By Joseph Dant
The other day, I was perusing some articles on the ol' four letter network. I happened across an article that was discussing Bud Selig's position on advertising on uniforms, in light of the NBA's recent announcement that they would begin selling small advertisement patches on NBA jerseys. For once, Bud held a view that I actually agree with. He was quoted in the article as saying: "You learn never to say never, but you know, with us, uniforms are really important. They're history.
You can close your eyes, and that Cub uniform, my goodness gracious, I can remember (that from) when I was 10 years old, and that's a long time ago. And there's the Yankee pinstripes, and the Red Sox and so on and so forth, so I've been pretty consistent on that." Aside from the fact that he earned some brown-nose points with me by mentioning the Cubs uni first, it is a valid point. Anyone with any attachment to the game of baseball has connections to the uniforms. Even when a team's uniforms change, we maintain that connection.
I have never understood the urge to put advertising on a the uniforms in any sport. It seems to me that the uniform is the team's biggest advertisement for itself. It seems as though this would be the equivalent of having a Froot Loops commercial in the middle of a Bud Light commercial. It distracts from the original subject. I suppose it is a little more acceptable in the other sports, as they are not as tradition-laden as baseball. The NBA in particular, has always (in my lifetime) shown themselves to be the athletic parallel of an ambulance chasing lawyer. Anything they feel they can make a dollar on, they will do. I'm not saying that the other sports are not looking to maximize profits, but the NBA just seems to be the worst league at hiding this fact.
Maybe I'm in the minority on this one. Am I the only person that holds my uniforms to be a little hallowed? Each team I root for is one with a distinct and tradition heavy uniform. I hope that Selig is being honest in his opinion here, and not just waiting for the NBA to make their move before doing the same to baseball. What does everyone think? Is the influx of an estimated $100 million dollars or more in revenue more important than the sanctity of the tradition of the uniform?
Discussing, Analyzing and Debating Sports Among Friends In The Heartland.
Well J, I too am a purist. If I were the commissioner of baseball people would most likely call me the worst business man in the world. Certainly I would maintain a profit, but my focus would be on things like outlawing the DH, and 86ing Selig from all major league parks. I would also do things like move the fences back at the New Yankees Stadium, because it is a joke. While I was at it, I would probably walk up to A-Rod and smack him in the face with the magazine that he did the "kiss myself in a mirror" picture.
ReplyDeleteWith that said, we have Europe to thank for this. Advertising is everywhere, the two most valuable sports franchises in the world are football (soccer) clubs in Europe. When you stop and think about it, it is not uncommon here either, look at Nascar. It's not a uniform in the classic sense, but the cars and their firesuits are decked out with hundreds of advertisements. You know and I know it's money.
I think the biggest thing about putting them on jersey's is not so much to see the players running down the court in them, but the advertisements will be on the jersey's that are sold in stores. That is where the real branding is.
My biggest question is this: What happens on throwback night? Do the throwback jersey's have ads on them too? If they do, I call shenanigans. I think that is what I am most worried about, haha.
Very good article, J. I agree with both you and Nick on this one. I'm a purist in regards to the game of baseball, but I do support a few minor changes they've considered pursuing at one point or another. I would like for there to be a quick-replay system for calls that umpires bungled. Umpires are more sensitive than any other sports official. Broadcasters are supposed to hold their tongues about bad calls and stadiums don't show replays on the jumbotrons so the crowd won't have the evidence to heckle/boo them. I also hate the DH rule. The NL should never give in to it. The game is much more exciting and takes a lot more strategy without the designated hitter involved.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I am totally against advertising on MLB uniforms, no matter how insignificant or small the logo. I enjoyed your use of "JTM" when regarding the Reds. Obviously, that got my attention. And there is nothing like watching the JTM hamburger commercial with Bronson Arroyo singing the JTM song with his hair blowing back like a rockstar. Go find it on Youtube if you don't recall the ad. It's just terrific. Speaking of which, I'm guessing you've seen the State Farm commercial with Kerry Wood and Andre "The Hawk" Dawson, right?