By John Ekdahl, Uni Watch Webmaster
I thought Paul could use another day off this week, so I offered to write a post. Unfortunately for all of you he took me up on it, so now you have to suffer through yet another Yankee Stadium review. I’m a lifelong Yankees fan and have been going to Yankees games for as long as I can remember. This past Sunday was my second time attending a game this year and I think I’ve had a chance to explore and digest a lot about the new stadium. There are a number of differences between the two ballparks that stood out to me, so I’ll tackle them one at a time.
• The Facade
My immediate reaction to first hearing that the Yankees would be constructing a new stadium was “I hope they bring back the facade.” It was easily the most recognizable feature in the original stadium and while they did include it when the stadium was renovated in the mid-70s, it seemed like more of an afterthought than a central design element. The new stadium showcases the facade much more prominently and it looks fantastic compared to the renovated stadium. That said, there is one small issue I have with the new design. The facade has the tendency to get tangled up visually with the back wall of the upper deck at certain angles. Compare those pictures to this one and you’ll see what I mean. I’d like to see them close up that open-air design up top to give it more contrast (and we’ll get to all those home runs in a bit).
My take: Good, but not great.
• The Blues
Besides the location of the facade, the one part of Yankee Stadium I always disliked was the color of the seats and the walls. It never made any sense to me that the Yankees played in a ballpark that was essentially Dodger Blue. I checked the yankees.com construction photo gallery on a daily basis hoping they would use a blue closer to the official team color. Thankfully, they’ve done exactly that. If you think the color of the seats doesn’t matter because people sit in them, perhaps you haven’t seen a Yankees game this year (more on that later). Seriously though, doesn’t this look better than this?
My take: Love it, almost as much as this guy loves A-Rod.
• Concessions and Apparel
They’ve packed a lot more into this stadium than the dank and dreary Pinstripe Club and the detached-from-the-game Stadium Club of the old stadium. Down in the Great Hall is the Hard Rock Cafe (which you don’t need a ticket to enter) on one end and the Tommy Bahama Martini Bar on the other. They also have a Retro Beer station complete with cashiers in baggy wool baseball uniforms. Paul already did his NYY Steakhouse article over on ESPN.com. Overall, I found the food prices to be fairly reasonable. For you beer snobs like myself, I’d suggest searching for the “Beers of the World” booth. You have your choice of thirty different foreign beers or domestic microbrews for eleven bucks (24 oz.) versus ten bucks for Bud Light, Coors Light, etc. There are two booths upstairs and at least one downstairs. I’m also a bit of an authentic hat collector, so I decided to get myself and my father the new Yankees hat with the patch on the back. And no, this guy had nothing to do with the design. The total came to a completely absurd $84.
My take: Buy beer before hats.
• The Steel
I didn’t notice it much until I attended a game, but the stadium has a lot of industrial warehouse-like steel railings everywhere. It seems like a total mismatch to me and I think it will wind up aging horribly. How does this fit with this?
My take: Hate it and don’t understand it.
• The Ads
I read some complaints on blogs and in newspapers about the amount of ads they’ve put all over the stadium. The old stadium had a lot of ads too, so it doesn’t bother me all that much. Hey at least they got rid of those Adidas ads they plastered everywhere.
My take: Slight improvement.
• The Empty Seats
Last year I was lucky enough to have 20th row seats behind home plate fall into my lap. We struck up a conversation with the guy in front of us and his three friends. It turned out that he had season tickets and attended virtually every game in these same seats (and had been for decades). Our tickets were about $250 each so I figure his season tickets cost him roughly $80k a year. Obviously, he was wealthy. The conversation turned to the new stadium and I asked him if he was excited. He said, “Are you kidding me? These seats are over $1000 in the new stadium. There’s no way I can keep them.” So, his season tickets were going from $80k to more than quarter of a million dollars. The Dow Jones was over 12,000 when this conversation took place, so I doubt he was all that concerned about his portfolio. This is why I don’t buy the excuse that people just can’t afford those tickets because of the economy. People were never going to be able to afford it, regardless of the state of the economy. I think the Yankees ownership saw sellout after sellout and thought that even if they quadrupled the price of those seats, corporations could still afford it. So, they squeezed out individual owners and then the economy tanked. What company could justify keeping $250k seats or more when they’re laying off 10% of their employees? Besides the wildly expensive sections, there haven’t been that many empty seats at the games I’ve attended, so “people” are still buying them. Oh, and the Yankees still lead the majors in attendance.
I’m not really sure if there’s anything the Yankees can do to fix it, either (at least this year). They can’t really lower their prices because what do you do with the ones that were already sold? They’ve tried to get creative with two-fers and refunds, but all that does is make Keith Olbermann whine and complain (where the hell is Chuck Knoblauch when you need him). Professional sports franchises have been pricing the best seats out of the reach of the average fan for a while now, the Yankees just got extra greedy about it at the worst possible time. Anyway, that’s my opinion on the empty seats.
My take: Obviously bad.
• The Home Runs
A lot has been said about the amount of home runs hit at the stadium this year. Everyone seems to have an opinion, so I’ll throw my $42 hat into the ring. I’ve sat up top in right field this year and it’s amazing how much wind is up there. The old stadium was nothing like that. I wish it was a simple as closing up the wall behind the facade as I mentioned before, but I think it’s really the entire design of the stadium. Every part of it is open-air. You can feel the wind blowing through the upper deck concourse. The lower deck has the same issue. Even the outside of the stadium is open. Compare that to the old stadium. There was really nowhere for the wind to get in. The old stadium actually blocked the wind so much that Don Mattingly said that the baseball bat weathervane always pointed in the opposite direction the wind was blowing. I’m guessing the wind goes something like this. I don’t know what, if anything, can be done about it. It’s also entirely possible I don’t know what I’m talking about.
My take: Remains to be seen.
• “That Feeling”
Many of us have that memory of the first time you went to a big league baseball game. You’re outside in the city street and you walk through the stadium and make your way through the tunnel towards the field. The first time you see the stadium open up into a sea of bright green is something you’ll never forget. Maybe it’s just that I’m not a kid anymore, but to me the new stadium lacked that “wow” factor. I’ll let you be the judge. Can this and this really compare to this?
My take: Unfortunately, a bit of a letdown.
Overall, I do really like the new stadium. I’m just not sure I like it more than the old one just yet. Right now I’d give it a solid 8.5. Definitely not a 10, but nowhere near a 1 (sorry Paul, can’t wait to check out your new digs).
Uni Watch News Ticker: Paul here. My thanks to John for pinch-hitting, and to everyone for their continued kind words of support during a difficult time. Today’s Ticker is a mix of older stuff that I was compiling on Friday and Saturday, before the world went kablooey, and a few newer things that people have sent over the last day or two. My apologies for not compiling all the contributions from this week — it just hasn’t been possibie. … Nice shot of young Mickey Mantle with his sleeves rolled up (big thanks to Mike Hersh). … Cool Gophers throwback hockey jersey available here (with thanks to Adam Fritzen). … Oooh, nice. … Dan Cichalski was watching the French Open and noticed that Robin Soderling ties his wedding band into his shoelaces. … The Nats aren’t the only DC-area team that can’t spell. Check out the big letters running up the left side of the Orioles’ Twitter page. In case they’ve fixed it by now, here’s a screen shot of how it looked on Friday afternoon (great spot by M. Antony). … OK, so this is obviously never gonna happen. Good thing, too, cuz the proposed logo and jerseys are the pits. Additional photos here and here. … Lots of interesting NFL Europe photos and memorabilia here — click around and explore, great stuff. … Oooh, check out this cool football player liquor decanter. … Classy. Details here. … Jim Mellett has been scanning more pages from that awesome book of NFL illustrations, The Professionals. I’m adding them to this gallery and will continue to link to it each time there are new additions. … If you’ve always wanted to see a stuffed rabbit in a baseball uniform, today’s your lucky day. … What does Dodger Stadium now have in common with the Mall of America and Dallas-Ft. Worth Airport? They all have their own zip code. … Doug Keklak notes that new Pirates call-up Andrew McCutcheon has “Cutch” on his batting gloves. … Jeremy Brahm found some amazing photos of Korean baseball umpires wearing stripes! “This is the first time I’ve seen striped umpire gear for baseball at any level,” he says. Same here. … If you check out the 14th photo in this gallery, you’ll see a very interesting NC State helmet cart, with the helmet being worn by a wolf’s head (with thanks to Joey Morris). … Doug Brei notes that the Toronto Argonauts are wearing a white helmet, as well as their usual blue, in training camp. “I’m not sure if they have a new alternate helmet, but I haven’t seen the white helmet before,” he says. “They did indeed wear a white helmet for last year’s throwback game against Winnipeg, but that was without a logo decal on the side.” … As you’re probably aware by now, the L.A. Sparks have become the second WNBA team to sign a jersey sponsorship deal. Expect more teams to follow. … Really nice illustrations of the 1991 World League football uniforms and helmets here. Terry Proctor scanned them from a four-page foldout that accompanied the 1991 WLAF media guide. … Here’s what lots of sports teams were almost called (with thanks to Greg Netherwood). … Sean MacHenry reports that the Jacksonville Sun wear these gorgeous 1960s throwbacks every Sunday. “It’s meant to evoke the days of Nolan Ryan and Tom Seaver, when the Suns were a Mets affiliate,” he writes. Lots of additional pics here. … “At first glance, you might wonder why I’m forwarding you this old Central League team portrait from Springfield, Ohio, writes Dave Eskenazi. “The uniforms are certainly nondescript, but it’s interesting that they have tiny city initials on each collar as the only identifier. Don’t believe I’ve ever seen that on other jerseys.” … “OK, so there’s a lot more going on in this photo, but what the heck is up with GHW Bush’s socks?” writes Chris Falvey. … The Nats just can’t get anything right. … This might be the most noxious Nike story yet (with thanks to Brian Kerr). … As had been rumored, UConn has new football uniforms.
#1 by Jason on 06.10.09 7:59 am |
Paul, very sorry to hear about your dad. I know all of us here feel the same way. Your ticket stub made me think of the first game my dad took me to. It was a Giants v. Braves game in 1977 at the Stick. I was about 4. A guy on the Braves got hit in the back by a pitch and I started crying cause I thought he was dead. I hadn’t thought about that in a long time. Ahhh memories.
Keep your head up, we’ve got your back.
#2 by Hickory on 06.10.09 8:09 am |
On the link for the 1991 World League football uniforms and helmets, did you guys notice that Lee Corso was the GM for the Orlando Thunder?
http://www.rethinkip...
#3 by Adrian B on 06.10.09 8:38 am |
More NC State helmet carts
#4 by Mark K on 06.10.09 8:41 am |
UConn- U look stupid.
#5 by DJ on 06.10.09 9:00 am |
Hey at least they got rid of those Adidas ads they plastered everywhere.
Not an aesthetics-driven decision; the Yankees began a 5-year deal with Nike this year:
http://www.sportsbus...
#6 by Bernard on 06.10.09 9:03 am |
That stuffed rabbit in a baseball uniform really creeps me out. Particularly the “rear’ view – yikes.
#7 by Michael Princip on 06.10.09 9:06 am |
Just a question to Ricko if you ever found that Jets George Sauer pic., source pick to Largent’s Damac poster? I’ve been looking for that source pic. for quite some time now, so, yea I’m a little anxious and excited to see it. :o)
#8 by Ricko on 06.10.09 9:13 am |
Michael Princip said:
Haven’t forgotten. Long story, but I won’t be able to get at my stuff until after the first of the month.
