The Shibe Vintage Sports History Blog

The NBA is in full pre-season swing, preparing for the beginning of the regular season just before Halloween. With the growing popularity of basketball around the globe, and especially in Europe, the Boston Celtics took their talents overseas to play a pre-season game in Milan, Italy. NBA commissioner David Stern traveled to Milan to watch the game. Remember this is a man who has loved the global expansion of basketball as it opened up the market for the sport to numerous developing countries like China, Brazil, Russia, etc… With the NBA consistently in financial turbulence, the idea of putting advertisements on jerseys has arisen. European, as well as South American and Asian sports teams all allow advertising on their uniforms. When asked about the idea, the commissioner said that the NBA board of governors has discussed the idea, and while he is not a huge proponent, he will do what the board of governors wants. 

In other news, there was a leak. No, not in the White House, but in a video game. In NBA 2K13 the Thunder’s new alternative jerseys appear, but the Thunder have yet to officially release them or wear them in game. Honestly, the Thunder should not worry, these jerseys are plain, overly simple, and too obviously retro. The jerseys are blue and white with the word Thunder written vertically and the players number all on the front. Overall, these are not the type of jerseys worthy of the Western Conference Champions, but once Kevin Durant puts it on, people will want to buy it.

AuthenticStore Buzz: Barry Rubin, the Strength & Conditioning Coach for the Philadelphia Eagles was recently at the store. The Pro League Authentics Nike Dri-Fit T-Shirt seen in the above picture is the new Eagles weight room t-shirt, supplied by the #1 Authentic Sports Apparel Store in Philly, Pro League Authentics. Get your PLA shirt by contacting the store or visiting us down town.

The NFL is nearing the midway point in the season. If you're a true fan, you have to check out all of the great Philadelphia Eagles, as well as other NFL gear. This includes a great selection of New Nike NFL jerseys as well as tees and hoodies. Pro League Authentics has items from NIKE, Junk Food Tees, and more. 

With the MLB championship series underway, Tigers, Yankees, Cardinals, and Giants fans should be clamoring to support their team as MLB has whittled the remaining contenders for the World Series down to the final four. To help you support your favorite playoff team, PLA continues to offer 25% off on all MLB jerseys, just use the code "MLB" when purchasing. 

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Authentically Speaking Trivia Time:  Who holds the record for most career shutouts in the history of the Stanley Cup Finals? Answer to come tomorrow. 

Thursday’s answer: The Bengals and Redskins tied with 2 MVP's each in the 1980s.

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Editor’s Note: Sports apparel “Guru” Ray Jannelli, the president of PLA, has some thoughts this week on his days as the former manager, buyer and sales trainer at the "Original" Mitchell & Ness.)  

By Ray Jannelli

     On my never-ending quest to procure new and exciting products for the PLA customer (a Seth Godin of Yahoo mantra), it always seems to come down to the relationship dynamic. Many of these business relationships began and ended during my tenure at the "Original" Mitchell & Ness Sporting Goods at 1229 Walnut St in Philadelphia, but the value of these interactions has remained with me.

  The World Hockey Association was, to me, an intriguing league with great players, uniforms, and solid Hockey teams. One day, during my retirement at my Lake Como villa, I will write the definitive in-depth history of the WHA. Note: Semi-retired, since I will be racing Donzi Speedboats in the European Professional Speedboat League.

    For now, I will mention how Scott Silcox of Maple Leaf Productions in Markham, Ontario got me in touch with Nelson Skalbania, the Owner of the WHA's Indianapolis Racers. Mr. Skalbania was not only the Owner of the Racers, but he is also famous for recruiting Wayne Gretzky into professional ice hockey! I was about to say " The Great One", but I will do a story on Bobby Orr after the first of the year.

    Mr. Skalbania is, sometimes, known as the "Donald Trump" of Canada. As I looked forward to my conversation with Nelson Skalbania, I couldn't help but think of that 1981 movie "My Dinner with Andre". 

Coming next time, "My Brunch With Nelson"

Despite leading his team to only a 1-4 record this season, considered a disappointment after a breakout rookie year, sophomore Cam Newton is attempting to go sports icon by endorsing a fashion line. Belk Inc. a department store chain is using Panthers quarterback Cam Newton to promote their new men’s fashion line. He came onto the stage at the press conference modeling a stylish suit, but let’s not confuse it with Louis Vuitton or Gucci. On the other hand, Newton is one of many NFL players in the league, and on his own team, to model men’s clothing, or promote it for a company.

In other news, according to local Jacksonville sports apparel shopping venues, the new Jacksonville Jaguars home black jerseys have been selling quickly, and the old home teal jersey sales are down. While many fans still like the teal, as it has represented the Jaguars ever since they became a team in the 1990’s, but fans seem to go with the flow, buying the new, plain black looking jerseys as if nothing had changed.