Here’s what the new Timberwolves uniforms will apparently look like. Pretty plain, no? Plus I’m so sick of this trend of capitalizing the first and last letters — pfeh. New designs for the Kings and Magic, too. Those pics are from the NBA’s rookie photo shoot, where the uniforms were supposed to be super-secret, but they’ve leaked out here, among other places.
Still no word on what the Sonics-no-more will be wearing, although I hear word may come down on that tomorrow. Which is why my ESPN column featuring dozens of reader-submitted designs is running today — here’s the link.
Quickie Raffle: Heads up, people: Our friends at Distant Replays have given me a $200 gift card to raffle off, but the drawing is tomorrow. To enter, send a blank e-mail with your name in the subject line to uniraffle at earthlink dot net by 10pm eastern tomorrow. One entry per person, plus membership program enrollees will automatically get three bonus entries added into the pot.
Even if you don’t win the raffle, Distant Replays’ current sale — buy a jersey, get a free cap — is a good deal. Please patronize them, and Uni Watch’s other sponsors, when shopping for sports-related merch. Thanks.
Uni Watch News Ticker: This thing with the Browns wearing shorts over their pants has developed into a full-blown trend. Vince, I know you’re reading this — get us the scoop (with thanks to Shaun Ploenzke and David Sterling for the pics). … Most of you have probably seen this already, but just in case: Bayern Munich’s recent uni-unveiling fashion show has to be seen to be disbelieved. … Yup, those Padres camouflage jerseys sure do honor America (Roger Faso took that photo last week at a shop in San Diego). … Glenn Cook was at Tuesday’s USA/Mexico game at the World Junior AAA Baseball Championships and took a bunch of interesting photos. “Several of the Mexican players and coaches were wearing pins in their caps,” he writes. “Some were of the tournament logo (compare to this), while others sort of had this generic baseball with a gold border. The most out-of-place pin had to be on the first base coach, who was wearing a Royal Canadian Mounted Police pin. Also: The American uniforms had a USA Baseball 30th-anniversary patch I hadn’t seen before. I didn’t recognize the manufacturer’s logo on the Mexican uniforms. And speaking of logo creep, get a load of the Under Armour logos on the American pitcher’s socks. think they may be visible from space.” … The Steelers will be wearing throwbacks again this year. … Vikings, too. … From now on, whenever someone asks me where to eat near Shea Stadium, I’m just gonna give them this link. … Paul Bielwicz is in the process of creating “an Okkonnen-esque database of everything relating to the uniform and graphical history of the Rochester Red Wings.” If you have any old yearbooks, programs, or anything else that might be of assistance, please contact him here. … As you may have seen, Page 2 is doing a “What was the best sports year ever?” series. For those who care about such things, my contribution is here. … New Kentucky football uni on display here and here. Note the unusual placement of the seams and panels on the shoulder. … And although I think we’ve all seen the new Cal uniforms by now, here’s a photo I hadn’t seen before (until Brandon Pratt sent it my way). … Rob Ullman has been doing lots of pin-up portraits commissioned by Uni Watch readers, including these beauties for Ben Danner, Jay Rupert, Jason Thomson, and Robb Zurek (”He was afraid you might not approve of the purple,” says Rob). As always, you can see more on Rob’s work on his blog. … Now here’s something you don’t see every day (great find by Jim Pericotti). … The (only) great thing about Pudge going to the Bronx is that the Yankees now have two guys named Rodriguez and I didn’t get a single e-mail asking if they’d be adding first initials to their NOBs. … Reprinted from last night’s comments: Nike-sponsored swimmers will be allowed to wear Speedo suits at the Olympics. And yes, I’d be the first to agree that this is a classy move by Nike.
#1 by Robert on 07.31.08 9:16 am |
Aren’t all the letters on the new Minnesota uniform capitalized? It’s just that the first and last letters are larger than the others.
I do agree that it is a weak look, though, and the rest of the uni is uninspiring as well. Blecch.
#2 by u2-horn on 07.31.08 9:18 am |
Wow, that looks like a practice jersey. And a bad one at that.
