Okay, so I’ve been on the road for most of the past week or so (more on that in a minute), and I was mostly off the grid during that time, but occasional bits of news managed to trickle my way. So I’m aware, as I’m sure most of you are, that people have been chanting “Off with his head!” at some of Sarah Palin’s recent campaign rallies. At first I assumed this sentiment was directed at Barack Obama. Last night, however, the ugly reality became clear.
I direct your attention to this screen shot from last night’s post-debate analysis. As you can see, a certain enormous-headed sports mascot was among those milling about the Hofstra gym. It’s not clear what he was doing there (there’s gotta be an easier way to sell Citi Field season ticket packages, no?), but it appears to have been a set-up. Check it out: As onlookers watch in horror, an assassin brazenly approaches the hapless mascot, lifts off his head and removes it, leaving the mascot to wander off in disgrace. You can see a slideshow animation of the entire sickening sequence here. Off with his head indeed!
Political implications notwithstanding, this raises all sorts of mascot issues: Has anyone ever seen Mr. Met without his head? Will young Mets fans ever recover from the sight of his decapitation? How big a breach of mascotiquette was this? To address these and other burning issues, I immediately consulted my pal Liz Clayton (who, in addition to being my bandmate in the Forewords, runs the excellent Mascot Stalker site). Her reaction was blunt: “Someone should be FIRED.” And I don’t think she was referring to Omar Minaya (even though I am).
All of those screen shots, incidentally, are courtesy of our own latter-day Abraham Zapruder, L.I. Phil, who also points out that America’s latest national celebrity-for-a-day, Joe the Plumber, has already scored a Nike endorsement deal (although I think that might just be a stylized plumber’s crack logo, not a swoosh).
And to think the Rev. Nørb stood me up to watch rollerderby instead: Speaking of the Forewords, I’m happy to report that our world-debut tour was a big success (despite a typo on the marquee in Minneapolis, something I suspect we’re gonna have to get used to). The audiences were receptive and responsive even though they had no idea what they were in for, and the whole thing came off very smoothly. If any Uni Watch readers were in attendance, I’d be interested in hearing your impressions. Sorry, no video — just this photo (taken by Collateral Gammage at the very beginning of the Madison show) and this photo (taken by reader Tod Foley in Minneapolis), neither of which is particularly illuminating — but I’m sure we’ll be doing more of this, so stay tuned. And if anyone wants to book us for future events, feel free to be in touch.
While I was in Minneapolis, I had a summit meeting with Ricko, which was even more of a treat than I’d anticipated. I knew he had loads of archival files, and I knew he’d done lots of personal artwork. I didn’t realize, however, that he’s also done a lot of commercial artwork or that he’s a big uni collector. But the biggest surprise was that he’s a uni modifier. Small example: See the stripes on these pants? Ricko painted them onto the fabric. Seriously.
I have lots more Ricko stuff to share, but I’m gonna hold onto it for now, cuz I think he might be ESPN material. Gotta show some of this stuff to my editors and see what they think. Details to follow shortly.
After the short Forewords tour, Collateral Gammage and I spent a few days knocking around Wisconsin. The highlight was a visitation to the holiest shrine in all of bowling, Milwaukee’s storied Holler House, whose basement is home to America’s oldest pair of league-sanctioned lanes. They still use live pinboys, and normally you have to call ahead so they can make sure to have some kids on pinsetting duty, but we got lucky by walking in unannounced just as a league was wrapping up, so we convinced the kids to work another coupla games for us. As always, proprietress Marcy Skowronski was a total sweetheart. With the National Liquor Bar closed and Art’s Concertina Bar now having been sold and given a makeover, Holler House now assumes the mantle of my favorite bar in Milwaukee, and hence in America (at least until I make it to the Polish Falcons, which was closed when we swung by but whose bar and lanes look extremely promising).
The rest of the trip was a blur of autumn foliage, corn, soybeans, frozen custard, adorable pets (that’s my friend Kelly Hogan’s pooch, Augie — they hosted us at their house after the Madison show), more bowling sightseeing (that place wasn’t open, but it sure was purty), a visit to the octagon house in Watertown (also closed for the day, but we had fun walking around the grounds), chocolate overload (we hit about half of the outlets mentioned in that article), fun lodging, and my friends/heroes Julie and Johnie (they’re currently featured in this exhibit at the Milwaukee Art Museum, which we checked out on Sunday before staying at their farm in Whitelaw on Monday night).
All in all, a swell trip, and Tucker and Caitlin didn’t even play hard to get when I got back.
October Raffle: Our friends at Helmet Hut produced the vintage helmets used in the new movie The Express (more info on that here), and now they’ve generously chosen to mark the occasion by having me raffle off an Ernie Davis Syracuse helmet. Like all Helmet Hut products, this one is authentic in every detail and is identical to the one Davis actually wore in his Syracuse days.
To get in on this raffle, send a blank e-mail with your name in the subject line to the raffle address (not to the usual Uni Watch address, please) by 10pm eastern next Tuesday, October 21st. If you’ve enrolled in the Uni Watch membership program, you can send up to four separate e-mail entries; non-members are limited to one entry. And that leads us to…
Membership News: In case you missed it late last week, all new membership program enrollees will now receive a $10 gift card from Distant Replays (not good on clearance items, one gift card per enrollee) — a particularly great deal when you consider that the membership fee is only $15 to begin with. Meanwhile, you can see lots of cool new designs in the membership card gallery.