—Ricko
#9 by Danilo on 06.10.09 9:29 am |
Loved the WLAF uniforms. The logos and colors were on point. I remember watching that World Bowl; Scott Mitchell vs David Archer.
Why does it seem like logos nowadays are done by one agency/artist? Everything has thick lines. wth.
#10 by Danilo on 06.10.09 9:30 am |
…oh by the way. Is there a date on the Joe Robbie shirts?
#11 by Lwiedy on 06.10.09 9:31 am |
John-
Kudos on your YS piece. Tackled all the issues I’d be interested in. Great visuals too. I too was excited to hear that the plan was to bring back characteristics of the original stadium. Alas, all the “masters” needing to be served, it really doesn’t do it to my satisfaction. I couldn’t quite put my finger on the façade issue but it’s the darker contrast that the overhung roof created that made it really stand out. You are correct that the new stuff just gets lost.
Enjoyed it.
#12 by Matt B on 06.10.09 9:33 am |
It’s not a façade, it’s a frieze.
#13 by =bg= on 06.10.09 9:39 am |
Romo has what it takes to be a Starter:
http://www.cnbc.com/...*blog*&par=RSS
#14 by Broadway Connie on 06.10.09 9:42 am |
Matt B said:
You know, i think that’s right. Way to go! Still, improper but popular usage trumps correctness every time. Excellent, excellent Stadium report by John Ekdahl. A webmaster who knows how to write? Man bites dog.
“… Sean MacHenry reports that the Jacksonville Sun wear these gorgeous 1960s throwbacks every Sunday …”
Good to have you back, Paul.
#15 by John Ekdahl on 06.10.09 9:42 am |
DJ said:
It’s possible that aesthetics was a factor in their decision. Either way, it’s an improvement.
#16 by Filthy McNasty on 06.10.09 9:46 am |
Love the WLAF link, that league started up just after I first took an interest in the NFL and it was great having a ‘pro’ of sorts team play in my country. I loved everything about the London Monarchs, the stylised M as a crown logo which I even worked into my signature when they folded as a homage), and the beautiful uniforms, I have a mini Monarchs helmet on my desk at work.
The Birmingham Fire’s unis were awesome too, though having American teams was a bit of a folly really and when they decided to suspend the league, changing it to be just European teams a few years later, all the work done getting people interested (and they were in England) and to form team allegiances just evaporated. It was sad.
#17 by geophro on 06.10.09 9:46 am |
Elder Bush’s socks are nine kinds of awesome. I want a pair or three.
#18 by Jordan Sogn on 06.10.09 9:52 am |
I wonder why UConn stayed away from red as an accent color on the football uni’s again? The only red that shows comes from the shoulder pads sticking out below the sleeve. UConn is known as a hoops school & they (men & women) use it…you’d think the football team would piggy-back the look.
#19 by TMD on 06.10.09 9:52 am |
I missed this one until today, but here’s some new naming rights: http://www.landshark...
I’ve got some mixed thoughts. It’s a creative name, but it’s still very toolish/ corporate. It’s also the type of name I’d expect for a D-III stadium.
#20 by Bo in Boulder on 06.10.09 9:53 am |
It’s cool to look at the old adverts in baseball stadiums up through the 1950’s. It’s hard to think that in 50-70 years people will see the current visual onslaught that we have to deal with and feel the same way.
#21 by chance michaels on 06.10.09 9:54 am |
Matt B said:
Actually, it’s both. Due to the nature of the interior of ballparks being open both to the air and to the exterior, one can make the argument that it’s a “face of a building given special architectural treatment”.
Frieze is, however, a more accurate description. But that doesn’t make “facade” wrong.
#22 by chance michaels on 06.10.09 9:55 am |
TMD said:
Yeah, we’ve talked about it. It’s a temporary deal, set to expire before the stadium hosts the Super Bowl.
#23 by Namhob on 06.10.09 9:57 am |
Another glimpse into the wonderful year the Natinals are having…
http://www.myfoxdc.c...
#24 by Big Al on 06.10.09 10:00 am |
Namhob said:
http://www.accuweath...
When weathermen try to talk about something other than weather…
#25 by M. Princip on 06.10.09 10:03 am |
Ricko said:
Hey, I’ve waited this long, I can wait a little longer. Thanks again Ricko.
#26 by Big Al on 06.10.09 10:05 am |
Matt B said:
You beat my “I’m calling it a freize” to the punch. Well played.
#27 by War Damn Eagle on 06.10.09 10:05 am |
I’m not seeing the big deal with the new UConn unis. I remember a lot of comments saying they were ultra-plain and made them look like Penn State. I know Penn State, Penn State is a friend of mine. You, sir, are no Penn State.
They ditched the grey accents and went to a newer Nike template, but they did keep their unique number font and helmet logo.
#28 by Bernard on 06.10.09 10:08 am |
Danilo said:
I loved those WLAF uniforms too, particularly the London Monarchs (always loved that M logo) and the Barcelona Dragons.
#29 by Flip on 06.10.09 10:09 am |
[\quote]… Sean MacHenry reports that the Jacksonville Sun wear these gorgeous 1960s throwbacks every Sunday. “It’s meant to evoke the days of Nolan Ryan and Tom Seaver, when the Suns were a Mets affiliate,” he writes. Lots of additional pics here. … [\quote]
http://photos.jackso...
I’m thinking we’re about to enter another golden era of stirrups with stripes and tighter fitting baseball uniforms.
#30 by Josh on 06.10.09 10:10 am |
Not sure if this is been posted yet, but Mark Cuban said for the right price that he’d put advertising on the Mavs’ uniforms.
http://sportsillustr...
#31 by Matt Brosseau on 06.10.09 10:16 am |
John, nice job on the YS review. I have a 20-game plan since 2000. Hate the new stadium. HATE it. The #1 problem is the angle of the upper deck, where I sit; in the old Stadium it was cantilevered out over the field and steeper. The new one is set back from the field and at a flatter angle. When you sit 3 rows from the top like I do, in a flat upper deck, you’re constantly craning your neck to look around all the people getting up and down. “DOWN IN FRONT” is a common cry in the upper deck.
Nice having new food options, but none of them live up to their reputation; the quality is generally fair to poor. The design of the building is dramatic but it’s all poured concrete and steel bars, lending the whole Stadium an uncomfortable bunker/Gitmo-like feel.
I wouldn’t give it an 8.5 unless 10 were the worst, man. I realize the old Stadium wasn’t really tenable, but the new place just doesn’t do anything for me. At all.
Paul, really glad to have you back.
I’ll let Robert speak more to this if he wants to, but initial uptake for the Stirrup Club was amazing. Taking over the world…two legs at a time.
#32 by marc on 06.10.09 10:17 am |
the guy at the bottom left of the springfield, oh baseball team looks like he likes french-fried potaters… mmm hmmmm.
#33 by Mike Engle on 06.10.09 10:19 am |
This Stephen Strasburg illustration was on ESPN.com today.
Two questions:
1) Is that a BV or 8V on his hat? What does it stand for?
2) I realize it’s an illustration, but is that DC logo still official? If I’m not mistaken, that is the sleeve patch that was retired this year. I think the replacement is silly: I liked that circular patch with the stars around. (Reminds me of the colonial era, though there are only nine stars in the patch, not 13. But come to think of it, it’s a good thing they don’t use that patch anymore. That’s one star for each organizational f*ck-up, if not win this year.)
#34 by MPowers1634 on 06.10.09 10:19 am |
Great piece, John!
I am a collector of 5950’s as well.
Of the 32 teams, I have at least one of the caps from 26 of them.
The five that I have no interest in are:
1. Indians
2. Marlins
3. Mariners
4. Padres
5. Reds
6. White Sox
Yesterday, I ordered a few caps from Mickey’s Place in order to complete my collection:
1. 1954 Indians:
http://www.mickeyspl...
2. 1917 “Black” Sox
http://www.mickeyspl...
3. 1975 Orioles:
http://www.mickeyspl...
4. 1985 Padres:
http://www.mickeyspl...
5. 69-91 Expos:
http://www.mickeyspl...
6. Brooklyn Cyclones:
http://www.mickeyspl...
I will eventually order these three to complete the collection:
1. Either the 67 Reds:
http://www.mickeyspl...
or
1956 Mr. Redlegs:
http://www.mickeyspl...
2. 81 Mariners:
http://www.mickeyspl...
3. I guess I’ll have to get a Marlins cap!
#35 by Ricko on 06.10.09 10:21 am |
Flip said:
Interesting, in most of those Suns photos the player appears to be wearing his stirrups backward.
—Ricko
#36 by Lwiedy on 06.10.09 10:21 am |
Josh said:
“Not only would you sell your mother to make a deal, you’d send her COD”
—Sir Lawrence Wildman
#37 by War Damn Eagle on 06.10.09 10:21 am |
Mike Engle said:
I think the 9 stars symbolized the 9 players on the field.
#38 by John Ekdahl on 06.10.09 10:22 am |
Matt Brosseau said:
Thanks Matt.
One other part I didn’t mention is how hard it is to find the score, count, inning, etc. when you’re sitting in the upper deck facing home plate. They have a ton of information available if you are facing out towards center field, but there’s virtually nothing if you’re facing the other way. Your two options are looking at the long runner screen (that is loaded with ads, not info) or looking down at the scoreboards in the outfield wall (which is tough at that height).
#39 by Beardface on 06.10.09 10:26 am |
So wait… those UConn jerseys are a “traditional look”?
What the fuck kind of traditional look means vertical pipes down the shoulder and sides of the jersey and a vertical stripe turned into a bridge across your asscrack on the pants?
#40 by Mark in Shiga on 06.10.09 10:28 am |
I’m reading that article about the Nationals’ latest bit of ineptitude, this time with the clocks showing different times, and I think I can come up with an excuse:
The analog clock is coming up on 10:30, and the digital clock reads 2:32 (and, judging by the time of day, seems to be the correct one).
Obviously, the analog clock is meant to be read from behind, not from inside the ballpark, and is for the benefit of people who refuse to use Daylight Saving Time.
#41 by Lwiedy on 06.10.09 10:30 am |
Matt Brosseau said:
Coincidentally, this is how many were encouraged to renew at the new stadium.
#42 by Jason on 06.10.09 10:34 am |
I put that Pirates jersey I found that Paul mentioned last week up for auction if anyone’s interested.
http://cgi.ebay.com/...
#43 by Prexy Hater on 06.10.09 10:38 am |
The Yankees have been pushing the word “frieze” ever since the new stadium was announced.
Another problem from the upper deck, in the sections closest to home plate, is that the batter is BLOCKED from view by the extra large protective screen, that has made the game difficult to watch on TV.
#44 by Tim Stoops on 06.10.09 10:41 am |
Hey that’s my photo of the vertical Adidas stripe with the 1 and 2 on each side. Thanks! (flickr: timmer82)
I agree, those stripes were obnoxious. They should not be such a strong memory from my only trip to the old Yankee Stadium, but they are.
#45 by MPowers1634 on 06.10.09 10:44 am |
In post #34, I meant six that I have no interest in!
Anyway, it is great to see you back Paul.
A few days without UW is inconvenient but bearable.
