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Matt (Burlington)

I collect sports memorabilia and I would like to know where and when these conventions are? Also what is your best piece of memorabilia?

Paul Lukas

  (11:57 AM)

Next year's installment of the National will be in Baltimore. If you google "sports memorabilia convention," you'll find all sorts of events.As for me, I enjoy looking at memorabilia (going to one of these conventions is like visiting a really cool museum), but I don't actually collect it myself.

Steve Necaster (Chambersburg, PA)

Have any photos surfaced of NHL alternate jerseys? I know that there are a couple of concepts here: http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/Alternate-looks-for-six-teams-in-09-10?urn=nhl,178715 but I'm wondering if you've seen anything yet. Thanks and God Bless!

Paul Lukas

  (11:58 AM)

I haven't seen anything yet. Sorry.

oj21uk (Jasper Indiana (Home of Scott Rolen))

Hey, has it ever occurred to u that maybe u are just stuck in your generation of uniforms. Honestly, teams need to move on, it is always about that team looks horrible when they try to modern themselves. But teams like the 49ers that fall back a step are simply amazing. Honestly i like teams uniforms like the Bengals, Bills, Jags, Falcons, and Chargers. And i also find teams like the Raiders, Colts, Steelers, Cowboys whites, and Redskins, need a new makeover. Sorry if u don't agree with me, but we are allowed to state our opinions aren't we?! Thanks

Paul Lukas

  (11:59 AM)

I think it's pretty clear which one of us is stuck in his generational tastes. But whatever -- like you said, you're free to like whatever you choose. And so am I.

Fashion Emergency (Silver Spring, MD)

When are the Nationals going to do something about their home and road uniforms?

Paul Lukas

  (11:59 AM)

Good question. Their whole uni program is a mess now. Why not just go back to the Expos design?

Rob (Ohio)

Better Uniform, RedSox or Yankees

Paul Lukas

  (11:59 AM)

Apples and oranges. Both are quite good.

Bill (Virginia)

What was the craziest thing you saw that people collected?

Paul Lukas

  (12:01 PM)

I loved that guy I wrote about who collected card No. 5 from any set he could find, because 5 was his lucky number.One thing I didn't mention in the column: I asked him why 5 was his lucky number, and he said, "Because my father's lucky number was 4." Insert Freudian analysis here.

Tom (New Jersey)

which team in all of sports has the best jersey?

Paul Lukas

  (12:02 PM)

St. Louis Cardinals home is my usual answer to this. Most of the Original Six NHL teams rank up there, too.

Dave (Chicago)

Now that the Blackhawks are back to being a good team, I think I can say this without people scoffing at me....I think they have one of the best unis in all of sports.

Paul Lukas

  (12:03 PM)

Agreed -- the white/road uni in particular. Love the multicolored feathers in the Indian's headdress.

Chuck (Fort Myers, FL)

Do you think we'll ever see a guide to NBA uniforms that's half as comprehensive as the ones out there for MLB and the NFL? Thanks from a concerned hoops fan.

Paul Lukas

  (12:05 PM)

It would be a genuine public service if someone undertook that project. (Wanna do it yourself?) Unfortunately, the NBA simply hasn't documented its history as well as the other leagues have.

Tim (Delaware)

You don't collect now...did you ever collect anything?

Paul Lukas

  (12:05 PM)

I collect all sorts of things -- just not sports stuff. Used to collect baseball cards as a kid, just like everyone else.

Matt (Philadelphia)

How many Oregon uniform combinations could you name off the top of your head?

Paul Lukas

  (12:06 PM)

Enough to make both our heads spin. But the new Oregon uniforms for this season are actually a major improvement over what they've worn for the past few years. Too many combos, but the basic design is OK. Not great, mind you, but solidly OK.

Dwayne (South Florida)

What are your thoughts on MLB teams without the city name on their road jerseys? Like the Rays and Phillies.

Paul Lukas

  (12:10 PM)

I always prefer to see the city name. The Rays situation is particularly silly, since they use that same boring logo on all three of their jerseys.... The Phillies did commission a prototype design a few years back with "Philadelphia" on the front, but they opted not to use it. Too bad...