#3 by LI Phil on 07.31.08 9:20 am |
not only disrespectful and disgusting, but it, according to flag etiquette, “It is flown upside down only as a distress signal”…
of course, that’s the embodiement of the fathers’ season, so maybe it’s ‘appropriate’ (not) after all
#4 by Philly William on 07.31.08 9:22 am |
Looks like the Eagles cheerleaders are going green (in the environmental sense):
http://green.msn.com...
#5 by Vince on 07.31.08 9:28 am |
From the department of rendundancy department:
“Here’s what the new Timberwolves’ new uniform will apparently look like.”
#6 by Daver on 07.31.08 9:30 am |
What bothers me most about the T-Wolves jersey is the semi-evergreen pattern around the neck. I always thought the trees were a nice unique addition. Now its kind of there, kind of not. Sloppy.
#7 by Steve Sarran on 07.31.08 9:30 am |
lol
#8 by John C. on 07.31.08 9:31 am |
I’m just praying that the entire NBA doesn’t go with these new “basic” jerseys. They look like the NBA’s version of batting practice uniforms, or soccer jerseys. Ugh.
#9 by Rick White in Cedar Park, TX on 07.31.08 9:32 am |
Holy macaroni! Why wear anything at all?
#10 by Rick White in Cedar Park, TX on 07.31.08 9:36 am |
Whew! I was holding my breath in fearful anticipation. But, they’re not as bad as I feared. The shoulder panels kinda scare me a bit. They look like they might have been designed with contracting colors in mind. And, is that a K on the side panel, or is it just an abbreviated stripe. It doesn’t look all that good, but, I’d rather it be a K.
#11 by chance on 07.31.08 9:37 am |
I’m curious to see a better shot of the side - looks like they may have some Bucksian geologic layering down the sides.
#12 by =bg= on 07.31.08 9:37 am |
these scream ‘template.’
#13 by John on 07.31.08 9:39 am |
“Most of you have probably seen this already, but just in case: Bayern Munich’s recent uni-unveiling fashion show has to be seen to be disbelieved.”
I think that they were trying to divert attention from what are probably the dullest uni’s EVER. I would love to know how long it took to come up with them. “Vell, Gunther, vot shult ve do fer der new uniformz?” “Vell, Helmut, howzaboutten vhite fer homen, und blakken fer das roadzen?” “Genius, Gunther! Taken und golden starren outza pettie cashen”
#14 by al on 07.31.08 9:50 am |
I like that the magic seem to be bringing back some pinstripes, but the spacing seems more like the pinstripes the Hornets donned years ago.
#15 by Jim on 07.31.08 10:15 am |
I like the simplicity of the T-wolves uni, but that collar is really weird. Looks like it tucks under the front then has a random triangle thingy on it. Could have done better there. Let’s face it, this could have been ALOT worse. It is bordering on my extreme hatred for teal though.
P.S Could we fit anymore graphic/lettering on the damn ball?
#16 by Rick White in Cedar Park, TX on 07.31.08 10:17 am |
Not at all uni-related … well … maybe slightly … Brett Favre wants to play football and (allegedly) the Packers want to pay him $2 a year for 10 years to just go away? Packer management looks real silly on this and Brett will end up wearing a Vikings uniform. But, after seeing how the cold affected Brett in the NFC Championship game, he should probably wear a Tampa Bay uniform this year.
#17 by Jim on 07.31.08 10:22 am |
Why 10 years? That’s how long Farve plans on flirting with retirement? :)
#18 by Chris Mycoskie on 07.31.08 10:22 am |
Back when Pudge and A-Rod were on the Rangers at the same time, they didn’t have first initials on their NOBs, either. I remember reading a quote from the equipment manager, basically saying that if fans need an “I” or an “A” before their name to figure out who they are, they’re really dumb.
#19 by James Craven on 07.31.08 10:25 am |
So, what number will Manny wear in Miami? And what number will Griffey don on the South Side?
#20 by Nicole on 07.31.08 10:27 am |
Is that Rob Ullmann drawing for Rob Zurek of UW-LaCrosse hockey?!
#21 by Banker Bill on 07.31.08 10:29 am |
Yup, those Padres camouflage jerseys sure do honor America
Someone beat me to it - that’s a sign of distress, and I don’t care WHAT your record is, no baseball season is that much of a distress.