Regarding the differences between CitiField and the new YS: After a ballgame last night, I was having a bs session with my partner umpire and he mentioned that there is NO comparison between the two, that the Stadium is like a country club as opposed to Ebbets the second being a public course.
I haven’t been to the stadium yet, but I adored CitiField.
#46 by M. Princip on 06.10.09 10:50 am |
Seeing these old school NFL helmets fly into the screen, all the while, groovin’ to that seventies MNF intro. is instant euphoria. Just sayin’. Oh and Dandy Don and Cosell, badass! Something about those generic Pro Bowl unis…wow……..cool.
http://www.youtube.c...
#47 by Dave Mac on 06.10.09 10:51 am |
Hey Chance. Check your e-mail on your Packers uniform web site. Thanks.
#48 by Matt Brosseau on 06.10.09 10:51 am |
John Ekdahl said:
I never really considered this. My seats are about halfway up the third-base line plus I keep score at the games, so I am often glancing up at one of the scoreboards to make sure of the count, etc. Usually end up looking at the main board in center which is chock-full of statistics (maybe the one actually useful upgrade over the old Stadium). Maybe I should ramble over to the first-base side to check out that view.
From the seat selector map, it appears that you can’t see jack-shit in terms of scoreboards from the RF upper deck, which is garbage. At the old Stadium they had the small boards on the facade of the loge level which told one all one needs to know.
But I am fond of saying that, at the new Stadium, the actual baseball game has become secondary to all of the other stuff one can do there, what with museums, steakhouses, bars, clubs, Peter Max galleries, etc. etc. So it’s not surprising that they didn’t bother to put in an amenity that, you know, would be useful for watching the game.
#49 by BrianC on 06.10.09 10:52 am |
Toronto Legacy?
Not only is another team in Toronto as unnecessary as the LA Clippers, “Singular” team names (Miami Heat, Colorado Avalanche, Anaheim Anxiety, whatever) should be banned by Constitutional amendment…
#50 by mtjaws on 06.10.09 10:59 am |
I enjoyed the fan’s perspective of new Yankee Stadium. I’m a Yankee Hater, but went to the old stadium twice, including once last year. I always look forward to visiting new stadiums, and look forward to getting there someday. And rooting for the road team!
In the post, there was a pic of Camden Yards, and it was interesting to see the orange glow it had from the warehouse and bricks, especially when compared to the white and blue of Yankee Stadium. Interesting visions and how they reflect the teams’ colors.
And I very much enjoyed reading about the team names that were not selected. Interesting stuff.
#51 by Teebz on 06.10.09 11:00 am |
MPowers1634 said:
Wait… so it’s not a true collection? It’s the “Matt Powers’ Choice Cuts”? LOL
#52 by Eric Romain on 06.10.09 11:00 am |
BrianC i was coming to post the exact same thing!
CanadienS, Maple LeafS, Red WingS, RangerS, BruinS,Black HawkS.
The “s” makes or breaks a team for me.
#53 by Big Al on 06.10.09 11:12 am |
I think it was Richard Neer who talked about this on the FAN over the weekend. Ebbets Field became a pile of rubble before most Mets fans walking into Citi Field were born. So aside from Fred Wilpon’s obsession with Ebbets Field, why so many Ebbets-like features? Wasn’t, say, the rotunda enough? I’ve heard plenty of Mets fans complain that it’s more of a Brooklyn Dodgers homage than anything else, curiously devoid of Mets history.
And I think someone here made a similar point re: Tal’s Hill. Creating some quirky just for the sake of being quirky is . Citi Field is built in a vast parking lot with nothing but chop shops in the immediate vicinity, not squeezed into a citi block.
#54 by Big Al on 06.10.09 11:14 am |
Sorry, let’s try again…
And I think someone here made a similar point re: Tal’s Hill. Creating some quirky just for the sake of being quirky is (insert adjective here — stupid, annoying, whatever). Citi Field is built in a vast parking lot with nothing but chop shops in the immediate vicinity, not squeezed into a city block.
#55 by Scott Little on 06.10.09 11:18 am |
When a headline has bad grammar, how do you know the other points in the story are correct? Jeebus.
http://rivals.yahoo....
#56 by JAson on 06.10.09 11:19 am |
As a Nats fan, I’m still waiting for the story to break that Washington accidently filed the paperwork to draft Steven Strasberg, some punch & judy hitting 2nd baseman from P.S. 148 in Yonkers
#57 by anotherguy on 06.10.09 11:19 am |
Teebz said:
Teebz, can we get your pic for game seven?
I say Detroit: maybe not a 5-0 game, but still all but over after about 50 minutes of play.
#58 by Big Al on 06.10.09 11:21 am |
JAson said:
Jason owes Big Al one new monitor. Fantastic line.
#59 by Matt Brosseau on 06.10.09 11:21 am |
Scott Little said:
It’s odd syntax for a headline, but grammatically correct.
#60 by Dave on 06.10.09 11:31 am |
‘Bout those Argos helmets, eh — the only blue one is a Revolution, the whites are apparently Schutt. Supply issues?
#61 by JTH on 06.10.09 11:38 am |
MPowers1634 said:
OK, can you clarify that a little further? What’s your beef with those six teams? It can’t be lack of interesting styles, because there’s a veritable treasure trove of different caps you can pick and choose from in those teams’ collective histories.
#62 by Matt Brosseau on 06.10.09 11:40 am |
JTH said:
I surely won’t speak for Powers, but as a hat collector myself, I refuse to wear an Indians hat with Chief Wahoo on the front…I’m one of those who find that logo offensive.
#63 by Squiddie on 06.10.09 11:40 am |
Chiba Lotte Marines have some cool movie-style game posters up where a player is shown with a monster version of the opposing teams. Pink Tentacle has some samples here.
#64 by Dan King on 06.10.09 11:42 am |
maybe its just me, but what the HELL is a martini bar doing in a baseball stadium? maybe its just that i’m old-fashioned in this (sad to use old when i’m only 22) but whats better than watching a baseball game with peanuts and beer no matter where your sitting. it seems to me that the yankees went more after the rich people that are there as a status symbol rather than the real fans that actually care about the team.
#65 by Teebz on 06.10.09 11:44 am |
anotherguy said:
I’m calling a 3-1 Detroit win. Empty-net goal by Hossa. Babcock will skate him for the entire last two minutes just to let him have his glory.
#66 by MPowers1634 on 06.10.09 11:44 am |
Dave said:
http://media.thestar...
They are not Schutts.
#4 on the left is wearing a Riddell VSR4. You can tell from the neck bumper.
#3 is also wearing a VSR4. You can tell because there is a central ridge starting at the nose bumper and continuing to the back.
#14 is wearing the original Revo.
#17 is also wearing the VSR4. Central Ridge is the giveaway.
When Riddells utilize the high shinstrap hookups, they often resemble the Schutt Air Advantage.
The usual signs are the Neck bumper, central ridge on the Riddell, and a lack of 8 crown vents, and a lack of forehead padding, that is found on the Schutt.
Forehead:
https://www.gameused...
Crown vents:
http://farm3.static....
#67 by Beardface on 06.10.09 11:47 am |
Dan King said:
When it comes to new YS, the stadium/game part of the experience is secondary to everything else.
#68 by Martyn on 06.10.09 11:55 am |
MPowers1634 said:
Just so your search doesn’t go on for ever, you should stop after you get to 30 teams. :)
#69 by Ben on 06.10.09 12:01 pm |
So this is how they spend my tuition money at UConn? How come all of the lines stop short? The ones going down the jersey are cut off at the bottom of the numbers, and it looks like the stripe going around the pants stops in the middle leaving a gap.
#70 by Nick on 06.10.09 12:02 pm |
Love those early WLAF unis.
Love those Dragons and Monarchs and the Skyhawks -Why don’t we ever see red & green in a uni?
NJ Devils – let’s go throwback !!!
The Orlando Thunder lime green is/was a guilty pleasure – though I never liked the white facemask on the white helmet (Only the Texas Longhorns seem to properly pull that one off).
Really love that artwork.
Did not realize it until just now how the London Monarchs and the USFL Arizona Wranglers had very similar unis – from a distance you probably could not tell them apart.
Best part about it was these unis seem to just beat the Black/Purple/Teal/Silver mess that soon followed the next 20 team unis to be designed.
Amazing how those unis beat the heck out of many we see today.
#71 by MPowers1634 on 06.10.09 12:05 pm |
http://farm3.static....
To clarify:
Left=Schutt Air Advantage
Right=Schutt Air XP…You can tell because of the recessed ear hole as well as the larger crown vents. The XP also has a different neck bumper which more resembles the VSR4 as opposed to the traditional dovetail design:
Air XP:
http://bleacherrepor...
Dovetail:
http://assets.nydail...
#72 by MPowers1634 on 06.10.09 12:07 pm |
Martyn said:
I just CAN’T find those last two…maybe I should look in the NFC Central and the AFC East!
Oops!
#73 by Teebz on 06.10.09 12:10 pm |
The online fun has already started in terms of Game Seven for the Stanley Cup.
My buddy – a Dead Things fan – sent me this picture.
#74 by JTH on 06.10.09 12:10 pm |
MPowers1634 said:
Norris and Smythe.
#75 by Mike Engle on 06.10.09 12:12 pm |
Matt Brosseau said:
As an up and coming collector, these are my rules:
Wool hats are essential, for surgical purposes. (These are MY hats, not generic 7 3/8 hats I place on my head.)
No Red Sox or Mets. (I’m a Yankee fan.)
No Washington Nationals. (I’m a McGill student who would have been an avid Expos follower, so I’m bitter that they can’t be a crappy organization in my city of study. They couldn’t do worse here in Montreal.)
Aside from that, if I like it, I’ll ponder buying it. Simple as that. (And sometimes, I do.)
My (very small) 5950 collection as it stands: current Yankees, pinwheel Expos, solid blue Blue Jays (early 1990s), all teal Marlins, and brick red Astros.
#76 by Ricko on 06.10.09 12:12 pm |
Nick said:
Arizona Wranglers! Alan Risher to Neal Balholm and Jackie Flowers. Ah, them was the days, alrighty. LOL
Yup, Wranglers and Monarchs very similar. Monarchs old gold/vegas gold. Wranglers yellow-gold pants, numbers and trim but helmets old gold with a slight copper tint. A bit more red trim on Monarchs, too, but yeah, clearly evocactive of one another.
—Ricko
#77 by Matt Brosseau on 06.10.09 12:14 pm |
Nick said:
Nick, absolutely agree…I’d love to see the Christmas tree jerseys back. Unfortunately, Devils GM Lou Lamoriello is on record at least twice as saying the red-and-green will “never” be worn by the Devils again, citing “tradition.”
Which I always found to be patently ridiculous. The Canadiens have “tradition.” The Yankees have “tradition” with NNOB and home pins and road grays. The Packers have “tradition.”
The Devils have worn the red-and-black uni set for less than 20 years, but Lamoriello stridently dismisses ANY alteration or addition to it as against “tradition.” I for one thinks it takes at least a quarter-century before you can THINK of calling anything a tradition. I have no idea what Lamoriello & Co. are really thinking, but it’s a stupid decision.
The only halfway-plausible explanation is that the Devils were so bad before 1992 that they don’t want to remind fans of the fact they didn’t start winning anything until the red-and-black came out…which is a slap to the whole fan base.
