MAJESTIC/RAWLINGS SLEEVE LOGOS
The sleeve logos used by these two past and present MLB suppliers have changed since they first hooked up with MLB contracts, and the next few paragraphs will detail what was worn when.
MAJESTIC: The current exclusive MLB uniforms supplier, Majestic first was a partial MLB official supplier in 1990, getting a license to create BP jerseys.
From that year through 1993, the sleeve logo was merely the company name in dual case print. Beginning in 1994, and running through 1999, the company name was combined with a multicolored mountain peaks logo, usually related to the colors of the team the jersey was made for. While a few of these were carried over into 2000, the bulk of Majestic
BP jerseys, as well as game jerseys, carried a mountain peaks logo with no supplier name. One notable exception involved some Majestic 2000 game jerseys. Majestic was introduced to the game jersey fold that year, supplying seven ballclubs. Four of them, the Brewers, Blue Jays and both Chicago teams, had their unies subcontracted to Wilson, resulting in, among other things, a sewn-on Majestic sleeve patch (Majestic themselves embroiders their logos directly into the fabric). Subsequent years’ apparel, as well as the 2000 White Sox Playoff Jerseys, were done in-house.
RAWLINGS:
Rawlings was the first contracted supplier of MLB uniforms, getting the deal from 1987-91, and again as one of three official suppliers from 2000-2002. The company name was used in script form for their first stint as MLB uniform source, and, during the second run, an oval with a scripted capital R was employed.
The changeover from the former to the latter Rawlings insignia was done in 1998, as evident from minor league jerseys of the era. Unlike the Majors, minor league teams have a choice of any supplier, and, with no contract in play with the minors, any supplier can use a sleeve logo. A few Buffalo Bisons gamers from 2007-08 even show a newer logo incorporating both previously-used elements. How many other instances of this dual logo that are out there is something I can’t answer at this time.
MLB POTPOURRI
One recent uniform item of note: April 22 was the 94th anniversary of the introduction of the classic Yankees uniform pinstripes, a uniform design still employed by the Yanks to this day on their home attire.
Two uniform items no longer being used in 2009: the Mets have dropped their road alternate NEW YORK front black jersey. The former home “Mets” black jersey now is the norm both at and away from Citi Field.
Also noteworthy, the Cubs have done away with their road game caps, a style with the same blue crown and logo as the home all-blue cap, but with a red brim. The road style was first used in 1994. The all-blue lid is now both home and road standard.
May 16th is the date of the White Sox game-used garage sale at U.S. Cellular Field. Held in conjunction with other events at the ballpark while the Pale Hose are on the road, the sale will run from 9AM-2PM.
New MLB memoriam patches of note: The “34” memoriam patch for Nick Adenhart, wore on the chest of Angels attire, along with the diamond-shaped PRESTON patch on the right sleeve remembering Preston Gomez. Second, the HK patch eulogizing Hall of Fame announcer Harry Kalas, worn on the left chest of Phillies unies. And, last but not least, the Carl patch the Twins have employed for deceased owner Carl Pohlad. This patch is worn on the right sleeve of Twins shirts, underneath the Metrodome Final Season patch.
OBITUARIES
Mark Fidrych, the phenomenon known as The Bird to 1976 era baseball fans, was found dead on his farm April 13th as the result of a farm accident. Fidrych was 1976 American league Rookie of the Year with a 19-9 record, but an arm injury the next season was the beginning of the end of his career.
Harry Kalas, Phillies announcer since 1971, NFL Films voice and Baseball Hall of Famer, was found unresponsive in the announcers’ booth before the April 13 Phils-Nats game. He was declared dead at the hospital, the result of a heart ailment.
Merle Harmon, the first voice of the Milwaukee Brewers (1970-79) and owner of the successful chain of Merle Harmon’s Fan Fair souvenir stores, died April 15 after a prolonged illness. He was 82.
Doc Blanchard,died of pneumonia April 19th. The 84-year old Blanchard spent his days at Army playing Mr. Inside, while he and teammate Glenn Davis (Mr. Outside) led Army to two consecutive NCAA National Championships in 1944-45.
SHEPP-DOG>>>WELCOME TO THE 500 HR CLUB!