Some people are compulsive documenters who pore over their files and scrapbooks; others are no good at documentation but are big on eyewitness testimony, repeatedly saying, “Trust me, kid, I saw it, I was there.”
The great thing about Ricko is that he fits both categories. If you read the comments section, you know he’s constantly saying he was in attendance (or glued to the TV screen) when a certain uni-related incident took place, and he often has the clippings to back up his claims. Here’s the latest batch of selections from that clipping database:
• Note the hand-lettered “A” on the socks in these Namath-era Crimson Tide shots.
• Speaking of the Tide, Ricko says, “Alabama was one of the first teams with several players wearing Pumas. It was Namath’s junior year. The white eyelet placket and tongue didn’t last long.”
• Call it spatting, call it taping — by any name, Ricko says this is the earliest example he’s ever seen. And it isn’t just any player — it’s Jim Thorpe, playing for the Canton Bulldogs. “Can’t say exact year,” says Ricko, “but he signed with them in 1915, and his last season with them was 1920.”
• The 1970s Pirates appear to be a bottomless pit of Ricko fodder. The latest exhibits: Willie Stargell wearing white shoes in the 1978 All-Star Game [Correction: As several commenters immediately pointed out, it appears to be a 1973 photo — odd, considering the caption], an awesome ad for Brookes spikes, and a montage of virtually every possible combo from the bumblebee era.
• And here’s an interesting Pirates tibit: As you know, the Buccos changed uniforms in the middle of the 1970 season — a change that included switching from black caps to gold caps. But they stuck with black batting helmets for the balance of that season, even after changing everything else — the helmets didn’t change to gold until the next season. (Also: Looks like Manny Sanguillen may have been wearing belted pants with his sleeved pullover in that photo. Not surprising that a lot of mixing and matching would have taken place after the mid-season uni switcheroo.)
• “This one comes under the heading of ‘Players Bending Team Rules When It Isn’t a Regular Game,’ ” says Ricko. “Y’know, like an ASG or a Japan Tour. But I did a double-take the first time I saw it, thinking maybe the Reds had worn red shoes for an opener at Riverfont or something. But after looking at it, I realized it was posed. It’s too perfect — the ump, for instance. Also, the only #24 Pirates had in ’71 was a pitcher named John Lamb. Unless he was pinch-running, he’d probably have been wearing a jacket. But it IS 1971 — note the button-front Reds jersey — well before the team allowed anything but plain black shoes. So it appears Concepcion (who later wore red shoes and white shoes in ASGs) decided to show how great the Reds’ unis would look if they wore those new red Adidas the White Sox and Phillies were introducing that year. And he was right.”
• But wait — here’s Don Gullet, circa 1971. Maybe they (or at least he) wore red spikes after all!
• You may recall that my recent Cubs column included an entry about the Cubbies inscribing each player’s uni number inside his helmet logo. Turns out they weren’t the only team to do this, as seen in this photo of Tommy Helms.
• Entertaining 1981 SI essay about football helmet logos. Among other things, the Bengals’ helmet is described as looking “like a varicose pumpkin,” a line I wish I’d thought of myself.
• And last but not least, here’s another of Ricko’s early uniform illustrations (in case you missed them, there’s a bunch more here), this one from the 1961 Army/Navy game.
And now I have a sad announcement to make: After five weeks, of sifting through all the e-mails Ricko has sent me, I’ve finally caught up with him — no more clippings! I think we can all agree that this has all the makings of a Greek tragedy, or at least a serious case of withdrawal. Ricko, my man, rev up that scanner and gimme another fix, pronto.
Raffle-O-Rama: For all you soccer fans who say I never write about your favorite sport … well, I’m still not writing about it. But I’ve got a soccer-centric raffle for you. The folks at SoccerPro.com have given me a $100 gift card that can be applied toward any of their licensed gear. To enter, send a blank e-mail with your name in the subject line to the raffle address (not to the usual Uni Watch e-mail address, please) by 10pm eastern this Friday, August 8th.