#78 by Jon on 06.10.09 12:16 pm |
Watching the Yankees last night at Fenway it made me wonder. Why do the Yankees have a inagural stadium patch on thier away uniforms? i understand it on the hats because they don’t change hats for home and away. but why have patches for the stadium on away jerseys?
#79 by Nick on 06.10.09 12:18 pm |
Ben said:
As usual, another BIG COMPANY template update of an NCAA football uniform that is no improvement at all …
I would say that U Conn lost ground on this uni change, though not nearly as much of a setback as the Boise State update eyesores
#80 by Ricko on 06.10.09 12:19 pm |
Jon said:
Because the new Yankee Stadium is the biggest thing in baseball this year. Haven’t you heard? Well, it IS. If you don’t think so, ask the Yankees. They’ll confirm it, I’m sure. And probably chastise you for being so ignorant about what’s important, for god’s sake.
—Ricko
(chuckling, but with eyeroll)
#81 by JimV19 on 06.10.09 12:21 pm |
Dan King said:
Amen! You see it at the minor league level, too. The Akron Aeros have a fancy beer stand and a gourmet burger restaurant. At least they have dollar dog Mondays…
A ball park should have a local beer, if available. When I go to a Pirates game (speaking of minor league) I want an Iron City. If I wanted Bud or Coors I’d go see the Cards or Rockies.
It should also be a place to have a simple fun time and, as Paul says, to throw your peanut shells down on the ground – not to worry if you got mango chutney salsa on your business suit.
I can live with the ads, but there are just so many distractions on the field and in the concourse. It’s as if they’re saying, “Look, we know the game can be slow, but we’re going to try and make you forget that.” I’d rather they make a couple of very minor tweaks to liven up the game. I’d be a terrible sports owner, because I would tell my fans, “Hey, if you’re not here to watch the game, go find something else to do.”
Oh, and I feel sorry for the retro beer cashiers and their wool unis. Dad told me some horror stories about having to wear those when he played in the 50s. I think if he played now he’d prefer the new material. Maybe Mr. Costanza had the right idea with cotton unis…just get them a few sizes bigger so they’ll shrink to fit.
#82 by Craig on 06.10.09 12:22 pm |
While all the hype surrounds Strasburg being drafted by the Nats, I think everyone here will appreciate this little tidbit on the nats 10th overall pick, Drew Storen.
According to this article in the Mercury News, when Storen was a junior in high school he made a bobblehead of himself. Classic.
http://www.mercuryne...
#83 by Ricko on 06.10.09 12:23 pm |
Nick said:
Is it just me, or does the inspiration for many of these new unis appear to be Japanese scarves? Or Anime?
“Oh, oh, oh,
Oh, oh, Shikuru…”
(a Two and Half Men reference, sorry)
—Ricko
#84 by Nick on 06.10.09 12:24 pm |
Perhaps the Toronto Argos white helmet has something to do with their Throwbacks scheduled to be worn this year – similar to the 40th Anniv. of the AFL unis to be worn in the NFL.
As I understand it, the CFL teams will wear 1969 unis for some games this year – though I believe the Argos actually wore blue helmets in 1969.
Or maybe the white helmet is a permanent alternate or update, and the blue helmet is the throwback? The white facemask on the white helmet is more 2009 than 1969. So maybe so? Any CFLers out there know anything?
Just tell me where to get a 1969 TigerCats jersey with the all of those sleeve stripes …..
#85 by Mike Miller on 06.10.09 12:26 pm |
The positive about the new UConn unis is that it got rid of the crazy, stupid, arched “Connecticut” on the front. Arched lettering on a football uniform? Bad Husky, BAD!
This uniform would be OK, except for the mysterious disappearing piping. Piping isn’t usually good to begin with, but when it stops for no reason, STUPID! You so STUPID!
#86 by Ken on 06.10.09 12:27 pm |
New Yankee Stadium is a bigger version of their spring training home Legends/Steinbrenner Field. All that bland steel and concrete is a direct take from Tampa. Hilarious that they would take a design inspiration from a field that overlooks a used car lot. But New Yankee Stadium has far more in common with its Tampa cousin than with its older brother across the street.
#87 by Teebz on 06.10.09 12:29 pm |
Nick said:
The white helmets don’t suffer the same amount of chipping as the game helmets (blue) do. I’d assume that the white helmets are meant for practice. With training camp going on, though, there may be a shortage of practice helmets with the number of guys in camp.
#88 by Nick on 06.10.09 12:31 pm |
Ricko said:
I don’t care if you just won 17 Powerballs in a row, it is obscene to spend over a $1 Billion on any ballpark. the ripple effects are always nothing but bad.
To do so only means that you will take it out of the hides of your fans, or run the true fans off catering to $2500.00 a seat corporate types that may or may not even bother to show up for a game, or, find it too much trouble to take the time to put that ticket in the hands of someone that would take the time to show up to the ballpark.
And forget about moderate income dads ever taking their kids to such a place on any regular basis ….
Heaven isn’t what it used to be, and Billion $$$ ballparks are a big part of it.
#89 by Big Al on 06.10.09 12:31 pm |
Ricko said:
I love that show but didn’t get the reference. A little help?
#90 by KT on 06.10.09 12:34 pm |
Big Al said:
here.
#91 by MPowers1634 on 06.10.09 12:34 pm |
Big Al said:
I loved Richard Neer when he was on the clasic rock station 102.7 WNEW here in New York.
In my mind, now that he is on WFAN, he is perhaps the best radio personality in New York. I LOVE listening to him on Saturday mornings at the hardware store.
As for the six teams I chose to neglect:
Indians:
I actually bought the faux-back C and returned it becuase it seemed too pedestrian. It had nothing to do with Wahoo being offensive, I think he’s quite comical and my kids would get a kick out of it hence I am going with the Wishbone/Wahoo combo.
Padres:
Just Boring. I love the Tony Gwynn era brown and orange combo…that is it’s saving grace.
White Sox/Marlins:
They too are lackluster to me. I opted for the 1917 White Sox cap, because of my affinity for “Eight Men Out” and I had the cap when I was in my teens and wore the damn thing out.
Mariners:
Again, I simply don’t care for the design. That is why I chose the Trident over the 5 pointed star.
Reds:
In my area, every wanna be thug and his brother wears a Reds cap and it seems bad form, so I am opting for some originality with the old school wishbone C or Mr. Redlegs.
There are a few other Cooperstown caps that i prefer to the currents, for example:
1960 California Angels with the halo
1977 Pirates Pillbox, although I love both of the Bucs current caps
#92 by KT on 06.10.09 12:36 pm |
Also, check out the open from the 1978 Pro Bowl, which shows the AFC’s uniforms (back when they had “A” and “N” helmets).
#93 by JimV19 on 06.10.09 12:40 pm |
Ricko said:
Alan Risher? You went old-school original Wranglers on us! Greg Landry always comes to my mind first.
I can picture a merger of the USFL and the ‘91 WLAF in my head, and it’s a pretty picture indeed.
I think the Thunder pulled off the white facemask look, though.
#94 by Jeremy Brahm on 06.10.09 12:43 pm |
Squiddie said:
Squiddie, those are cool, and they are only for the Interleague games. I’m a little surprised by the one for the BayStars because they are plants. The pictograph on the left is ryuusei, which means meteor or falling star (probably this one), but at least they could have made it in a star shape instead of planet. But otherwise they look cool.
#95 by KH on 06.10.09 12:43 pm |
OK. So why will another Toronto NHL team never happen? Within two years there WILL be another team in that area. If not in Toronto itself, then in Hamilton. It’s the biggest hockey market in the world, it can easily support another team and there are at least three teams making noise about moving (NY Islanders, Phoenex and Nashville).
But, yeah, the “Legacy” thing blows.
#96 by Jeremy Brahm on 06.10.09 12:44 pm |
planets, not plants
#97 by Nick on 06.10.09 12:46 pm |
Matt Brosseau said:
The “tradition” as an excuse for not waering the red and green is a piss-poor excuse, and oh by the way, likely a very inaccurate one.
I remember a very lengthy Village Voice sports section article in the late 1980s-early 1990s on the history of New Jersey hockey, with references to earlier NJ teams nicknamed the Devils as well as the history of NJ teams wearing “Ketchup & Pickle” (as the article called it) or Red & Green – teams that represented NJ decades prior to the NHL coming to NJ.
Believe it or not, but back then the Village Voice, after Koch bashing and party boy -club kid gossip and sex ads, had a pretty cool and insightful sports section.
I am by no means a regular hockey fan or expert, but I trust the article that I read.
Unfortunately, I believe that the article predates Paul Lukas Uniwatch involvement with the Village Voice as well as predates the internet, so it probably won’t be archived or accessible on the net. Maybe my memory is off on the date, but I remember the article well and recall it every time I see the current Devils unis and wish for the red & green to return …
#98 by Matt Brosseau on 06.10.09 12:47 pm |
Powers, if you can get your hands on a copy of Richard Neer’s book “FM: The Rise and Fall of Rock Radio.” If you are really interested but can’t find a copy I have one I’ll loan you.
Rich is one of the smartest guys on the radio I’ve ever listened to…in contrast to the blithering idiots on sports talk radio, he is informed, calm, and thoughtful. I love the fact that he’s on Saturday mornings because that’s one of the rare times you can call into the FAN without having to sit on hold for 45 minutes.
#99 by Teebz on 06.10.09 12:48 pm |
KH said:
Do I need to run down why this expansion team will never see the light of day during the current economy’s state of being and the fight to gain a foothold on US television with a major network share?
If you want an essay, please say “yes”.
#100 by Ricko on 06.10.09 12:51 pm |
JimV19 said:
Landry? Chicago Blitz, throwing to Trumane Johnson and Lennie Willis. Well, at first. Wranglers later. And, in the third season, the team became the Arizona Outlaws (merged with Oklahoma Outlaws) with Doug Williams at QB. Black helmets, black jerseys with white numbers edged in red, copper-colored pants. A great looking one-year wonder.
—Ricko
#101 by LI Phil on 06.10.09 12:51 pm |
Beardface said:
have you been there?
#102 by Jeremy Brahm on 06.10.09 12:51 pm |
Actually those posters were from last year.
http://www.marines.c...
#103 by Mark in Shiga on 06.10.09 12:55 pm |
If there’s one redeeming thing about the Devils wearing red and black, with no green, it’s that they get some New Jersey solidarity going on by wearing the same colors as Rutgers.
I went to a Devils game a year ago with Rutgers gear on (not owning any Devils stuff), and blended right in, color-wise.
I loved the WLAF and the uniforms were great too. The London Monarchs did a great job with the blue and gold (real gold, not Michigan-style yellow), Frankfurt looked spiffy in — sorry, Paul — purple, and I still have my 1995 jersey/T-shirt with the World League patch and the big shadowed 95 on the back.
The Claymores and Dragons looked great too. In later yers they started putting ugly advertising patches on the jerseys, and ruined the whole thing.
#104 by Teebz on 06.10.09 12:56 pm |
LI Phil said:
Sure he has. It’s in that new NYC borough called “Hartford, Connecticut”.
#105 by Big Al on 06.10.09 12:59 pm |
MPowers1634 said:
Did you know he does all his shows from his home in North Carolina?