Jon (Pittsburgh)

Have you ever liked a team specifically for their jerseys?? I can remember as a kid I loved the Bears mainly cuz of the unis... I think it was the striped socks.

Paul Lukas

  (12:11 PM)

When I was a kid and didn't really know anything about the players or the cities, I would often choose who to root for in a given game based on their uniforms. I'm fairly certain I'm not the only one who's done this...

Pete (NC)

Okay, they need to make a rule that if you play for the Cubs, Red Sox, or Yanks, at least half the team has to wear the knee high socks. They just do.

Paul Lukas

  (12:12 PM)

I think you mean knee-high PANTS. And it should be for all teams. Although I actually prefer mid-calf level, not knee-high.

Adam (Jersey)

How excited are you to see Tampa Bay break out Bucco Bruce and the creamsicle unis?

Paul Lukas

  (12:12 PM)

I'm happy about it (esp. the socks, which are killer), and apparently lots of fans are as well.

mtjaws (Florida)

If you were able to pick colors/uniforms for a brand new expansion team or school, what color combos would you pick? Is there some combo that isn't represented anywhere?

Paul Lukas

  (12:14 PM)

I always love hunter/forest green, mustard, and maroon -- some combination of that.... I'm wondering when some major-level team will go with light-blue and brown, which is all over the place in the design world now. Personally, I can't stand it, but it's a very trendy combo at the moment.

Dave (NY)

The rockies black-vest disasters get a lot of flack for being the worst uniform in baseball, but I've got to think that the Twins alt (and often worn) roadies are right there with them. I mean, softball top, grey and pinstriped (ugh) mismatching pants. Thats a nightmare. Am I right that the inclusion of sleeves are the only thing that keeps that uniform from being considered the worst in baseball?

Paul Lukas

  (12:15 PM)

I wouldn't go quite that far, but I agree that it's not their strongest look.

Nate (New Jersey)

The Patriots are planning to wear their throwback uniforms 4 times in 2009. Do you think that throwback uniforms lose their value or the fans' appreciation if they are overworn throughout the season?

Paul Lukas

  (12:16 PM)

Nah, esp. in a situation like this one, when the throwback is better than the contemporary uni. Why not let them wear it as often as they want? Remember when the Niners wore their throwback all the way to the Lombardi Trophy 15 yrs ago? Nothing wrong it it, as long as it's a good design.

JG (Pittsburgh)

If PITT switched back to the mustard and blue of Marino and Dorsett days, do they instantly become the best dressed team in NCAA?

Paul Lukas

  (12:17 PM)

Let's put it this way: They're instantly in the running.

Todd (San Francisco)

Paul, any chance the Golden State Warriors FINALLY ditch their awful uniforms and go back to one of their early classic looks?

Paul Lukas

  (12:17 PM)

They won't go all the way classic, but I think it's fair to say that you'll consider their new design for the upcoming season to be an improvement.

Pete (NC)

Your thoughts on teams foresaking their city/mascot to make way for advertisers?

Paul Lukas

  (12:18 PM)

Advertising on uniforms is always a bad idea. Simple as that.

Will (New York)

I know you can't reveal anything about what you saw as a possible NY Giants uniform in 2011 when you visited their facility. Can you say, is it something that Giant fans will like?

Paul Lukas

  (12:18 PM)

I think there may be a few fans who don't like it. But the vast majority will get a kick out of it.

Roller (Kentucky)

One thing I would love to see is when teams move to other cities that they have to use a new team name and not be able to take the team name with them.

Paul Lukas

  (12:19 PM)

If that happened, we'd no longer have the Dodgers, Giants, Braves, Rams, etc. Are you sure that's what you want?

Yankee Fan (New York)

have you seen the new Yankee Stadium yet? Is it nice? Im going there tomorrow

Paul Lukas

  (12:20 PM)

I've only been to the new Yankee Stadium to eat at the steakhouse, not to see a ballgame (yet). Hey, I hear the pitchers love it!

Chuck (Fort Myers, FL)

I don't have the Web design experience necessary to totally do the NBA thing ... BUT I could definitely help someone willing to partner. Know of anyone good, Paul?

Paul Lukas

  (12:21 PM)

If you're serious about this, please contact me after the chat is over. Thanks.