Uni Watch News Ticker: Cheesecake artist extraordinaire Rob Ullman has done some new pin-up commissions for Uni Watch readers. This one was for my friend Carrie Klein (the illo was a wedding present for her brother and new sis-in-law, who’s shown wearing the Big Papi jersey) and this one was for Uni Watch reader David Kendrick. Then there’s this one, which Rob describes as follows: “Given to friends as a wedding present by my friend Alycia Kiley (it was a challenge making that Bengals jersey look decent).” … Boy, the good old days weren’t so good when it came to mascots. That’s Maryland’s Testudo the Terrapin, circa 1950s (nice find by Andrew Tanker). … That Cardinals prototype jersey that was up for auction (but didn’t sell) back in February appears to be back on the block (with thanks to James Poisso). … “I was in Modell’s today and came across these youth shoulder pads, made by Schutt,” writes Matt Powers. “Look familiar?” … Lots of good stuff currently on eBay, including some vintage stirrups (I may bid on those myself), an old baseball uni with a great sleeve patch, another interesting old baseball uni, a cool old band uniform hat, vintage equipment catalogs from Wilson, Rawlings, and Reach, and Reach again (trust me, that last one’s gonna go for a LOT of money). … Vince reports that the Drudge Report featured a pair of Lake Erie Monsters bobbleheads yesterday. … Jim Bullard just tipped me wise to this site, which makes, among other things replica leather helmets. Also old-timey jerseys, old school baseball gloves, even old-fashioned balls. … Looks like bullpen buggies may be making a comeback in 2010, at least if these guys have anything to say about it. If you poke around the site, you’ll find lots of good old photos. … Here’s one I haven’t seen before: A high school coach in Virginia was so disgusted by his team’s play that he had them change uniforms at halftime. Details here (with thanks to Tris Wykes). … I’m sure you’ve all already discussed the fact that the Texans wore blue socks on Sunday, instead of their usual red. While I would’ve preferred a white sock with blue stripes (to cut down on the leotard effect), I still think the blue hose are much preferable to the red. Let’s hope they stick with this. … The Canucks’ alternate jersey will supposedly look like this. Note that there have been several tweaks, none of them good, to the original logo. … Kevin Wang notes that the Stars’ helmet logo decal, which used to be green outline in gold, is now solid gold. … Is that a cedilla on Pierre Garçon’s NOB? If so, it’s an NFL first (great spot by Chad Stegemiller). … Good article here about the U.S. national soccer team’s jersey prep for World Cup Qualifiers (with thanks to Darin Doughty). … NCAA coaches will be wearing a special armband on October 25th to raise awareness of muscular dystrophy. Details here (courtesy of Corey Buck). … I’m sure there’s something out there stupider than this; I just can’t imagine what it would be. … Remember how Shea Stadium’s outfield wall was painted light green with black distance numbers (instead of dark green with white numbers) during the first homestand of the 1967 season, and how this was the only photo documentation we had? Now Bill Heatley has come up with more. “I dug up some color negatives I took as a 12-year-old on April 20, 1967 — Tom Seaver’s first win,” he writes. “As you can see, the outfield fence is painted light green with dark blue numbers.” Actually, the numbers look black to me, but he’s promised several more (and clearer) photos once he digs out all his old negatives, so stay tuned. … Doug Keklak reports the BC Lions of the CFL have turned their entire helmet decal into a memorial for their late CEO Bob Ackles, who died in July. The official text: “The BC Lions Football Club announced today that players will wear the popular and unique black third jersey combination including the distinctive orange helmet for two home games this season beginning with [October 10th's] tilt versus the Edmonton Eskimos. The 2008 version of the orange helmets will feature a stylized paw logo emblazoned with the name ‘Bob’ in honour of late Lions president and who passed away in July. At the conclusion of the 2008 season, the club will auction off the helmets with net proceeds to benefit the BC Football Hall of Fame -– a project that Ackles began before his passing.” The Lions have a decal on the regular helmet, and also a logo on the field. … Referees in the Division III MIAC used pink whistles last weekend for breast cancer awareness. Thanks to Matt Nelson for the pic.
#1 by Robert on 10.16.08 8:56 am |
It is now cold up north. Can the Phillies stop wearing their gross-armpitted Cool Base jerseys? Every time that I see one of them with an arm raise, I want to puke.
http://www.sportslin...
#2 by jon on 10.16.08 9:06 am |
what’s so bad about the changes to the canucks logo? theyre minor updates. i think it looks better.
#3 by SpartyCuse on 10.16.08 9:08 am |
FYI, its the Lake Erie Monsters, not Storm.
#4 by Adam on 10.16.08 9:11 am |
I worked as a character at a midwest theme park for a couple of summers. We had clips in the front / back and both sides of the head to ensure the head didn’t fall off (read: pulled off). Since this park has a certain replica of a tower in France, we also couldn’t remove the heads anywhere outside. Kids on the top of the tower would be quite freaked out…
#5 by Ben on 10.16.08 9:15 am |
Speaking of the Forewords, I’m happy to report that our world-debut tour was a big success (despite a typo on the marquee in Minneapolis, something I suspect we’re gonna have to get used to).
Remember Paul, the Wonders were actually once the Oneders. Worked out alright for them.