#106 by anotherguy on 06.10.09 1:00 pm |
Ricko said:
Doesn’t that patch say “Wouldn’t you rather be at Yankee Stadium right now” or “If you lived at Yankee Stadium, you wouldn’t be home right now-howevery, your life would be immeasurably better in every single way”?
#107 by Nick on 06.10.09 1:01 pm |
Ricko said:
If I am not mistaken, for the last year of the Alan Risher/George Allen Wranglers they wore white jerseys for the entire year, and had a newer RED jersey instead of the previous blue jersey, but they never once wore the red jersey in a game.
Greg Landry, perhaps my favorite of all-time with the Lions.
I remember once at the end of a season when the Bears had started and lost to injury or ineffectiveness a bunch of QBs, that Ditka signed Greg Landry – who had already begun coaching and had not played for 1-2 years – and started him for the Bears. If I remember right, he played well and they won the game, and then he retired from playing for good.
#108 by Marshall on 06.10.09 1:02 pm |
Not sure if this has been discussed yet, but can someone please verify what I am about to show:
Here are to uniform screens from the new NCAA 2010 by EA:
http://lamarvikings....
http://lamarvikings....
Is this for real? Is this what LSU’s jerseys will look like in 2009? The LSU on the chest is certainly new, and I don’t like it. I haven’t seen any news anywhere about LSU updating their uniforms this offseason, so if anybody knows anything about this I would appreciate it.
#109 by MPowers1634 on 06.10.09 1:02 pm |
Matt Brosseau said:
Luckily, one of my area libraries has it checked in:
http://catalog.rcls....!790998~!3100001~!3100002&aspect=subtab273&menu=search&ri=3&source=~!anser&term=Neer%2C+Richard&index=PAUTHOR#focus
But thank, Matt.
“Calm and thoughtful”…those are two ingredients often missing from TV and radio.
It is also appropriate to today’s great entry by John. I find the proliferation of sideshows at MLB ballparks epidemic with the rise of our ADD society.
Sit down, turn your phone/IPOD/whatever off and just watch the simplicity of the magic number of 3 play out.
I second you’re living high on the hog with none or 1 out. In an instant, you could be on the precipice of failure with two.
I see it in school: Some think that the kids must be entertained with multimedia. No they don’t. It can be sprinkled in to supplement their learning, but it doesn’t have to be there pacifying them.
Unfortunately, this idea has seeped into our ballparks as well.
#110 by JimV19 on 06.10.09 1:03 pm |
“I’m Calling Them The Wranglers,” Ricko.
I did like the Ariz. Outlaws unis. I’ll bet the players wished they had the Univ. of Phoenix stadium back then, though. Hmm, black helmets, 100-degree weather, not the best mix…
#111 by TC Lofton on 06.10.09 1:03 pm |
JimV19 said:
On that note, I haven’t been able to make it to the Jake or CoPark in Detroit… do either of them still serve good ol’ (terrible) Fire-Brewed Stroh’s? That’s another beer that should never be consumed anywhere but a ballpark… Like Old Style.
#112 by anotherguy on 06.10.09 1:04 pm |
Teebz said:
Okay, obviously you’re going much tighter than I am. Personally I think the Wings and Joe Louis have gotten into the Pens’ heads.
#113 by JTH on 06.10.09 1:04 pm |
Teebz said:
Settle down, you two. Why would he let something like lack of empirical evidence stand in the way of an incisive comment?
#114 by Matt Brosseau on 06.10.09 1:06 pm |
MPowers1634 said:
In fairness to the iPhone, I frequently consult it during games to settle an argument, or to look up statistics or scores of other games. It’s not totally without merit.
One of the many, many reasons I enjoy Uni Watch is because I know I will be in the company of purists and people who love The Game and its accoutrements as they should be, not what some marketing company or entertainment concern tells us what it should be.
#115 by JimV19 on 06.10.09 1:08 pm |
Nick, you’re right – the ‘84 Wranglers wore white jerseys all year. Paul Reeths, who started the Our Sports Central website, has one of the never-worn red jerseys in his collection.
#116 by anotherguy on 06.10.09 1:10 pm |
JTH said:
Hey JTH: Don’t know if you heard Ozzie yesterday, but on TV he said that Beckham is “selling a lot of (BLEEP)….” Anyone who’s listed to him for a minute or two knows that obviously Oz gets bleeped a lot.
And in today’s paper he’s quoted as saying that Beckham is “selling a lot of shirts“.
:-)))
#117 by Jon on 06.10.09 1:11 pm |
thanks R
Ricko said:
Thanks Ricko, i don’t know what came over me. i forgot about yankee universe.
#118 by Jeff P on 06.10.09 1:13 pm |
Jon said:
I think it’s actually because they don’t have alts and don’t change their uniform, leaving patches the only thing they can do to boost jersey sales. Put a new patch on, fans buy a new jersey with the patch to add to their collection. While it doesn’t make much sense from the visual perspective, having a new stadium patch on an away jersey is a small price to pay for never having to see the yankees with an alt.
#119 by Ricko on 06.10.09 1:17 pm |
JimV19 said:
Check the copper-colored pants with that uni. Really cool. Branding iron flames (as on the helmet) instead of a stripe. I have their media guide from that year at home. Nice painting on the cover. Montage of players (including Landry) all in white jerseys.
—Ricko
#120 by Ricko on 06.10.09 1:19 pm |
Seek and ye shall find (especially on ebay).
http://cgi.ebay.com/...
—Ricko
#121 by Ricko on 06.10.09 1:25 pm |
Vince Young?
No.
Reggie Collier of the Orlando Renegades (formerly the Washington Federals). Collier played for them in Washington after a year with the Birmingham Stallions. Flutie also played for the Renegades, who were coached by Lee Corso (I know USLF guys know such things, that’s for newbies).
http://www.youtube.c...
—Ricko
#122 by Dom on 06.10.09 1:25 pm |
Even tho I’m a Yankees fan, here is a report on the Red Sox. The Red Sox drafted Seth Schwindenhammer in the 5th round and if he makes it, he’ll pass Salty as longest name in baseball history, by a count of 15-14.
http://news.soxprosp...
#123 by dave r on 06.10.09 1:26 pm |
Did anyone (Teebz) notice that the second Penguins goal last night might have gone through Osgood’s jersey? Early in the game, the announcers mentioned casually that Osgood might have a tear in his jersey (they said this while Osgood was playing with his jersey).
On the goal (in the 3rd period) the puck appears to come out of Osgood’s jersey on the left side. I can’t tell if the puck went through an outside fold. Or if it went up under his shirt and somehow came back out. Or maybe it was an illusion.
This is the best video I could find. The goal is about 1/3 of the way through.
http://sports.espn.g...
#124 by Antiques Atlas on 06.10.09 1:29 pm |
memorabilia
…
[...] Additional photos here and here. Lots of interesting NFL Europe photos and memorabilia here click around and explore, great stuff. [...]…
#125 by Juggernaut on 06.10.09 1:31 pm |
Re: Tax Payer Stadium Attendance
Yankees “lead” in cumulative sales, but are 7th in percentage of seats sold. They sell only 85.5% of their seats. Not sure how the Red Sox are selling 101.5%, isn’t ‘capacity’ simply 100%?
#126 by Skycat on 06.10.09 1:31 pm |
Saw this on the Mets Police blog. Some decent ideas about a Mets uni design (although I’m not crazy about replacing the orange with red). See for yourself.
http://www.metspolic...
#127 by Matt Brosseau on 06.10.09 1:35 pm |
Skycat said:
Interestingly, that would make 4 out of 5 NL East teams with R-W-B as their primary colors…the Marlins remaining out there in left field with black and teal.
#128 by Jeff P on 06.10.09 1:40 pm |
Juggernaut said:
No, total seats is 100%. Capacity is what the fire marshal will let you stuff in there, including standing room.
Basically means the sox are selling around 400-500 standing room tickets a game.
#129 by Jon on 06.10.09 1:41 pm |
Juggernaut said:
the sox sell standing room only seats and it may vary from game to game how many they sell. they sell 100% of the seats and have the extra percent stand.
#130 by JimV19 on 06.10.09 1:43 pm |
JimV19 said:
Thanks for bringing this to my attention! This guy must have just posted all his videos, because I haven’t seen it before.
Flutie was a General, though.
You’re right about the ‘84 Wranglers having cool pants. That flame was hard to replicate on my electric football team. I’ll have to get the game out and take some photos.
#131 by LI Phil on 06.10.09 1:43 pm |
LI Phil said:
matt
i luvs ya, but didn’t you spend three (maybe it was 2 and half) innings at the
citinew shea looking for a A’s cap, after failing to find one before the game? this, in a 0-0 pitchers duel between johan and (shockingly i know) chan ho park?#132 by MPowers1634 on 06.10.09 1:47 pm |
LI Phil said:
I went looking for the New Era shop, (BS)before the game…My cousin and I hung out, standing in line getting hot dogs and talking to people on the promenade for the extended period, so in essence, I was waylaid by the sideshows…I would have much rather sat in my seat and had thedogs and beer brought to me, but alas, we were in the “promenade”.
#133 by Ricko on 06.10.09 1:48 pm |
JimV19 said:
Flutie started a General, finished (in the USFL) as a Renegade.
—Ricko
#134 by Ry Co 40 on 06.10.09 1:50 pm |
anotherguy said:
my thoughts are the pens are gonna win the game by 2… and not on an empty netter. just a good solid 2. i’m SO excited though!!! LET’S GO PENS!!!
#135 by Ry Co 40 on 06.10.09 1:53 pm |
Marshall said:
not sure how real those shots will turn out to be, but i bet pitt’s new football unis look a lot like that. with the ached “pitt” on the front
#136 by Carl on 06.10.09 1:55 pm |
LI Phil said:
I think that someone in the Yankees
conscriptionfront office may be a UW reader. Good point about the minor league parks. They’re where almost-good enough players play and people go to forgot about life for a while. Hence the margarita bars, comical giveaways and humorous mascots. An important part of the baseball system? Yes, but it’s a little like going to a high school game in the sense that you watch your kid/your friends kids. Major league parks are a performance of the highest sporting degree, not just another place to be entertained.And I don’t want to hear any elitist Yankee rhetoric about how Yankee Stadium is on higher level to other parks. A billion greenbacks can’t ship all the tradition across the street, especially at $2,500 a seat.
#137 by JimV19 on 06.10.09 1:55 pm |
Ricko said:
I’ll bet you a case of sodas he was never a Renegade. And I knew that before I just went to http://www.dougfluti... to confirm it.
#138 by Ben on 06.10.09 1:59 pm |
Mike Miller said:
I dont think that positive makes up for all of the negatives. I liked their other uni a lot better. My only problem with them was that Connecticut is too long of a word to put on the front of a jersey in big letters, and they had generic Nike pants, but that wasnt too bad.
I am kind of glad they stuck with just blue and white. Those are the schools colors, and grey and red are not.
The thing that really get me mad about these are that they said they were thinking 1924 when they were designing them, and that they would look like Penn State. Well, the only similarity between these and Penn State are the colors. And these look nothing like the 1924 team did. http://www.uconn.edu...
I still have a few more years left at UConn, hopefully they change again to something better while I’m There.
