Back in April I ran an interview with reader Karen Hibbitt. At one point she asked me, “What’s the etiquette for [fans] wearing jerseys?” and then offered her own thoughts on the subject before I could respond.
As someone immediately pointed out in the comments that day, I never did address the issue myself. True enough. I was happy to let Karen answer her own question, because I don’t have strong feelings on the matter. Fact is, I don’t much care what fans wear, what fans buy, or any of that, mainly because I’m not a jersey collector myself.
This came up again a few weeks ago, when Brinke Guthrie — a longtime reader whose name is probably familiar to many of you from his frequent Ticker contributions — sent me an e-mail asking, “Which would you get: no number on back or choose a number (can’t say I have a favorite player)? Which is cooler to wear?” He seemed mildly stunned when I told him I had no opinion on the matter because I don’t own any current or contemporary jerseys.
And why is that, anyway? People always expect me to have a huge jersey collection, which I agree seems like a reasonable supposition (especially since I collect lots of other things — always have). These interactions with Karen and Brinke got me thinking about this, so I started asking myself why I write about uniforms but have never gotten into collecting them. Here are the answers I found:
• I’m not a big fella — 5′8″, 150 lbs. — and I like my clothing to be fairly close-fitting. In numbered sizes, I wear a 38; for unnumbered, a small or a medium. Most of today’s authentic and replica jerseys are waaaaaay too big for me.
• Even if I could get custom-fitted jerseys, all of today’s jerseys are polyester, and I hate synthetic fabrics. (I’ve often joked that if I ever became a pro ballplayer when I become a pro ballplayer, I’ll have to fake a skin allergy to polyester and insist on a flannel uniform.)
• When I was growing up, the licensed apparel market didn’t exist yet — people couldn’t buy jerseys even if they wanted to. So I never got in the habit.
• Aside from socks, underwear, footwear, and the occasional T-shirt, almost all my clothing is vintage. While I’ll occasionally spend more than $100 on something, that’s pretty rare — most of my shirts, sweaters, jeans, jackets, etc. cost me somewhere in the $15-$75 range. So the idea of spending $230, $245, or more on a shirt just doesn’t compute for me. I realize a jersey is much more than just “a shirt” for many people, and I’ve certainly spent much more than $250 on things that other people would consider frivolous, so I’m not passing judgment on anyone else’s expenditures. I’m just saying merchandised jerseys don’t push my buttons in that particular way.
• One reason I like vintage clothing is that it has a sense of history. I am, at heart, a storyteller, and each used garment is a story. Who wore this before? Where was it first purchased? How did it end up here? How does it reflect the style of its era? So the handful of jerseys I do own are mostly old flannel models from decades past. They appeal to me on a vintage-clothing level as well as a uniform level (plus they’re made of natural fibers, they’re small enough to fit me, etc.). I have about half a dozen of these — all from high school teams, factory teams, and so on — and they’re much more exciting to me than a current Mets jersey could ever be. Frankly, I’ve never much understood the appeal of collecting things that are new (except maybe baseball cards when I was a kid); I’ve always preferred collecting things that are old. That’s why throwback jerseys, like the ones made by Mitchell & Ness or Ebbets Field Flannels, don’t appeal to me either (plus there’s still the sizing problem, the price problem, etc.). I’d even take my vintage obscurities over, say, a game-used Ed Kranepool jersey from 1969, because I already know where that’s been — there’s no mystery about it, no untold story.
• I don’t like what merchandising has done to uniforms. Jersey sales have become the revenue tail that wags the on-field dog, and I prefer not to participate in that system, which I think has been very bad for uni design.
And so on. When I came up with the concept for Uni Watch, it never even occurred to me that people would be interested in what fans wear — the idea, for me, had always been to examine obsess over what the players wear. And that’s still the idea, at least from my perspective. Of course, there are other folks who feel differently, and that’s fine.
Anyway, while I don’t much care about fans wearing jerseys, I know many of you do. So today I’m gonna step back and let you discuss that topic in the comments — knock yourselves out.
(And if you happen to be in a jersey-buying mood, please remember to patronize Uni Watch’s sponsors, Jersey-Joe and Distant Replays. Thanks.)