#6 by Brandon on 10.16.08 9:15 am |
Good ole PBR
#7 by LI Phil on 10.16.08 9:16 am |
Robert said:
they’ll prolly stop wearing them at home against the rays
i think that shot was from LA…and it’s not as cold there ;)
#8 by Ricko on 10.16.08 9:21 am |
OMG, there’s a photo of an old man and his “Bag O’Wristbands” out there in cyberspace.
Lord, what a geek.
LOL
—Ricko
#9 by LI Phil on 10.16.08 9:23 am |
Ricko said:
good thing he didn’t run the photo of the “old man and his bag o’catheters” instead ;)
#10 by Robert on 10.16.08 9:24 am |
LI Phil said:
That is a good point, but what was the temp at game time in L.A.?
#11 by LI Phil on 10.16.08 9:29 am |
Robert said:
according to this write up…it was 89 degrees
and if you scroll down this page and look at “yesterday’s almanac”…the high in LA was 94 yesterday
#12 by Joe Drennan on 10.16.08 9:33 am |
Probably 12 years ago now I was working the Illinois State Fair at the state fire marshal’s tent and they had me don the Sparky the Fire Dog costume on DCFS Day with the big mascot head. I was instructed not to take the head off as it could upset some kids.
Being DCFS Day, I had 2 big body guards as some hooligans on DCFS day the previous year had attacked Sparky with a knife. I’m glad to report I made it out alive and unharmed.
#13 by Mike Edgerly on 10.16.08 9:45 am |
Big Tampa Bay Bucs news! The Orange unis will be worn again as a Throwback! Bucco Bruce is back, baybee!
http://www2.tbo.com/...
#14 by War Damn Eagle on 10.16.08 9:46 am |
ESPN was using middle initials last night to distinguish the two Roy Williams on the Cowboys. A graphic on NFL Live gave the name of the wide receiver as Roy E. Williams.
#15 by phillydevil on 10.16.08 9:47 am |
The photo of the (sad) Maryland mascot reminded me of an equally sad attempt at a DIY Sparky costume by an ASU fan in 1975.
Just to be clear, this was NOT the official Sparky.
#16 by u2-horn on 10.16.08 9:48 am |
WR Roy Williams was on a local radio show this morning and they asked him if he knew what his jersey would say on the back, and he said he actually didn’t know but joked that he’d like to just have “TEXAS ROY” on the back.
#17 by MPowers1634 on 10.16.08 9:48 am |
Joe Drennan said:
Wow! At least this Sparky could have defended himself!
http://cache.daylife...
http://www.tempe.gov...
Which reminds us of this Sun Devil favorite:
http://i.cnn.net/si/...
The Embroidered ASU is veru interesting considering that thetre are three colors.
ANYWAY,
When I was in Disney two weeks ago, all of the characters in costume had handlers to prevent rabid fans, children, from attacking them.
#18 by DJ on 10.16.08 9:49 am |
what’s so bad about the changes to the canucks logo? they’re minor updates. i think it looks better
The new version is perfectly fine. With the old uniforms, the logo was done in white on the blue jersey, which might be what was being referred to.
Big props, though, for including Johnny Canuck as the shoulder patch!!!
#19 by Robert on 10.16.08 9:49 am |
LI Phil said:
You win.
#20 by MPowers1634 on 10.16.08 9:50 am |
MPowers1634 said:
#21 by big matt on 10.16.08 9:57 am |
Robert said:
Are you serious? Get over it!
#22 by MPowers1634 on 10.16.08 9:59 am |
Robert said:
For those of you who don’t know…Not only does Phil posess razor sharp wit and a wicked forehand, but a love of Meterology that would make these two men,whom I guarantee have NEVER been and NEVER will be pictured on UW again, proud:
http://www.gutterhel...
http://www.tiffanymo...
#23 by MPowers1634 on 10.16.08 9:59 am |
Meteorology
#24 by Justin in AR on 10.16.08 10:00 am |
For those interested, America’s celebrity-for-a-day, Joe the Plumber, has his own place on wikipedia.
http://en.wikipedia....
#25 by Hott Rodd on 10.16.08 10:00 am |
Joe Drennan said:
Wow.. that ending caught me by surprise.. I was expecting him to say he was attacked and died, and then bam out of nowhere he made it out ok. Just goes to show.. you never can tell where a story is going..
#26 by Jet on 10.16.08 10:03 am |
Nice job with the Mets pictures, Bill Heatley!!!
-Jet
#27 by ScottyJ in WV on 10.16.08 10:03 am |
You got to bowl at the Holler House??!? I’m sooo jealous!! I’ve wanted to go there for years. One of these days, I gotta make that trip.
Also see from the photos that you’re a southpaw. You know we’re the only ones in our right mind. Thank you, I’ll be here all week! The 10:30 show’s different than the 8:30 show!
Seriously, being a left handed bowler can be tough. There’s some guys who don’t take too kindly to lefties. I could tell ya stories…
#28 by fluxcap on 10.16.08 10:04 am |
Observations about the new bullpen carts: The home page shows an Angels cart, and they apparently now play at Dodgers Stadium? I assume the vehicles would be used at home, but the Indians helmet is the away design. I’m pretty sure Tampa Bay has dropped the “Devil” part of the name, right? They did manage to use Coolflo helmets though. I’m sure there are other imperfections, but the chin strap buttons are a nice touch!