#139 by LI Phil on 06.10.09 2:01 pm |
LI Phil said:
im just bustin’ yer chops
there were vendors in our section tho…selling all kinds of stuff like hot dogs, peanuts, soda…even brewskies
/just sayin’ ;)
#140 by Teebz on 06.10.09 2:06 pm |
dave r said:
I’m still hunting for good video evidence of this. I said the same thing as my dad was downing his beer, and he told me to “have another one”.
Apparently he has more faith in Reebok than I do. LOL
#141 by Ricko on 06.10.09 2:07 pm |
JimV19 said:
Somewhere in my USFL files (which I can get to after the 1st) I have an SI color photo of Flutie in game-action playing for the Renegades.
But here’s the clincher. We’re both right, depending on how we look at it. It must have been a preseason game, one of the last before the court ruling came down that killed the USFL just before its fourth season was to begin (was gonna be in the fall, remember). Jim Kelly had come to the Generals when the Gamblers and Generals merged. He was pretty much accorded the Generals starting job and Flutie was moved to Orlando.
So we’re both correct. Flutie never played a league game with the Renegades. But he was with them, and did wear that uniform.
I guess that also makes Jim Kelly a General without ever really being a General.
—Ricko
#142 by Broadway Connie on 06.10.09 2:09 pm |
KH said:
Toronto Lakers
Hamilton Catamounts
Hamilton Bulldogs
Toronto Foresters
Hamilton Ontarians
Tornto Kingsmen
Ontario Ehs
Torntop Sprawls
Alberta Tar Sands
Nova Scotia Lox….
#143 by Geen on 06.10.09 2:15 pm |
The “Holy Crap That’s Hideous And At A High Price” auction of the day:
http://cgi.ebay.com/...
#144 by JimV19 on 06.10.09 2:16 pm |
Ricko said:
I should have figured you had something up your sleeve! I owe you a case of sodas, but when you go through your stuff, I’ll take any photos you want to get rid of…
Yeah, I considered Kelly a General, albeit briefly. A friend of mine had the SI with Kelly on the cover wearing a Generals uni. I should have asked for it, since it’s worth some coin now.
Even though I didn’t like the Generals, I’ll admit their unis personified beauty in simplicity.
#145 by Ricko on 06.10.09 2:18 pm |
Ricko said:
Wait. Having a senior moment here. That was all 20-some years ago. The may not have moved Flutie after all. Memory of the photo I’m thinking of is crystalizing. It may be the Renegades sacking Flutie.
Aw, hell, my head is on a whole lot of other things these days. Sorry. I’ll be back among the living soon, I hope.
–Ricko
#146 by Ricko on 06.10.09 2:22 pm |
While searching “Flutie, Orlando” at Google images, found this.
Have NO idea what it’s about.
http://3.bp.blogspot...
“Duckettes,” maybe?
#147 by JimV19 on 06.10.09 2:25 pm |
Hey, I almost forgot – Monday was the 25th anniversary of the Baltimore Blast winning their first MISL championship. Any Balt. or St. Louis fans happen to have photos of the game? I think the Blast wore either white or red at home, so I wanted to know which jersey they chose that day.
There are some good MISL photos on the web, but not nearly enough for my taste. Any Pittsburgh Spirit fans? I’m also looking for a good front and back shot of the 83-84 Spirit’s home and road unis.
#148 by MPowers1634 on 06.10.09 2:30 pm |
LI Phil said:
Fine…You got me…I was searching for the blonde in the ‘87 road jersey:
http://exhibits.base...
#149 by JimV19 on 06.10.09 2:31 pm |
Ricko said:
I can tell I’m a UniWatcher, because my first thought was, “Aaaah! It’s those hideous jerseys!” Then I looked down and felt better…
You’re probably thinking of this shot:
http://www.oursports...
No problem, I’ll settle for a single soda.
Oh, and no jokes about the “Duckettes” being the kicking team…
#150 by Matt on 06.10.09 2:31 pm |
RE: The ads at the new Stadium
While it’s true that the old Stadium had just as many, the fact is the ads at the new house are a bit more distracting. There is a strip of LCD signs that ring the second deck level that are extremely bright. From my seats in left field, my peripheral vision would occasionally catch sight of them when I was trying to focus on the action.
The thing is, these ads are all over New York City these days. From subway stations to the sides of buses, everywhere you look it’s blinding LCD ads for network TV shows that are usually already canceled anyway. It’s like Times Square all over the place.
#151 by mike 2 on 06.10.09 2:32 pm |
Nick said:
http://www.ticats.ca...
There you go – every team is doing a 60’s throwback this year.
#152 by Bernard on 06.10.09 2:32 pm |
JimV19 said:
As a Pittsburgher who loves vintage t-shirts, it breaks my heart that this is so small:
http://cgi.ebay.com/...
#153 by chiwei hu on 06.10.09 2:38 pm |
Some good Japanese baseball posters here:
http://www.pinktenta...
#154 by JimV19 on 06.10.09 2:38 pm |
Bernard said:
There are some ebay stores selling new t-shirts with the old logos. I have one, but someone got it for me. If I find out where I’ll let you know.
#155 by M.Princip on 06.10.09 2:40 pm |
KT said:
Love it! Yet, I remember as a very young lad getting really jazzed when they switched to their team helmets in 1980. .
#156 by M.Princip on 06.10.09 2:43 pm |
Actually, looks like they made the switch to team helmets in ‘79.
#157 by Ricko on 06.10.09 2:50 pm |
M.Princip said:
Pro Bowl, late 50s-early 60s (late 60s helmets were gold with either red-white-red or royal-white-royal NFL stripes).
West in white.
#24 is Colts’ Lennie Moore.
And them’re some generic unis.
http://3.bp.blogspot...
—Ricko
#158 by Ricko on 06.10.09 2:51 pm |
ooops.
http://cgi.ebay.com/...
#159 by Ry Co 40 on 06.10.09 3:02 pm |
steelers super bowl 43 ring:
http://2.bp.blogspot...
#160 by Ry Co 40 on 06.10.09 3:04 pm |
Ry Co 40 said:
“The face contains six large, brilliant-cut diamonds, one for each Super Bowl victory. There are seven other diamonds that represent the Steelers’ seven conference championships and seven others below to add up to their 14 division titles in a football design.
The face includes a red, blue and yellow stone to resemble their hypocycloid logo. On one side of each ring are six Lombardi Trophies with the 27-23 score of their victory against Arizona in the Super Bowl. On the other is the ring owner’s name, the Steelers helmet logo, the NFL logo and the player’s number”
#161 by yellowporchhokie on 06.10.09 3:08 pm |
Sorry to hear about your father, Paul
The “Dodger Blue” seats in the old stadium seemed strange to me as well. The Dallas Cowboys have the same type of issue with their blues. The blue on the turf is not as dark as the blue on the helmet/uni. Drives me crazy.
#162 by Nick on 06.10.09 3:08 pm |
If you haven’t heard yet, the Flyers have signed Ray Emery to a one year deal (he was introduced this morning).
He’ll be wearing #29 since #1 is up in the rafters for Bernie Parent.
http://flyers.nhl.co...
^ The jersey is already available for pre-order.
#163 by M.Princip on 06.10.09 3:10 pm |
Ricko said:
Continuing with the Pro Bowl, this site is amazing.
http://www.mmbolding...
#164 by dB on 06.10.09 3:13 pm |
http://9.media.tumbl...
#165 by Dan King on 06.10.09 3:16 pm |
Dan King said:
i was at the jake a week or so ago for the yankees weather delayed game (that night was one hell of a long night, but thats another story) and i didn\’t see anything besides coors light and bud light, then again i wasn\’t looking that hard and was in the upper deck.
#166 by Jeremy Brahm on 06.10.09 3:20 pm |
chiwei hu said:
chiwei,
They were posted farther up the page already by Squiddie at #63.
These posters were actually from May 2008.
#167 by Bernard on 06.10.09 3:26 pm |
Ry Co 40 said:
More SB ring pics (w/ side views):
http://news.steelers...
#168 by Stuby on 06.10.09 3:37 pm |
Dom said:
And somewhere, Eric Stuckenschneider is crying in his beer. Oh, what could have been.
#169 by NJL on 06.10.09 3:42 pm |
“Reebok belatedly discovers that they gave a shoe contract to a white guy with an “Air Jordan” tattoo on his leg. To be fair, it was Marcin Gortat, and no one wanted to look that closely.”
Story from Deadspin
#170 by Teebz on 06.10.09 3:55 pm |
NJL said:
I’ve been saying it for a while, but holy eff… the people at Reebok are complete idiots.
#171 by anotherguy on 06.10.09 3:59 pm |
I didn’t think I would beat the Pittsburgh crew to the Super Bowl ring news;
http://www.post-gaze...
I guess you can have anything you want on there, but IMHO putting the trophys into Heinz Field is wrong. I think I would have left out the stadium entirely as some were 3 Rivers.
#172 by peter on 06.10.09 4:00 pm |
So, when Toronto gets their second team…would that be like the Clippers to the Lakers kind of relationship?
I’ll be very happy to see Canada get a new NHL team…though the Moose are doing well in the AHL!
#173 by anotherguy on 06.10.09 4:03 pm |
Teebz said:
Teebz, would you have seen a Reebok reference today if it wasn’t for this one? ;-)
Col. Tom (among others): I don’t care what they say about me as long as they spell my name right.
One other thing: Gatorade took out the ENORMOUS Gatorade dispenser that was in the dugout at Wrigley. A few players took a baseball bat to the thing after frustrating plays. It’s JMHO but that was a dumb move: Gatorade got TONS of free publicty every time that thing was broken.
#174 by LI Phil on 06.10.09 4:05 pm |
LI Phil said:
do you work for reebok?
#175 by anotherguy on 06.10.09 4:08 pm |
LI Phil said:
Well, no.
Just a comment on free publicity and the value thereof.
Why do you ask?
#176 by Nick Houser on 06.10.09 4:09 pm |
Denver Broncos, Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, Houston Texans exploring sponsorship deals practice jerseys, according to an AdAge article.
Ohio Cards Blog
#177 by Mike Engle on 06.10.09 4:09 pm |
Teebz said:
I thought it was the Cubs organization who took it out. Must be annoying to repair it every single goddamn time a player has a temper tantrum.
peter said:
If that would result in a market for “Beat TO” t-shirts, I’m all for it. I’m a NY Jets fan, so I’d LOVE a “Beat TO” t-shirt for at least two Sundays this year.
#178 by Teebz on 06.10.09 4:09 pm |
anotherguy said:
I made two already. :o)
#179 by Ry Co 40 on 06.10.09 4:10 pm |
anotherguy said:
yeah, but, it’s just a cool design. think of it this way a) the steelers are proud of the stadium b) everything in steelers history, to this point, has led up to them playing in heinz field and winning 6 super bowls c) thats where all the super bowl trophies are on display at the moment. would you rather them have a plain old office building instead?
#180 by Ry Co 40 on 06.10.09 4:12 pm |
Mike Engle said:
“If that would result in a market for “Beat TO” t-shirts, I’m all for it. I’m a NY Jets fan, so I’d LOVE a “Beat TO” t-shirt for at least two Sundays this year”
that just gets a great big “HUH?!?!”
#181 by anotherguy on 06.10.09 4:13 pm |
Ry Co 40 said:
Seriously? I think I would have either left it off entirely, OR put some sort of Pittsburgh civic symbol in there.
Maybe something to do with the Triangle, or the fountain that’s at the tip of that triangle??
