by Phil Hecken and Jim Vilk
I’m joined this fine Friday by DIYer and memorabilia collector Jim Vilk, who’s about to regale us with a fascinating story of his days working at the Richfield Coliseum, the Coliseum’s subsequent demise, and the trove of treasure Jim and his brother were able to secure in the hours prior the wrecking ball felling that once-proud structure. Fittingly, with Paul visiting The Mistake By The Lake The Forest City this weekend, Jim will take us inside (literally) the Coliseum and, after a quick history lesson, show us some of the things left behind, for the taking.
So, then, with that brief intro, here’s Jim:
With Paul coming to Cleveland this week, I did some math and realized he is here during a milestone year in Northeast Ohio sports history. The upcoming 2009-10 NBA season will be the 40th for the Cleveland Cavaliers. The year 2009 also marks 15 years of Cavs basketball at Quicken Loans Arena, or “The Q” (formerly Gund Arena) and 15 years of Indians baseball at Progressive Field (formerly Jacobs Field, or “The Jake,” as some of us still call it). Not only that, but 2009 marks 10 years of the new and not-so-improved Browns playing football at Cleveland Browns Stadium. The Browns’ last title was 45 years ago, but it wasn’t the city’s last. The Cleveland Crunch won the National Professional Soccer League title 15 years ago at Cleveland State’s Convocation Center. Take what you can get C-town, it counts.
That’s nice, I suppose. I’m a Pittsburgh fan, though, so most of it means bubkes to me. I do like the Cavs, but not nearly as much as I did when they spent 20 years playing ball amidst the serene, pastoral landscape of Richfield, far from the bright lights of the big city. Nestled in northern Summit County, the Richfield Coliseum was located almost halfway between Cleveland and the Akron-Canton area. I say “was,” because it’s been 10 years since they tore it down — but not before my brother Tom and I got a lot of great memorabilia.
The milestones continue. It’s been 35 years since the building opened with a Frank Sinatra concert, 30 years since Sports Illustrated said, “No arena was more beautiful than The Coliseum, a magnificent structure in Richfield, Ohio,” 20 years since “The Shot” by Michael Jordan and 15 years since the place closed with a Roger Daltrey concert. In between were many more concerts, truck pulls and rodeos, circuses and ice shows, boxing and wrestling matches, hockey and arena football games, some great indoor soccer (as we talked about recently) and of course, the good, bad and ugly years of the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Tom and I worked as vendors there, and even shared a souvenir stand for a few years. He started a year after the building opened, so he was there for “The Miracle of Richfield.” I officially started in 1983. Unofficially, I got to work the 1981 NBA All-Star Game, which was cool. Tom stayed at the Coliseum all the way to the end, and even works at “The Q” to this day. I quit in 1992 to get on with my life’s work, but asked to come back in 1994 to work the Cavs’ playoff run. I lost my seniority but gladly sold soda in the seats for the final games.
When the building closed it sat for five years while they figured out what to do with it. There was talk of it becoming an outlet mall, a prison, a workout facility, you name it. Finally, the Gund brothers sold it and the surrounding land to what is now the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. They didn’t implode the building. Rather, they gutted the interior, then took a wrecking ball to the exterior.
A day before the wreckers came, my brother got a call. We knew one of the guys doing the interior work, and he said we could come in and take anything we could fit into our vehicles. Everything that was left would be buried on site. Tom hopped in his pickup and I got in my station wagon (if that’s what you want to call a Saturn SW1). When we got there, it took a few minutes to get over seeing the gutted remains. Memories came back and flooded our minds. Once we started finding things, though, our reaction quickly turned to joy; we were like kids on Christmas morning.
The first items we found (by the way, the items you’ve seen so far are things Tom and I bought or received as giveaways) were in the employee locker rooms. We took two types of patches from the ushers’ and security guards’ uniforms. I liked the ushers’ patches, which were issued when the Coliseum was ten years old. The blue and gray depiction of the building was a definite alternative to the simple blue-and-green patch. Both were good in their own way, though.
Next, we snagged some warm and toasty dark blue coats the parking lot attendants wore. I wore mine as my winter coat for a few years before I had to retire it. The simple design made it go with almost anything. The big white Coliseum logo on the back sure started a lot of conversations in public. I lost count how many times strangers started reminiscing with me when they saw it. Then we found a brown coat worn by the ticket takers. The brown welcome patch harkened back to the original logo.
Speaking of uniforms, the vendors had a few nice ones. Unfortunately, I don’t have those anymore. The only one I still have is the ugliest of the set — a red-and-green-striped bowling shirt with a horizontal strip of black thrown in for bad measure. We had a cool yellow polo shirt before that and a nice blue-white-and-orange rugby shirt afterward, but those are gone for some reason. Tom still has his rugby shirt, though.
Anyway, on to the good stuff. We went out to the arena floor and grabbed a few sections of floor seats. My set actually gets some use in our basement. Tom has the rest tucked away in the bowels of his home. Then, we headed to a storage area, where we found a giant NBA logo and some floor stickers for the playoffs. We almost left the room, until we saw some rolled up fabric. Good thing we were curious, because we ended up finding the banner for the scorers table, as well as the banner for the Cavaliers’ 75-76 division title.
After that, we went up to the main concourse and stopped at our old location between sections 208 and 209. Tom grabbed the sign for it, while I took the “Drive Safely” sign above the exit. I like to keep it in my garage as a reminder to, you know, drive safely.
Finally, we headed up to the infamous loge area. The Coliseum was one of the first arenas to have a set of luxury boxes. Problem is, they put them way at the top of the building. That turned out to be the reason for the building’s early demise — the corporate types ended up with the worst view of the game. Whatever. We didn’t find much up there, until we got to a meeting room which contained a scale model of “The Q.” Well, if it was a full scale model, someone got to it before us and dismantled it. We found almost half of the seating area, which makes it kind of worthless. That didn’t matter to my brother, who never met a piece of memorabilia he didn’t like. Actually, with a little creativity some DIYer could turn it into a retro-looking baseball stadium. (Ah, if I had the time…)
By this time, our vehicles were filled beyond capacity. We left the building for the absolute last time, and I saluted as I drove out of the parking lot. It wasn’t the last time I’ve been on the site, however. The national park was just going to let trees grow naturally, but someone noticed birds were starting to use the land as a migratory pit stop. Now they keep the area trimmed for birds and bird watchers alike. You can walk around there, but the ground settled where the arena was, so that’s fenced off for safety. The small threat of poison ivy was enough to keep me from venturing around … until this past winter. We had lots of snow, so I put on my big rubber boots and hiked from the road to the fence (quite a feat in shin-deep snow over tall grass). I got to the approximate area outside of sections 208-209, noticed the calm around me, then closed my eyes and listened for the distant echoes of cheering fans. I think I heard a few — if nothing else I felt them.
Okay, what’s a Jim Vilk story without a little DIY? Most of you have seen my Lego tribute to the Miracle of Richfield and my latest indoor soccer game, but very few people have seen my first attempt at a Coliseum/Cleveland Force tribute. I made this from an old table hockey game, using cardboard cutouts for the players and clothes pins covered in hockey tape for the bases. It’s a bit primitive, but I thought I should dig it out of the closet and share it with you anyway.
Oh, and you hockey fans – that inflatable Cleveland Crusaders guy was goalie Gerry Cheevers, in case you were wondering.
Thanks, Jim, for that trip down memory lane. You got some great stuff out of that old place. And thanks for the brief history lesson too — like many readers, I’m sure we weren’t aware of the great events hosted inside the Coliseum. And I, for one, wholeheartedly express support for a future DIY of turning that scale model of the Q into a retro baseball park. Maybe next spring?
Guess The Game From The Scoreboard: OK…there’s going to be a theme with today’s post, starting with the scoreboard. So, right off the bat, in case you don’t recognize the stadium, there’s your hint. That’s the only hint you should need, since this one is probably pretty easy, especially if you know how to cheat. Try not to, OK? Ready? Guess The Game. As always, date, location and final score, and let us know how you came about your answer.