Nate (New Jersey)

You have to admit it's silly when a team named the Lakers moves from Minneapolis to L.A., where there are no lakes...

Paul Lukas

  (12:23 PM)

When I was a kid and didn't know that the Lakers were originally from Minneapolis, I thought the term "Lakers" referred to "L.A." -- like, the "L.A.kers." I liked that, and still do.

Mike (Chicago)

Where do Detroit Tiger jerseys rank for you as compared to the rest of the MLB?

Paul Lukas

  (12:23 PM)

Simple, classic, not broken so don't fix 'em.

Blaze (Mt Washington)

what mlb team do you think is in most need of a makeover?

Paul Lukas

  (12:24 PM)

Dead heat between the Blue Jays and Nationals.

Dwayne (South Florida)

Should the Marlins change to the "Miami Marlins" or remain the "Florida Marlins"?

Paul Lukas

  (12:26 PM)

No need to debate this, since they WILL be changing to Miami Marlins when they get their new stadium.

Roller (Kentucky)

How could anyone not say the Rockies are the worst?

Paul Lukas

  (12:27 PM)

Oh, I've given up on them. It's hopeless -- someone has to be The Worst Dressed Team, and they seem determined to hold onto that title. Good for them.

Phil (Pittsburgh)

Paul, do you think we will ever see an NFL throwback uniform that features jerseys with three quarter length or half length sleeves? Perhaps in a Thanksgiving Day game?

Paul Lukas

  (12:28 PM)

If only. The disappearance of football sleeves is one of the sadder developments of recent years. As for bringing back sleeves for a throwback game, nice idea but it'll never happen.

Jimbo (Brooklyn)

Favorite Soccer uniform?

Paul Lukas

  (12:28 PM)

What is this "soc-cer" you speak of?

Aaron (NY)

when are you going to get a real job instead of talking about uniforms all the time? enough is enough, the topic gets boring after 5 minutes

Paul Lukas

  (12:29 PM)

Jealousy is a sad, sad thing, Aaron.

Pete (NC)

Will we ever see two NFL teams with unis made by different companies?

Paul Lukas

  (12:31 PM)

Before Reebok got the NFL contract a few years back, the league was split up between three companies: Nike, Puma, and Adidas (and in the years before that, there were several other companies in the mix, including Starter, Wilson, etc.), so it's not unprecedented to have multiple manufacturers. But the league prefers to have everything under one roof -- more consistency that way. I believe Reebok's contract is up after the 2010 season, so we'll see what happens after that. I hear Under Armour is going to make a big push to get in on the action.

Rob (Baltimore)

Do you agree that Penn State's uni's are classic, and never should be messed with?

Paul Lukas

  (12:32 PM)

I love the simplicity of Penn State's uni, although the swoosh on the front is a major turd in the punchbowl, if you know what I mean. I wonder if they'll keep it that simple after JoePa retires, though.

CC (Atlanta)

The Falcons unis look like something out of the Arena League. The old red ones from the 80's are great. What can we do about this?

Paul Lukas

  (12:33 PM)

You're in luck: The Falcons are wearing the Bartkowski-era red uni as a throwback this season.

Alex (Madison, Wi)

So Paul - all these DIY knuckle heads out there...give me three of YOUR words that describe them best...

Paul Lukas

  (12:34 PM)

What's wrong with DIYing (that's making your own do-it-yourself jersey, for those who haven't followed this phenomenon)? I think it's great.

TC (NYC)

We know that simple and classic are some of your favorite baseball uniform characteristics. In your opinion, what's the best MODERN baseball uniform in the ML now?

Paul Lukas

  (12:36 PM)

I don't even know what qualifies as "modern" anymore. I like the A's, including their green tops (but not the black tops). I like the Astros' current look -- it's a new-ish design, but it's clasic-style. Is that modern? I love the Angels' current set, which is fairly recent, but again, it's classic-styled.

GG Allin (Littleton, NH)

Maybe it's just me, but I feel like the Buffalo Bills, Buffalo Sabres and Golden State Warriors need to adopt their throwbacks as their primary uniforms...much like the 76ers...any other teams you think should go back to their old unis full time?