Normally I automatically add three bonus raffle entries for all enrollees in the Uni Watch membership program. But I know many readers and members don’t care about soccer, and I don’t want to end up with a raffle winner who isn’t a soccer fan, so we’re going to handle things a bit differently this time: If you are enrolled in the membership program, you may send up to four e-mail entries; only one entry for non-members. I’m trusting you all to handle this on the honor system (i.e., if you’re not a member, please don’t enter more than once), so don’t fuck it up by cheating, OK? OK.
I’ll announce the winner next Monday, when I’ll also be announcing yet another raffle.
Uni Watch News Ticker: Speaking of soccer jerseys, check out this new new soccer top from Zanzibar. “It’s so repulsive and tacky that I had to send it your way,” says Pat Murray. … If you really love your team, bleed for it. Further details here (with thanks to Alan Kreit). … Reprinted from yesterday’s comments: The pestilence of those Phiten-branded socks is spreading. … “Twin Enterprises has a line of hats comprised of most of the teams in the NHL (and some now-defunct teams),” writes Sam McCullough. “The fronts are all fairly standard and comprised of basic, distressed primary logos, and the back, is usually a team wordmark, and in some cases a secondary logo. But the Islanders cap features the far more badass stripe design element from the team’s jerseys.” … Another season, another Syracuse football uni. … You know how you buy a new cell phone or an iPod and it’s covered with a thin plastic film that you peel off? That’s the first thing I thought of when Jacob Reed sent me this photo. … The Chico Outlaws recently wore these uniforms for Aloha Night (with thanks to Lizzie Fox). … No matter how many times I look at it, the O’Brien Trophy looks like a beach ball perched on a trash can. … Remember Andy Messersmith’s “Channel 17” NOB? Listen to this, from Brent Hardman: “Driving to work this morning I was listening to AM 750 WSB, which is Atlanta’s biggest bews/talk station and until recently was the Braves’ radio flagship. They were talking about longtime Braves announcer Skip Caray, who died on Sunday. Apparently the host of the show, Mark Arum, suggested that the Braves retire the number 17 to honor Skip and all of the old announcers who used to broadcast all of the games on TBS when it was known as Channel 17. The remarks were then relayed to the Braves announcing crew doing the game on the West Coast for Peachtree TV, and they talked about it during the broadcast and thought it was a great idea. How weird is that? I’m not sure if they would really ever do it, or more importantly if they should (kinda doesn’t seem right to have the 17 up on the outfield wall with numbers of the great Braves of the past and Jackie Robinson). It just made me wonder if there were other instances of teams retiring numbers for such abstract things as TV stations.”
#1 by Roger on 08.05.08 9:18 am |
“The 1970s Pirates appear to be a bottomless pit of Ricko fodder. The latest exhibits: Willie Stargell wearing white shoes in the 1978 All-Star Game, an awesome ad for Brookes spikes, and a montage of virtually every possible combo from the bumblebee era.”
That photo is not from the 1978 ASG. The photo is definitely 1973 (see the “21″ circle patch on Stargell’s left sleeve.
The correct spelling for Skip’s last name is “Caray.” And retiring “17″ would be appropriate, given that Ted Turner once had Andy Messersmith take the field with the word “Channel” above “17″ on the back of his jersey in 1976.
#2 by Geeman on 08.05.08 9:19 am |
The 1970s Pirates appear to be a bottomless pit of Ricko fodder. The latest exhibits: Willie Stargell wearing white shoes in the 1978 All-Star Game, an awesome ad for Brookes spikes, and a montage of virtually every possible combo from the bumblebee era.
***
That photo could not have been in 1978, since Willie was in gray or white and the Pirates didn’t wear that uniform then. The montage shows all nine combinations they wore in ‘78, though.
#3 by Geeman on 08.05.08 9:20 am |
Also, note that Manny in 1970 is wearing pants sans piping, so he was mixing and matching old and new uniforms.