Did I mention there’s a bit of a theme today? Well, even today’s Benchies plays along with that theme. Ricko did this one a long time ago (notice the stirrups on Ozzie), so take it for what it’s worth. And it’s pretty funny. So, on that note, enjoy a special Friday edition of Benchies.
Uni Watch News Ticker: Uni Watch Prexy Paul Lukas checks in first with this, heads up from the Buccaneers, who will be unveiling their 1976 throwback uniforms at 11:00 am today … Also noticing this was Wayne Edward Koehler who provides the “heads up” from The St. Pete Times … Mr. Lukas also notes these pics from Pats practice, ad patches everywhere … In a related story, Tom Adjemian checks in with this little story on the Pat’s Jersey Ads, with another pic. … Northwest UW correspondent Jeremy Brahm notes “The Japan Volleyball Federation (JVA) has just released logos for their men’s and women’s national teams. The women’s logo is on the left ‘Hinotori (Phoenix) Nippon (Japan)’ and the men’s is on the right ‘Ryuujin (Dragon King) Nippon (Japan).’ This is in collaboration with Tezuka Productions or the company that owns the rights to the Seibu Lions logo.” … More jersey sponsor news comes from Nick Houser who advises that the Cincinnati Bengals have signed a practice jersey deal with SpongeTech Delivery Systems according to the Cincinnati Enquirer (via twitter) … Ribby Paultz found this interesting article in which Russian airline “Aeroflot ditches ‘revolting’ hostess uniforms and reveals: ‘We will only hire attractive girls’.” Says Ribby, “‘Bout time.” … Following up upon a ticker item yesterday about Tadahito Iguchi’s batting gloves, Robert Steinau produced a picture of him from his days as a member of the Phillies … In addition, Jeremy has also supplied pics of him as a member of the White Sox, and also his current team, the Chiba Lotte Marines … Sneakerhead Matt Powers called me from Fenway Park yesterday to report that Rajai Davis is still wearing the logoed stirrups (here’s a better view from a different game) … Aaron Bolerjack writes: “I’ve been a Manchester United fan for a long time, and a Uni Watch supporter since the Page 2 days. Can’t believe that nobody from one camp or the other hasn’t jumped on this yet — A few weeks ago, Man U announced their new 09/10 home uniform, which they claimed was ‘reminiscent of the shirt worn by Manchester United’s 1909 FA Cup-winning team. This new design features a similar sash across the front. The club has used the same design components to honor that historic accomplishment of 100 years ago, the first of its eleven Cup titles.’” Here’s the problem, according to Aaron: The 1909 shirts looked like this (WHITE shirt, LONG sleeves, RED chevron and cuffs); The 2009/2010 shirts look like this (RED shirt, SHORT sleeves, BLACK chevron, BLACK neck ring, NO cuffs). “Ironically, the 2009/2010 goalkeeper’s jerseys (designed to CONTRAST with their teammates) are a LOT closer to the original design,” he continues. “Please help me bring attention to this travesty.” … Reprinted from yesterday’s comments: reader Brian makes an astute observation — Is a commemorative bat really a the right type of memorabilia to celebrate a perfect game? … Jake Elwell found this bit about “These blogging sisters were featured in the Times style section today. I note they recently posted some fun uni-related stuff your readers might like (scroll down a bit).” … Zac Neubauer was fortunate enough to go to the Giants game on Monday night and got an up close look at the Sue Burns patch. Sadly, the ones on the ushers were either stapled or safety pinned on … Bill Scrowther notes, “I noticed during Wednesday night’s MLS All-Star game that each MLS player had their team’s crest on their left sleeve, which can be seen here.” Bill adds, “However, the second goalkeeper (Zach Thornton) for the MLS side had his crest on the front of his jersey, right chest. What made him so special? My only thought is maybe it has to do with him only being added to the roster on Monday.” … Check out this collection of old baseball photographs from the University of California Library system (with thanks to Robert Ruszczyk … Jim Zorn “lays down the law,” according to Alain Nana-Sinkam, who notes that in the last graf of the Chris Cooley blog, there are to be no cutoff sweats. “We have retained a seamstress to take care of that for you,” he states. … Hayden Jackson thinks, we “might enjoy this photo set of a book my grandfather owned about Babe Ruth called ‘Babe Ruth: The Idol of an American Boy’.” I’d say so … Chris Hodge found this incredibly cool gallery of old photos of the Bears at Wrigley Field. … Reprinted from last night’s comments: the Buffalo Bills have “officially” unveiled their throwback uniforms for next season (thanks TJ), and they’re already on sale — although there is some question as to the actual sleeve striping (if they’ll even have noticeable sleeves, that is) … OCD DIYer Robert Marshall, whose team apparently won their softball game yesterday, sent this awesome pic of his hosiery (at least I think that’s his legs) … Matthew Dubroff, Philly fan, loves his Phillies — but “then I saw this t shirt that is embarrassingly stupid. If this starts a trend if nickname jersey/shirts … god help us all.” And finally, the previously mentioned Matt Powers sent along the following: DWade has decided to join the mothership. Matt continues, “And for a sneakerhead, this news is like winning the lottery, going out with Kim Kardashian, and dunking on Gheorge Muresan after coming home from Spring Break and watching Sixth Sense for the first time.” He explains that these are often thought of as the best of all 23 Jordan signatures. And finally, a super rare retro. Thanks Matt, I don’t know what we’d do with out you.
Hope everyone who was able to attend the UW gathering in Cleveland had a great time. Thanks to Paul for letting me steer the ship in his stead yesterday and today. Of course, you’re stuck with me for the weekend too. Be sure to check back Sunday for a couple of announcements on “uni tweaks” and “uni tracking” and a bit of potpourri. Have a great Friday everyone. — Phil
#1 by JimV19 on 07.31.09 7:37 am |
One of the joys of living in Northeast Ohio is getting to listen to Joe Tait call a Cavaliers game on the radio. He’s the voice on the Miracle of Richfield clip (interspersed with the Bullets announcers, for some reason). He’s still calling games today. If you’re in town and there’s a Cavs game on TV, do yourself a favor – turn down the TV sound and let Joe call the action.
#2 by Tris Wykes on 07.31.09 7:41 am |
When I was a student at the Univ. of MN, I got to play in a pickup hockey game on the very last sheet of ice at the old Mariucci Arena. It slowly melted under us as we played past midnight. Upon my exit from the building (which they converted into a non-revenue sports pavilion) I managed to abscond with a gold and maroon metal sign for one of the seating sections. It’s fairly small but seems to be made of lead and is incredibly heavy. We’ve moved about six times since then, but it comes with me on every trek. One day, I’ll get around to hanging it somewhere. A great souvenir.
#3 by Ben from Flushing on 07.31.09 8:17 am |
Guess the game from the scoreboard…
This game?
#4 by Frank on 07.31.09 8:29 am |
I think thisis the game.
#5 by Ricko on 07.31.09 8:32 am |
SOME question about Bills striping?
NO question.
This is wrong. Error. Fiction.
http://i71.photobuck...
Bills have it wrong. All web sites linked so far have it wrong.
What’s right? There was a thin red border on all sleeve stripes (except for when, well past 1964) they flipflopped royal and red on the white jerseys when blue pants came along. Home jersye never changed during the run of that uni set.
Photographic evidence? Hmmm, let’s see…(these are large, need to be to see the details)…
O.J. in home jersey that remained unchanged.
http://farm3.static....
Billy Shaw in road whites…
http://farm3.static....
Cookie Gilchrist in first year of that set (’63) with white road socks…
http://farm3.static....
Jack Kemp in ‘64 title game (the specific uni supposedly replicated)…
http://farm4.static....
Much later, road sleeves stripes flip-flopped the colors….
http://farm4.static....
