(Editor's Note: Philadelphia area sports writer Ben Horrow contributes weekly to Authentically Speaking.)
By Ben Horrow
The National and American League lineups for the 2012 MLB All-Star game in Kansas City, Missouri were announced Sunday. In the last month on Authentically Speaking, we've been posting images of the jerseys and caps to be worn by both sides around this year’s midsummer classic. Both jerseys are predominantly a shade of blue with white near the side abdominals and the neck region.
Interestingly, the first MLB All-Star game occurred in 1933. That year, the National League wore jerseys inscribed with their league title while the members of the American League team wore their team’s jerseys. For the second All-Star game in 1934, both leagues wore jerseys that represented the teams for which they played during the regular season.
Today, jerseys are created for the National League and American League squads, but they are not worn during the All-Star game itself. In comparison, the NBA, NHL, and NFL equivalents use league specific jerseys. During the events leading up to the All-Star game, like the Home Run Derby, players wear their official All-Star game uniforms designated for either the NL or AL.
Interesting note for Phillies fans, Johnny Callison won the 1964 All Star game for the National League with a home run in the 9th inning, but did it wearing a New York Mets batting helmet.
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It Was 1979 At The Tropicana: No, not some flashback to a scene at a late '70s disco hotspot somewhere on a Florida beach, but rather the Tigers and Rays donning '79 attire Saturday at Tropicana Field somewhat near a Florida beach, the Tigers for real, the 15 year old Rays had fun with the make believe attire.
But we think they pulled it off nicely, especially the "canary" colored "sanis" under the blue hosiery.
Oh, and the Tigers won the game 6-2.
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Our Next Authentic Store Event: We’re pleased to announce that former Philadelphia Atoms soccer goalie, and current Philadelphia Union broadcaster Bob Rigby will be our next in-store guest on Thursday, July 19 from 11:30-12:30, signing autographs and meeting folks.
Rigby, a Philadelphia-area native, helped lead the Atoms to the 1973 North American Soccer League Championship in his and the team’s rookie season, appearing on the cover of Sports Illustrated, as the Atoms were the first U.S. team in any sports to win a professional championship in its first season.
Last week, that green '73 goalie's jersey you see on the SI cover arrived at Pro League Authentics. It's a nicely constructed jersey (pictured above) with a select few available at the store, please call for details.
One Other Note: Pro League Authentics is proud to work with Miller-Coors Brewery supplying the beer company with the 1980 Road Phillies Jerseys for its "Throwback a Throwback" campaign.
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Authentically Speaking Trivia Time: Which catcher wore two different sets of catching gear in an All-Star game? Answer Tuesday.
Friday's Answer: In the 2007 season opener at Lincoln Financial Field.against Detroit, a 56-21 Eagles victory.
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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.
