1972 was a watershed year in many ways for MLB team uniforms. Double knit fabric jerseys were replacing hot wool on a team-by-team basis, and it was colors galore everywhere you looked around baseball clubhouses.
None more so than in San Diego.
After entering the league in 1969 with what many Padre diehards still think is the team’s all-time best uniform, San Diego shook up MLB’s fashion protocol like no other since Charlie Finley debuted gold uniforms for the Kansas City A’s in 1963.
The Padres also wore all gold (or mustard as they were known at the time) in 1972, with the only difference being the home uniform said “PADRES” and the road uniform said “SAN DIEGO.”
San Diego wore the same combination in 1973, before resorting to more traditional white and gray uniforms for 1974-75.
++++++++++
Authentic Store Buzz: The Phillies and their fans are pushing catcher Carlos Ruiz for an all-star spot next month in Kansas City, and why not? After another three hits including his career-best 10th homerun Tuesday night in a win over the Pirates, Ruiz’s .361 batting average leads the big leagues.
His National League all star batting practice jersey is on order, call the store for details.
Also of note for Phillies fans are the 1980’s style maroon caps, and the 2008 World Series patch hats.
++++++++++
Authentically Speaking Trivia Time: Who was the first NFL team to wear a color (non gray) facemask, and in which season did they make the change? Answer on Thursday.
Tuesday’s answer: Houston’s
Don
Wilson was honored in memoriam in 1975 after he died of carbon monoxide
poisoning at his Houston area home in Jan. 1975. The Astros wore a number 40 patch
on their left sleeve during
the season.
++++++++++
A Reminder: For more news about Pro League Authentics and thoughts on the world of sports uniforms, Like our Facebook page, converse with us @PLAphilly, and visit our YouTube page.
