi. I hadn’t refreshed my comments……..