Paul Lukas

  (12:39 PM)

GG Allin, speaking to us from beyond the grave -- amazing!Chargers should go back to the Alworth-era look, complete with numbers on the helmets. EVERYONE would love it. Like, seriously, everyone.

Josh (Knoxville, TN)

You think the Jags OLD uniform is better than the new one, right? Surely you're not including the hideous Black on Black version in that assessment. That was one of the worst jerseys I've seen.

Paul Lukas

  (12:40 PM)

Agreed. I mean the main home and road designs as they were originally conceived, esp. the turquoise jersey with white pants. Modern and classic all at once. I mourn its loss.

bamafan1million (Alabama)

What did you think of Oregons uniforms with the feathers on the shoulders.

Paul Lukas

  (12:41 PM)

A whole lot better than the ones with the diamondplate pattern on the shoulders. I mean, ducks DO have feathers....

JG (Pittsburgh)

when teams switch jersey designs, do you know what happens to the old jerseys??

Paul Lukas

  (12:42 PM)

Depends on the sport. In baseball, old uniforms are usually circulated throughout the team's minor league system. Frankly not sure what happens with other sports -- good question. Will investigate!

Mark (Bay Area)

Which of the four major sports do you think will allow advertising on their jerseys first? Would you guess it would be just something small initially, or will a league go MLS/WNBA right out of the gate? I dread the day, but I know it's inevitable...

Paul Lukas

  (12:43 PM)

Well, it's already happening on NFL practice jerseys, and the NBA just announced this week that they'll allow ads on practice jerseys as well.The NHL is probably the best bet to try ads on game uniforms first, because (a) their minor league teams already do it, and (b) they need the revenue more desperately than the other leagues.But I hope they don't do it. I hope NOBODY does it. And I'll do everything I can to keep it from happening. To paraphrase a famous quote, all that's required for evil to triumph is for good people to do nothing.

Fans (USA)

Bring back the short NBA shorts. (only so there's not room to advertise on them)

Paul Lukas

  (12:44 PM)

Ha! Hadn't thought of that... Maybe shorts will get even longer to allow for more ads....

Eric (Grand Rapids)

Royal Blue and Yellow! Do any teams in the four major leagues still use this basic color scheme? Everywhere I turn I see more navy and gold, but nobody uses this classic combo as their primary scheme! I'm rather outraged....

Paul Lukas

  (12:46 PM)

Royal and yellow were my high school's colors. Saw a LOT of that combo back in the day....

Zutroy S (Washington DC)

Is Bill Simmons as hilarious in person as he is in his blog?

Paul Lukas

  (12:46 PM)

Don't know -- never met him!

Will (New York)

The Mets are having a nightmare season, but do you have any inkling at all if they will ever ditch the awful black

Paul Lukas

  (12:47 PM)

I wish. I know they recently did some market research on the black, but I don't know the results of it.

Bullpen Cart Bob (Pittsburgh)

If ads do come to uniforms, what companies should sponsor sad-sack teams like the Clippers and Pirates?

Paul Lukas

  (12:48 PM)

Dunno, but there's something hilariously appropriate about the Bengals wearing SpongeTech ad patches on their practice jerseys in training camp.

Craig G. (Fairfield, CA)

Hey Paul, I have enjoyed Uni Watch for many years. My favorite "quirky" uniform quality is having a player's last name underneath their jersey number. What's yours? Thanks!

Paul Lukas

  (12:49 PM)

The subscript NOB (name on back) is indeed a fun, interesting trope. I think I like nicknames on back -- Ken Harrelson wearing "Hawk," Walt Bellamy wearing "Bells," etc. Rare but fun.

JG (Pittsburgh)

Why is MLB so dominated by Red and Blue?

Paul Lukas

  (12:51 PM)

Well, many of the teams have had those colors for decades (Bosox, Indians, Phillies, Dodgers, etc.), so it's not exactly a new thing. But red has been on the rise lately, esp. solid-red alternates, and I'm fairly certain that's because the MLB honchos think red merchandise will ring the cash register at a higher rate.

Josh (Knoxville, TN)

Regarding the team names from different cities, would anyone object to changing the name of the basketball team in Utah?

