So it came to my attention this morning via FB post that the White Sox were yet again changing up the look of one of their jerseys. I would have to say with full confidence and all my money that the White Sox have had the most different jerseys and looks in MLB history. A quick look at this site can show you just how many hats we have had over the years: http://www.dugout-memories.com/chisox.html
So back to the change that is occurring, the Sox announced that they are changing the road grays (pictured above). See the flying sock patch? It's very popular; maybe the most popular logo the White Sox have. A major White Sox website even named themselves "The Flying Sock". Someone at the Sox decided in a dark room somewhere that it would be a good idea to get rid of that patch in favor of a super generic "Sox" logo. This might not seem like a big deal, but to die-hard fans like myself, we take these things seriously. It's a great looking logo. Why change it? Well, the Sox responded to the outcry from fans who complained in the blogosphere before I had a chance to, and here is the letter they posted to fans:
---------------------------------------------------------
Guys,
I want to thank you all for your notes about the road uniforms. Although none of you are happy with the decision, I do appreciate the feedback, good or bad. …
We have talked quite a bit about the road grays for a few years after getting input from our players, staff and even some fans. The most alarming thing I received from a fan was the stat showing how little we are wearing our road grays in favor of the black uniforms. That is something we plan to correct going forward.
After looking at the road grays, we determined that the uniform should contain our main logo, our brand, and have decided to replace the flying sock with the White Sox primary S-O-X logo. This was one of several possible options.
I know this is not a popular decision with you guys and I am sorry to disappoint. In the event any or all of you are at SoxFest, please find me if you would like to discuss further.
Again, I truly appreciate the feedback. Sorry this email response was not what you wanted to hear.
All the best,
Brooks
---------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------
So basically, they're just saying "we're doing this no matter what you think". Seems like the Sox organization might be a little out of touch with the fan-base. Changes are hard, I know that. However, is it really in our best interest to do this? What is the purpose of this? Is there any advantage to this? The letter says that players gave input on this. Why would the players not want the patch? Is it bulky on the sleeve, or uncomfortable? Whatever the reason is, it cannot be good enough to cause this kind of change. The letter does not say that the patch will be removed from the black jersey, which also has it on the sleeve. These are questions I want to know the answer to. If I was going to Soxfest, you better believe I'd be finding "Brooks" and asking him these questions.
We have had good uniforms and bad uniforms in the past. Good hats and bad hats as well. Good logos and bad logos too. I know there are reasons to change a uniform, to break up monotony; changing your design to be more current. The White Sox, however, have always had a feel for nostalgia. Despite the change in 1991 to our current logo and uniform look, we have really had that great nostalgic feel to our look. I like the black uniforms, so to respond to the person who told the Sox staff that we wear them too much, shove it. That's my favorite uniform. Good guys wear black.
Maybe we should just go back to the glory days uniforms, complete with knee highs, shorts and collared shirts. Maybe not.
No comments:
Post a Comment