New York Yankees x Babe Ruth [1932]

Welcome again to another jersey entry. Showcased here is a custom made New York Yankees Babe Ruth jersey. This piece was a very interesting and fortunate find. An ad was placed by a graphic design studio owning mock jerseys manufactured for their ads that ran on MLB Network. The company gave me a very generous deal considering the price they paid themselves for the jerseys to be made.


Since the jersey is custom made, it does not have any brand name tags attached. However, the quality and materials are definitely on the same degree or even higher than that of a licensed company. The material of the jersey is soft polyester with 3/4 length sleeves and wool felt navy blue fabric for the number/letters to replicate the 1932 season. in case you're wondering, I bought the Lou Gehrig on the same day as this one.


Although he has played for several other franchises and had great years with the New York Yankees, I've chosen to only cover his 1932 season for publishing reasons. That season also holds on of the most mysterious and disputed moments in baseball history when the Yankees played in the World Series.


Born in Baltimore, MD on 6 February 1895, George Herman "Babe" Ruth, Jr. started his MLB career with the Boston Red Sox as a pitcher winning three World Series championships in 1915, 1916, and 1918. In 1920, he was sold to the New York Yankees and a rivalry was born.


Batting in his primal years alongside Lou Gehrig, The Sultan of Swat would earn numerous home run awards and set records wearing pinstripes as well as earning the 1923 AL MVP and a spot in the 1933 All-Star Game. He would also collect four more World Series Championships in 1923, 1927, 1928, and his final one in 1932.


The 1932 World Series will live in infamy for many baseball fans and historians. In Game 3, Babe Ruth pointed towards centre field moments before hitting a home run out of the park. "The Called Shot" as it is now known is a disputed claim as to whether or not he was predicting the dinger or bantering with the opposing team's dugout. It would be his final hit and home run in a World Series game making the event more memorable. Regardless if it was a fluke or not, the New York Yankees went on to capture the championship in a four game sweep. At the end of the year, he belted 41 home runs with a .341 batting average and 137 runs batted in.


The Great Bambino would play two more seasons in with the New York Yankees, but his numbers fell indicating that he no longer had the power to continue as a player. He played his final season in the city he started his career, but with the Boston Braves. Shortly into the season, he retired after playing six games with that club.


Career Highlights and Achievements:
714 HR, 2220 RBI, .342 BA, 94-46 W-L record, 17 SO, 2.28 ERA, 2x All-Star [1933, 1934], 7x World Series Champion [1915, 1916, 1918, 1923, 1927, 1928, 1932], 12x AL HR Leader [1918-21, 1923-24, 1926-31], AL MVP [1923], AL ERA Leader [1916], AL Batting Average Leader [1924], .690 SLG%, 1.164 OPS%. National Baseball Hall of Fame inductee [1936], MLB All-Time Team [right fielder, 1997], MLB All-Century Team [1999].
On 13 June 1948, the New York Yankees retired #3 in his honour. Two awards were named after him as well; The Babe Ruth Award [originated in 1949] is given annually to the best performer in the World Series. Additionally, The Babe Ruth Home Run Award [originated in 1998] is given to the player with the most home runs in the regular season.


On 16 August 1948, just two months after his last appearance at Yankee Stadium, Babe Ruth passed away at the age of 53 due to cancer. Although a very controversial figure off the field, no other player owns the title of being the greatest baseball player of all time.


“Never let the fear of striking out get in your way.” - Babe Ruth

George Harrison x All Things Must Pass

Easily my favourite member from The Beatles, George Harrison's first solo album; All Things Must Pass, goes down as one of the greatest ever produced outshining the cornerstone members of his former band. Released in 1970, it was ranked 433rd on Rolling Stone Magazine's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. In my opinion, it's a little unjust - but lists are meant for great debate. I happened to purchase the remastered version for a pretty penny, but it was worth it.


