To Philadelphia sports fans what’s more surprising; the Flyers down 3-1 to New Jersey with the Devils able to clinch tonight at the Wells Fargo Center, or the 76ers leading top-seed Chicago (minus reigning MVP Derrick Rose) 3-1 able to clinch tonight at the United Center?
We say Sixers, even without the talented Rose, although the ability to finish off a team when it’s down will be the test for Philly in Game Five this evening.
The current version of the team’s jersey is an improvement of where things used to stand, but still pales to the origin of “PHILA” that goes back to the team’s first season of 1963.
That moniker was worn until 1971, when “SIXERS” replaced it on no less than eight different versions (including that disaster pictured that said “Philadelphia Sixers” making no sense whatsoever), until “PHILA” reappeared in Feb. 2007, albeit a flashier and crowded version.
What was the best looking era of the “PHILA” jersey? Easy, 1966-70 when the team won its first NBA title in ’67. The look was simple, traditional and unique with the city abbreviation, and it would be great one day to see a version return as the road uniform.
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When will it happen: Not too many MLB teams have ever worn an orange cap. In fact, off the top of our head (no pun intended), we can only think of the 1971-82 Houston Astros, although the 1975 Orioles had an orange front panel, and the Giants have had an orange bill in the past, and present (Sunday games).
The Miami Marlins orange hat has been a big seller this spring since its debut. However, the team has only worn it in exhibition play, not yet in a regular season game only wearing their black hat through Monday night's game at Houston.
So, any guesses out there as to when the orange cap will first see the field of play? Let us know at: info@proleagueauthentics.com.
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In-Store Event: We’re two days away from Thursday’s installment of Pro League Authentics “Jersey as Art” series. On the agenda are 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.
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, and tentatively we’re looking at Thursday July 19. 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. Stay tuned.
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