#4 by Geeman on 08.05.08 9:22 am |
On another note, those Pirates of the ’70s had SO much talent. Two World Series in eight years, numerous 1st or 2nd place finishes. Willie, Dave, Manny, the Cobra — really a great run that lasted all the way into the early 1980s. Cobra had about the best arm from right I’ve ever seen (remember the ‘79 All-Star Game putouts).
#5 by Ben on 08.05.08 9:23 am |
The Brewers have #50 hanging from the rafters of Miller Park, (next to Aaron, Yount, Fingers, Molitor, & Robinson) honoring Bob Uecker’s 50 years in baseball a few years back….Im not sure if its retired though.
#6 by LI Phil on 08.05.08 9:26 am |
given that the
smog-ridden filth and pestilence-inducing air of thebeijing olympics are mere hours away…here’s your primer on the new speedo LZR racer swimsuit and why it is so ‘fast’#7 by SS on 08.05.08 9:26 am |
I think Paul deserves big thanks for the raffles. Giving his readers a chance to enjoy some of the spoils is “totally boss.”
Thanks Paul.
#8 by Ben on 08.05.08 9:27 am |
I answered my own question
http://milwaukee.bre...
#9 by Geeman on 08.05.08 9:28 am |
Upon further review, scratch that. It appears the old uniforms had piping but the new ones did not.
#10 by Rod on 08.05.08 9:30 am |
A great uniform quote from the late great Braves announcer Skip Caray. The Marlins wore both teal and black hats. Don Sutton was commenting on the two hats one game and Skip commented on the teal color hat. Don informed him the official color was Sea Foam Green. To which Skip, always the wisecracker replied “Makes sense to me, cause when I see the team running on and off the field in those hats it makes me seasick.”
#11 by Chris on 08.05.08 9:30 am |
The Indians retired 455 as a nod to the fans for that many consecutive sold out games.
#12 by Kevin M. on 08.05.08 9:40 am |
Another great quote they played form Skip being inducted to the Braves Hall of Fame was this “The only race that matters is the race to beat out a ground ball, the only colors that matter are the away grays and home whites…its that simple in baseball there is nothing more to it.”
#13 by Taylor on 08.05.08 9:46 am |
The Syracuse unis are real nice. Classy, sharp, no annoying piping. Nike did a really good job. Now if Under Armour could just make a decent jersey!
#14 by Ricko on 08.05.08 9:47 am |
‘Morning.
Wasn’t sure on year of Stargell ASG photo. From a pub that used an old photo, that much was obvious. Knew wasn’t ‘78, of course, because they were in “bumblebees” by that time.
Should have noticed the “21″ patch, but when I get on a roll (scanning and emailing) it’s about that process, not so much the ID’ing.
Thanks for being the stimulus to put together that Pirate montage, btw. Not necessarily the optimum selection of images, but I’d always kinda wanted to see those 9 basic combos all in one place.
Paul’s out of stuff? Figured we might be getting close to that. Well, summer softball is over (fall starts next week) so I have evenings free this week. Guess I’d better see what I can dig out that y’all might find interesting. Those NHL Wheaties posters, for example. LOL
–Ricko
(Please do not mention Mariners’ big inning last night. Fell asleep so didn’t have to endure watching it.)
#15 by Kek on 08.05.08 9:48 am |
That’s an odd photo of Stargell because the caption would make one think he’s 38 at the time the photo was taken, which obviously is not true. Would a newspaper run a photo five years old (and in an older uni) when doing a story? I know papers use stock photos, but it seems like that would be a bit too old.
#16 by Ben Dover on 08.05.08 9:48 am |
There are other stupid number retirements out there…maybe not for a TV station…like 454 in cleveland…613 in the Garden, 85 in St Louis…
#17 by Jim on 08.05.08 9:51 am |
Those Twin enterprises hats are amazing, i was actually looking into getting that NYI one couple days ago. I loved the 4 stripe addition on the back. But I have a head the size of a watermelon and buying a fitted hat online makes me nervous….
#18 by Kek on 08.05.08 9:51 am |
I like how Skip used to predict the double play during a game.