My Sweet Lord [performed at The Concert for Bangladesh with Eric Clapton and Ringo Starr]

No Age x An Object

No Age's fourth studio album; An Object, from Subpop Records came out earlier this month and I'm so stoked to have grabbed a copy.


An Impression

New York Yankees x Lou Gehrig [1932]

Recently, I've been on a tear with new purchases that it's literally becoming insane. Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in - and I'm talking about the hobby game. This player, however, has been on my want list for ages and I finally have a jersey of his within my collection. Today, we're taking a look at a New York Yankees Lou "The Iron Horse" Gehrig uniform circa 1932.


This was picked up at a graphic design studio downtown. The company hired a manufacturer to create custom made jerseys from a certain era in baseball. The uniform is made from some type of flannel with wool felt letters and number with 3/4 length sleeves.


Born in New York City, NY on 19 June 1903, Henry Louis "Lou" Gehrig attended Columbia University where scouts admired his baseball skills. The New York Yankees offered him a contract and would make his professional debut on 15 June 1923.


For the next 17 seasons, mostly batting alongside Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig became an accomplished superstar winning multiple AL MVP awards, batting titles, and World Series championships. In 1932, he became the third player in league history to hit four home runs in a single game.


One remarkable feat he accomplished was his consecutive games played streak. Since his debut in 1923, he has never missed a single game until 30 April 1939 where he would total an outstanding 2, 130 games - a record that stood for 56 years. Unfortunately, it was more than an injury that kept him to continue. He was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis [ALS] which deteriorates muscles and affects bodily and neuron functions. Sadly, he would never play another game again.


His retirement was officially announced on 21 June 1939 and a pre-game ceremony was held on 4 July 1939 at Yankee Stadium. It was officially dubbed Lou Gehrig Appreciation Day and he would give his famous "luckiest man" speech. The New York Yankees would retire his jersey number in his honour.


Career Highlights and Achievements:
6x World Series Champion [1927-28, 1932, 1936-38], 2x AL MVP [1927, 1936], 7x MLB All-Star [1933-39], Triple Crown winner [1934], 3x AL Home Run leader [1931, 1934, 1936], MLB All-Time Team [first baseman, 1997], MLB All-Century Team [1999].


On 2 June 1941, two years after being diagnosed with ALS - Lou Gehrig passed away at the age of 37. Many organizations and medical practioners have been continuously contributing and researching on making Lou Gehrig's Disease a thing of the past.


"There is no room in baseball for discrimination. It is our national pastime and a game for all." - Lou Gehrig

The Rolling Stones: 50

How amazing is it to see those crazy expensive books go on sale for more than 50% off? Being a major fan of The Rolling Stones, this was a must to pick up.

Bob Dylan x Highway 61 Revisted

Released in 1965, Bob Dylan's sixth studio album Highway 61 Revisited was his first rock album after a long string of records in the folk genre. This album left behind a tremendous legacy, even though most of his fans turned their back to him as he did to folk music, it contains the greatest song of all time in "Like A Rolling Stone." In Rolling Stone Magazine's Greatest Albums of All Time list in 2003, this was ranked at no. 4.


Ballad of a Thin Man

Team Canada x Phil Esposito [1972]

Hello readers, welcome to another jersey entry for this blog. Today happens to be a very outstanding addition; Phil Espositio's Team Canada home jersey worn during the Summit Series in 1972. I have finally reached the top of my hockey collection. I was thinking of doing a full blown career article, but since this is an international piece, I decided to focus more on this time frame.


I purchased this jersey from an online seller, and judging from the material - it was definitely a bargain. Although it did have a set of numbers stitched on, it was removed flawlessly. When it came to customizing the jersey, I went with the best player on the team.


The uniform bears stitched letters and numbers as well as double layered elbows, a commemorative patch, and fight strap. Made by Athletic Knit, it's definitely a rare piece considering all reproduced versions of this jersey are made by other companies.