Paul Lukas

  (12:53 PM)

Oh, please -- "Utah Jazz" is hilarious. Funniest name in sports (at least until the Edmonton Eskimos relocate to Atlanta).

J Simpsoid (Maryland)

Did you know that when you type "Paul Lukas" into Wikipedia, it takes you straight to an article about a Hungarian-born actor that died in 1971?

Paul Lukas

  (12:53 PM)

Yes. He won an Oscar in the 1940s. I wasn't named after him, but my parents certainly were aware of him when they named me.

Will (New York)

Have you been to Citi Field yet? What did you think?

Paul Lukas

  (12:53 PM)

I'm calling it Shea.

Alex (Littleton, CO)

What's your take on the Redskins uni set with the spear helmet? It is one of my favorites.

Paul Lukas

  (12:54 PM)

Very nice set, esp. the striped socks. Wouldn't mind seeing more of that.

GG Allin (Littleton, NH)

How about the Patriots bringing back the silver alternates, but using that as their default away jersey?

Paul Lukas

  (12:55 PM)

Ay yi yi. I am not aware of anyone -- ANYONE -- who likes the silver alternates.

mtjaws (Florida)

Should all minor league teams have unique catchy names like Hammerheads, Stone Crabs, Mud Hens, etc.? Or do you like the boring MLB repeat names like the Braves, Mets, and others use?

Paul Lukas

  (12:55 PM)

I hate it when minor league teams just repeat the parent team's name. Much more fun for them to have their own identity and heritage.

al (jersey)

Non sports question ... what is your favorite music logo? Rolling Stones, VH, etc?

Paul Lukas

  (12:55 PM)

Husker Du.

Jeremy (Algonquin, IL)

Do you think that any MLB team will ever go back to the road blues that so many teams used in the 80's and early 90's?

Paul Lukas

  (12:56 PM)

I can see that happening, yeah. I'm not aware of any additional teams making plans in that direction, but it strikes me as something that will probably develop in the next few years.

al (jersey)

Thoughts on Yankee paraphernalia with NOB?

Paul Lukas

  (12:57 PM)

Same as my thoughts on all Yankees paraphernalia: bad idea.

Daniel (NJ)

Was the decision by the NY Giants to get rid of the red 3rd uni due more to the fans not liking the look or the fact that they always seemed to lose in the reds?

Paul Lukas

  (12:58 PM)

Honestly unsure. I just know they wanted to go in a different direction. I'd like to think it's because someone finally realized that the team's nickname is "Big Blue."

Will (New York)

Are you looking forward to the Hall Of Fame game Sunday to see the old Bills

Paul Lukas

  (1:00 PM)

Actually, I'm more curious to see the Titans dressed up as the 1960s Oilers. But I won't see either of them, because there's no way I'm spending a nice Sunday afternoon in August in front of the teevee to watch an exhibition game.... I'm sure I'll dig the wire service photos, though....

Rich (NYC)

Before we worry about knee-high or calf-level pants, we need to get rid of the bell-bottoms. Agreed?

Paul Lukas

  (1:00 PM)

Agreed.

Jason C. (Baltimore, MD)

Hi Paul! My beloved O's just got Baltimore back on their roads jerseys this year after 36 years. What do you think of this? Was it a good idea? Should they have kept 'Orioles' on the road unis?

Paul Lukas

  (1:01 PM)

Long overdue. Love it.

Mathew G (St Peters MO)

When Texas decided to not use their "awesome" batting helmets, did you try to get one? I did.

Paul Lukas

  (1:01 PM)

When you say "I did," do you mean you tried to get one, or you actually got one?

Marc (Charlotte)

Do you agree that Alexander Julian's argyle design for the Tar Heels is the best college basketball uniform?

Paul Lukas

  (1:03 PM)

I agree that Alexander Julian ruined uniform design for more than a decade by introducing purple and teal as the colors of the first Hornets uni set.

Pete (NC)

Buckeyes stickers on the helmets classic or just plain annoying?

Paul Lukas

  (1:03 PM)

I like them.

Paul Lukas

  (1:04 PM)

OK, folks -- that hour went by fast! Gotta run. We'll do this again soon.