#29 by Jet on 10.16.08 10:05 am |
I see nothing wrong with the minor changes to the Canucks logo. I think it makes it more defined that there really is a “C” hidden in there.
I think the entire jersey is spectacular, with TRADITIONAL waist and sleeve striping, nice bright colors with no black overtones…I’d put this alongside any of the Original Six jerseys, it’s that good!!
-Jet
#30 by Jeff on 10.16.08 10:06 am |
I give you, the Football Bowlers:
http://www.shorpy.co...
#31 by al on 10.16.08 10:10 am |
that sequence of mr. met reminded me of this:
http://www.theforce....
#32 by MPowers1634 on 10.16.08 10:23 am |
al said:
All kidding aside, one of the most poignant film sequences ever made!
However, whenever I see Colorado’s new shoulder stripes, I am reminded of the vertical patches on the breastplate of Darth Vader’s suit:
http://cache1.asset-...
http://cache3.asset-...
http://i104.photobuc...
#33 by PK on 10.16.08 10:24 am |
IN reference to the MLB cap (the Indians one Paul Posted)
I used to work for a sports hat retailer, and some of the designs that NEW ERA (or New Error what we called them when they did some of their “fashion” caps), were truly off the wall…
currently, they are selling these http://www.lids.com/...
and if you poke around that web site, you’ll see even more attrocities against sports fashion kind…
(no wonder there is no loyalty….as long as your fitted rocks with your clothes…who cares…)
#34 by Robert on 10.16.08 10:27 am |
big matt said:
Yes, I am serious, and no, I will not get over it. The Cool Base jerseys have been a blight. Not so much as pajama pants, but a blight nevertheless.
#35 by fluxcap on 10.16.08 10:35 am |
PK said:
My friends and I can never understand the point of hats, shirts, whatever it is, in non-team colors. These may be the worst ever though.
#36 by LI Phil on 10.16.08 10:36 am |
Jet said:
who the hell is bill heatley?
#37 by MPowers1634 on 10.16.08 10:40 am |
fluxcap said:
That hat was made to coordinate with sweaters like this:
http://farm3.static....
http://www.nancarrow...
#38 by Justin in AR on 10.16.08 10:42 am |
MPowers1634 said:
I was expecting a Cosby sweater and you didn’t let me down. Thank you, Mr. Powers.
#39 by MPowers1634 on 10.16.08 10:42 am |
LI Phil said:
I just googled Bill Heatley, which made Phil’s response extremely funny!
#40 by Mr. Blom on 10.16.08 10:43 am |
anyone know of a good football uniform building website?
like as good as this… or maybe even bette?
http://www.footballa...
#41 by PK on 10.16.08 10:46 am |
I don’t know, there’s been some horrid ones,
http://www.hatland.c...
http://www.hatland.c...
but also, some great ones that I do feel are more a template for an art piece that embraces the city
http://images.google...
#42 by The Ol Goaler on 10.16.08 10:58 am |
From the “Adventures in High School Unis” department… Blytheville (AR) played at Greene County Tech last Friday night. Here in northeast Arkansas, the ubiquitous bermuda football fields are turning brown, so Tech dyed their playing field green. The only problem is that whatever Tech used on the field wouldn’t come out of Blytheville’s white pants! So the Chickasaws now have about 25 pair of lime-freakin’-green football pants!
My wife gave Blytheville’s coach some tips on how to get the “green” out… if those tips don’t work, looks like we’ll be seeing this look on the road the rest of the year…
#43 by Justin on 10.16.08 11:02 am |
Paul -
your no mas banner doesn’t link to their site
#44 by MPowers1634 on 10.16.08 11:04 am |
PK said:
The Admirals could wear this one:
http://www.hatland.c...
http://dailypress2.c...
#45 by Mark Mc on 10.16.08 11:05 am |
fluxcap said:
Just noticed in the description of this hat, how long has the MLB logo been referred to as “MLB Man”? Can’t wait until that comic book comes out.
#46 by MPowers1634 on 10.16.08 11:05 am |
MPowers1634 said:
link wasn’t specific: 6th row, middle
#47 by MPowers1634 on 10.16.08 11:06 am |
Mark Mc said:
Prince Fielder in a cape and briefs, no thanks!
#48 by MPowers1634 on 10.16.08 11:09 am |
The Ol Goaler said:
I have alot of family in Wynne and Forrest City!
My cousin’s wife actually teaches at/in Paragould!
#49 by LI Phil on 10.16.08 11:15 am |
LI Phil said:
this is bad enough
#50 by brubby on 10.16.08 11:21 am |
I just ordered a leather Penn State helmet from Past Time this week – I’ll let you know how it turns out when I get it.
#51 by MaddMatt on 10.16.08 11:26 am |
That’s not the ‘real’ Mr. Met. Mr. Met has the number of the year on his back…2008=08, ect.
#52 by JAson on 10.16.08 11:34 am |
A discussion of old-timey college mascots would not be complete without the orginal Brutus Buckeye!
http://champdesreves...
#53 by Rich on 10.16.08 11:36 am |
Mike Edgerly said:
Hurrah for creamsicles!
#54 by Dwight on 10.16.08 11:43 am |
Rich said:
LOVE the creamsicles!