Uni Watch News Ticker: Ben Curtis wore Giants gear at the Barclays the other day (thanks, Vince). … The Canadiens have unveiled their 100th-anniversary logo. … Division I-AA Delaware has new uniforms. … Jim Tressel’s sweater vest is being merchandised in some interesting ways. … If you go to this page, you’ll find an interview with Nats prexy Stan Kasten. Search on the word “uniform” to get his take on upcoming “tweaks” to the team’s uniform set (with thanks to Mark Wolven). … According to this small item, there’s a “great debate” about the color of Arizona State’s road pants (with thanks to Alex Benezra). … More ASU news from Alex: There’s a 50th-anniversary logo for Sun Devil Stadium and for ASU itself (it was a teacher’s college prior to 1958), but it will not be worn on the team’s jerseys. … Oglethorpe University, a D-3 school in Atlanta, recently posted a bunch of archival photos, and there are some real doozies in there. See, for example, this, or this, or this (logo and uni number combined!). You can search by sport within the archives here and here (big thanks to Oglethorpe alum Austin Gillis). … Got a note yesterday from John Hartman, with the subject line “A father’s dream crushed.” It read as follows: “It’s always been my dream to see my twin sons play football — until I saw the uniforms they have to wear (thankfully, their coach told them they could switch the purple socks for black). Sorry for the Nike socks, but their mom bought them, not me! Also notice the Rawlings logo creep on the upper front of the jersey. Sheesh.” Note that the Hartman twins have first initials on their NOBs. … I’m not gonna bid on these, but I hope one of you will. … Interesting piece here on Mets outfielder Nick Evans’s sunglasses. Interestingly, it says minor leaguers in the Mets system aren’t allowed to wear Oakleys, although it doesn’t explain why. … The Blue Jackets will be wearing a memorial patch in honor of team founder John H. McConnell this season. Details here (with thanks to Matt Lesser). … Jason Kidd is leaving Nike (with thanks to Chris Littmann). … Alex Shuman was recently in Europe, where he saw this 1966 sculpture at the Museum of Modern Art in Vienna. In a more disturbing discovery, he also visited the Dachau concentration camp and photographed this chart of the patches that “undesirables” were required to wear. … The Pedro porthole was back in effect last night, plus it apparently spread to Aaron Heilman. … Latest MLBer to be wearing those incredibly annoying Phiten socks: Nick Swisher (as pointed out by Steve Johnston). … Yesterday I passed along some rumors regarding possible uni changes next year for the Texas Rangers. Now another source — one who’s passed along solid Rangers-related info in the past — has confirmed those rumors. “I’m not privy to final designs but I do know a red alternate jersey is in the works,” he says. “We’re going to scrap both sleeveless jerseys, and a new cap is in the works — most likely going back to a red T (the design remains the same) with a red bill. Apparently [marketing VP] Dale Petroskey is one of the main men working on this, especially re-branding the jerseys as ‘Texas’ rather than ‘Rangers.’ The team is trying to go back to more red, as many fans want, but they’re not going back completely to red because it would be too similar to the Angels.” … The mighty Fleer Sticker Project site has just posted an entry devoted to the 1985 Fleer Baseball Sticker set, which is unique because, as editor JC Helf explains, “it was the only time Fleer included stickers of each team’s jersey.” Full details here. … Reprinted from last night’s comments: The CFL is having a retro week promotion.
#1 by Jared on 08.27.08 8:44 am |
Ben Curtis has a contract to wear NFL licensed apparel during tournaments he plays in. He signed it shortly after winning the British Open several years back.
#2 by teamcinnamon on 08.27.08 8:50 am |
That’s a weird cross-promotion!
#3 by Craig D on 08.27.08 8:57 am |
Columbus Blue Jackets introduced a memorial logo for their late owner John H. McConnell.
http://bluejackets.n...
This will be a patch on the sleeve as well as on the ice in front of each goalie box
#4 by Craig D on 08.27.08 8:59 am |
Or i could have read the ticker first. Me and my haste to comment. I shall go and sit in the corner of shame with my Dunce cap.
#5 by Kek on 08.27.08 9:01 am |
Also on the CFL front, story on deal with Reebok:
http://tsn.ca/cfl/st...
#6 by Peter Wunsch on 08.27.08 9:17 am |
Two comments re: wearing team jerseys:
At our 18th annual Fantasy Football auction last year, one of the “owners” waited until he “bought” Marshawn Lynch and proceeded to take a Lynch jersey out of the bag and put it on!!!
My daughter has been an Adam Graves fan. I bought her a jersey when she was about 12 years old with his number (note the membership card) but her first name on it. She will proudly wear it on Feb. 3 when the Rangers retire the number of the classiest hockey player ever.
#7 by floormaster squeeze on 08.27.08 9:20 am |
I liked Paul’s take on uniforms. The one thing I agree with particularly is price. “Authentic” uniforms have become a pure snob good (that is, the higher the price the better! Related to that is the attitude I have only experienced here (and nothing remotely close to it in the real world by real people) is the dismissive attitude toward people not shelling out bazillions for the real.
I shared Paul’s aversion to all synthetics– particularly for jerseys–for many years. However, after I met my now wife, she used to buy some nice modern synthetic gear and I notice that alot of soccer uniforms that I have now have great feeling and breathable synthetics. They also hold colors better so that is a good thing too.
#8 by Laura on 08.27.08 9:21 am |
I have to say I agree with you about the sizing of jerseys. I personally love jerseys but being a smaller female I run into the same issues you do; I’ve taken to searching ebay for youth jerseys. The sizes fit better and the prices are much cheaper, even if it’s limiting in terms of styles/players.
And don’t even get me started on the irritating pink women’s jerseys that everyone wants me to buy. I don’t want to wear a silly sparkly pink jersey!
#9 by Tom V. on 08.27.08 9:24 am |
Editorials not required.
