Uni Obsession

Another uniform related post (thankfully Tom commented on the disgusting Eagles jersey's already...like I need another reason to hate them). There is a wonderful site out there called Uni Watch. It was started by Paul Lukas, a sports uniform die-hard. He has a weekly column on ESPN.com and also this site. It is quite amazing. If you are nut about sports uniforms - particularly jerseys - the site is definitely worth checking out. Stuff the people comment on and catch during broadcasts is amazing...such as LaDainian Tomlinson is the only NFL player not to wear an American flag on his helmet. Or that Clinton Portis wore white cleats this week. They also are one of the first sites to have pictures of new uniform designs, like when every NHL team debuted the new RBK EDGE jerseys over the course of this summer.

If you are a real freak about sports aesthetics, you can become a member. Like most 'fan clubs' there are various levels you may choose from:

Level One — Wool Flannel ($25): Benefits are as follows:
• Official Uni Watch membership card
• Uni Watch fridge magnet
• Three bonus entries in all Uni Watch raffles
• Your name featured on the Uni Watch “Active Roster” membership listing

Level Two — Vertically Arched ($60): All of the benefits listed above, plus a special members-only Uni Watch T-shirt, this year’s version of which is available in your choice of a blue ringer, red ringer, black ringer, orange on navy, or blue on gray. A new T-shirt design will be made available to new or renewing members each year on May 17th, the anniversary of this blog.

Level Three — Chain-Stitched ($100): All the benefits listed above, plus a CD containing the digital art files for three rare, hard-to-find uniform style guides: NFL 1972, XFL 2001, and MLB’s 1999 “Turn Ahead the Clock” series.

Level Four — Leather Helmet ($250): All the benefits listed above, plus Uni Watch design director Scott M.X. Turner will create a logo for your team, fantasy league, company, civic association, church group, or just for you.

Level Five — Satin Piping ($500): All the benefits listed above, plus I will conduct a “Uni Watch Profiles” interview with you, a transcript of which will be posted on the blog. During the interview we will discuss your favorite uniforms, your uni-related pet peeves, your cap collection, or anything else uni-related that you want to talk about. You will be uni-king for a day!

Level Six — Striped Stirrups ($1000): All of the benefits listed above, plus I will fly to your town (or to the nearest city with an airport) and host a Uni Watch party at the local venue of your choosing. Probably your best chance at attending a Uni Watch party if you live in, say, Wichita. Continental U.S. only. If you live within a 100-mile radius of New York City, I will take you and a guest out to dinner either before or after the party. If you and some friends pool your resources to come up with the fee, you will all receive membership cards.

Level Seven — Silver Medal: Because gold is for suckers. Available only to Uni Watch staff.

Honorary: Reserved for special friends of Uni Watch.

I am indeed a paying member and you can see my membership card below.