#55 by LI Phil on 10.16.08 11:48 am |
Dwight said:
so…imo guess that also means a return to bucco bruce helmets???
this look was freakin sweet
#56 by Juan Grande on 10.16.08 11:48 am |
PK said:
People must buy those horrible hats or else New Era wouldn’t be making them. I’ve never seen one in public but maybe the rap star customer base keeps it alive.
#57 by PK on 10.16.08 12:03 pm |
its not just that people buy them….people buy anything…at nearly $50 a pop (and less than $4 to produce….) New Era is raking in the the dough…so even when they are clearanced out @ 10-15 dollars, they are stll making a huge disgusting profit…
Most of the people who bought these used to match just as crazy clothing…as someone has pointed out….
its a long standing tradition of using humans as living billboards (and the people stupid enough to buy into it)
#58 by PK on 10.16.08 12:05 pm |
…and a side note: looks like the 2009 BB Classic (HA!) wont be changing their caps (or entries)
http://www.lids.com/...
#59 by John English on 10.16.08 12:06 pm |
The Diamondbacks’ single-A affiliate, the Visalia Oaks, have rebranded themselves as the Visalia Rawhide.
I get it, Rawhide like the cover of a baseball, and like cattle, since the area’s big dairy country. Good lookin’ hat but I feel like I’ve seen the logo somewhere before – anyone know?
http://www.oaksbaseb...
#60 by Mike on 10.16.08 12:06 pm |
I can’t say I have ever seen this before, One President, two different jerseys…I guess the Red Wings expect him to pass the other along to 41…
http://www.whitehous...
#61 by John English on 10.16.08 12:08 pm |
Here’s a better link to the Visalia stuff. Specifically, I feel like I’ve seen that circle-R logo or something very close to it before.
http://web.minorleag...
#62 by Kevin M. on 10.16.08 12:09 pm |
John English said:
Kinda looks like the old Winn Dixie beef logo…or was that the USDA logo used in like the late 80’s early 90’s
#63 by PK on 10.16.08 12:10 pm |
Oklahoma Wranglers of the Arena football leauge
http://images.google...
#64 by Kevin M. on 10.16.08 12:11 pm |
John English said:
The circle R looks like the Rawlings logo…the VO logo looks like the old Winn Dixie logo.
#65 by Tree Missile on 10.16.08 12:11 pm |
Mr. Blom said:
http://www.niketeam....
If you can stand the creep.
#66 by Kevin M. on 10.16.08 12:13 pm |
Kevin M. said:
Here is an exmaple of the Rawlings logo
http://images.channe...
#67 by JTH on 10.16.08 12:14 pm |
Deadspin is also reporting the decapitation of Mr. Met.
http://deadspin.com/...
#68 by JTH on 10.16.08 12:16 pm |
And speaking of bad
old-timeymascots, I give you Hoosier Pride!#69 by MPowers1634 on 10.16.08 12:16 pm |
MPowers1634 said:
Here we are, fishing in the water hazard at the Wynne/Forresy City Filed Club…yes, the Water Hazard!
http://i256.photobuc...
Here is the club champ:
http://i256.photobuc...
http://i256.photobuc...
Here is the head surgeon/maintenance man at the local hospital in Memphis:
http://i256.photobuc...
BTW, I too love the Bucs creamsicles!
#70 by PK on 10.16.08 12:17 pm |
John English said:
try this better one of the the OK Wranglers
http://www.nationalc...
#71 by MPowers1634 on 10.16.08 12:17 pm |
dammit, Forrest City Field Club
#72 by LI Phil on 10.16.08 12:19 pm |
Mike said:
fuck that…he’s keepin it
#73 by Jason MI on 10.16.08 12:22 pm |
Looks like there is a new football league trying to give it a go next year…
http://www.lflus.com...
#74 by chance on 10.16.08 12:28 pm |
Here’s another old-timey mascot for you – the original Bucky Badger costumed mascot from 1949.
#75 by Justin in AR on 10.16.08 12:30 pm |
MPowers1634 said:
Hey, I’ve played there! My cousin used to be a coach for the football team there in Forrest City and we played that course one day when I came up to visit. Small world.
#76 by LI Phil on 10.16.08 12:39 pm |
MPowers1634 said:
i hear that place is restricted, matt, so don’t tell ‘em you’re jewish, okay?
#77 by fluxcap on 10.16.08 12:43 pm |
I posted this late last night after the Phils one, so thought I’d repost it today:
I have to say the League Champion hats are interesting this year. They need to get rid of the New Era logo, I personally can’t stand when they put it on the side of the hat like that. I like the WS trophy on the back and the white panel front is nice, but…that front logo just doesn’t work. First of all, it doesn’t have the League the team was from, which just seems weird to me. Second, the logo looks like they slapped it on with velcro. It didn’t look much better on the players heads either, but anyway go Phils!
#78 by tom farley on 10.16.08 12:46 pm |
Remember Paul, the Wonders were actually once the Oneders. Worked out alright for them.
“It’s very important that you don’t stink today!”
“I make no guarantees!”
Ol Goaler, that’s funny about the lime-green pants. It reminds me of the Colts not painting the worn-out Memorial Stadium field late in the season, and Bill Curry saying they called it their Astrodirt.
Thanks for unearthing the Shea pics, Bill Heatley!
#79 by LI Phil on 10.16.08 12:58 pm |
tom farley said:
who the hell is bill heatley?