#10 by Elena on 08.27.08 9:27 am |
On jersey wearing etiquette: to each her or his own. I don’t own any new or used authentic jerseys. One, because of price–nothing I own costs that much except my computer and my mattress. And two, like Paul, I am not the right size. I have a couple of yout’ size replica jerseys with my favorite players’ name and number on them. Being polyester, they are too hot to wear during most of the baseball season. I’ll wear one on Opening Day,and maybe in October. I am more likely to wear a team t-shirt with a favorite player’s name and number, or one of the women’s style t-shirts to games, to work or on weekends. To me, any jersey looks odd outside of a sports venue, but baseball jerseys less weird than the rest.
#11 by LI Phil on 08.27.08 9:30 am |
not a collector at all although i prolly have 4-5 (no authentic) replicas…
what i do have a fair number of, though, are those ‘cheezy’ (some might say quirky) t-shirts (99% are mets) you can pick up at like marshalls/tj maxx for 5 bucks (a la the minaya mr. met — though i don’t have that one) you’ve seen featured on UW
great for working out/running/biking in, you don’t care how ratty looking they get, cuz that’s the point…and if one finally does become a shoe polish rag, you don’t mind chucking it
two faves have to be a dyed-orange (not by me) mr. met and a “shea stadium…est. 1964″ t-shirt…which i got a couple years ago and may become some kind of collectors item now…but i don’t care…imo wear it till it frays
#12 by RS Rogers on 08.27.08 9:36 am |
But will the Nats keep the DC cap? The Lerners have said from the start of their ownership that they wanted to phase out the DC logo. It hardly appears in the ballpark, it left the BP jerseys last year, and now it’s coming off the Sunday alternate jersey. That leaves just the Sunday alt cap, so if anyone likes the DC logo, it might be time to stock up.
As to jerseys, my only rule is that you never put a name on the back. Numbers are fine, but putting another man’s name and number on the back of your jersey crosses the line from being a fan to playing make-believe, and putting your own name on a jersey is disrespectful to the team. With the number only, true fans will know who you’re commemorating, and it also leaves room for ambiguity in case of a trade. It also allows more flexibility, as with my #24 Nats jersey, which is actually in honor of Washington’s last World Series win, not first baseman Nick Johnson.
However, I apply this rule only to myself; I don’t judge others by that standard. Much. The one great exception is people who wear Yankees jerseys with NOB. They’re hosers. I understand that the cheaper replica jerseys come with NOB, but really. Spend the extra buck-fifty for a seam ripper and spend ten minutes taking the name off before you wear that thing in public. My rule of thumb is that you can always tell who the real Yankees fans are: They’re the ones who don’t have the word “JETER” across their shoulders.
#13 by Mike V. on 08.27.08 9:37 am |
Subject: Fan Wearing Jerseys
I am a proud Pittsburgh fan. If they were my kids I would be proud of my middle child, the Steelers, whom helped set standards in the NFL and has been its most stable team (plus they have one of the best unis in football/sports). I would be so amazed how my youngest, the Pens, have already accomplished so much at such a young age, and are just showing so much potential (Even though they had to follow the fashion trend in the “new” NHL, they still look good, especially in their blues). And, of course, i would be just so disappointed in my eldest, the Buckos. They would be my druggy kid, one who did great things but something went wrong somewhere and now they are just an embarrassment (though they still dress nice, though Fridays have been a problem).
Getting back to the subject, i buy and wear the jerseys in support of the team and because i like the look of sport jerseys, but more so in some cases, out of respect for a certain player (i.e. Lemieux & Clemente). I like to wear name and number on the back because that’s what belongs on the back of a uni. If I buy a jersey of a team that i dont really like/know/respect a certain player, usually put my name & favorite number on the back or something else humorous/clever (i.e. I have a Blackhawks jersey with 00 & Griswold on the back. I usually dont buy jerseys of other teams/towns, making a my Blackhawks jersey rare in my small collection (4 hockey sweaters, 2 football jerseys, 2 baseball jerseys, and 1 soccer/futball jersey). i got the Blackhawk sweater because i feel that is one of the greatest logo/jersey design in sports.
#14 by Stuby on 08.27.08 9:37 am |
The Oglethorpe Stormy Petrels is one of the best college nicknames out there.
#15 by War Damn Eagle on 08.27.08 9:40 am |
The “DC” logo is still on the sleeve patch of the home and road jerseys.
#16 by War Damn Eagle on 08.27.08 9:41 am |
So, is the Delaware vs. Maryland game on Aug. 30th the first time two teams wearing Under Armour jerseys will square off?
#17 by Chris in Nashville on 08.27.08 9:42 am |
I do think it’s precious when you see a kid in a tiny jersey like the ones my boy sports. It’s even cuter when it’s a guy like Kyle Vanden Bosch.
http://3.bp.blogspot...
http://4.bp.blogspot...
#18 by Mike V. on 08.27.08 9:42 am |
To add on to my grammatically error ridden post, i usually only wear my jerseys to sporting events or while watching an event at home or a bar.