Something like…. “we’ll go to an episode of Matlock right after this 6-4-3 double play”
TBS…another of the superstations I grew up with (WGN and WOR) and watched non-Pirate ball. I can’t recall how many times I tuned into the end of a game and saw Gene Garber and that unorthodox delivery closing out a game. I hate the Braves, but I was kind of sad to see them go away from being an exclusive Braves network.
#19 by Paul Lukas on 08.05.08 9:52 am |
Exactly. That’s what fooled me (and, I think, Ricko) when initially assessing the photo as a ’78 shot. Very strange.
#20 by Joe D on 08.05.08 9:54 am |
There are the fan jerseys retired like #12 for the Seattle Seahawks “12th Man.” Correct me if I’m wrong, but I think the Orlando Magic had #6 retired for the fans until Patrick Ewing played his one season their and wanted to wear #6 for some reason.
#21 by Rick on 08.05.08 9:56 am |
Here is an article about a modern baseball team playing by the Civil War era rules. There is a lot of talk of their custom made uniforms.
“As players sign on, the team will order more of the replica woolen uniforms, designed to reflect what the Civil War-era players wore. Each uniform costs about $250 and takes at least 12 weeks to make.”
http://www.baltimore...
#22 by Jeff D on 08.05.08 9:57 am |
wow. I was a huge pirates fan as a teen and saw that brooks ad in a sports equipment store. I asked the store manager if I could have it when they changed their next promotion and he told me he couldn’t. (which was probably bullshit). Loved that poster. Great to see it again.
#23 by GoTerriers on 08.05.08 9:58 am |
I remember seeing the clip of the prediction coming true . . .
“We’ll be showing “Treasure of the Sierra Madre right after Jeffrey Leonard grounds into a 6-4-3 double play . . .the pitch. . .6 . . .4 . . .3 . . enjoy the movie.”
#24 by Ricko on 08.05.08 10:03 am |
Annuals used to be notorious for running old photos. I think they really thought no one noticed things like uniforms. Also technology allows so much more access to so many more photos these days.
Was my bad on Stargell photo. Should have mentioned to Paul it was out of whack. The real point, of course, was that Stargell had opted for white cleats in ASG that far back.
Think maybe my next “dig” will be for photos of three-stipe Saucony shoes that entered college and pro football in early to mid-60s, a few years before adidas. Also, anyone remember K-Swiss’ brief foray into cleated shoes in mid-60’s? Six, count ‘em, six white stripes. Jim Seymour (of Hanratty-Seymour-Notre Dame fame) wore them, so did Jack Kemp at least once while with the Bills.
Or this puzzling question: Did ‘67 Chargers wear three different shades of blue in one uniform?
Later. Off to work.
–Ricko
#25 by Original Jim on 08.05.08 10:04 am |
It’s Twins Enterprises. Plural.
/just sayin….
:)
#26 by Kek on 08.05.08 10:06 am |
I agree. Didn’t someone on here say that Nike won’t put stripes on a uniform? Those sure look like stripes on the pants to me.
#27 by Philly William on 08.05.08 10:07 am |
Any one else find it odd there are no black players front and center in that Brooks add? Wasn’t that Pirates team the first with an all black starting line-up?
Like the NHL hats, but would love to see a Whalers hat!
#28 by Teebz on 08.05.08 10:13 am |
Will never happen. The NHL cannot use that logo without the consent of the city of Hartford.
Let’s just say that Hartford is still a little peeved about having their team taken from them.
#29 by DrBear on 08.05.08 10:13 am |
Marquette retired the No. 11 in basketball for the Apollo 11 moon flight. The team even wore the Apollo 11 patch on its warmup jackets for the 69-70 season. It also retired the number 38 in honor of the 38 years of service given by the late Robert Weingart as Marquette’s athletic trainer, and the number 77 to honor legendary head coach Al McGuire, who led the 1977 team to the NCAA Championship. (They’ve retired nine player numbers as well.)
Oh, and a strange coincidence; my anti-spam word for this post was “space.”
#30 by Jim on 08.05.08 10:15 am |
Isn’t it also something about the logo not being trademarked, so it cannot be reproduced?