On all jerseys, all stripes were same color and edged in contrasting color. No, zip, nada one-color stripes with that uni.
—Ricko
#6 by Patrick O'Donnell on 07.31.09 8:33 am |
I too am an Manchester United supporter. While I agree that they didn’t really accurately reproduce the jersey, who cares? Just be glad they didn’t reproduce the material from the original. What is that? Leather? Sheep’s wool? Point being that it pays homage to the original without copying. I think it’s nice. Now if we could only get rid of that sponsor on the front…
Also, they wear read as their 1st choice always now. They already have another white one also as their 3rd, and the 2nd is black.
#7 by gusto on 07.31.09 8:38 am |
Interesting story about Richfield Coliseum, can’t imagine being a Cleveland sports fan right now, no major sports titles since 1964. When you compare overall success of sports franchises between Pittsburgh and Cleveland, it’s a total mismatch.
Pens vs. Cavaliers: Huge advantage to the reigning Stanley Cup World Champs. Cavs have never even reached an NBA final, while the Pens are among the upper tier franchises in the entire NHL. Only 7 other NHL clubs have actually won more Cups than the Pens, and five of those teams were original six clubs, who had the big advantage of a roughly 40 year head start as franchises. Also, it was easier to win Cups in those days, losing teams actually did so twice in that weaker era.
Pirates vs. Indians: Another mismatch in favor of Pittsburgh. Despite the Pirates’ recent struggles, only three clubs have won more world titles in the game. Cleveland has only won two, and the Bucs have had greater players overall than the Tribe.
Steelers vs. Browns: This is a closer competition, but the Browns’ four NFL titles cannot match the historic six Super Bowl wins for the Steel City. Nearly all Cleveland’s great players played in the 1950s and 1960s, while the Steelers have hall of famers since the early 70’s and there’s no end in sight. Hines Ward is a virtual lock for Canton, and Big Ben has been superior to John Elway at this point in their respective careers.
#8 by Ricko on 07.31.09 8:39 am |
Mike Greenburg quoted Tyler Kepner this a.m, btw, regarding whether championships are “tainted” during the Steroid Era (strangely, “Dead Ball Era” might also be accurate…but who cares about side effects).
Ortiz was juicing? Tell any serious baseball fan in Minnesota something he didn’t already know.
Borderline hitter goes to Boston, becomes premier slugger.
Yeah, it was the sea air, that’s what it was.
—Ricko
#9 by Tim F on 07.31.09 8:47 am |
gusto said:
Oh, we’ve been to the Finals before. We were swept by the Spurs once reaching them though.
#10 by mmwatkin on 07.31.09 9:00 am |
Here is the game
http://www.baseball-...
The guy at bat gave it away.
#11 by Tom V on 07.31.09 9:02 am |
To “Gusto”:
Easy big fella…
#12 by Goalie007 on 07.31.09 9:05 am |
I really enjoyed seeing The Coliseum stuff, spent alot of time there over the years. My sister’s college graduation was there (University of Akron, 1976).Very cool to see the Miracle of Richfield again. Dick Snyder is a native of my hometown, North Canton, OH. He was also a great HS quarterback at North Canton Hoover (member of the Stark County HS Football Hall of Fame). To Jim, Doug, Brian, Vince, Paul, Matt, and all the other Uni Watchers I met at the gathering last night, it was great to meet everybody and now be able to put a face to the names I read. Had a great time, best wishes and safe traveling to everybody. – Dan
#13 by gusto on 07.31.09 9:06 am |
Tom V said:
Hey, with the exception of the mistake I made about the Cavs, I was just stating the facts.
#14 by mmwatkin on 07.31.09 9:06 am |
Apparently, a brick wall covered by ivy is padded enough for baseball players running at full speed…but inadequate for fully padded football players
http://media1.suntim...
#15 by adam on 07.31.09 9:10 am |
HA HA HA!!! Even the chowderheads are saying their broken curses are tainted!!!!
http://www.boston.co...
#16 by leon on 07.31.09 9:15 am |
“Dead Ball Era”…. Took me a minute. I was focusing on riffing about “tainted” and almost missed it. This swine enjoys all pearls.
This reminded me of when Fran Tarkenton hosted SNL and admonished that steroids would “turn your grapes into raisins”.
good stuff
#17 by Johnny O on 07.31.09 9:18 am |
OK… I will set the over/under at six bids for MPowers on those Retro Jordans:
http://cgi.ebay.com/...
Just playing with you Matt. Hope all is well out East.
#18 by KT on 07.31.09 9:20 am |
Does the site look strange to anybody else? Or is it just me?
#19 by BirdsBrain on 07.31.09 9:24 am |
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES JIM JOHNSON MEMORIAL
Sticker on helmets at training camp in photo link below. Patch (similar to GU patches from last year) will be on left shoulder of game jerseys according to Eagles Front Office.
http://www.philadelp...
#20 by Neill on 07.31.09 9:29 am |
new manchester city away kit:
http://www.footballs...
not as nice as their home jersey:
http://www.worldsocc... ,
but still quite nice
#21 by Bernard Shakey on 07.31.09 9:33 am |
Well, I guess the Coliseum talk was timely. Nicely done, Jim – thanks for the article. Also, nice score with the pre-demolition walk-thru. I’ll bet if you could do it over again, you and Tom would have rented a semi instead of the daily drivers!! Great to meet everyone last night.
Matt & Amy
#22 by TommyD on 07.31.09 9:35 am |
That coliseum stuff was superb. Love the drive safely sign in your garage. well done.
#23 by Prexy Hater on 07.31.09 9:38 am |
Nice stadiums. Nice uniforms.
Two of the world’s most famous athletes in the world (for now).
Cleveland needs a championship. Perhaps the NFL’s parity will get the Browns to the Super Bowl (two words, not one).
#24 by Hugh on 07.31.09 9:50 am |
‘When I paaaaaaaaaint my masterpiece’. Appreciated the Dylan lyrics sprinkled throughout the Coliseum story.
#25 by iLO on 07.31.09 9:53 am |
Bucs wearing the Orange and Cream. I likes…I likes. It’s to bad it was coincidentally synonymous with losing. Personally, i think it has nothing to do with the uniform but I do like these better than the pewter stuff.
As for the Bills….I’d like to see 1983 uniforms with the white helmet and current Bill logo. Those are nice!
#26 by LI Phil on 07.31.09 9:55 am |
regarding the buffalo bills throwbacks, a reader just sent this story in
note the second paragraph:
LI Phil said:
ricko can come off the ledge now ;)
#27 by Ricko on 07.31.09 10:00 am |
“Having rushed to the game directly from choir practice, Robert pulled his stirrups over his street socks, saying, ‘Hey, it’s what Lyle from accounting does’.”
http://farm3.static....
–Ricko
#28 by gusto on 07.31.09 10:03 am |
I wish the Bills would lose their current uniforms, possibly the worst in NFL history, and return to either the 1960s or 1970s version. Also, they need to ditch the red helmet, and return to the white.
#29 by Ricko on 07.31.09 10:04 am |
LI Phil said:
Was gonna mention in my post that the throwbacks were more accurate.
But it still begs the question…”If you’re gonna just make up a uniform, why bother?”
“As a tribute to Stan Musial, I’ll bat right-handed and wear white cleats.” Huh?
—Ricko
#30 by CJ on 07.31.09 10:05 am |
As a Phils fan, I like the Ibanez shirt. But I’m biased.
Man U kits; I like the design but hate the squad. If I was a fan, I would buy the keeper shirt in a heartbeat. Might get the socks anyway. Even as a Nike hater in all forms, and being a complete adidas whore, I gotta give them credit.
#31 by CJ on 07.31.09 10:12 am |
Found moments after I posted:
http://cgi.ebay.com/...
A Cleveland Force longsleeve jersey if the link fails.
#32 by Perry on 07.31.09 10:13 am |
Given the hint about the theme, this was pretty easy to get. Gotta be this one:
http://www.baseball-...