#19 by Kevin from Ohio in Virginia on 08.27.08 9:45 am |
Jersey wearing etiquette:
1. Never, ever, under any circumstances, tuck it in.
2. Matching undershirt required - white, or one of the colors on the jersey.
3. Never wear matching team jersey/cap unless attending a sporting event of same sport in any city or alternate sport only in the same city. For example, Indians jersey/cap combo is OK at an Indians game, a Cavs game, or at a Nationals-Mets game as a show of support for your team, but NOT OK at a Dallas Mavericks game or at the mall.
4. Avoid wearing jerseys around my mother, as she will no doubt complain about how sloppily you are dressed.
5. Jerseys can be worn with jeans and sneakers or with cargo-type shorts and suitable casual shoes, but never in conjunction with one or more of the following: dress shoes, jean shorts, a collared undershirt (yes, I’ve seen it done), khaki pants, dress pants, and hiking boots.
SIDEBAR: Men, please throw your jean shorts away. They are not cool. Ladies, please wear CUTOFF jean shorts every day, as they are very cool.
#20 by Mark K on 08.27.08 9:46 am |
I’m all in favor of ditching the DC logo for the Curly W. The Nats need a more consistent look. The block WASHINGTON
#21 by Tom on 08.27.08 9:51 am |
Almost uni-related:
Interesting photo of Hillary’s handlers screen testing different colors of identical pants suits.
She chose her orange “away” uni.
#22 by Mark K on 08.27.08 9:52 am |
[continued] …on the road grays needs to go as well.
#23 by Kevin from Ohio in Virginia on 08.27.08 9:54 am |
Great post. I never would have thought of that in correlation with UW. I laughed out loud when I saw it. Thanks!
#24 by Johnny O on 08.27.08 9:59 am |
Now granted, this isn’t proper jersey etiquette…
http://d.yimg.com/us...
…but it means the Brewers won, so that’s OK by me!
#25 by Saru on 08.27.08 10:09 am |
Wikipedia has a well-explained entry on the concentration camp patches.
#26 by Johnny O on 08.27.08 10:10 am |
Wisconsin natives can back be up on this one…
It is almost mandatory to wear Packers apparel or Green and Gold on Packer game day.
http://dassows.3dcon...
Even if you are not attending the game, it almost is required to wear the gear. That’s just the way it is in Packer country.
I was in Las Vegas last year, and on NFL Sunday, you can always spot the Packer fans, because you know they will be fully dressed, head to toe, in Green and Gold.
As a side note, Wisconsin Badger fans are very good about wearing at least red on game day.
http://lh4.ggpht.com...
#27 by LI Phil on 08.27.08 10:13 am |
do you untuck after a W?
#28 by JF in DC on 08.27.08 10:14 am |
It’s been said before, but what annoys me most are the people who not only wear a jersey, but the whole ensemble of their team (hat, matching sweats, etc) when they’re at a game where their team isn’t even playing!
Example: I was at a Redskins game last season, and this guy in full Steeler regalia comes walking up the aisle. Now the Steelers were playing at the same time, and I’m thinking, this guy is so much a fan, that he’s not home or at a bar watching his team?!?!? So, he’s actually there to watch the scoreboard? WTF?!?!? I see similar-clad Phillies fans at Nats’ games, when the Phils are not even one of the teams on the field.
Wearing a hat of a team not on the field is one thing…but the jersey and virtually everything else but the face paint? Come on, already!
#29 by S. Bennett on 08.27.08 10:17 am |
I think the bottom line with any uni purchase is, do what makes you happy. If you’re shelling the dough, make sure you’re happy with the end result.
That said, here are my own hangups:
The only numbered and named unis I have are (a) gifts - I didn’t buy ‘em, and (b) they’re for retired players (who, incidentally, have had their numbers retired too). Mike Bossy will never wear a Columbus Blue Jackets’ sweater. It’ll always be relevant to me and other Isles fans. Sam with my home Bobby Ny.
If I were offered some opportunity to get a “hero shit” (as they’re called in soccer circles) Id try to finagle a deal where I got to choose my number and decline the name. As someone else noted, I’m not on the team. Last year, I played with a team that decided to buy Paris St. Germain shirts as the team kit, with number and NOB. I went just number. No NOB for me.
A lot of uniforms don’t need numbers. I have about 20 soccer shirts (mostly versions of Manchester United) and I’ve never named one. Hockey, baseball, soccer are all good. Basketball and football, however, NEED numbers or they just don’t look right.
http://cflshop.mrx.c...
In that case I’d just go for the good ol’ 44, no NOB, on my burgundy and gold. Even if it’s more consistent to have a NOB, I don’t know if Id go there.
I have a beef with one ear names on another-era uni. A fish sticks Mike Bossy is a crime against humanity.
I really don’t have “favourite players” like I did as a kid, I also have a bit of a hang up seeing overweight mid-lifers worshipping a 22 year old boy. something just doesn’t fit there. If I were getting a new uni and it had changed since my old heroes wore the colours, I’d probably opt for my favourite number. a 7 looks good on any uniform.