#31 by MPowers1634 on 08.05.08 10:16 am |
He probably wanted #6 because Grant Hill wore #33.
3+3=6!!!
#32 by Kek on 08.05.08 10:16 am |
I don’t know about that…
A. the all-black lineup was in ‘71, this ad relates to the ‘79 World Series team
B. Sure, there were still a lot of black players on the team in ‘79, but perhaps it’s just that those were the guys with a deal with Brooks.
#33 by LI Phil on 08.05.08 10:17 am |
great point douggie…i seem to recall that being bantered about as well…don’t remember who said it tho
seems as though nike is making more and more ‘traditional’ unis, which are seemingly flying under the radar here on
anti-swoosh centralthe UW blog…in the opposite corner, UA seems to be making more and more crap, and i hope it gets its due bashing from the readershipbtw…love the new ‘cuse unis
#34 by Jim on 08.05.08 10:21 am |
The one that bugs me is when new teams retire #1 for the ‘Fans’ or something like that. Seems like its the new teams streaching for some history.
When I was in Philly for a PHI/NYR game I noticed they had retired numbers for Billy Joel and someone else I think for the number of sellout concerts. Thought that was kind of stupid too….
#35 by MPowers1634 on 08.05.08 10:21 am |
The stripes( braiding?) down the length of the ‘Cuse pants is an accepted element.
What Adidas does by randomly placing their three stripes wantonly across their garments is needless.
Although, I often refer back to this pic when debating the Nike “o-Stripes” rule, especially considering what team is wearing them:
http://cache.daylife...
#36 by Teebz on 08.05.08 10:22 am |
The image itself cannot be trademarked, but all the Whalers’ copyrights and trademarks would remain as property of the city of Hartford according to the deal that the NHL, Peter Karmanos, and the city of Hartford signed when the Whalers moved south. That also includes the song “Brass Bonanza”, made famous at Whalers’ games.
#37 by Roger Faso on 08.05.08 10:23 am |
“It just made me wonder if there were other instances of teams retiring numbers for such abstract things as TV stations.”
I’m pretty sure the Tampa Bay Devil Rays retired Wade Boggs’ number.
#38 by Stephen on 08.05.08 10:25 am |
I remember seeing the clip of the prediction coming true . . .
“We’ll be showing “Treasure of the Sierra Madre right after Jeffrey Leonard grounds into a 6-4-3 double play . . .the pitch. . .6 . . .4 . . .3 . . enjoy the movie.”
It was “The Magnificent Seven.”
“The Magnificent Seven are warming up in the bullpen and will be with you as soon as Leonard hits into a 6-4-3.” (Leonard hit a sharp grounder to short) “Six…Four…Three. Enjoy the movie. Goodnight, everybody”.
Skip was a classic.
~E~
#39 by Kek on 08.05.08 10:26 am |
Yeah, it was back-and-forth regarding Adidas and the three stripes and the banter as to whether that was a logo or a design element. I recall something about the new Cal unis supposedly having a swoosh element on their pants (which is TOTALLY far-fetched)
Everyone knows I’m not a logo creep guy, but if that bothers you, I truly predict that within the next 3-5 years (if not sooner), UA is going to become more obnoxious than Nike with branding. They are grabbing more and more market share in NCAA by the day it seems. Their products are extremely popular with the HS aged kids and with their entry into footwear, sunglasses, etc they’re trying to take the swoosh head on.
#40 by Jim on 08.05.08 10:27 am |
Yeah I knew that there some was something weird about the Whalers logo and the NHL selling it. Too bad, I would like a Whalers hat. A buddy of mine bought a Whalers Shanahan jersey, looks bad ass. Keep telling him I have to find one cooler than his, but it’s hard… HAR had such a nice jersey.
#41 by Stephen on 08.05.08 10:28 am |
Wow…not sure how I got my post that FUBAR, but I clearly need another cup of coffee.
I would like to see the Braves do some sort of uni-borne memorial, and was actually a bit surprised they didn’t at least have a black band on their jerseys last night.