#22 by lwiedy on 07.31.08 10:30 am |
“What is NOT joke?” — Borat Sagdiyev
#23 by Ricko on 07.31.08 10:33 am |
Favre lost me when I heard an interview where he talked about having to return as a backup (or something to that effect) and then asked, “How will that effect my legacy?”
Okay, just the fact he has considered—and is being dumb enough to let us know he’s concerned about—”my legacy” suggests he’s boarded the Self-Absorbed Celebrity Athlete Train after all.
I’d expect that kind of phrasing from T.O. and a few others. Not from Bret Favre.
And now it’s beginning to look like perhaps this all may be s little drama to extract a few more bucks from the Packers. I mean, what with gas prices being so high and all, a guy’s gotta make ends meet.
I have nothing but the utmost respective for the guy as a football player and for the way he played the game. But here, at the end of it all, he is displaying the lack of important factor for any true legend…class.
“You got to know when to fold’ em…
Know when to walk away.”
So, let’s take a poll:
What team’s jersey WILL Favre end up wearing this season?
(”No one’s” is a valid choice)
#24 by LI Phil on 07.31.08 10:35 am |
cuz of all those cold weather games played outdoors in minna?
#25 by Stuby on 07.31.08 10:37 am |
I would assume they would both take #24 as it is available in both places.
#26 by PKC on 07.31.08 10:39 am |
Do the T-Wolves and Seahawks go to the same tailor? Seriously, this color scheme is stupid.
#27 by lwiedy on 07.31.08 10:40 am |
So what is the cutoff for getting a first initial? I mean either you do it, or you don’t. I guess A-Rod has become so famous that he doesn’t have any name on his jersey now, right?
#28 by LI Phil on 07.31.08 10:41 am |
if jr. is traded, he will only have the second highest career HR total of a player traded at this juncture…manny would have the fourth
can you name the other two?
#29 by Ricko on 07.31.08 10:42 am |
T-Wolves unis are perfect.
If your rec league sponsor is a swimming pool cleaning service.
#30 by Jim on 07.31.08 10:42 am |
I have never understood the inital with the last name thing. The different numbers should be enough.
#31 by Stuby on 07.31.08 10:42 am |
Willie Mays and Hank Aaron?
#32 by Paul Lukas on 07.31.08 10:42 am |
Willie and Hank, duh….
#33 by Ricko on 07.31.08 10:44 am |
Ruth, Aaron, Mays…someone of that ilk?
#34 by Ricko on 07.31.08 10:46 am |
Is operative word “traded”?
#35 by Jay on 07.31.08 10:46 am |
Can’t tell you all how cool it was to work with Rob on the Skins illo for my wife. Its all about the striped socks baby!
#36 by JN on 07.31.08 10:47 am |
does any one have any explanation for the this NOB?
http://www.distantre...
there’s a derrick, larry, and trevor johnson on the chiefs roster (as listed today). who is LG johnson?
#37 by LI Phil on 07.31.08 10:47 am |
well…yes…but i didn’t phrase it properly…i should have continued with “IN SEASON”
so…that lets hank out…but my bad for not being more specific
willie is one, though
#38 by Stuby on 07.31.08 10:50 am |
Frank Robinson?
#39 by LI Phil on 07.31.08 10:50 am |
yup
but you and paul and rick all get points because i didn’t phrase the question properly
#40 by lwiedy on 07.31.08 10:51 am |
No problem with that, but again, either you do it all the time or you don’t do ever. Assign the designation based on the perception of recognizability(sp?) seems a little elitist to me, kinda like giving players their own locker room to dress in (see Mr. Favre & Bonds).
#41 by al on 07.31.08 11:02 am |
FYI … searching on Paul’s archive on espn.com, you can find his latest piece on the OKC unis. i unfortunatly was not referenced. i also have to disagree with the selection of the overall winner … some might also declare shenanigans.
#42 by al on 07.31.08 11:03 am |
here is the link …
http://sports.espn.g...
#43 by Paul Lukas on 07.31.08 11:03 am |
My favorite slugger quiz:
Which four players (a) hit over 500 HRs, (b) played for multiple teams, and (c) finished their careers in the same cities where they started?
Most of you probably know. But it’s still an interesting oddity.
#44 by Rob Ullman on 07.31.08 11:04 am |
Actually, it’s Loras College hockey…the Duhawks!