Wearing the uni - I’ve worn them to the games I’ve seen, and I’ll were the soccer sirts when kicking around. That’s part of the culture. When playing hockey, it depends on the group. If you’ve been with them for a while and all enjoy a good laugh, I’ll wear one of my Isles legends on the ice. If I don’t know teh group so well, I’ll probably whip out my decades old, never-get-white-again practise sweater, with the sleeves cut off at the elbows. Once I know the vibe of the group, I’ll dazzle them with a Bobby Ny home or a Mike Bossy away. But the time appears to be close when they’ll all occupy space on the walls of my den instead.
So, to make a short story that got long, short again, do what you want.
SB
#30 by Mickel Yantz on 08.27.08 10:19 am |
I wear my jersey and hat combo on game day only* to the location I am watching the game. This topic came for me just Monday when I was asked to pick something up at the store after the game. I felt weird buying groceries with a Seahawks Jersey/hat combo in an Oklahoma Walmart. If it would have been an OU jersey, I think I would have been fine.
I am proud to have a jersey now because I could never afford one as a kid, but I still wait to get cheap jerseys from ebay or a guy selling knockoffs on the side of the road.
*Jerseys are allowed to be worn during Holidays when they are gifts and every Halloween.
#31 by TD on 08.27.08 10:19 am |
I don’t know about you all, but my jersey-wearing existence began in second grade right here…
#32 by chance on 08.27.08 10:21 am |
I’d rather put someone else’s name on the back than go without a name.
I’m a stickler for accuracy (one reason why I can’t buy replicas, and consequently buy very few jerseys period). If the team has NOBs, but you wear only a number, that’s as disrespectful in my eyes as putting your own name on the back.
#33 by duckstyle on 08.27.08 10:21 am |
I have about 5-6 jerseys myself, all of which are at least 6 years old because that’s when I moved out and lost any disposable income I had. Like others have said, jerseys are just too damn expensive now-a-days. I probably will buy 2 jerseys over the next few years, but they’ll definitly be replicas, a road-gray White Sox and a road-white Green Bay jersey. Reason being that I’ve already owned 3 green GB jerseys, so it’s time for a change. I’ve never worn a Sox jersy to a game because they’re too hot, I usually go for a white t-shirt of some kind. And Ive only been to 2 GB games, both of which were about 20 degrees and wearing a jersey would have been futile. I also agree with the snob aspect of the authentic buyers that snear at the guys in the replicas, get off your high horse, not all of us make 6 figures or have such an understanding better-half.
#34 by chance on 08.27.08 10:22 am |
I was given one of those for Christmas as a kid, but I hated it, because the Packers never took the field with “PACKERS” across their chests.
Yep, uniform geek from way, way back.
#35 by Saru on 08.27.08 10:25 am |
At the risk of being pedantic and being told to STFU, at what point does one become a collector? You seem to have a lot of old jerseys, Paul, and spend time on eBay looking for good ones. Most would think of that as collecting, even if it is not obsessive.
Is it because “collector” has a bit of a negative connotation where one is too much of a shut-in and nerd who only wants to accumulate rather than appreciate?
And while I have always liked vintage stuff, this post sums up my growing aversion to using that term over just “used” or “second hand”.
Hope that doesn’t sound critical. I think it is cool someone like Paul knows what he likes, enjoys looking for it, and understands how cloths fit (so many men don’t).
#36 by duckstyle on 08.27.08 10:27 am |
As a “FIB”, that happens to live near the border and support the Packers, I can definitly say that yes, Packers fans do get covered head to toe in GB gear. Personally it’s not my style, but to each their own. I’m pretty sure the only thing I wore to games with a logo was a nit cap.
#37 by chance on 08.27.08 10:29 am |
Don’t forget the traditional blaze orange. See a lot of that in the stands.
As for decking out in Green and Gold, there’s a great scene in John Irving’s The Fourth Hand where the hero falls for a Wisconsin girl. At one point, he’s dismayed/relieved to learn that at least her underwear isn’t emblazoned with a big “G”.
#38 by Perry on 08.27.08 10:32 am |
I’m quite inconsistent in my jersey-wearing “rules,” I guess. I’d never wear a baseball jersey except at the ballpark. I’m a Cardinal fan living in Colorado, and I have a Curt Flood #21 that I only wear when the Cards play at Coors. I also have a blank back, 90’s-era Rockies jersey that I bought for $20 on e-bay and occasionally wear to Coors when they’re playing anyone but the Cards.
I’m a little looser about wearing soccer jerseys. I have a Cesc Fabregas #4 Arsenal jersey that I wear to the pub when I watch Arsenal there, to the stadium for Rapids games, and sometimes around the house when Arsenal’s on TV. And a Barcelona jersey with no name/number that’s the only jersey I wear just anywhere — it’s from a year before they added Unicef as a shirt sponsor so all it has is the Barca crest, and it’s blank on the back, so it works (and looks pretty sharp) as a shirt as well as a jersey. A lot of people probably don’t even know it’s a jersey.
#39 by BrianC on 08.27.08 10:33 am |
You beat me to it! And I pried the inaccurate insignia off my plastic Army helmet. I think we’re born that way…
#40 by chance on 08.27.08 10:34 am |
You raise a couple of interesting points.
For me, “vintage” and “used/second hand” have two very different meanings. Vintage means it has to have age. Something can be used without being vintage.