~E~
#42 by gsaldi on 08.05.08 10:29 am |
can someone help me, why is clay buchholz wearing all of those necklaces or whatever they are? I couldnt help but to notice them when espn switched to nesn coverage during the cubs rain delay last night. Why is Clay wearing what looks like a rope or a string of tootsie rolls around his neck? You wanna talk about tacky looking uni accessories? I believe we have a winner
#43 by Teebz on 08.05.08 10:29 am |
Totally agree, Jim. Hartford, Quebec, and Winnipeg all had pretty great jerseys.
I’m still working on finding a pro Nords or pro Whale jersey for my collection that doesn’t require a second mortgage to buy. :o)
#44 by Kek on 08.05.08 10:30 am |
Fair enough, I was just making the point because as I recall, a statement was made something like you won’t see anything that looks like a stripe on a nike uni.
#45 by Philly William on 08.05.08 10:32 am |
The other one is Springsteen. They’re not actually retired numbers, just the number of sellouts those guys have had. They update those banners every so often.
#46 by DD53 on 08.05.08 10:36 am |
Arkansas unveiled its new uniforms today.
Article
Picture
#47 by Wade Harder on 08.05.08 10:37 am |
I’m glad Syracuse added white back to their jerseys instead of this two tone mess:
http://farm3.static....
And please, let’s hope these don’t come back this season either:
http://bp1.blogger.c...
#48 by Marty Met on 08.05.08 10:38 am |
But he was wear PERFECT stirrups. Not too much white the that Blyleven photo yesterday.
#49 by Wade Harder on 08.05.08 10:39 am |
Are you freakin’ kidding me? Those are awful. What they had with McFadden and Jones for the past few years were great.
http://secfootballbl...
Why, oh why?!
#50 by LI Phil on 08.05.08 10:39 am |
well…technically…or so the reasoning given at the time went…what you see on the oregon unis aren’t stripes…even though i think everyone in their right mind would agree that those are, in fact and indeed, stripes
back to your UA analogy, douggie…i totally agree…teh swoosh isn’t ‘hip’ enough for today’s kids, it’s UA all the way…and they’re definitely taking nike head on…so maybe in that 3-5 year period you’ll have certain bloggists bemoaning the evil UA…i certainly hope so
i know it’s beating a dead horse, but how do we define a “stripe”…is it a SOLID, STRAIGHT LINE (and more than one???)…or…is it what UO is wearing (and the myriad possible variations thereof)? i say, UO has stripes…almost too close to a certain design element prevalent by mr. dassler’s company for my liking in fact…
#51 by Ricko on 08.05.08 10:41 am |
Nike also honors tradition where it is told to, I suspect (LSU, for example). Again, though, if we search for, and quickly note, a few expections that’s de facto validation of the rule. Otherwise, we wouldn’t notice them as exceptions.
#52 by chance on 08.05.08 10:42 am |
I’m guessing it’ll be replaced by another tribute, which may or not be a retired number, when Uek finally retires.
#53 by chance on 08.05.08 10:43 am |
If it can’t be trademarked, then the NHL could merchandise it.
#54 by Philly William on 08.05.08 10:43 am |
Photos:
http://lh5.ggpht.com...
http://lh5.ggpht.com...
#55 by DMWiz on 08.05.08 10:45 am |
The Seahawks #12 for the 12th man (the fans) and the Miami Heat retiring #23 for Michael Jordan are two examples that come to mind of teams retiring numbers not directly related to the team.
#56 by Rick White in Cedar Park, TX on 08.05.08 10:45 am |
Who needs stripes running down the back of a jersey that should be tucked in?
Only Bobby Petrino knows for sure.
Maybe the Hogs will go back to reasonable uniforms in November when Petrino leaves to go to his next temporary job.
#57 by MPowers1634 on 08.05.08 10:50 am |
Believe me, Kek…I am in your camp when it comes to both Nike initatives as well as “Logo Creep”!
I think UA is WAY more blatant, watch “Friday Night Lights” or “The GridIron Gang” and you will see it firsthand!