#33 by Komet17 on 07.31.09 10:13 am |
OK, I give up: Why was the “guess the game” from yesterday (Thur 7/30) so historic?
#34 by Matt Brosseau on 07.31.09 10:14 am |
On the Mets radio broadcast last night, Howie Rose was getting pretty exercised about how the Rockies were wearing the road pinstripes, and that the Mets decided to wear black/black/white. He specifically mentioned that the Mets’ home pinstripes had only been worn 5 times so far this year.
Is Howie a UW reader? He was reporting these facts with great gusto.
#35 by bill on 07.31.09 10:16 am |
Thanks for the gallery of old photos of the Bears at Wrigley Field. Particularly enjoyed the one of “The Giffer” hauling in a touchdown pass while wearing tennis shoes.
#36 by Ricko on 07.31.09 10:25 am |
Ricko said:
I know, I know, all bets off for softball.
:)
—Ricko
#37 by mike on 07.31.09 10:29 am |
Jim Riggleman wearing faux stirrups? http://dcist.com/200...
#38 by Big Al on 07.31.09 10:29 am |
Good job by you, Jim Vilk. Enjoyable read.
#39 by PC Mackin on 07.31.09 10:31 am |
gusto said:
Just for the record Cleveland has won 6 NFL championships and 10 pro football titles.
NFL: 1925 (Indians), 1945 (Rams) & Browns (4)
AAFC: Browns 1946-1949.
If you’re going to count them, count them right!
#40 by drewdez on 07.31.09 10:32 am |
scoreboard game: http://www.baseball-...
#41 by LI Phil on 07.31.09 10:33 am |
Matt Brosseau said:
howie is actually incorrect, but close
they’ve worn the home pins only SIX times (four times with blue caps/sleeves, twice with black/blue caps & black sleeves)
their last two home sunday dates, one a ESPN night game vs. the yanks and the last one, the sunday before the ASG break, they STOPPED wearing the pins…i thought maybe the yankee game was an aberration, being a national tv night game, but the sunday game with the reds before break was a normal afternoon game
which is now possibly a “trend” … are they dropping the pins altogether? i guess we’ll find out this sunday when they play the d-bags
(and i know howie and paul text [or email] each other, so it wouldn’t surprise me if he’s a reader, btw)
#42 by marc on 07.31.09 10:34 am |
had a great time last nite meeting paul and fellow uni-watchers in cleveland (i was the guy who showed up after 9, btw). conversation ran the gamut from the ongoing sorry state of cleveland sports to the late, great “sisters chicken and biscuits.” thanks again, paul, for getting us all together!
ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE richfield coliseum content today, guys! i have many fond memories of being there… from the “miracle of richfield” (got to see the cavs defeat the bullets), to my very first concert (kiss in ‘79), to my high school graduation in ‘85. great venue, great location (albeit a bit off the beaten path and in the heart of the snow belt) and a lot of great events. r.i.p. coliseum!
#43 by Perry on 07.31.09 10:35 am |
Komet17 said:
I’m guessing it was Fisk’s first home game as a White Sock.
#44 by chiarams on 07.31.09 10:39 am |
Great stuff about Richfield.
Interesting side-note – the seats from the Coliseum were actually purchased, refurbished, and installed in the Blue Cross Arena (former War Memorial) in Rochester, NY.
#45 by Ricko on 07.31.09 10:40 am |
Why would the Mets want to dress like this anyway?
http://a.espncdn.com...
They ever do anything memorable in that uni?
(eyeroll)
#46 by Larry Kurtze on 07.31.09 10:41 am |
To follow up on yesterday’s guess the game from the scoreboard, the game was the White Sox home opener on 4/14/1981. I’ve seen the pic may times before, including as part of the upper deck concourse murals at The Cell.
The game itself was the first home game for Jerry Reinsdorf’s new ownership group, which made a huge splash signing Carlton Fisk and Greg Luzinski, the first credible free agent signings by the White Sox since 1977. Fisk was already my new hero (I was 10) for hitting a 3 run homer on opening day in Boston. For the home opener, he hit a grand slam as part of a 6 run 4th. Three games into the new season, a culture of losing had been replaced by legitimate playoff hopes.
#47 by leon on 07.31.09 10:42 am |
“sisters chicken and biscuits.”
Ironically, there are no sisters in any of the photos.
:)
#48 by Hott Rodd on 07.31.09 10:43 am |
Hott Rodd said:
Ugh… we’re playing the Muts this weekend? Blah.
#49 by marc on 07.31.09 10:44 am |
PC Mackin said:
i completely forgot the rams (’45) and (not the football indians, but…) bulldogs (’24) won titles. great catch!!! you also might be able to technically include the canton bulldogs’ championships from ‘22 and ‘23 as well — them being awfully close to the greater cleveland area and all — but i don’t think that’d sit too well with the folks in canton!
#50 by CoachKing on 07.31.09 10:45 am |
Patrick O’Donnell said:
As a follower of the Toffees, I will take Man U’s jersey over the abymsmal additions that Everton put out this year.
Everton Home Kit
Everton Away Kit
#51 by PC Mackin on 07.31.09 10:47 am |
marc said:
You’re right about it being the 1924 Indians and not 1925. That’s what happens when you’re in too big a hurry to correct someone else- you inevitably make a mistake yourself! :)
Canton’s titles are Canton’s, not Cleveland’s, of that there is no doubt!
#52 by Ricko on 07.31.09 10:47 am |
mike said:
Naturally. They do things right in D.C.
#53 by JimV19 on 07.31.09 10:48 am |
Goalie007 said:
Great to meet you too, Dan!
They did high school graduations there as well, including mine. Didn’t get my cap and gown order placed in time, though, so I couldn’t take part. Oh well.
#54 by JimV19 on 07.31.09 10:51 am |
CJ said:
Darn! It’s a small, or else that would have been nice. Hope it goes to a good home.
#55 by Mike Engle on 07.31.09 10:54 am |
Re: The “Rauuuuuuuuulll” jersey-t-shirt: The cat’s been out of the bag for a while now. I’ve seen Yankees “A-ROD” and “JOBA” and Mets “K-ROD” jersey-t-shirts, all by Majestic. I’ve yet to see a similar Red Sox “BIG PAPI” however.
Opinion time: on these jersey-t-shirts, NOB’s other than LNOB’s (e.g.: “A-ROD” instead of “RODRIGUEZ”) look the least stupid on Yankees shirts. This could mean I am subconsciously allowing NOB artistic liberty on Yankees shirts (which should be NNOB, but no doubt the MLBPA has something to say about that).
#56 by Ricko on 07.31.09 10:54 am |
So, did you manage to avoid mentioning V— or F—- at the UW get-together last night?
(”Yes” or “No” will suffice; no sense getting started again, LOL)
#57 by mtjaws on 07.31.09 10:55 am |
Hott Rodd said:
The Snakes can beat the Mets. Just need some mistake-free play. I hope it happens.
Those Air Jordan Space Jam black sneakers are very nice and understated. I’d like a pair.
#58 by LI Phil on 07.31.09 10:57 am |
LI Phil said:
you forgot the [sarcasm][/sarcasm] tags, didn’t you ;)
#59 by anotherguy on 07.31.09 10:58 am |
Larry Kurtze said:
That’s about what I was going to say when someone asked why the game was “iconic”. Coming out of the Veeck era with his rent-a-players such as Zisk and Gamble, this was a new way of thinking for Sox fans.
#60 by chance michaels on 07.31.09 10:58 am |
LI Phil said:
FWIW, the official photos displayed on scoreboards at home and on the road when a player comes to bat show the Mets in snow white jerseys with traditional blue caps.
#61 by Mike Engle on 07.31.09 10:58 am |
LI Phil said:
Have the Mets ever worn black tops over pinstripes? Or have they ever worn a hat other than the all-black with the black tops? Just curious to see how atrocious those combos would be if they exist.