I don’t want to speak for Paul, but as a reader I don’t think he’s ever used the term “collector” in a negative way - he freely admits that he’s a, shall we say, enthusiastic collector of lots of things. But perhaps his interest in jerseys on eBay is more about studying their design than buying them.
The difference might be slight, but I can understand it. I myself from time to time might buy Packers items from the Lombardi years (and today), but I only collect from the years 1919-1949.
#41 by BrianC on 08.27.08 10:35 am |
“I don’t like what merchandising has done to uniforms. Jersey sales have become the revenue tail that wags the on-field dog, and I prefer not to participate in that system, which I think has been very bad for uni design.”
Amen, brother! A uniform (especially a major league one) should reflect pride, class and heritage, not be designed to sell crap to 12 year olds.
#42 by duckstyle on 08.27.08 10:36 am |
Reminds me a something my dad used to say all the time. “He/she can’t be all bad, he/she’s wearing a Packers hat/shirt/etc.”
#43 by Not Osama on 08.27.08 10:37 am |
Last year I attended a Jets (vs. Dolphins) game at the Meadowlands. Since I often draw comparisons to Osama Bin Laden due to the physical similarites of our religeous beliefs, (a beard and turban) I decided to play it safe and wear a Broadway Joe Namath throwback. The fan reaction was great and in fact there was group of fans who chanted ‘Allah’ loves the Jets! LOL : )
#44 by Stuby on 08.27.08 10:39 am |
Did you have the O.J. Simpson 49ers jersey?
#45 by Jim MI on 08.27.08 10:53 am |
In front? As in in front of the crease? That is going to look horrible. Would look better behind the net where past memorials have been placed.
#46 by Pretty Boy Paulie on 08.27.08 10:57 am |
Kevin from Ohio in Virginia GREAT STUFF! This should be the standard.
-For extra credit your sneakers may match your jersey.
…and my personal Jersey etiquette rule, “DO NOT PURCHASE ANY JERSEY WITH ANY CURRENT PLAYER ON THE BACK. No way no how. I still see Mark Prior jerseys everywhere at Wrigley Field. All my jerseys (I own 7 authentic) have been either customized with my name or bear the name of a legend (Sandberg, Banks, Payton, Sayers, Jordan and Pippen).
-Going BLANK on the back is just fine.
#47 by Chad on 08.27.08 11:02 am |
anyone else notice the pink backpack in the mets bullpen last night? i’d imagine it belongs to a rookie.
#48 by Ricko on 08.27.08 11:04 am |
I never understood all this collecting stuff.
Yeah, right.(rolls eyes)
Now where the heck I put my Sonny Sixkiller file, anyway?
—Ricko
#49 by Chad on 08.27.08 11:06 am |
boston fans agree http://us.st12.yimg....
#50 by Johnny O on 08.27.08 11:07 am |
By “FIB” you mean “Friendly Illinois Brethren” of course, right? =)
#51 by LI Phil on 08.27.08 11:09 am |
truer words were never spoke…
to wit:
why men shouldn’t wear
jean-shortsjortswhy women should
#52 by Paul Lukas on 08.27.08 11:10 am |
Absolutely. I just mean I don’t collect CURRENT jerseys, which is what the term “jersey collector” usually implies.
#53 by Jim W on 08.27.08 11:12 am |
Agreed - I’ve been to one NFL game in my life (I’m Canadian!) - it was in San Diego, Ryan Leaf’s first year. Tons of “55″ jerseys of course but there was also a HUGE amount of “Leaf” jerseys. They were playing the Eagles - lots of green in the stands as well.
#54 by Kek on 08.27.08 11:18 am |
Regarding the word “collector” when it comes to jerseys, I even wonder if this is the right terminology. I have many jerseys, both authentic and replica, but I don’t consider myself a collector. I simply think of it as part of my wardrobe. When I was in sales and wore suits everyday, I had a closet full of white dress shirts but I didn’t fancy myself a “collector” of white dress shirts.
Maybe it’s because I look at it like this: at the time of the purchase, I bought the jersey with the intent to wear it and wear it often. Maybe that didn’t happen in all cases, but the thought wasn’t “I’m going to buy this jersey and never wear it”. Plus, I’ve sold some of my older jerseys at yard sales, on eBay, etc.
I think you could use sneakers as an example too. As I mentioned yesterday, I was a mild sneakerhead in high school and college. I was knowledgable on the the shoes, but didn’t have the money to buy all the styles I liked. Someone more hardcore, that keeps the shoes in the original boxes or displays them rather than wears them, I would call them a “collector”. Me, I never bought a pair of sneakers, no matter how expensive, that I didn’t have every intention of wearing on a regular basis.
You want to see obesessive collecting? Ask me about my Hot Wheels and Pez Dispenser collections. I also refuse to throw the boxes away from any video game systems or games. Yes, I have moved an Atari 2600, Nintendo, Super Nintendo and Playstation box from an apartment to 2 different houses and told the wife very strictly that she was not to throw away the box to our Wii when we got it a few months back.
Yeah, I have problems!
