The Great Customized Jersey debate
Empty Netters: Hurricanes at Penguins – Game 1 – Pregame – 5-18-09
1/2 way through the game I received a txt that a picture of me at the Pens pre-game terrace tailgate party was appearing on the Post Gazette’s website. Of course I was curious at first because I didn’t remember anyone taking my picture.
While reading the post I saw that Jersey Foul Bill of Rights was put together by Seth Rorabaugh and I thought I’d chime in since I’m apparently in foul of “Getting Personal”. His rule states “Easily the most common of jersey fouls, a personalized jersey is a blight on humanity. No one cares who you are. If they wanted to see your name, they’d dig it out of a phone book.” A blight on humanity… really… wow. I need to look into this. I should make that my new tag line. Honestly this is the one thing about hockey fans that I love seeing get bent over. They’re so passionate about keeping integrity to the most mundane things. I admit, I’m guilty of that also as the case of “A Steelers Fan Guide to the Stanley Cup Playoffs” 2008 and 2009 editions
Pens games are filled with personalized jerseys and from what I found out, if you dig deeper you’ll see that most jersey’s/sweater’s have a story behind them. Now if you’re wearing #66 and your name on the back, that is just asking for trouble. My jersey was a gift from my wife and Teaspoon’s jersey will sport his name have an “A” on the front. Plus if you’re going to go after customized jerseys don’t forget those dandy ones handed out to pre-game entertainment. They’re not players so they have to fit in this category also. What amazed me more is that this rarity of a jersey I saw on my way in was missed…
If you’re going to break a rule make it this one. There’s a good chance your jersey will have a longer shelf life than anyone on the roster not named Crosby, Malkin or Fleury. Just ask those owning a Hossa jersey.
