MORE LOGO LORE
More on the use of manufacturer logos in the majors and minors of baseball starts off the column.
BP jerseys first sported sleeve logos with those made by Rawlings in 1987. A lot of teams ordered from both Rawlings and Majestic, who scored a BP jersey deal with MLB and was allowed to add sleeve logos in 1990.
The original Majestic logo was the simple word “Majestic”, and was used until 1993. In 1994, a fancy logo combining the supplier name with a multi-color twin peaks logo, and kept that logo until 1999, after which the one color twin peaks logo surfaced, and has been used from 2000 up to the present. As was the case with game jerseys, the 1994-99 logo did carry over to some 2000 BPs
Rawlings logos were two in design since 1987. The company name in script was used from 1987-97. A R in an oval became the norm in 1998. As was the case with Russell in the 1990’s, either could put a sleeve logo on a BP shirt while they were contracted as an official MLB uniform supplier. That means for Rawlings 1987-91. Anything from 1992-99 that has a Rawlings sleeve logo on the left is a minor league jersey, such as several Class A and AA Orioles #8 black mesh jerseys that have been incorrectly “authenticated” by a well-known non-MEARS authenticator.
In the minors, be it game or BP unies, any company can choose to put a logo on their apparel, as the minors have no single official supplier. Prior to 2000, minor league logos were on the left sleeve (opposite of the MLB norm). Subsequently, minor league shirts can use either side of the jersey to display their logos.
MISIDENTIFIED BAT ON INTERNET
A dealer recently placed a 1973-75 H&B block lettered bat up on eBay, with a name of Siebert on the barrel. The dealer (as would many collectors) assumed the bat was issued to and used by Sonny Siebert, former Red Sox, Indians, Padres and Cardinals hurler. Problem was, there was a second Siebert who played in the Bigs during the final two years of that 73-75 labeling period. That was Paul Siebert, a Houston Astros moundsman who wore the #31 markered on the knob, digits the more famous Siebert never wore.
On the bad side, it’s another example of a major dealer doing sloppy research of their product. But, on the good side, there are several Astros bat collectors in the hobby, if Game-Used Forum is any indication. Hopefully, one of them won it.
FAVRE’S #4 RETIREMENT DATE SET
The Packers will waste no time in mothballing Brett Favre’s #4 in green and yellow, choosing the 2008 home opener, in which the Pack hosts Minnesota, to do so. Favre will be the sixth Packer to have his number retired (though he has made the sports media swoon and genuflect far more than any of the first five).
HOCKEY FIGHTS CANCER AUCTION
A fundraising auction for Hockey Fights Cancer, featuring All-Star Game items including game-worn sweaters, is currently running on NHLPA.com, with bidding ending at 9PM EST on April 30. Items will come with LOAs from the NHL and NHLPA, as well as registration into the MeiGray database. A fine cause with fine authenticity backing.
BRAVES PATCH
Atlanta is wearing a BEACH memoriam patch in honor of longtime organization man Jim Beauchamp, who passed away in the offseason
OBITUARIES
Tommy Holmes, a NL star from 1942-52, all but the final year with the Boston Braves, passed away at age 91 several days ago. Holmes set a NL record with a 37-game hitting streak, since surpassed by Pete Rose. Hobby-wise, one would love a satin 1948 Braves uniform, and his brief Topps card history features a variation in the ’51 Red Back set: Holmes listed as a Boston Brave and as a manager of Hartford.
John Marzano, a 10-year MLB veteran, died Saturday after a fall down a flight of stairs. He was 45. Marzano played for the Red Sox, Rangers and Mariners in the Majors, as well as spending time in the farm systems of the Phillies and Indians.
Also, Buzz Nutter, a center for the Colts and Steelers from 1954-65, died of heart failure at age 77. He was the man who snapped the pigskin to Johnny Unitas for the 958and ’59 NFL Champion Colts squads.
TWO WINNING BASEBALL TEAMS IN CHICAGO…I’M GONNA ENJOY IT!