#62 by JimV19 on 07.31.09 11:00 am |
CoachKing said:
Yikes!
By the way, that’s definitely not “powder red” stripes on the away kit…
#63 by denis on 07.31.09 11:00 am |
Nice article on Hockey patches.
http://sports.yahoo....
#64 by Broadway Connie on 07.31.09 11:02 am |
“… OCD DIYer Robert Marshall, whose team apparently won their softball game yesterday, sent this awesome pic of his hosiery (at least I think that’s his legs) …”
*****
Not only does RM boast spectacularly well-hosed calves. His proposal for new ChiSox unis a couple of days ago was, imho, the best of the bunch by far. And every morning (for the rest of my life) I greet the RM custom-made bobblehead atop my dresser. I am deep in his debt.
Though I think I paid him for the bobblehead.
#65 by LI Phil on 07.31.09 11:02 am |
LI Phil said:
to my knowledge, no
LI Phil said:
again, i do not believe so…and i will NOT be mocking those up either
#66 by JimV19 on 07.31.09 11:04 am |
Ricko said:
Yes, thankfully. :)
#67 by JimV19 on 07.31.09 11:10 am |
Bernard Shakey said:
Yeah, I shudder to think what’s buried out there. Would have been great to have a real truck. Great to meet you.
#68 by Ricko on 07.31.09 11:16 am |
How ’bout this as suggested rule change for MLB?
“Pantlegs, including any bloused fabric, shall extend no lower than mid-calf.”
Right. Probably end up with the Players Association filing a suit about “freedom of expression” or somethig.
#69 by Fight on 07.31.09 11:18 am |
Matt Powers and other sneakerheads, check this out and then go buy the game: http://nicekicks.com...
#70 by JimV19 on 07.31.09 11:20 am |
marc said:
Glad to see you at the gathering. I missed out on the chicken and biscuits discussion, though. That’s right up my alley. A sign I saw while driving through SE Ohio fits me perfectly: “Where I come from, gravy is considered a beverage.”
#71 by LI Phil on 07.31.09 11:20 am |
LI Phil said:
y’know…damn you engle…
i just had to see for myself…
black top over pins
black top w/black crown/blue bill
ugh…let us never speak of this again
#72 by mtjaws on 07.31.09 11:21 am |
LI Phil said:
Not at all. Almost all black, with a little white and blue looks nice. And, they look like normal laces and materials, not the odd variations that many Jordans have. The toe looks a little shiny though.
After finally reading the main Richfield article, I’d love to have “looted” an arena like that. I’d try to get all I could. Good writings.
#73 by marc on 07.31.09 11:30 am |
gusto said:
it ain’t good, brother. it. ain’t. good. swept by the spurs, two outs away in ‘97, outpitched by the braves, the shot, the fumble, the drive, red-right 88… where there’s pain as sports fans, we have a name for it… and a wiki entry.
lebron and shaq have given us much to hope for which is awesome… but my dirty little secret — and i’m willing to bet it’s the same for a lot of cleveland sports fans — is it won’t be the real deal till the lombardi trophy makes an appearance. now, don’t get me wrong… i’ll be more than ecstatic with an nba or mlb championship, but my heart’s shaped like an oblate spheroid, so i won’t be completely satisfied until the town is painted brown and orange in february.
#74 by Hibbsy on 07.31.09 11:35 am |
There were a lot of wicked mullets in that Crunch footage. Despite Jagr’s efforts, no sport sported that look better than indoor soccer.
#75 by Teebz on 07.31.09 11:36 am |
gusto said:
How is it a fact when you wrote:
gusto said:
I’m quite certain it was not easier to win a Stanley Cup when there were six teams. The teams were stacked top to bottom with talent, and all of them could play. Just because there’s less teams doesn’t make it easier to win the Stanley Cup. Your chances go up, but you still have to win.
#76 by Teebz on 07.31.09 11:37 am |
Jim, love the old stadium stuff. My dream is to have a man-cave full of that kind of stuff. You, sir, are an inspiration.
#77 by JimV19 on 07.31.09 11:41 am |
Mike Engle said:
Wish I knew how to post it on here, but a friend of mine on Facebook has a rendering of an Indians jersey-t with TRADEMENEXT as the NOB and 09 as the number. I’m normally not into goofy NOBs, but I’d get a Pirates version of that one.
#78 by anotherguy on 07.31.09 11:57 am |
Ricko said:
Plus the inevitable lawsuit over what constitutes “mid” calf.
#79 by Tony on 07.31.09 11:58 am |
Love the creamsicle unis! Just ordered a Ward jersey, the only one still left in 3-extra fat.
#80 by leon on 07.31.09 12:08 pm |
Sorry, Marc
Gonna have to get all geometrical with you.
According to the Doc (and he oughta know).
An Americal football is a prolate spheroid. This means that its axis of
symmetry is longer than its other axes. Am M&M candy, on the other hand, is
an oblate spheroid. Its axis of symmetry is shorter than its other axes.
courtesy:
Richard E. Barrans Jr., Ph.D.
Assistant Director
PG Research Foundation, Darien, Illinois
#81 by Jim BC on 07.31.09 12:10 pm |
And the stripes are all wrong, too. The Bills never–repeat, never—wore that jersey.
—Ricko
You’re right Ricko… of course… so, why, why would the do this? Instead of this:
http://www.weirdwolf...
So I joined the discussion late last night and added the comment above to follow up on Ricko’s post.
It just seems odd to me that the Bills would put this together, call it a throwback and charge people $80 for a replica of something that never existed before. Too me it’s outrageous. It’s too bad, considering their blue throwbacks were the absolute best jersey worn in the NFL last year.
#82 by leon on 07.31.09 12:10 pm |
Oh, unless you meant an M&M.
:)
#83 by Leaky on 07.31.09 12:27 pm |
I’ve come to love the misguided efforts of Chris Creamer and UniWatchblog.com’ers who continually criticize team uniforms—and then decide to do their “own” versions, in this case the Bengals.
http://www.flickr.co...
The end results reminds and reinforms us why professional teams turn to real design firms to create the uniforms/logos?
Why? Because the amateurs submitted work always sucks.
#84 by Ricko on 07.31.09 12:40 pm |
Leaky said:
And the current Bengals’ unis don’t?
#85 by mike 2 on 07.31.09 12:57 pm |
I’ve got nothing to add on the Richfield Coliseum other than to mention that it also hosted the NHL, the late unlamented Cleveland Barons. Two years and done.
#86 by CJ on 07.31.09 1:00 pm |
JimV19 said:
At least you have self control. I have about 3 or 4 jerseys in my vintage soccer collection that don’t fit, that I still bought. “Of course I’ll fit into that extra small Germany 1994 World Cup shirt!”
#87 by Talon Lardner on 07.31.09 1:09 pm |
Leaky said:
To be honest, I can’t help but agree a little. Maybe not with the “always” part (Mike Hass’s, Andrew Greenwood’s, and Michael Schwartz’s are pretty decent, the rest are rather boring minimilist stuffs), but the two sites seem to have a very strong bias torwards “Old is Awesome, New Sucks” groupthink. Not that the above is always wrong, but I have noticed that people here tend to confuse “Simple” with “Classic”, and reject anything with individuality or flair.
Not all, of course, it’s just a trend I noticed. Nothing wrong with thinking that way, but it’s just starting to feel that the community expects EVERYONE here to feel that way. I hope I am wrong, though.
#88 by Hibbsy on 07.31.09 1:14 pm |
Leaky said:
I’ve come to love the misguided efforts of people who read this blog that shouldn’t. There are plenty of other reinformative sites.
#89 by Hibbsy on 07.31.09 1:16 pm |
Talon Lardner said:
I agree with this comment, but that earlier one was mean.
#90 by Ricko on 07.31.09 1:22 pm |
Hibbsy said:
Plus, it pre-supposed all who submit are “amateurs.” Many of them are professional designers who simply have never been selected to work on an NFL project. At the same time, we all have seen some some okay stuff come from Nike, for example, as well some horrendous work…and that’s the work of “professionals”.