#182 by anotherguy on 06.10.09 4:14 pm |
Teebz said:
Yeah, but you’re the exception, not the rule.
LOL
#183 by Mike Engle on 06.10.09 4:17 pm |
Ry Co 40 said:
Get the news? TO’s a Bill. Bills and Jets are in the same division. So twice a year, I’d like to see TO’s team lose to a specific opponent.
But you’re probably confused about the other point. Ever see a “Beat LA” sign or shirt at the Staples Center when the Lakers play the Clippers? It’s funny, because both teams are LA. Same logic, except Torontonians sometimes say they’re from “TO.” (I study and live in Montreal, so I know my fair share of TO natives.)
(Yikes, if it took me THAT long to explain a post, it’s probably not worth it. FAIL, eh?)
#184 by Ry Co 40 on 06.10.09 4:17 pm |
anotherguy said:
that would be cool and all, but heinz field is their home. it’s where they shed the blood, swet, and tears (and ravens db’s)” know what i mean? like “wanna win a super bowl… you have to come through “here” to do it”
#185 by Nick on 06.10.09 4:18 pm |
Marshall said:
Very doubtful. I live in N.O. and follow the LSU fotball pretty closely, and there has been no news at all on anything involving changing the uniform, even slightly. It is rareluy done, and when it is, there is generally a good reason. They are hyper-protective with maintaining the traditions, and it makes no sense to add the wording to the jersey.
They certainly wouldn’t be doing it to SELL more jerseys, as it is next to impossible to purchase an authentic Nike LSU football jersey anywhere. They simply are not made for sale anywhere, despite other Nike teams yearly having their jerseys available.
#186 by JTH on 06.10.09 4:18 pm |
Mike Engle said:
Yep. They cited safety reasons as the reason for removal.
#187 by anotherguy on 06.10.09 4:19 pm |
Mike Engle said:
If I was in charge of Gatorade marketing, after I saw that thing on ESPN, etc. multiple times that night I would have replaced it with a balsa wood model with some sort of fireworks inside; then I would give Zambrano the hyper-caffiented coffee before his next start. :-)
Seriously, I don’t know who had the authority to pull the plug on having that thing in the dugout. I’m guessing Gatorade had some sort of contract with the Cubs, but who terminated it is something I’d have to research.
#188 by LI Phil on 06.10.09 4:19 pm |
LI Phil said:
except that the lakers have actually won something in the past 42 years
#189 by Ry Co 40 on 06.10.09 4:20 pm |
Mike Engle said:
nah, i just got caught up in the whole hockey/football thing, thats all. lol
never heard toronto called “to” either… learn something new every day!
#190 by anotherguy on 06.10.09 4:22 pm |
JTH said:
JTH, I thought it was ironic that last year Zambrano said he was cramping up; and this year he destroys a Gatorade machine. ;-)
#191 by mmwatkin on 06.10.09 4:24 pm |
Nick Houser said:
No one watches the Lions real games, let alone practices. why would any sponsor pony up money for that?
#192 by Mike Engle on 06.10.09 4:27 pm |
Nick said:
Been meaning to ask you, where in NOLA are you from/do you live?
I lived in East Lakeshore for 16 years…would have graduated from Ben Franklin and NOCCA if I didn’t move after Katrina.
Might be a little too personal for the boards, so ask Phil for my email.
#193 by peter on 06.10.09 4:27 pm |
mmwatkin said:
Govt. Bailout?
…defending undefeated pre-season “perfect” season…
#194 by anotherguy on 06.10.09 4:28 pm |
Ry Co 40 said:
Sure, but the “here” for four of those trophys was 3 Rivers, wasn’t it? :-)
#195 by Teebz on 06.10.09 4:29 pm |
Ry Co 40 said:
Toronto can be called a variety of things:
- The Big Smoke
- The Centre of the Universe
- Tee-Oh (T.O.)
- Little America
- Waste of Space
- Toront-Ego
What it all comes down to, though, is its inability to get over how important that city thinks it is in comparison to major cities across the globe. In reality, Toronto can’t hold a flame to most major centres.
#196 by Mike Engle on 06.10.09 4:33 pm |
Teebz said:
You forgot my least favorite. Tee-dot. Don’t know why, just irks the hell out of me.
#197 by JTH on 06.10.09 4:34 pm |
anotherguy said:
I guess that explains the cramping.
#198 by anotherguy on 06.10.09 4:35 pm |
Teebz said:
So Teebz, honest question for my own information: that slogan you printed, was the “E” at the end something that’s used all the time, or a reference to the Canadian/British spelling preference as opposed to the US/Brooklyn spelling of “Center”?
#199 by LI Phil on 06.10.09 4:35 pm |
Teebz said:
so…in that respect it’s kinda like hockey and the major sports then?
#200 by Bernard on 06.10.09 4:35 pm |
Teebz said:
My GF (who’s from western NY) calls it T-Dot. Ever heard that one? As in, T.O. (t-dot o-dot).
#201 by Bernard on 06.10.09 4:36 pm |
Mike Engle said:
Haha – beat me to it, Mike!
#202 by anotherguy on 06.10.09 4:36 pm |
JTH said:
Last year many a Sox fan was wondering just what he was talking about. As if he isn’t making north of $10 million a year with a professional training staff at his beck and call.
#203 by chance michaels on 06.10.09 4:38 pm |
Big Al said:
Other than the rotunda, there really aren’t that many Ebbets-like features.
#204 by Nick on 06.10.09 4:38 pm |
Ricko said:
I remember that at some point after the Houston Gamblers and the NJ Generals merged, there was a practice or mini-camp of some kind where both Jim Kelly and Doug Flutie were both present, and there was media talk of Flutie playing WR to get both of tyhem on the field together. I don’t know if Flutie ever practiced at WR, but I got the feeling then that the league was no longer going to last.
I’m pretty sure the league folded before the combined Gamblers/Generals ever played a game.
Few people remember that the LA Express played (then highest paid player ever) Steve Young at FB in order to get him on the field with some forgotten ex-UCLA QB that the coaches wanted to play.
I think the league died shortly thereafter. Too bad. If they could have stayed in the spring, and stayed within a sensible budget, it may have worked. But paying people $1 million in 1985 money to play safety, and buying players at record salaries, there was no way it could be sustained.
It should be said that the USFL died of the terminal impatience and ego of a couple of owners.
#205 by Mike Engle on 06.10.09 4:42 pm |
chance michaels said:
Beating Phil to the punch…
Aside from that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?
#206 by peter on 06.10.09 4:45 pm |
LI Phil said:
or Canada to the rest of the globe…it’s just there!
#207 by peter on 06.10.09 4:46 pm |
(teebz: apologies in advance if you have posted an answer to this)
In your Hockey guru-ness, what is the likely hood of the New Toronto NHL team actually materializing?
#208 by Nick on 06.10.09 4:47 pm |
Mike Engle said:
Lived all over the city at different times – grew up near St. Roch Park, then N.O. East., then Mid City. Was in Lakeview when Katrina hit, continuing now in exile Uptown. Office in CBD.
How do you give or get the e-mail from Phil?
#209 by Hott Rodd on 06.10.09 4:47 pm |
Teebz said:
Hey Teebz I was wondering how you really feel about this..
#210 by LI Phil on 06.10.09 4:50 pm |
LI Phil said:
i’ll email it to you …check your inbox
#211 by Teebz on 06.10.09 4:52 pm |
anotherguy said:
If you’re from Toronto, you write “Center” in an effort to be more American. If you’re from anywhere else in the British Commonwealth, you write it as “Centre”. lol :o)
#212 by Nick on 06.10.09 4:53 pm |
• “That Feeling”
Many of us have that memory of the first time you went to a big league baseball game. You’re outside in the city street and you walk through the stadium and make your way through the tunnel towards the field. The first time you see the stadium open up into a sea of bright green is something you’ll never forget. Maybe it’s just that I’m not a kid anymore, but to me the new stadium lacked that “wow” factor. I’ll let you be the judge. Can this and this really compare to this?
My take: Unfortunately, a bit of a letdown.
************************************
Wouldn’t it be cool to have a montage of similar color photograph views of stadiums from a fans’ perspective, as you enter the stadiums from the walkways, tunnels, etc.
Similar views of long gone parks, such as Ebbets, or the Polo Grounds, or old Comiskey. All of ‘em!
I’m sure such photos exist. That would be great to see.
#213 by Teebz on 06.10.09 4:54 pm |
LI Phil said:
I’m sure that David Stern appreciates how the NHL’s ratings are destroying the NBA’s ratings. The NBA can only hope that LeBron defects to NYC in 2010. Otherwise, the NHL is gaining momentum, albeit at a snail’s pace. LOL
#214 by Mike Engle on 06.10.09 4:55 pm |
Teebz said:
And if you’re an American pursuing an undergrad degree in Canada, you write “Center” because you can’t unlearn the “right” way to spell it.
(And no, I DO NOT recognize a ‘u’ in color.) ;o)
#215 by Teebz on 06.10.09 4:57 pm |
peter said:
or Canada to the rest of the globe…it’s just there!
Without commenting on how the former POTUS’ image was constantly ridiculed around the globe, I’d rather fly under the radar than being a “major player”.
We’re Canada – land of chesterfields, toques, and beavers. All three can be enjoyed together… if the innuendo is understood. LOL
#216 by Teebz on 06.10.09 4:58 pm |
Hott Rodd said:
ABT, Mike. Anybody But Toronto. lol
#217 by Teebz on 06.10.09 5:02 pm |
Mike Engle said:
C’mon, Mike… we’re all neighboUrs. We’re people from all walks of life and all coloUrs. We normally are recognized for being laid-back and having great senses of humoUr. It’s no small endeavoUr to be Canadian, either. It takes humility and a love of the flavoUr of strong beer. It’s a laboUr of love and an honoUr to wear the maple leaf.
Enough? Ok, enough. LOL
#218 by =bg= on 06.10.09 5:04 pm |
M. Princip said:
That’s really good. I have one on MP3 that is KILLER. if you want it, post email add.
#219 by JTH on 06.10.09 5:07 pm |
Teebz said:
Hence the hideously ugly black Caps jersey to the “winner” of the HBIC playoff pool instead of a Leafs jersey?
#220 by Teebz on 06.10.09 5:07 pm |
peter said:
Zilch. Until the other 30 teams are profitable in their markets, expansion is nothing more than a pipe dream, especially in a market like Toronto where they have a team that thrives even while languishing as a laughing stock franchise.
Besides, if you were an expansion group, why would you drop $100 million on the expansion fee when you could have the Coyotes for $200 million?
Seems a little ludicrous, no?
#221 by Josh on 06.10.09 5:09 pm |
A little bit back, a website was posted where you can purchase authentic patches (I think it was in reference to a DIY project). Anyone remember that website?
Thanks in advance.
#222 by mmwatkin on 06.10.09 5:14 pm |
Teebz said:
Isn’t the NBA Finals outdrawing the Stanley Cup Final? I know in the U.S. it is.
I know that TNT had over 10 million viewers for an NBA semifinal game and the NHL had under 3 Million for Game 3 of the SCF.
#223 by Hott Rodd on 06.10.09 5:17 pm |
Hott Rodd said:
Supposedly one of the groups in Bettman\’s sworn statement (cough cough) is a group that has tried to move to Toronto before, or so the talking heads were saying.