#45 by Paul Lukas on 07.31.08 11:04 am |
As some of you are discovering, the new ESPN column is up. It’s not quite final, but it’s close enough — here:
http://sports.espn.g...
#46 by aj on 07.31.08 11:08 am |
toby keith’s i love this basketball team…excellent
#47 by LI Phil on 07.31.08 11:09 am |
was just about to post PL’s latest column on the OKC winner(s)…
but obviously i was beaten to the punch
…just a shout out to all those who won, got HM, or just had their works recognized (& i recognize a few names from this blog)…
GREAT STUFF FOLKS!
…*slinks away, wishing i had a modicum of computer skillz*
#48 by aj on 07.31.08 11:09 am |
by the way how much do those rob ullman drawings cost? i would love to get one for my girlfriend
#49 by Ben on 07.31.08 11:13 am |
I second that! Anyone interested in having their signifigant others immortalized in a unique way should contact Rob. Very easy to work with from start to finish. It’s well worth it!
#50 by Kek on 07.31.08 11:14 am |
Aaron, Ruth, Sosa and McCovey?
#51 by Ben on 07.31.08 11:15 am |
Contact him via his blog…You won’t be sorry!
#52 by Joe Hilseberg on 07.31.08 11:17 am |
There are some really gorgeous logos that didn’t make it into the story in the gallery!
#53 by Stuby on 07.31.08 11:23 am |
There must be 5 guys because Mays is part of that group.
#54 by LI Phil on 07.31.08 11:23 am |
aaron, ruth, mays, sosa?
#55 by LI Phil on 07.31.08 11:26 am |
mccovey didn’t finish his career in the same city
#56 by Stuby on 07.31.08 11:28 am |
How do you figure?
http://www.baseball-...
#57 by Paul Lukas on 07.31.08 11:28 am |
Fuck, I forgot about Sosa — that makes FIVE sluggers who fit the bill. And you got four of them. But you’re still missing one.
#58 by Paul Lukas on 07.31.08 11:31 am |
Fuck, I forgot about that too.
Let me rephrase: Four sluggers, 500 or more HRs, multiple teams, started and finished in the same city but NOT with the same team (which means Sosa and McCovey don’t count).
Mays, Ruth, and Aaron are three of them.
#59 by LI Phil on 07.31.08 11:31 am |
fuck…i spaced on that…i thought he retired as a podray
my bad mr. greenlee
#60 by DenverGregg on 07.31.08 11:31 am |
FYI for PL -
At least one contestant used some non-original material: the “outlaws” logo on the 8th page of the gallery is the logo for Major League Lacrosse’s Denver Outlaws.
#61 by Stuby on 07.31.08 11:32 am |
Jimmie Foxx. So I think we’re actually up to 6 guys maybe?
http://www.baseball-...
#62 by LI Phil on 07.31.08 11:34 am |
jimmie foxx?
#63 by Kek on 07.31.08 11:35 am |
OK, now I had to go to Baseball reference. Unless I’m not seeing something correctly, aren’t there five? Perhaps it’s an older question that was written while Sosa was still active and prior to his ‘07 season in Texas.
#64 by Pretty Boy Paulie on 07.31.08 11:37 am |
WHAT THE HELL MINNESOTA?!? I liked the old collar now it’s being half assed? I think I need to see more of these new jerseys but I’m not liking them so far. Orlando’s seems interesting.
#65 by Kek on 07.31.08 11:38 am |
NEVERMIND! I understand the question now since Paul re-phrased it.
That’s a good one man, I’m going to have to try that one out on my buddies.
Ruth: Boston (red sox, braves)
Aaron: Milwaukee (Braves, Brewers)
Mays: New York (Giants, Mets)
Foxx: Philly (A’s, Phils)
Right?
#66 by Kevin Z. on 07.31.08 11:39 am |
The new Minnesota uniforms look like WNBA jerseys.
#67 by Joe D on 07.31.08 11:41 am |
http://icethetics.bl...
Posted this very late last night so I’m not sure if anyone got a look at it. Icethetics apparently got a hold of some logos that will be on a few of the new NHL 3rd jerseys for next year.
#68 by Paul Lukas on 07.31.08 11:44 am |
Keee-reck.
#69 by Mike Miller on 07.31.08 11:45 am |
All that needed was Mike Myers playing Dieter from SNL’s “Sprockets.” Now is the time on Sprockets when we DANCE!