Really is a case-by-case thing.
(Although, I also will admit a lotta times it DOES feel a little like we’re designing new uniforms for Star Fleet. LOL)
—Ricko
#91 by Hoes B4 Bros on 07.31.09 1:27 pm |
Hey crotch-sniffers, here are the Bucs throwbacks.
http://www2.tbo.com/...
#92 by Leaky on 07.31.09 1:37 pm |
Plus, it pre-supposed all who submit are “amateurs.” Many of them are professional designers who simply have never been selected to work on an NFL project. At the same time, we all have seen some some okay stuff come from Nike, for example, as well some horrendous work…and that’s the work of “professionals”.
It’s fine to redesign a team’s uniforms for the sheer fun of doing it but the thread regularly starts with… Oh the Wizards jerseys suck and here’s designs that are better… and rarely are they anywhere near as good… and this is with no millionaire owner having his wife try to tell you “why fuschia is the new black”…
Those that can do… those that can’t criticize. Period.
#93 by Mike Edgerly on 07.31.09 1:43 pm |
More info from this morning on Bucs creamsicle throwbacks. Also the normal “skirting” along the sideline walls in the RayJay will be creamsicle on November 8.
http://www2.tbo.com/...
#94 by CMP on 07.31.09 1:45 pm |
CMP said:
I immediately thought of Bob Weir, leaning back, belting out that line! One of my favorite GD covers. Thanks for putting a good tune in my head for the rest of the afternoon.
#95 by Hibbsy on 07.31.09 1:47 pm |
Leaky said:
I’ve always heard that we teach.
#96 by Hibbsy on 07.31.09 1:47 pm |
Exclamation point.
#97 by JTH on 07.31.09 1:57 pm |
Hibbsy said:
OK, next time I’m in a restaurant, when the waitress comes over and asks how the meal is, I’ll offer this in response: “Seeing as how I’m not a professional chef, I am not qualified to tell you that.” rather than mentioning that perhaps the meal could be improved if the chicken were fully cooked.
#98 by Berto on 07.31.09 2:03 pm |
Leaky said:
So does that mean you can’t do redesigns?
#99 by Berto on 07.31.09 2:05 pm |
“Savelyev also announced a change to the blue-and-orange uniforms.
‘Psychologists have told us that the current colour evokes revulsion”
Ouch, sorry Mets fans. But maybe it explains some things.
#100 by JimV19 on 07.31.09 2:14 pm |
Saying “The amateurs’ submitted work always sucks” sounds like a criticism…
It’s fine to say thanks but no thanks, I like the original better. It’s also fine to offer your own design instead. You did neither. I have no problem with your opinion, just the way you state it. And remember, some of these designs may be serious proposals, while others are just for fun. Organized sports sometimes sucks the fun out of things – let’s not do that here.
Game, set and match, JTH.
#101 by JimV19 on 07.31.09 2:17 pm |
JimV19 said:
I had a quote from JTH that reinforced my point but it vanished. That’s why the last sentence was there. Those who can’t do simple keying…
#102 by anotherguy on 07.31.09 2:19 pm |
leon said:
I didn’t know Proctor and Gamble moved to Darien.
Practically neighbors with Bo Jackson!
#103 by Ricko on 07.31.09 2:22 pm |
Hibbsy said:
That old saw doesn’t always hold up. Don’t have to be a great player to e a great coach. There have been, and are, some legendary coaches whose mental grasp of the game, and their ability to teach the game, far exceeded their physical skills at playing it.
Tiger Woods goes to swing coaches who couldn’t beat him getting 10 strokes a side.
But I will agree with “Leaky” that this site is, and always has been, about more than griping about unis and suggesting alternatives.
Problem is, it’s the Dog Day of Summer here, too. Not a helluva lot going on uni-wise, till we start checking out the football season.
—Ricko
#104 by anotherguy on 07.31.09 2:23 pm |
JimV19 said:
What and/or who is buried out there…
#105 by anotherguy on 07.31.09 2:29 pm |
Ricko said:
That’s the long and short of it for me.
Yesterday there was a focus on my team, I fired off many a post. Today, I’m not posting so much; I defer to the Cleveland crowd here.
I didn’t like every redesign yesterday: those which I liked, I said I liked and I tried to ignore the rest.
#106 by sgalob on 07.31.09 2:39 pm |
those were my pineapples legs, i don’t wear silver soccer spikes, i wear black baseball spikes, and put brand new white laces in them per ricko’s rules for the playoffs. and yes, we finally won a game this year 12-2 against a team of clowns who like to heckle girls, it was more then satisfying. we lost game 2 something like 27-2, but it didn’t matter. we also had uw reader mathew “shaggy” robins(who already had a pair of the teams stirrups) fill in as our illegal ringer.
but more importantly, i loooooooooved todays column, and i O jim vilk. i always knew i liked the cut of his jib, but jim you worked at the coliseum eh? i lived no more then 2 minutes down route 303 near it’s intersection with olde 91. in 1986/7(the 2 years i lived there)i would have been in high school, used to go to games almost nightly in the 4th quarter when you could get in for free, would go to puffers, and load up free food too. and i never met a beer vendor who would card me, there was never anybody in the brown yellow and orange seats, so everyone welcomed the sales, even to a minor(it was a different day too). but if you sold beer, you sold beer to me, i guarantee. how about those apples jim vilk? i could get into stories, but better not. and by the way jim vilk, i want that coliseum usher’s patch more then my next breath! seriously.
working out the kinks on the curling adaptations. if it goes well, i will let you know.
#107 by rpm on 07.31.09 2:47 pm |
didn’t realize i had not changed my name back to rpm. how long have i been doing this?
#108 by Berto on 07.31.09 2:53 pm |
rpm said:
A couple days at least. I was kind of wondering about the change but I figured you had your reasons.
#109 by Ricko on 07.31.09 2:57 pm |
“put brand new white laces in them per ricko’s rules for the playoffs. and yes, we finally won a game this yea, 12-2″
It’s the laces.
; )
—Ricko
#110 by JoeS on 07.31.09 3:01 pm |
Minnesota Vikings vs Wiscons Badgers
http://twitpic.com/c...
That is a pic from my NFHS high school football preseason guide showing two blatant uniform rip-offs. The stole the logos and uniforms and didn’t even bother using different colors. Sad, really. If I have to ref either of those teams I’m throwing a penalty flag out of principle.
#111 by rpm on 07.31.09 3:04 pm |
Berto said:
if only i had some powder blue panatloons.
#112 by Namhob on 07.31.09 3:08 pm |
In regards to those city flags jerseys by HHH, I got kinda bored (at work) and played around with the Reds jersey and Cincinnati’s flag http://www.enquirer.... to come up with this http://i400.photobuc...
#113 by rpm on 07.31.09 3:09 pm |
Berto said:
it was from when phil was teasing me for my writing, and someone suggested that there be a glossary term for assclowner’s disseased people like me. sgalob referred to Spelling Grammar And Lack Of B??? or something like that. either way, i am an idiot, but everyone already knows that.
#114 by JimV19 on 07.31.09 3:14 pm |
sgalob said:
Send me an email with your address. If I don’t have a spare patch lying around here then my brother does.
I did indeed sell beer. Not often, usually for the big games. Towards the end of my time we had to card, but yeah, I think we eyeballed it for a while. Wow, small world…
I got in free to a couple of games as a kid. Tom dated an usherette (yep, that’s what we called the ladies), so even when I bought a $2.50 ticket (the one advantage of the Ted Stepien era) she’d get me a floor seat if one was available.
It wouldn’t quite work to make an “I’m Calling It The Coliseum” shirt for “the Q,” but I’d like an “I’d Rather See ‘em at The Coliseum” shirt…
#115 by JTH on 07.31.09 3:18 pm |
rpm said:
I think it was originally “sgalop” with the P for “puctuation” Somewhere in the last week or so, you went back to rpm, then I think there was something else and then to “sgalob”. We know better than to ask why.