#55 by duckstyle on 08.27.08 11:19 am |
No need to sugar-coat it. I hate Chicago drivers as much as the next guy. And that’s the where I see “FIB” used for the most part.
#56 by Kek on 08.27.08 11:22 am |
No one bit on the bit of trivia I hinted yesterday regarding Benny Distefano.
He caught three games in 1989.
He’s a lefty.
#57 by Teebz on 08.27.08 11:23 am |
Someone got a little confused. The article on the CBJ website states “In addition, the ‘JHM’ logo will appear in-ice at Nationwide Arena behind each goal net”.
No worries about it being out in front of the net whatsoever.
#58 by Patrick on 08.27.08 11:30 am |
Why is Prince Fielder wearing a nightshirt?
#59 by Johnny O on 08.27.08 11:30 am |
Hey duckstyle, you are from Rockford right? Yeah I know what you mean about “FIB” drivers. I dread going on I-39 during the weekend in fear of their chaotic driving.
They say in Wisconsin, “Never trust ‘I’ states, and blue plates when driving”. And if you think about it, that encompasses Illinois, Michigan, Iowa, and Minnesota,… or in other words all states that surround Wisconsin.
#60 by Macca on 08.27.08 11:31 am |
I don’t own or wear any jerseys because anyone over age 15 wearing athletic apparel while not engaged in the appropriate athletic pursuit looks ridiculous. A mature adult idolizing another to the point of wanting to wear the same shirt…It’s dorky at best, pathetic at worst. Unis are made for athletes; only athletes should wear unis.
That said, people wear ‘em. I agree with a couple of points made earlier. First, Paul’s take on natural vs synthetic fibers. No debate, and that’s why I love vintage as well. An old flannel snagged for a bargain on eBay > a $300 poly authentic. Second, Kevin’s (or more accurately, his mother’s) comment on sloppiness. You can’t win on this point. A jersey looks absurd tucked into anything other than game pants, and even worse untucked. Saw my personal pet peeve at Shea last week: oversize, untucked, unbuttoned. You’re not supposed to leave the house in your bathrobe.
#61 by Jim MI on 08.27.08 11:33 am |
Good news Teebz, I can come off this ledge now… :)
Always afraid of the NHL putting more logos/ads/memorials on the ice. Very fearful of it turning into what Euprpean ice surfaces look like…. Yikes.
#62 by Scott Little on 08.27.08 11:36 am |
Here’s a few thoughts from a collector who can’t slow down:
1.Jerseys don’t have to be expensive. If you want a nice whatever jersey, look for deals, or swallow a hefty price tag and get it over with. In other words, very nice jerseys are out there for cheap, and it’s up to your shopping talent to find them.
2.straightcashhomey is one of my favorites. It’s Vice magazine flavor for jerseys, and if you haven’t heard of vice magazine, well, I feel bad for your funny bone.
3.Obscurity is fuckin awesome. Think about it. If you saw somebody walking around with a #8 Kobe Bryant Lakers jersey, you’d barely look at it. BUT, say you saw a #8 Doug Christie jersey. Then your mind starts grinding… wha… that… was… Kobe’s num… what is that? A jersey becomes a conversation…
4.Putting your own name on the back means you have narcissistic problems.
5.Replica jerseys are fun, if you know you’re wearing one. People sporting replicas and tell you it’s authentic on field gear are cheap and ignorant-dangerous combo.
Wear jerseys!
#63 by Jim MI on 08.27.08 11:41 am |
My personal jersey wearing rules:
1) ONLY wear to sporting related events (Arenas, having friends over to watch games, fantasy drafts). Never just ‘out and about’ like shopping, etc.
2) Wear plain, color matching shirt underneath. Hate when you see someone wearing, for example, a white Toronto Maple Leafs jersey and you can see another shirt’s graphics underneath. Respect the jersey people.
3) Use supplied fastners (baseball unis), if it has buttons, use them. No need for the open jersey look.
4) NEVER, for any reason, tuck in a jersey. This is an open invitation for swift, hard kicks to the shins.
#64 by LI Phil on 08.27.08 11:42 am |
not to get off topic or anything…but since you brought it up…
i know FIB means neither “friendly” nor “bretheren”…heh…
but WTF is an “I” state? i can figure out “Iowa” and “Illinois”, since they begin with this letter…but minnesota & michigan? something to do with “interstate”??? i thought maybe because they have the letter “I” in them, but then, so does wIsconsIn…so…prolly not that
/just curious, johnny ;)
#65 by duckstyle on 08.27.08 11:44 am |
Yeah, I’m a Rockfordian(yep, a real word people use). I-39 is a cake-walk, now I-294 on a Friday afternoon, that’s a b1tch!
#66 by Patrick on 08.27.08 11:49 am |
Only jerseys I own are hockey - maybe 6 or 7 - and those are only worn while playing pickup or in rec league. Of those, the only ones I actually purchased are a Ukrainian league jersey (with no ads) and an orange Flyers pre-RBK (because orange rules). That said…
If you do wear jerseys in social settings, please - never ever ever ever ever ever EVER tuck them in! EVER. I go to maybe 4 or 5 Stars games per season (black hoodie and jeans), and I always see at least one doofus with his jersey tucked into dress slacks. And yes, he is usually wearing a collared dress shirt.