#80 by tom farley on 10.16.08 1:01 pm |
Here’s another old-timey mascot for you – the original Bucky Badger costumed mascot from 1949.
I didn’t know steroids were around back then …
Thanks for sharing, Chance. here’s a shot of Bucky going in for six circa 1957:
http://www.wisconsin...
The caption says the opponent is Ohio State, but I will wait for Ricko to confirm that thin stripes atop the shoulder pads were worn by TOSU.
#81 by tom farley on 10.16.08 1:04 pm |
who the hell is bill heatley?
Damn, Phil, they’re pictures of Shea. So if you don’t know, then I definitely don’t. ;-)
#82 by JTH on 10.16.08 1:07 pm |
I caught an episode of “Ace of Cakes” the other night where a couple requested a Stanley Cup cake for their wedding reception. I managed to get some decent screen grabs:
http://farm4.static....
http://farm4.static....
http://farm4.static....
http://farm4.static....
http://farm4.static....
I found that whole portion of the episode on YouTube as well:
http://www.youtube.c...
#83 by Chris in Nashville on 10.16.08 1:10 pm |
PK said:
Good God!
http://www.hatland.c...
#84 by MPowers1634 on 10.16.08 1:11 pm |
LI Phil said:
Huh???
http://i256.photobuc...
http://i256.photobuc...
http://i256.photobuc...
#85 by Justin in AR on 10.16.08 1:13 pm |
JTH said:
And they’re Capitals fans… So I guess they didn’t get to take the cake home.
#86 by Alex on 10.16.08 1:14 pm |
Re: Mr Met in the spin room
I was watching that last night and thought it was great. I figured it was “Daily Show” thing but then noticed that he was accompanied by Triumph the Insult Comic Dog (and the hand up his ass, Robert Smigel). I’m not sure if Triumph is still a regular on Conan O’Brien but I would think the segment they were filming will show up there.
#87 by Marty on 10.16.08 1:15 pm |
Can I get info on how to get those drawings of the ladies? My soon-to-be wife (man, that sounds crazy!) would look great in a Sunnyvale (TPB) hockey jersey.
I can’t believe the helmet carts are hideous Cool-flos.
I prefer the Texan’s with the red sock. It goes better with the red numbers.
#88 by JAson on 10.16.08 1:16 pm |
tom farley said:
No need to wait…
http://sportsdesigne...
#89 by MPowers1634 on 10.16.08 1:18 pm |
Chris in Nashville said:
New Era never ceases to amaze me!!!
However, I can’t blame them…if there wasn’t a market for them, then they wouldn’t be produced!
It’s good business, no matter how gross they might be.
#90 by MPowers1634 on 10.16.08 1:20 pm |
Marty said:
I agree…about the sock part!
#91 by LI Phil on 10.16.08 1:22 pm |
MPowers1634 said:
and here i thought you of all people could quote caddyshack line and verse
#92 by MPowers1634 on 10.16.08 1:27 pm |
MPowers1634 said:
Oh no,
HERE is the Head Surgeon/Maintenance Director:
http://i256.photobuc...
#93 by MPowers1634 on 10.16.08 1:32 pm |
LI Phil said:
You should have called me Wang and I would have gotten it!
http://img.photobuck...
#94 by LI Phil on 10.16.08 1:35 pm |
LI Phil said:
isn’t that what you said to larry craig?
#95 by Maks on 10.16.08 1:35 pm |
Here’s the video!
Off with his Head!!
#96 by Maks on 10.16.08 1:36 pm |
aw that didnt work!
Poor guy
#97 by Ricko on 10.16.08 1:36 pm |
MPowers1634 said:
Practicing vasectomy techniques for certification by the state penal system?
#98 by Al on 10.16.08 1:41 pm |
John English said:
The Arizona Wranglers of the USFL?
http://www.usfl.info...
#99 by Pat on 10.16.08 1:41 pm |
fluxcap said:
On top of that the Red Sox don’t have a cool flo helmet.
#100 by LI Phil on 10.16.08 1:43 pm |
Ricko said:
well, mr. powers would certainly be the go-to guy for that, “father time”
#101 by tom farley on 10.16.08 1:51 pm |
You should have called me Wang and I would have gotten it!
Any mention of Chien-Ming Wang gets a round of bad Dangerfield imitations going at my office.
Thanks for the link, JAson.
#102 by MPowers1634 on 10.16.08 1:52 pm |
Ricko said:
Penal or penile, Ricko?
#103 by MPowers1634 on 10.16.08 1:58 pm |
LI Phil said:
Trying for a comeback but I’m drawing a blank.
#104 by LI Phil on 10.16.08 2:01 pm |
MPowers1634 said:
(fixed)
#105 by u2-horn on 10.16.08 2:32 pm |
LI Phil said:
http://i303.photobuc...
#106 by KF on 10.16.08 2:33 pm |
ScottyJ in WV said:
Yes, you lefties get an unmolested oil pattern in the third game while the rest of use have moved dozens of boards because of the lanes breaking down. It’s not being unkind, it’s jealousy!
#107 by MPowers1634 on 10.16.08 2:50 pm |
Back to Eunuch-Watch, I mean Uni-Watch!
Check LT’s new signature cleat for ‘09:
http://images.yuku.c...
http://images.yuku.c...
http://images.yuku.c...
http://images.yuku.c...
The super-smart designers at Nike wanted to place a sneaky #21 into his signature shoe.