However, I can understand this tactic as a fledgling company trying to put their brand out there, I do not like it, except for the MAryland football and Lax unis, although I LOVED their old Nike kits!
#58 by who cares on 08.05.08 10:51 am |
I was so psyched to find this last night I posted it at 10:30pm. It’s such an awesome find for someone who has been a huge fan of Ghanaian football for years that I didn’t want it to get lost in the late night. For those of you who are interested, search for “soccer” in the archives and there are tons of photos from this match in Nigeria and a few matches from Zaire. I don’t know who the teams are but the Nigerian photos, like the Ghanaian photos, are listed as being taken in 1959. The Congo shots are listed as being taken in 1970.
From last night: “Smithsonian has a great collection of African photographs in the Eliot Elisofon photographic archive. I found pics of my all time favorite team, the Accra Hearts of Oak, and some crowd shots of Accra Stadium. I have no idea who the team in yellow is but am pleased to see how well the Phobians uniforms have stood the test of time. I can only guess that the pink shorts are a result of washing the red jersies with the white pants. I wonder if Paul will like the socks? Unfortunately they are a historical legacy now.”
#59 by Dane on 08.05.08 10:51 am |
…1500 in Uniondale, NY…
#60 by Rick on 08.05.08 10:51 am |
Are those non-player numbers really retired or just honored? It seems a little extreme to actually retire the number. It’s like the Ravens have a Ring of Honor for past players, but do not have any numbers retired although I’m sure Jonathan Ogden’s #75 will be the first followed shortly thereafter by Ray Lewis’s #52 when he retires.
#61 by Teebz on 08.05.08 10:53 am |
The image cannot be trademarked. However, the name “Whalers” is owned by the city of Hartford, and the name is renewed every time it comes up for trademark renewal. Therefore, all properties, including the logo, are renewed as well under the trademarked name.
Mr. Verna? Is my rudimentary understanding of trademarking correct? Feel free to correct me if I am wrong.
If you’re the NHL, why would you want to kick a city when it is already down? Especially when you want those fans to come back to watching your product?
#62 by MPowers1634 on 08.05.08 10:53 am |
I take back what I just wrote about UA being blatant. Look at the collar embroidery by Adidas!
At least Nike only ever placed a small swoosh, college logo, or even conference affiliation there!
Adidas placed both their Logo and wordmark!
#63 by Neil on 08.05.08 10:54 am |
Do I detect a swoosh on the shoes of the Civil War era uniform? A similar photo in Newsday on Monday (no online photos) after a weekend old time baseball tournament on Long Island clearly showed one player wearing the swoosh.
I believe it was Grant and Phil Knight at Gettysburg.
#64 by Jordan Pope on 08.05.08 10:54 am |
that was a totally unneeded change
but is that the same design as the michigan away jersey?
#65 by Kek on 08.05.08 10:56 am |
Point taken Ricko, and I don’t disagree, it’s just that I’m recalling the statement made with such absolute certainity and with no qualification to the traditional unis.
The only thing with ‘Cuse as an example of these classic teams (LSU, USC, Ohio St come to mind) is the Syracuse “new look” (which I’ll define as 2005 forward) is that it’s a retro look, but not anything that necessarily was worn prior (i.e. not a throwback see link below). So maybe Nike was just commissioned to make a classic look…and they’ve tinkered with it for a few years, but finally got it right.
http://www.suathleti...
#66 by Ricko on 08.05.08 10:56 am |
All I ever said was that Nike’s design philopsophy seems to involves curves, etc., preferring more use of organic shapes, eschewing hard straight line s and right angles. I wasn’t really criticizing them (other than for at times becoming too self-conscious and too self-defining of what looks good), was just saying it was an intriguing approach that probably had a defineable core philosophy…but with sometimes ghastly results. And sometimes results that are a lot of fun (Oregon football pre “tire tracks” and Oregon baseketball unis, to name two).