#116 by Namhob on 07.31.09 3:20 pm |
Namhob said:
Though, I’m not saying it’s any good and apparently since I don’t do this for a living, it already carries the criticism of “it sucks”
#117 by JimV19 on 07.31.09 3:20 pm |
rpm said:
It was supposed to be sgalop (…Lack Of Punctuation). I had suggested dropping the S and calling you galop, but you misspelled your own nickname. Those who can’t spell…make excellent stirrup choices and bobbleheads. Hey, no one can be perfect, right? ;)
#118 by LI Phil on 07.31.09 3:21 pm |
Namhob said:
nice
you may (or may not) want to check back tomorrow
#119 by JTH on 07.31.09 3:23 pm |
JTH said:
Yikes.
S.G.A.L.O.P indeed.
#120 by JimV19 on 07.31.09 3:24 pm |
Namhob said:
That would make an excellent indoor soccer jersey! Not too bad for baseball, either…
#121 by Mike Engle on 07.31.09 3:25 pm |
sgalob said:
Chorus!
Jim Vilk!
Motherf*cker!
Jim Vilk!
Motherf*cker!
OK, away for a while, back for some quality time with my vibraphone.
#122 by DenverGregg on 07.31.09 3:30 pm |
Mike Engle said:
I envy everyone who has a vibraphone. If ever I get rich, I’m getting a good one and a 52 long (or size-of-the-day) jade colored zoot suit to wear while playing it.
#123 by JimV19 on 07.31.09 3:31 pm |
Mike Engle said:
Ah, you remembered!
Vibraphone, huh? Can you play the solo from Moonlight Feels Right? If I had to have one song from the 70s, that’s the one.
#124 by LI Phil on 07.31.09 3:34 pm |
LI Phil said:
tmfi
#125 by Wes on 07.31.09 3:35 pm |
Uniwatch got a plug today from Donna Bowman of the Onion’s AV Club. Each staffer listed the web sites they visit while wasting time at work. Given the number of comments that show up on this site during business hours (this one included), I’d say Donna is not alone.
Here’s her quote: “And professional packaging noticer Paul Lukas dissects all the sports-uniform trends you never thought you needed to know at Uni Watch.”
Never heard that particular job description before!
And the link:
http://www.avclub.co...
#126 by HIJKMNOP on 07.31.09 3:49 pm |
Heard it was a slow day out there-here’s one for you, JimV19
http://cgi.ebay.com/...
#127 by rpm on 07.31.09 4:00 pm |
JimV19 said:
ha ha ha ha
if this was a family bbq, and not a blog, sometimes i think you guys treat me like your 1/2 wit family member who puts buckets on his head and runs into walls, and may or may not boggar eating prollem. you guys are all standing around chatting like right proper adults, perhaps eating a hamburger sandwich, and i go zooming by and smash my head, you don’t flinch, that’s just rpm you think without batting an eye. but then there is the love, someone remembers the jim vilk song, like bringing me an ice cold beer after i wake up from knocking myself out. what a family!
how did i misspell disease when i am referring to a misspelling deisease? oops.
i once built a theremin, i know it is no vibraphone, but the name is almost as groovy.
#128 by rpm on 07.31.09 4:06 pm |
http://www.youtube.c...
#129 by JimV19 on 07.31.09 4:11 pm |
HIJKMNOP said:
Nice find! Thanks.
Before I was an Oiler fan (until they diched the blue helmets and I went to the Stillers), my two favorites were the Vikes and Bears. Wonder if I watched that game.
Now if I could just get a photo of David Lee as well…
#130 by JimV19 on 07.31.09 4:16 pm |
JimV19 said:
And they’re wearing white shoelaces, Ricko!
#131 by Ricko on 07.31.09 4:20 pm |
JimV19 said:
That’s the way they came out of the box back then (meaning white laces were standard).
—Ricko
#132 by Ricko on 07.31.09 4:25 pm |
Wow, Twins trade for Orlando Cabrera. First trading deadline deal since they got Shannon Stewart in 2003.
#133 by JimV19 on 07.31.09 4:26 pm |
The Indians should just go with no NOB from now on. Even with a program, no one’s going to know who’s playing for them. http://sports.espn.g...
No truth to the rumor that Slider the mascot is being shopped around for three minor league mascots…
#134 by Ricko on 07.31.09 4:30 pm |
JimV19 said:
Ditto for Pirates.
#135 by Hibbsy on 07.31.09 4:38 pm |
JimV19 said:
Aw man. I wish you had 2. I was taken with that patch as well. Kind of Canuckish.
Is that a brown one on the tan usher’s jacket?
Very Dee.
Built a theremin? Really?
#136 by JimV19 on 07.31.09 4:43 pm |
One more post before I go tackle my acre and a half of grass: http://sports.espn.g...
Chad hasn’t been in the news lately, so I’ve had to sit on this idea for a while – how about an orange and black t-shirt with “I’m Calling Him Chad Johnson” on it?
#137 by Ricko on 07.31.09 4:44 pm |
JimV19 said:
How ’bout…?
I say he’s still a Johnson.
#138 by rpm on 07.31.09 4:51 pm |
Hibbsy said:
yup. soldered togehter the circuitboard and all that shiznat.
jim, i can just post my addy…
1932 s. halsted st #507
chicago 60608
#139 by Ricko on 07.31.09 5:15 pm |
On the subject of the Bills, this one-year wonder (’62) doesn’t get mentioned much.
Sort of “Colts with red added” or “reverse-Patriots”.
http://farm3.static....
http://farm4.static....
And the roads in black and white (why is #27’s number red with a royal edge? I have NO idea)…
http://farm3.static....
—Ricko
#140 by Wes on 07.31.09 5:17 pm |
JimV19 said:
Ha! Love this idea! I would definitely wear that if I were a Bengals fan. But thankfully I’m not.
#141 by Ricko on 07.31.09 5:18 pm |
Just occured to me (after all these years, LOL) that #27 almost looks like home numbers (white edged in red). Now THAT would have look weird in person.
#142 by anotherguy on 07.31.09 5:20 pm |
Ricko said:
Money, it’s GOTTA be the shoes! It’s the shoes!
#143 by Scott Little on 07.31.09 5:37 pm |
Loved the stadium looting piece! And excellent shoe coverage today! What a fantastic Friday!!!
To celebrate, some shoe porn for the Powers types:
http://www.burnsshoe...
#144 by Chuck on 07.31.09 5:50 pm |
marc said:
I had a blast last night also! Paul went around and chatted one on one to everyone who showed up. Very classy!
#145 by Ricko on 07.31.09 6:13 pm |
Wes said:
Maybe this…?
A JOHNSON BY
ANY OTHER NAME…
(Very Shakespearean)
#146 by rpm on 07.31.09 6:13 pm |
jim, i meant to ask earlier…
how come you have not incorporated that stadium replica into one of your pieces?
#147 by Ricko on 07.31.09 6:34 pm |
Attention, Stirrup Society members…
When you get your socks, you also can call them “Beaver socks”…if you want.
http://farm4.static....
#148 by rpm on 07.31.09 6:48 pm |
jim~
maybe we can team up, and make one of these. give the video some time, you get a good look.
#149 by =bg= on 07.31.09 7:51 pm |
Leaky said:
I applaud creativity. Meanwhile, all you do is cut people down for their interest. Yeah, your opinion carries a lot of weight with me, alright.
#150 by LI Phil on 07.31.09 7:59 pm |
it appears as though i spoke to soon about the mets in pins
because tonight is latin appreciation night
which means
los pinstripes
#151 by Mike Engle on 07.31.09 8:09 pm |
LI Phil said:
And el worst Latino special jersey in the bigs. The Cerveceros and the Gigantes obviously take the time to make special jerseys, as did Los Rangers in their “old-school script meets double-decker nightmare on front” jerseys. The Los Mets jerseys look like regular Mets jersey with “Los” slapped on and squeezed in five minutes ago. Just looks lame.