If you turn your head 90 degrees to the left and look at the horizontal stripes, you will then see them as vertical, thus making the 21 visible!
Imagine if we really looked into the diamond plate
or camo print backwards under a blacklight while listening to Dark Side of The Moon!
#108 by nicole on 10.16.08 3:01 pm |
MPowers1634 said:
My ex is the managing editor of the Wynne Progress
#109 by Chris in Nashville on 10.16.08 3:05 pm |
MPowers1634 said:
Everyone in my office is looking at me now, bewildered. Thanks Matt.
#110 by MPowers1634 on 10.16.08 3:09 pm |
Nicole:
It really is a small world.
Chris:
You took the bait, I see!
#111 by Michael Princip on 10.16.08 3:11 pm |
No, that’s not Abe Vigoda, just the Seattle Seahawks mascot circa 1979:
http://www.greenglar...
#112 by Ricko on 10.16.08 3:20 pm |
Chris in Nashville said:
Maybe if you stopped shouting, “I see it! I see the 21!!! I really DO !!!”
#113 by floormaster squeeze on 10.16.08 3:30 pm |
Can’t believe you were in Whitelaw. Getting pretty close to where I grew up. I think you would have appreciated Dartball and the unis (bowling like unis mostly). Whitelaw used to host a big Dartball tournament.
#114 by MPowers1634 on 10.16.08 3:36 pm |
quote comment=\”295188\”]No, that\’s not Abe Vigoda, just the Seattle Seahawks mascot circa 1979:
http://www.greenglar...
Sam the Eagle from the Muppet Show!
Shouting \”I see it, I see it\”, like Mr. Pitt, Elaine\’s boss before Peterman:
http://upload.wikime...
#115 by Jonathan Sluss on 10.16.08 3:38 pm |
John English said:
That’s too bad, I’ll miss the angry squirrel the oaks had as their old logo. Might have to see if I can get a hat before they stop selling them since my in-laws live there.
Rawhide does seem to be a great name since the effervescent smell of cow permeates through Visalia (but not as bad as Tulare a few miles away).
#116 by Scott Little on 10.16.08 3:41 pm |
KF said:
Right handers are bowlers.
Left handers just throw the ball…
:)
#117 by MPowers1634 on 10.16.08 3:45 pm |
Michael Princip said:
or Sam the Eagle from “The Muppet Show”:
http://moviesofmysel...
“I see it! I see the 21!!! I really DO !!!”
Mr. Pitt, Elaine’s boss before Peterman, when he stared at “The Magic Eye”:
http://en.wikipedia....
#118 by Skycat on 10.16.08 4:04 pm |
Jeff said:
For some reason, reminds me of this:
http://www.imdb.com/...
#119 by scott on 10.16.08 4:06 pm |
John English said:
Reminiscent of the old Wichita Wranglers cap:
http://shop.mlb.com/...
#120 by Ferdinand Cesarano on 10.16.08 4:28 pm |
PK: I used to work for a sports hat retailer, and some of the designs that NEW ERA (or New Error what we called them when they did some of their “fashion” caps), were truly off the wall…
currently, they are selling these
http://www.lids.com/...
While I certainly don’t like the busy, multi-coloured fashion caps, I like the Twisted series a lot.
I think most fans dig many teams, even if they have one “main” club. I could imagine a transplant to a new city having feelings both for his childhood club and for the club in his new city.
Also, for fans of specific players (or managers), this style is great. For example, the hat that you showed, a Cards hat in A’s colours, is one that any fan of Tony LaRussa will have to have. There are any number of hats like that which will appeal to fans of players strongly associated with two clubs (Griffey, Jr.; Reggie; Bonds; etc.).
Finally, there is the cross-sport allegience that many people have. That red Tigers cap, for instance, would be entirely appropriate for a fan who likes both the Tigers and the Red Wings.
#121 by The Hemogoblin on 10.16.08 4:28 pm |
Chris in Nashville said:
… yeah, and my roommate thinks I’m retarded now… Gee…
#122 by The Hemogoblin on 10.16.08 4:31 pm |
Ferdinand Cesarano said:
Now, if they have a Red Sox had in Yankees colors…
#123 by union jack on 10.16.08 4:36 pm |
Jeff said:
Nice photo, but those aren’t bowling pins, they’re Indian clubs. They’re exercise equipment, and probably the direct ancestors of those clubs jugglers use.
#124 by LarenR on 10.16.08 4:41 pm |
union jack said:
Funny what I miss sometimes…I didn’t even notice the pins. I assumed (and still assume) the Football Bowlers referred to the hats worn in the back row and on the jerseys in the front row.
#125 by LI Phil on 10.16.08 4:46 pm |
LI Phil said:
now?
.
.
.
.
;)
#126 by MPowers1634 on 10.16.08 4:54 pm |
LI Phil said:
The sad thing is, Hemoglobin still hasn’t even clicked on the LT’s cleats yet!
#127 by Jamie on 10.16.08 4:57 pm |
“As always, proprietress Marcy Skowronski was a total sweetheart.”
She has to be the cutest old lady I’ve ever seen. And that’s saying something, because my great-grandma is named Ruby, takes pictures of flowers, and she giggles at EVERYTHING. Oh, and she’s 94.
#128 by MPowers1634 on 10.16.08 5:03 pm |
This is going to be blasphemy…using one of Paul’s pics to teach about the evil empire but…
http://farm4.static....
