Update Edition
November 18,
2008 | Kevin Zdancewicz
Covering uniforms is a lot
more
dynamic than one might think. I have written over 20 JOTW columns and I
always
seem to stumble upon updates or just things I missed regarding jerseys
that I
have highlighted in them. For a number of these finds, I have gone back
and
added updates to the archives, but since I don't believe too many
people comb
through past columns that often it means not everyone interested has
gotten a
chance to check out some of the further developments post-column. But
have no
fear, for today's JOTW I have compiled a list of updates from previous
columns
as well as a feature photo of Hershey Bears’ throwbacks from last
season just
because, well, look at them! The column being addressed is linked first
and
then the update follows. Be forewarned: it's a linkfest if there ever
was one.
Enjoy!
JOTW:
Blackout in Oregon
This column covered Oregon's
all-black basketball uniforms with black lettering, making them look
essentially like practice
jerseys. Well, now the school is apparently going for a white-out
with a new look unveiled for this season. Also, I mentioned in this
column that
we had to look out for new Oregon baseball uniforms for spring 2009,
when the
school resurrects its 29-year dormant program. Turns out I
was
right. (Also, for the sake of it: Oregon football wore this
on Saturday.)
JOTW:
The Future in 1999
MLB's Turn Ahead the Clock
program
appears to be a fan favorite topic as this is my most read column to
date (or
just most clicked on, depending on your view of the hits counter). One
update
to share: While most teams just wore their regular pants for the TATC
event,
during the initial future uniform game between the Mariners and Royals
a year
before the league-wide promotion (details here),
the Royals
wore special
pants for
the occasion. Also, in this column I talked about how I wished we could
see
what Arizona’s wrap-around
snake uniforms would look like with names and numbers. Well, I
later got my
wish and unveiled it in JOTW:
Clashing Pinstripes.
JOTW:
What's In a (City) Name?
Cross the Orioles off the
list of
teams that use only their nickname on the front of their jerseys. The
team
unveiled new jerseys last week that feature "Baltimore"
on the front of the gray road jerseys for the first time since
1972. Also,
in an apparent ploy to get Baltimore on each uniform set, there is a new
patch on the home jersey sleeve and a wordmark on the black
alternate jersey. The Oriole Bird logo has been altered as well.
JOTW:
Talkin' Socks (and Stirrups)
I posted two updates to this
column
after it originally ran. First, it turns out that colored sanitary
socks were
big in California, as the San Diego Padres rocked
yellow sanitaries for a while and the San Francisco Giants wore
orange sanis for a few years in the late 1970s. It's also
interesting to
note from
these links that it appears neither team had a gray road uniform during
this
period of time. Second, upon further research it appears that I should
have done
some more extensive research on colored sanitaries. The Milwaukee
Brewers
joined in on the action with yellow
undersocks in the mid-70s just prior to introducing one of the coolest
logos ever.
JOTW:
Clashing Pinstripes
I added an update to this
column a
few weeks after it ran when I received a couple new photos of the
Diamondbacks' white
hats with pinstriped
jerseys. Check them out.
JOTW:
Kicking It Old School - Part 2
Since the second installment
of
the
JOTW Throwback Series several teams have announced or worn throwback
jerseys in
the NHL. The Edmonton
Oilers and Toronto Maple Leafs were mentioned in the column
as planning to unveil throwbacks. Add the New
York Islanders to that list, as well. The
Canadians will be
wearing a
number of classic,
throwback jerseys throughout the season in celebration of their
100th
season. Also, following the lead of last season's Winter Classic
participants,
the 2009 edition will feature old-time
throwbacks from the Chicago Blackhawks and Detroit Red Wings.
JOTW:
A Blip for the Blue and Silver
I realized after the fact
that I
neglected to link to other two NFL franchises that have worn royal blue
pants.
They are the Buffalo
Bills from 1973-1985 (12 years!) and the New
York Giants
in 1975
and 1976. The Bills are further noteworthy for the red
socks they
paired
with their royal blue pants in the early '80s. Also, while looking up
these
links I found another interesting look that I didn't know about: the
Denver
Broncos wore orange
pants
in 1968. (Update: There was actually a fourth team that wore royal blue
pants in the NFL, the Indianapolis
Colts in 1995.)
Finally, quasi-related to
JOTW: Looking Nice on the Ice: the Washington Capitals (my favorite
hockey
team) redesigned their jerseys in congruence with the NHL adopting a
league-wide jersey template by Reebok. I don't like the new jerseys
much, but
realized that the main reason why is the extra color panel along the
front side
of the sleeve. So, I did what anyone in the digital age should do when
they are
upset with something: I
photoshopped it.
Photo
Courtesy of Photobucket
Jersey of the Week Archive
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