Don’t ever be that guy.
#67 by LouUmp on 08.27.08 11:52 am |
If I am going to a game where I am a neutral observer, I usually wear my Seattle Pilots cap, which usually gets approval or at least recognition from someone along the way…
I do have a Russell replica Yankee jersey, which I had a local shop put a big fat 3 on back…NOB not required!
#68 by Timothy B on 08.27.08 11:53 am |
Agree with most of this. But I gotta ask…what’s wrong with jean shorts?? I’m talking about carpenter or painters jean shorts. Not jeans, cut off to make shorts. If jeans go well with an authentic, why not shorts that are denim?? I think an authentic MLB or NFL looks pretty good with denim. Assuming you finish it off with the proper shoes.
And under no circumstances do you put your last name, in authentic lettering, on any kind of authentic jersey. Looks cheesey.
#69 by Johnny O on 08.27.08 11:53 am |
I’m always happy to bring people up to speed on Mid Westerner talk. Minnesota’s licenses plates are blue, and so are Michigan’s plates. So when we say “Don’t trust ‘I’ states and blue plates” we are saying don’t trust anyone around you or that boarder you basically, as kind of a joke towards our boarder friends.
As yes, if people really want to know, us Cheese Heads call drivers from Illinois “FIBs”. Which stands for “F**king Illinois Bastards”. Any other states call them that? I like to say “Friendly Illinois Brethren” as a joke, or to be clean.
#70 by Peter Wunsch on 08.27.08 11:53 am |
I forgot bout the obnoxious jersey wearing fan:
Years ago (mid-70’s) Marv Albert was the NY ranger announcer and his son was at every game wearing a Vancouver Canuck (see Celine Dion story earlier this week) jersey and walking around the arena throughour every game.
Nowadays, Kenny (is that a name for a group up to use?) Albert is the lead (inherited job) Ranger announcer and never alludes to the old days.
#71 by DMWiz on 08.27.08 11:59 am |
Paul - thanks for the insight on your personal taste/feelings about jerseys. I’ve been a reader since day 1 and it just seems like recently everything new has been ridiculed or has had negative reviews with no real rationale to support these beliefs. For some reason, today’s installment was refreshing because it gave us a better picture of your feelings towards uniforms.
We’re all entitled to our opinions, we’re all free to wear jersey where and how we want (all though I’m in the majority that they really should be left untucked). And I think we can all agree that Oregon’s uniforms are awful.
#72 by Johnious on 08.27.08 12:05 pm |
as a serious jersey collector (i own 72 hockey jerseys, not sure how many football), there are some basic rules.
unfortunately i own a few jerseys with my name on the back, one was a gift, one was just youthful stupidity, and one i wear to play in (i figure if you play in it, you shouldn’t wear someone else’s name on the back…), but its a good rule.
I wear nothing but jerseys (or suits, can’t announce games in a jersey), and have for the past 6 years. it’s a great way to be recognized and remembered (hey, you’re the jersey guy!), and it’s always a great conversation starter.
i host a hockey show in Erie, Pa, and my cohost started to get on me about jerseys and how much i uniwatch, even dared say i should be a fashion major. i said straight out, it’s my calling card, and every jersey has a history, a story, something to tell about the legends who wore the same logo on their chests. just because it isn’t the same wool sweater maurice richard wore doesn’t mean you can’t wear a richard jersey and have a reason to tell his story.
there are a few pet peeves:
1) RBK. i’ve yelled at a number of people for those damned edge jerseys, and i have no intention of stopping
2) inaccurate jerseys. i see tons of 1992 pens jerseys with CROSBY on the back, or even dumber, a winter classic jersey with HOSSA on it. IF THAT PLAYER NEVER WORE THAT JERSEY, THEN IT SHOULDN’T EXIST.
3) people who tuck in jerseys. don’t do it.
4) bad fakes. some fakes are amazingly accurate. with how many i buy on ebay, i surely own a fake or two, but i always ensure my jerseys are 100% accurate to the time they were worn on the ice. some are just godawful, inaccurate, or look completely crappy
5) jerseys that were never worn on the ice/field. unless it’s a prototype that was never used (stars gold jersey), don’t wear it. i don’t want to see a black Red Wings jersey that isn’t a practice jersey. ditto a yellow blackhawks, or a powder blue avalanche (yes, i’ve seen those). if it was worn on the ice, you can wear it. if not, it’s just crap.
#73 by TD on 08.27.08 12:06 pm |
I had the Franco Harris one, and got the 88 Swann shirt a year or two later. I was always trying to find decent ways to create the gold NOB and lose the team name on the front.
I also got a helmet for christmas one year and spend a good couple hours blacking out the double bar duckbill facemask. We’re all broken, yes indeed.
#74 by joe on 08.27.08 12:11 pm |
its going behind the nets, not in front of them.
#75 by LI Phil on 08.27.08 12:13 pm |
#76 by LI Phil on 08.27.08 12:14 pm |
once again…
why jorts…