Did you know that in Nike’s infancy, the original name of the company was “Blue Ribbon Sports”?
http://www.nike.com/...
http://thelongestlis...
#129 by LI Phil on 10.16.08 5:07 pm |
LI Phil said:
yeah…um…it’s THE hemo GOBLIN
he gets upset when you mess up his name
#130 by Boots Day on 10.16.08 5:10 pm |
While the bullpen buggy pics are very cool, the dates on that site are a bit off. There’s a photo of Willie Stargell and Brooks Robinson, allegedly at the 1972 World Series, except those two players faced off in the 1971 Series. There’s also a shot of the A’s and Dodgers buggies together, supposedly in 1973, but I suspect it’s actually from the 1974 World Series.
#131 by MPowers1634 on 10.16.08 5:13 pm |
LI Phil said:
I guess I had a brain CLOT, Sorry, Hemo!
#132 by John Livewell on 10.16.08 5:31 pm |
Can someone help me?
I have an authentic Phillies alternate cream coolbase jersey. How do I wash it? I don’t see a wash-tag and I don’t want to ruin it? I have the jersey personalized to my name and number.
Can someone advise?
#133 by LI Phil on 10.16.08 5:45 pm |
John Livewell said:
i checked out a couple sites, but none specific to mlb authentic cool-bases, but all advise to machine wash (didn’t say warm or cool, but to be safe i’d set it low)…the stuff’s pretty durable so i’d imagine a ‘gentle’ detergent and the washing machine would be fine…
if you’re worried about shrinkage…then you might not wanna put it in the dryer… but i don’t think it would shrink (it being 100% polyester or whatever it is)…
hope this helps
#134 by John Livewell on 10.16.08 5:51 pm |
LI Phil said:
Thank you very much…
#135 by The Hemogoblin on 10.16.08 6:52 pm |
LI Phil said:
Back, fiend.
Two things:
1) It’s HemogOBLin… but good to know you found where I derived it from
2) I’d clicked it… and then I looked the wrong way… 12??
#136 by The Hemogoblin on 10.16.08 6:54 pm |
MPowers1634 said:
Constipation of the keyboard?
#137 by MPowers1634 on 10.16.08 7:07 pm |
The Hemogoblin said:
That is, but one of my maladies!
HG, are you out in Eugene, at the U of O?
#138 by The Hemogoblin on 10.16.08 7:21 pm |
MPowers1634 said:
Matter of fact, yeah.
#139 by LI Phil on 10.16.08 7:58 pm |
so…in about 4 hours…
there gone be a big ol partay in st. pete?
#140 by LI Phil on 10.16.08 8:17 pm |
Justin said:
it used to…
no mas?
#141 by Kevin M. on 10.16.08 9:13 pm |
LI Phil said:
The way it is looking now? Hell yes there will be and I can’t wait.
#142 by Jordan Pope on 10.16.08 9:32 pm |
got some more Revo speed catalog pics one of the youth variety though same styling and the other is the facemask options
http://i193.photobuc...
http://i193.photobuc...
#143 by Jordan Pope on 10.16.08 9:33 pm |
http://i193.photobuc...
wrong pic
#144 by KF on 10.16.08 10:29 pm |
Scott Little said:
Amen to that!
#145 by LI Phil on 10.16.08 10:29 pm |
Kevin M. said:
9 outs to glory
#146 by Justin in AR on 10.16.08 11:00 pm |
LI Phil said:
Man, I’m in delay, think I may just go live. The Rays are looking really good, though.
#147 by tim on 10.16.08 11:13 pm |
Last night after the game Charlie Manual had the Phillies game hat with the World Series logo on it.
#148 by The Hemogoblin on 10.16.08 11:49 pm |
Paul, you confused the hell out of my grandmother with the … inconspicuous … letter.
#149 by Kevin M. on 10.17.08 12:01 am |
Justin in AR said:
Ah the bullpen blows it tonight…that’s the Rays that I have known and loved for the past 10 years. Hope they can pull this out in extra innings. Thank God I don’t have to work tomorrow.
#150 by LI Phil on 10.17.08 12:18 am |
that one’s gonna sting a little…
#151 by Ramsay Pants on 10.17.08 1:48 am |
LI Phil said:
Uhh, not so much.
#152 by Husul on 10.17.08 2:42 am |
What came first, The Sabres or the Pow-wow logo?
http://www.canada-ph...
#153 by Frank on 10.17.08 8:24 am |
Paul,
Is that a genuine vintage Coke machine in your apartment? Does it come with real glass bottles?
#154 by Paul Lukas on 10.17.08 8:28 am |
Frank said:
Yes. Further details here:
http://www.core77.co...
#155 by ScottyJ in WV on 10.17.08 12:26 pm |
KF said:
See!!??! Exhibit A….
#156 by ScottyJ in WV on 10.17.08 12:27 pm |
Scott Little said:
Exhibit B…….oh brother……. ;)
#157 by ScottyJ in WV on 10.17.08 12:28 pm |
KF said:
aaaaaaand Exhibit C.
It’s cool. Y’all are just jealous of my extensive bowling acumen. :0)
#158 by ScottyJ in WV on 10.17.08 12:31 pm |
Now that that’s over, here’s a pic of one of the original WVU Mountaineer mascots….
http://assets.slate....
Not too bad actually.