My favorite part of the talk radio yesterday was when the local sportscaster made a huge deal out of the fact that the NHL conceded that if they could not find a buyer willing to keep the franchise here, then they would have to explore relocation. Well yeah genius, those ARE the two options there! WTF did you think the options were..
#224 by Teebz on 06.10.09 5:21 pm |
JTH said:
Hence the hideously ugly black Caps jersey to the “winner” of the HBIC playoff pool instead of a Leafs jersey?
Absolutely. Well, that, and the fact that the black Caps’ jerseys will never be worn again.
#225 by Teebz on 06.10.09 5:22 pm |
Hott Rodd said:
My fave part of the proceedings yesterday was the NHL lawyer questioning the NFL’s business model because they have no team in LA.
Apparently, the courtroom in Phoenix is some sort of alternate reality. LOL
#226 by Teebz on 06.10.09 5:25 pm |
mmwatkin said:
“VERSUS averaged 1.140 million viewers for the week of June 1st-7th (bolstered by 2 Stanley Cup playoff games, IndyCar in Texas, and WEC’s Brown v.s. Faber II MMA fight) versus ESPN’s 1.076 million. It also beat powerhouse networks such as CNN, ESPN2 and MTV in average primetime ratings.”
It’s all right here.
#227 by Hott Rodd on 06.10.09 5:26 pm |
Teebz said:
I can imagine. It has been one clusterf*ck after another down here.
#228 by LI Phil on 06.10.09 5:41 pm |
teebz, buddy
how many people watched game 1, 2 or 3 of the nba finals
how many people watched game 1, 2 or 3 of the nhl finals
i think you need apples to apples
#229 by Teebz on 06.10.09 5:44 pm |
LI Phil said:
Considering that TNT is no longer showing the NBA, you have ESPN and ABC showing the games. Compare that to Versus and NBC, and you are comparing apples to apples.
This was not a game-by-game comparison. The question was “Isn’t the NBA Finals outdrawing the Stanley Cup Final”. The answer is no.
#230 by Jeff P on 06.10.09 5:44 pm |
anotherguy said:
I love the fact that they cut their own ring ceremony short because a bunch of players had pens tickets.
Don’t know why that makes me laugh, but it does.
#231 by Mike Engle on 06.10.09 6:03 pm |
This page has a bunch of Kobe YouTubes from various stages of his basketball life.
I noticed in the first one (Kobe in high school), Kobe’s team’s warm-ups all have #21 on the back. Anybody have more information, or able to find out about that?
#232 by jon on 06.10.09 6:07 pm |
Marshall said:
i’m sorry i cant answer your question, but i was wondering if there were any other uniform templates at the site you found those on. i’d love to see if they have a pitt sample.
#233 by BurghFan on 06.10.09 6:11 pm |
Sure, but the “here” for four of those trophys was 3 Rivers, wasn’t it? :-)
Not the one that this ring commemorates.
#234 by mike 2 on 06.10.09 6:17 pm |
Regarding another NHL team in Toronto:
- yes, another round of expansion would be stupid. But this is a league that convinced itself it was prosperous through the 90’s and early 00’s because of the expansion money coming in. Now that there hasn’t been expansion for a few years, would it be surprising if some of the owners were arguing for a couple more expansion teams so that they can get some more of that sweet expansion money? Of course they are.
Why would the NHL let a team move into a new market when they can get an expansion fee for a team there? Take the fee today and worry about tomorrow tomorrow.
(don’t get me wrong, I’m not arguing in favour of expansion, just commenting on the NHL’s business model)
Regarding the Toronto Legacy proposal, it doesn’t look like any more than three guys, a website, a logo, and an overactive press in Toronto. My guess is that they don’t want a team, they want to be part of the process so that some money falls their way if a team does happen.
#235 by Hickory on 06.10.09 6:44 pm |
Josh said:
http://theemblemsour...
#236 by Stevo on 06.10.09 7:20 pm |
Great work John, and that’s coming from a Cubs fan who would rather root for the Cards than the Yanks.
You’re right about the difference between a tunnel and an open concourse. There’s a certain drama, almost romantic, that comes from going through the ticket gate, walking down a dark concourse, maybe buying a dog or a new hat, spotting the right tunnel for your section, then walking from the dark and dreary into the Technicolor world of the ballpark. Open concourses take that dramatic buildup away, making it feel more like a Little League game when you walk right up to the fence.
#237 by Radnip4 on 06.10.09 7:34 pm |
always thought a great name for a Boston team: Stranglers,,,but alas, will never happen.
#238 by Stevo on 06.10.09 7:50 pm |
Bernard said:
One thing I have in common with Big Ben: Josten’s made our rings. Of course, mine is a B-F Class of 1997 and his is Super Bowl XLIII Champs, but still…
#239 by Matt Brosseau on 06.10.09 8:41 pm |
Stevo said:
This is an authentic Hullabalooza ticket. For authentic refreshment, eat Clark bars. And for totally outrageous class rings, it’s Josten’s. Goooo Josten’s.
#240 by LarryB on 06.10.09 9:23 pm |
I do not see the big deal in UCONN’s new unis either
#241 by Alex on 06.10.09 9:35 pm |
Mark K said:
I disagree, they look better than last year.
#242 by Jeremy Brahm on 06.10.09 10:21 pm |
Teebz,
You forgot to criticize us for using offense and defense without Cs.
And you forgot your cheques today.
#243 by Stevo on 06.10.09 10:32 pm |
Matt Brosseau said:
They also make quality yearbooks, Graduation announcements, and other printed materials. I spent a year on the Yearbook staff back in HS, got to know our Josten’s rep well, called him Timbo.
#244 by mmwatkin on 06.10.09 10:52 pm |
LI Phil said:
Yeah…that was a horrible argument. “Versus had better ratings than TNT, therefore the SCF outdrew the NBA Finals.”
The argument could be “Vs. had better ratings than TNT for that week”
#245 by Dan on 06.10.09 11:17 pm |
Is it me, or does that Toronto Legacy logo look a bit too much like a circus tent?
#246 by Beardface on 06.10.09 11:28 pm |
mmwatkin said:
LOL @ TNT for getting outdrawn by Versus… Seriously… everybody gets TNT, only a fraction of cable subscribers get Versus. To get outdrawn by Versus is embarrassing.
#247 by mmwatkin on 06.10.09 11:41 pm |
Beardface said:
That was surprising, until you saw that Versus had two stanley cup games and the MMA fight (which probably outdrew both the NHL and NBA final games)
I highly doubt that more people are viewing the Stanley Cup Final than the NBA Finals.
#248 by Teebz on 06.10.09 11:43 pm |
mmwatkin said:
Do you actually read what you write?
I’ll say this again: TNT does not carry the NBA Finals. Therefore, the Stanley Cup Final would draw more viewers than the NBA Finals on TNT.
There were three Stanley Cup Final games played from June 1-8. In that same period of time, there were two NBA Finals games played in that period.
With Versus drawing more viewers over the course of the entire week while being less accessible in the United States than ESPN is, the Stanley Cup Final did attract more viewers than the NBA Finals. It is written in black-and-white. Versus had more viewers overall for the entire week as compared to ESPN.
How many times have you turned to Versus for anything but hockey? Can you even name another program on Versus without looking it up?
How many times have you only watched basketball on ESPN? Nothing else – no SportsCenter, no MLB, no NFL shows, nothing – except the NBA Finals.
And yet Versus still outdrew ESPN for the entire week.
#249 by Chance Michaels on 06.10.09 11:45 pm |
Mike Engle said:
Yeah, I know it’s a well-known feature, but to my mind the Ebbets connection is completely overblown. I’d venture that most fans won’t ever go in there. It’s just one entrance to the ballpark.
Besides, it looks nothing like the Ebbets rotunda on the inside. It bears some architectural resemblance from the outside, but come on. Are we now going to call Enron Field a “Crosley Field” clone because that’s the park from which the Astros borrowed the notion of having a hill in fair territory?
#250 by Teebz on 06.10.09 11:47 pm |
mmwatkin said:
And yet ESPN still trails in the overall weekly ratings despite carrying everything from MLB to World Poker Tournaments.
Face it: the NHL is drawing viewers.
#251 by Teebz on 06.10.09 11:48 pm |
Jeremy Brahm said:
My critique was more on Toronto. I apologize, Jeremy. It was definitely not a shot at the USA. Except that POTUS comment. That one was a jab.
#252 by odessasteps magazine on 06.11.09 12:05 am |
(said as a hockey guy)
If I read this correctly (and I’ve not found the web site source again to corroborate), last night:
NHL on NBC – 3.6 million viewers
NBA on ABC – 9.1 million viewers
#253 by Teebz on 06.11.09 12:11 am |
odessasteps magazine said:
I’ll give credit where credit is due: regular cable is a huge piece of the pie, and I would expect ABC to outdraw NBC there simply because of ABC carrying ESPN’s feed.
In terms of apples to apples though, ESPN vs. Versus was where the argument lies. No one can say that having the NHL on Versus is good because it’s simply unavailable in most parts of the USA. However, when that channel outdraws the “World Wide Leader”, either they have phenomenal daytime programming or their sporting endeavours are attracting people. Lots of people.
#254 by odessasteps magazine on 06.11.09 12:48 am |
I’m still amazed that VS could be beat ESPN, even in a week with 2 Stanley Cups games and the WEC show (which was, by all accounts, the best MMA show of the year).
I would be intersted to see just what kind of live game coverage the Four Letter had the week in question. I assume some baseball, but who were the teams?
BTW, if we are talking about this week, USA was the #1 cable channel and I believe (sigh) Jon and Kate were the two highest rated cable shows, over any sports and/or the WWE.
#255 by Teebz on 06.11.09 12:50 am |
odessasteps magazine said:
You are correct, sir. That sigh is well-placed. LOL
#256 by odessasteps magazine on 06.11.09 12:51 am |
sorry to double dip, but here’s a link to a story on the head-to-head last night from Sports Media Watch
http://sportsmediawa...
#257 by LI Phil on 06.11.09 12:57 am |
teebz, my friend…it’s late and im tired
and i don’t know where to find this information, but im pretty sure it exists…
can you answer me one question (don’t quote weekly ratings for a network, because that’s completely irrelevant)
which had more viewers: the first three games of the NBA finals or the first three games of the NHL finals?
i hate the nba and i’d love for hockey to win, but seriously…isn’t it something like
basketball: 10 million viewers
hockey: 3 million viewers
that’s all im askin
k, thx…bye
#258 by LI Phil on 06.11.09 1:00 am |
well well well
the article odessa posted says what i was looking for:
LI Phil said:
that’s all i was asking
#259 by Teebz on 06.11.09 1:26 am |
LI Phil said:
I’m almost guaranteeing that the NBA should win, and I will not claim that the NHL has the power to outdraw the NBA on basic cable. Even I know that. But for Versus to outdraw ESPN, the network that everyone says should be in the NHL’s business? That’s all I’m scratching at.
How many households get ABC in the US? The article didn’t even mention what channels carried the NHL broadcast. LOL
#260 by odessasteps magazine on 06.11.09 1:44 am |
FWIW, Wiki says ABC is in 96.75% of households, which equals 103+ million. ANd they have 229 affiliates, which is the most of the Big Three networks. NBC is 97.17 % and also 103+ million households.
#261 by Baseball Almanac on 06.11.09 10:51 am |
baseball bat
…
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