It’s Flashback Fridays in Houston tonight. No, that’s not the name of some new trendy, casually-priced nationwide chain of restaurants, but rather the Friday night home promotion that the Houston Astros are showcasing in their 50th anniversary season, and final one as members of the National League.
The Astros, and new owner Jim Crane as part of the conditions of buying the club, were essentially forced to move to the American League West to not only balance each league at 15 teams, but provide the Texas Rangers with a Central Time Zone rival.
In month two of the Flashback Fridays promotion beginning tonight against St. Louis at Minute Maid Park, the Astros will don their shooting star jerseys worn in two versions throughout the 1960s and ‘70s.
The first variation from 1965-70 featured blue trim and caps, with the design staying the same but switching to orange trim and caps from 1971-74. For Flashback Fridays this month it will be the original blue version that sees the field.
With the move to a new league and with the new ownership, the talk has been that an updated look based on the shooting star jersey will return in 2013, replacing to us what has been a rather dull period in the ‘Stros uniform history, especially under previous owner Drayton McLane who hated gray and preferred the brick alternates to be the (almost) regular road jersey.
++++++++++
In-Store Event: Rare and unique flannel baseball jerseys, a look at baseball’s history in Philadelphia, and an interesting display of virtually all of the commemorative patches worn by the 30 MLB teams are the presentation topics of our three guests for next Thursday’s installment of Pro League Authentics “Jerseys as Art” series.
The event is from 6-8 pm at the store located at 137. S. 13th Street (between Walnut/Sansom) in Center City Philadelphia. You’re invited to stop by, enjoy the uniform talk, light refreshments, and a discount on all in-store MLB authentic merchandise.
Our next event this summer will be a “can’t miss” date. MLB Game Worn Jerseys of the Double Knit Era author Bill Henderson will be with us to celebrate the release of the latest (2012) edition of his must-have, Bible of modern baseball jersey information. The last release of Bill’s work was in 2009, so we’re looking forward to the update.
++++++++++
A Reminder: For more news about Pro League Authentics and the world of uniforms, Like our Facebook page and follow us @PLAphilly.