#70 by Joe Hilseberg on 07.31.08 11:45 am |
Eddie Murray guys…simple
#71 by Joe Hilseberg on 07.31.08 11:47 am |
Nevermind…damn him and his 55 games in LA in 1997!!!!
#72 by mr twister on 07.31.08 11:48 am |
yeah, well i say ‘classy, schmassy’ to nike - to me that smells completely of ‘please don’t wear anything with our logo anywhere near a pool where someone with the speedo suit is swimming, lest the whole world see for themselves how superior their product is to ours - thanks for your support’
#73 by SWC Susan (aka Tex) on 07.31.08 11:52 am |
Haven’t seen all the shorts over pants pics, nor read the comments pertaining to them - but it seems to me it is to aid in the distinction of offense versus defense during practice.
#74 by Kek on 07.31.08 11:53 am |
Not exactly. Even if Murray would have finished his career with the O’ls, you have to re-read how Paul re-phrases the question. Same city/different franchise.
#75 by Jim on 07.31.08 11:54 am |
My fav from the gallery has to be this…
http://www.flickr.co...
Don’t know what it means, but it made me laugh.
Maybe once I know what it means I’ll hate it, but it’s hilarious.
#76 by Dave Delisle on 07.31.08 11:57 am |
Darn you Paul for that Oregon football reject remark! ;)
I do appreciate the mention, as I can’t believe how many entries there were!
Interested to see the reveal of the NBA franchise in the coming weeks…
Let us know if the NBA has responded to your contest. (If at all)
#77 by LI Phil on 07.31.08 11:59 am |
apparently jr. has agreed to be a
white sock…white sox…a member of the chicago team who play on the south side3…30…24…something else?
anyone?
#78 by LI Phil on 07.31.08 12:01 pm |
sorry…harold baines # is retired
#79 by Chad G on 07.31.08 12:04 pm |
If you look closely at those new Kentuckey football unis you will notice that the are the same template as Oregon States sports bra design from last season.
http://images.buildi...
Also the browns players probably wear the shorts to provide more contrast i.e. brown jersey and orange bottoms vs. all white
#80 by Ed on 07.31.08 12:14 pm |
What uni number is Pudge going to wear? Mantle’s 7 is retired, and the usual fallbacks, 17 and 77, are currently taken (by Christian and Sanchez, respectively).
70 Maybe?
#81 by Ricko on 07.31.08 12:15 pm |
Inspired by the Browns, I considered wearing cargo shorts over my slacks today.
No, actually, it’s kinda funky and fun, even if it doesn’t have an offense/defense ID component.
Cuz training camp is SERIOUSLY dull.
Remember photo of Fred Smoot’s Big Bird socks the other day? Training made interesting. At least a little. Especially for veterans, for whom it gets real old.
—Ricko
#82 by Brick on 07.31.08 12:17 pm |
I’m sure the 1972 Texas Rangers capitalized the first and last letters. Supposedly it was for owner Robert Short. That’s the earliest team I can think of that did that. Can anyone go earlier?
#83 by Ricko on 07.31.08 12:20 pm |
Hey, now THAT’S what’s missing from Paul’s Sunday softball attire. Needs to wear baggy shiny satin basketball shorts over his sweats. Something with lots of stripes and multi-colored panels.
(slap forehead) How could we all NOT have realized that before?
#84 by LI Phil on 07.31.08 12:21 pm |
like this?
i always liked that font…
#85 by Ricko on 07.31.08 12:26 pm |
Speaking of such things…anyone else ever notice on the Twins home jerseys only the word “win” is underlined?
Hmmm, first year they wore those (’87) they won the World Series.
Subliminality success story? Who can say, who can say…
—Ricko
#86 by SWC Susan (aka Tex) on 07.31.08 12:27 pm |
Holy crap! Just read the ESPN column… Some are funny as hell… I have a ton of comments regarding several of the designs and the lack or insight of all things Oklahoma - but no time for it :( Leave it to say I am COMPLETELY offended by the sooner wagon winning design! Because after all is said and sketched, OU sucks! What time is it anyway?
#87 by Christopher on 07.31.08 12:38 pm |
Thanks for the props in the article, Paul. It was fun to come up with.