I don’t hate Nike. I don’t say there are absolutes. I was simply trying to get a handle on their approach and philosopy, trying to figure why they do what they do, and then take a look at the results on a team-by-team basis.
Doesn’t require an “oh, yeah” whenever they do a jersey with shoulder loops. They do them all the time, but I’m guessing it’s most likely when the team doesn’t give them license to mess around too much.
#67 by chance on 08.05.08 10:57 am |
Personally, I define stripe as a solid, straight line of color distinct from the background, of even thickness and discernable at a distance. That separates stripes from piping, in my book.
Blocks of colored fabric forming a jersey element are color panels, not stripes.
So I would say that the Oregon uniform has color panels with lots of piping, not stripes. Don’t know if everyone else is cool with my definition, but that’s the distinction I would draw.
#68 by LI Phil on 08.05.08 10:57 am |
because gary bettman is the commissioner?
#69 by Jim on 08.05.08 10:58 am |
I find replicas for HAR every now and then when I search for jerseys for my collection. I am still looking for an affordable North Stars and Old School Green and red NJ devils for mine……
Where do you look for jerseys Teebz?
#70 by Dane on 08.05.08 11:01 am |
During my one visit to Quebec City a few years ago, I found a sports clothing store that apparently had the license to make/sell new products with the Nordiques logo. I picked up a sweatshirt for $45, and a Remparts scarf.
I’ll dig through my stuff at home to find the name of the store.
#71 by Chris is Nashville on 08.05.08 11:03 am |
Here is a comical look at some college football logos. Who knew that a Zip is kinda like a Kangaroo?
http://www.rockytopt...
http://www.rockytopt...
#72 by Marty Met on 08.05.08 11:06 am |
I disagree the blue with orange numbers were great!!
#73 by Kek on 08.05.08 11:06 am |
Yep, it started with those 1″ (and later 1/2″) wristbands that guys wear above their elbows. I don’t remember seeing the NFL Equipment, Nike and Adidas branded ones until after UA.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not anti-UA by ANY stretch of the imagination. I own a lot of their different products. I’m only saying that they are really hitting the marketing trail hard (thus the logo creep issues) and I also think they’re football uni designs leave a LOT to be desired.
Show me the most recent new releases that we’ve seen from Nike, Adidas and UA and that ‘Cuse uni is by far the best. Arkansas was not really in need of a change.
I’m sorry, but it shows the slant in here. I know things were tongue in cheek when it came to the UA all star game with the logo creep on the helmets. I think it was generally accepted that they were given a pass because they were the presenting sponsor of the game. I doubt that would be the case if it was a Nike sponsored game.
#74 by jere on 08.05.08 11:10 am |
That retired “455″ in Cleveland is gonna look even dumber on September 3rd when the record is broken at Fenway.
#75 by Ricko on 08.05.08 11:17 am |
“So I would say that the Oregon uniform has color panels with lots of piping, not stripes. Don’t know if everyone else is cool with my definition, but that’s the distinction I would draw.”
Yup, to me a basic “stripe” (for purposes of these discussions) has no arch to it: The elementary geometry definition…scribing the shortest distance between two points.
Otherwise it’s a “curved stripe” or “curved piping”. In uniform parlance, to me, stripes are those things around the Cardinals’ stirrups, or on the sleeves of Montana-era 49er jerseys.
If you break down the Nike swoosh to its basic elements, it’s a triangle drawn with no straight lines.
Don’t believe me? Noodle around with it a while.
#76 by GoTerriers on 08.05.08 11:22 am |
Thanks for the correction . . .I knew it was a Western, though.
RIP, Skip . . .
#77 by LI Phil on 08.05.08 11:25 am |
yeah…i know it’s a throwback, but nike also got it right with their VT unis
better than this garbage…
and marty…do you seriously like this, this, and this over this?
#78 by subway on 08.05.08 11:25 am |
At Madison Square Garden they have a Billy Joel 12 banner (12 straight sold out shows a few years ago) and an Elton John 60 banner because Elton celebrated b-day number 60 by playing MSG.
#79 by Ricko on 08.05.08 11:26 am | &n