And in off-the-field hi-jinks, two days ago, I was at “Shea” to see the Mets and Rockies get rained out before the first pitch. I saw a fan wear the worst jersey I’ve ever seen. An authentic modern gray Mets roadie with the Inaugural Season pizza patch on the right sleeve. Now we all know the pizza patch doesn’t go on the gray tops, but to add insult to injury, this fan’s pizza patch was straight up and down, not on the diagonal like it should be. Just terrible.
#152 by anotherguy on 07.31.09 8:15 pm |
Ricko said:
Ricko, on behalf of the entire blog I want to say that no, we have no interest in seeing your “Magic Johnson”.
#153 by Patrick in MI on 07.31.09 8:17 pm |
Excellent post today about the Richfield Coliseum and the treasures you got from it, Jim. I always thought it was an odd place for an arena, so far out in the sticks. And speaking of Cleveland, I’m watching the Indians game right now and can see the “one cap per inning guy” in the crowd. I know this was covered in the past but I’m too lazy (and I’m getting ready to leave) to look it up.
#154 by Bernard on 07.31.09 8:40 pm |
Ricko said:
The latest rumor here in the Burgh is the Pirates are working on a deal to send PNC Park to Minnesota for three rows of Metrodome seats and a gallon of Kool-Aid. The major hang-up is “grape” vs. “cherry”…
#155 by anotherguy on 07.31.09 9:07 pm |
Bernard said:
Hold out for the Baggie.
#156 by Ricko on 07.31.09 9:15 pm |
Wow, the two games I’m getting tonight—Yanks at White Sox, Angels at Twins—both have the home team in all white (with pins, obviously) and the visiting team in all gray.
Looks weird.
Good, but weird.
—Ricko
#157 by JimV19 on 07.31.09 9:26 pm |
Ricko said:
I like! Now that’s a throwback I doubt anyone could mess up…
#158 by aflfan on 07.31.09 9:33 pm |
JimV19 said:
But they are still beating the Tigers
#159 by JimV19 on 07.31.09 9:40 pm |
rpm said:
That was the first thing I thought of when I saw it. If it were a model of the Coliseum instead of the Q I would have done more than think. Took me a few years to accept reality and go to a game at the Q, but I still have issues with the place. Also, the model is freakin’ heavy.
While writing this article I got the idea that I could make it into a baseball stadium. That never occured to me before, but I think that’s more do-able.
#160 by aflfan on 07.31.09 9:41 pm |
According to the graphics they keep showing on the screen during the Tigers game, Washburn will wear number 57.
#161 by Mike Engle on 07.31.09 9:57 pm |
JimV19 said:
Sorry Jim, have no idea what song you’re talking about. Remember, I’m so young, Ricko was born older than my current age. ;-)
#162 by Ricko on 07.31.09 10:00 pm |
Cabrera will join Twins in time for tomorrow’s game and, according to the team’s website, keep his #18.
—Ricko
#163 by JimV19 on 07.31.09 10:02 pm |
rpm said:
THAT just blew my mind. WOW. Puts the ol’ curling game to shame. I had ideas of building a combination stereo/scale model of the Coliseum (pretend the music or sporting event is coming from inside), but to combine a keyboard and a hockey game – genius.
How’d you say it before…my head just essploded!
#164 by Mike Engle on 07.31.09 10:03 pm |
Ricko said:
I wouldn’t be so sure. Those team websites are generally slow to change certain “unknown” characteristics. Don’t know how to properly articulate this thought, but basically, don’t count on Hal Gill wearing #2 and Scott Gomez wearing #19 for the Habs as each did with another team last year. The team website WILL be wrong on those examples because #2 and #19 are both retired numbers.
(Unless the Twins had no #18 and Cabrera could just take it without a problem. Then everything I just said would be a moot point.)
#165 by JimV19 on 07.31.09 10:07 pm |
#166 by Michael Lewis on 07.31.09 10:17 pm |
Last one to this party, I see…
http://baseball-alma...
Yeah, the batter is how I figured out the year. I’m not that great at this, but that was pretty fun.
#167 by Ricko on 07.31.09 10:19 pm |
Mike Engle said:
Twins don’t have a #18, and he’s already listed on the 40-man roster as #18….at the site.
#168 by Ricko on 07.31.09 10:34 pm |
JimV19 said:
I dunno. Probably end up looking like this…
http://farm3.static....
#169 by JimV19 on 07.31.09 10:36 pm |
Mike Engle said:
Yeah, just noticed you were born when Jordan’s shot beat the Cavs at the Coliseum. Ping! Another gray hair just popped up on my head…
Listening to your stuff right now – outstanding!
Guys, check out Mike: http://www.youtube.c...
#170 by JimV19 on 07.31.09 10:46 pm |
By the way, thanks to everyone who liked the article. It was fun to write, and it was fun digging through Tom’s stuff. One side benefit: while going through his boxes, I found a bag with some other sports items…and something shiny. I looked at him and asked, “Is that a ring?” “Yeah…that was my wedding ring. I was just wondering the other day where that went.”
Oh, and Ricko, a big “Woof woof woof!” for the Benchies. Keep ‘em coming.
Thanks, Phil and Paul.
#171 by Ricko on 07.31.09 10:46 pm |
Guys, check out Mike: http://www.youtube.c...
Have I a cd we can get hold of, Mike?
—Ricko
#172 by Mike Engle on 07.31.09 10:54 pm |
Ricko said:
Not yet. Need more original compositions. :-/
#173 by Mike Engle on 07.31.09 10:55 pm |
Mike Engle said:
PS: There’s more stuff…just click on my name right by the comment number. I always keep the URI set to my MySpace.
#174 by rpm on 07.31.09 11:30 pm |
JimV19 said:
ha, yes, essplode, but this guy’s work might even dedserve one more s’s and o’s… esssplooode
#175 by rpm on 07.31.09 11:36 pm |
JimV19 said:
mike! that is awesome. you are not anywhere near chicago are you? if so, i need a band for an art show, would you be interested? are you familiar with a band that i don’t think is around anymore called 5 style?
#176 by Mike Engle on 07.31.09 11:46 pm |
rpm said:
Unfortunately, Robert, I’m not even in your time zone. I live in NYC and study in Montreal, so I can’t do your art show.
#177 by JTH on 08.01.09 12:05 am |
Mike Engle said:
Did you ever run into a musical group, works out of Kansas City, calls themselves Four Jacks and a Jill?
They’ve been at a Ramada Inn there for about 18 months. If you’re ever in Kansas City and you want to hear some good music you might want to drop by.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
You live in New York but you study in Montreal? And I thought my daily commute was a bitch.
#178 by LI Phil on 08.01.09 12:16 am |
JTH said:
may i start by saying how thrilled we are to have mike here…we are such fans of his music and all of his records…i’m not speaking of his personally, but the whole genre of the rock and roll
#179 by Hibbsy on 08.01.09 3:24 am |
I went to the Cardinals’ game tonight.
Man.
I don’t like going to sporting events.
They are boring.
Big time boring.
We left early to hang out with friends, and hanging out with friends was infinitely better.
My attention span is shit.
J Roc and the Roc Pile? See what sayin? Know what I’m sayin? See what I’m sayin?
#180 by Hibbsy on 08.01.09 3:30 am |
Went to Arlington Hardware to buy some electrical tape.
It’s all down hill from here.
Fuck DIY
We jam econo.
#181 by digizak on 08.03.09 1:28 pm |
I am a Bowling Green State University grad and the old score board from the Richfield Colisem is now in Anderson Arena. Here is a link with an image of it. You can see it at the bottom of the page.
http://www.bgsufalco...
#182 by glenn on 08.07.09 9:18 am |
i have some of the floor seats also,i use them on my porch.