#88 by Jim on 07.31.08 12:43 pm |
I thought it was funny to see how many ‘Thunder’ designs had LIGHTNING in them. Good luck trying to find a logo for thunder that doesn’t involve lightning.
#89 by Minna H. on 07.31.08 12:45 pm |
Aw, hell no! WTF were the Timberwolves thinking? I hate that little black triangle in the neckline, and the font is so nondescript. The whole ensemble screams…well, nothing, as it’s more of a whimper.
Can any MN team make a change for the better? I think not.
#90 by teamcinnamon on 07.31.08 12:47 pm |
Are you fucking kidding me?
Worst. Hat. Ever.
#91 by Jim on 07.31.08 12:55 pm |
What’s the purpose of ‘Straight Grape’ ?
#92 by teamcinnamon on 07.31.08 12:57 pm |
To horrify any/everyone who sees it?
That’s my guess.
#93 by Ricko on 07.31.08 1:01 pm |
Wow, who knew Aztec emperors were MBL fans.
Or is more Toltec?
MLB seems determined to be the offical gang-outiffer of pro sports.
—Ricko
#94 by Patrick on 07.31.08 1:05 pm |
Maybe not the greatest name, but this is a pretty solid OKC uniform concept…
http://farm4.static....
That road uniform is outstanding!
#95 by Robb Zurek on 07.31.08 1:06 pm |
Actually, no. It’s Loras College in Dubuque. We used that logo for a few years.
#96 by Robb Zurek on 07.31.08 1:08 pm |
Oh, and we’re the Duhawks.
#97 by Robb Zurek on 07.31.08 1:11 pm |
And woops…Mr. Ullman already answered the question.
I’ll shut up now.
#98 by Stuby on 07.31.08 1:13 pm |
And in case there are still a few people out there who aren’t offended by the Chief Wahoo logo, the fine folks at LIDS bring you this…
http://www.lids.com/...
#99 by Kek on 07.31.08 1:20 pm |
Oh come on now! Let’s not make blanket statements. Not EVERYONE that wears clothing in hip-hop fashion is a gang-banger.
I don’t know why some of you guys get so worked up by these “fashion” caps/jerseys. We’re supposed to be afficionados of on-field gear. Why do we give a shit about this type of thing (well, I know I don’t), or Spike Lee’s cap or numerous other fan gear that’s in the fashion realm.
When I worked in retail, the different color solid Yanks caps were in style. People were buying them as a fashion statement. They had no allegiance to the Yanks as a fan. They wanted a hat that would go with their shoes or whatever. I would have kids literally take shoes out of their boxes and ask for a hat that went with them. They could care less who the team was and in many instances I don’t think they even knew who it was.
To me, critiquing these fashion caps would be like if we complained about latest line of Ralph Lauren polo shirts or Coach handbags.
#100 by nbs2 on 07.31.08 1:23 pm |
Huh. I hadn’t noticed that. I suppose it just balances out the OSU color set.
#101 by James Craven on 07.31.08 1:25 pm |
Problem #1: Hanley Ramirez holds rights to #24 in Florida. How much do you think Manny will pay?
Problem #2: Since Harold Baines wears the already retired #3, would #30 or #24 be available?
#102 by Christopher on 07.31.08 1:28 pm |
30, because Nick Swisher will probably be gone today!
#103 by Chad G on 07.31.08 1:28 pm |
Hanley wears 2 for the Marlins. Miguel Cabrerra wore 24 for them last year.
#104 by Ricko on 07.31.08 1:29 pm |
Ah, the A.J. version.
(Aunt Jemimia or Al Jolson, take your pick).
Either way, just a stupid, stupid, insensitive idea on the part of MLB properties. I swear, they really, truly are brain dead.
An argument can be made that Chief Wahoo is no more racist than the little Italian guy who brings Lady and the Tramp their spaghetti dinner. But, that argument simply points out how dated Wahoo is. I love Wahoo because it’s been part of baseball since my childhood. But I love the Little Rascals and still watch them from time to time (with Buckwheat and Stymie and all), but that doesn’t mean anyone should still be making movies like that today.
Some things, because they belong to another time, and no matter how much some may hate to see it happen, should be left behind…in that other time.
#105 by James Craven on 07.31.08 1:30 pm |
May I touch your monkey?