Born on 20 February 1942 in Sault Ste. Marie, ON, Canada, Philip Anthony Esposito was selected to play for Team Canada by the coach, managers, and organizers of the event. The reigning Art Ross Trophy winner and Stanley Cup champ would serve as a co-captain for the 35-man roster.


September 1972 marked one of the most memorable months for the country of Canada. Our finest NHL players faced the USSR hockey team in an 8 game bout [four in Canada, four in USSR] known as the Summit Series. In what was supposed to be a friendly match between the two nations turned out to become a battle for hockey superiority at the height of The Cold War.


What most writers dubbed "a cake walk" for Canada, the overweight and sluggish team had managed to win only one out of four games in North America [Game 3 ended with a tie]. In the final game played in Vancouver, Phil Esposito's post-game interview helped rally the nation to get back on Canada's side before flying overseas to the Soviet Union.


On USSR soil, the Canadians lost their first game, but managed to take the remaining three for the series victory due to a late goal scored by Paul Henderson with an assist by Phil Esposito. This goal would solidify Canada's dominance for their national pastime and has become one of the defining moments in our nation's history.


Summit Series Statistics:
8 GP, 7 G, 6 A, 13 Pts, +/- 2


In 2005, the entire team was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame and earned a spot on Canada's Walk of Fame in 2012.


"We're not gonna lose. No way we're gonna lose. Let's go out there and kick the hell out of 'em." - Phil Esposito

The Beatles Tee

Sears was having a sale and took advantage of grabbing my first Beatles tee.

Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeroes

Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeroes new self-titled album came out last week and just like the first two, this one does not fail to deliver. Check it out, I urge you to.


Better Days


Live On Letterman: Life is Hard

Think Tank x Adrift

Adrift had a massive sale a few weeks ago and I, of course, took advantage of the deals. One item I needed to grab was the snapback they collaborated with Think Thank.


Adding a minor twist to the Toronto Raptors logo, it was a must to pick up.

Adidas x Busenitz

Another thing I grabbed from Adrift was a pair of Dennis Busenitz's pro model from Adidas. The deal was amazing with 70% off the original price and the shoe fits amazingly well. Can't wait to skate in these ones!

M.I.A.

Hey readers,

Sorry for the lack of posts these passed few days. My phone/camera is getting repaired which means pickups and going-ons are at an all time low. Please check back in a few weeks for updates and whatnot. In the meantime, please feel free to check out my previous articles in the archive section.

Take care,

Virgil N

David Bowie x "Heroes"

Released in 1977, David Bowie's twelfth studio album; "Heroes" went on to be one of the greatest albums ever released and the title track has been his most popular. For a very generous price tag at the music store, I'd have been dumb to not pick this up.

New Era x Buffalo Bisons

I know I usually post these types of entries on Friday, but I really didn't want to wait. Yesterday, I picked up a brand new fitted at the Blues Jays shop of their Triple-A affiliate; the Buffalo Bisons. I've always wanted a fitted of this team because I've always visited that city as a kid and the cap just looks pretty awesome as well.


Notable Bisons players include Hall of Fame legends Ferguson Jenkins, Johnny Bench, and Connie Mack. Current Blue Jays members have also played for them including 2012 Nat'l League Cy Young Winner RA Dickey [above] and Jose Reyes [below] after recovering from his injury and returning to the majors.

Rolling Stones x Shine a Light Original Soundtrack

Finally found a reasonably priced copy of the deluxe soundtrack to one of my favourite movies featuring one of my bands! So stoked! Because I love this, you should too!


Paint It, Black

Atlanta Hawks x "Pistol" Pete Maravich [1971-1972]

Usually, this would be an entry for Jersey Sunday. But today is an exception because we are celebrating this person's birthday. On hand is a Reebok Hardwood Classics Atlanta Hawks "Pistol" Pete Maravich road jersey from his sophomore season in the NBA. His unique playmaking abilities blended with his creative scoring touch made him one of the most entertaining basketball players ever to hit the hardwood.


I won this online not too long ago and I was not hesitant at all to place my bid. I have been on the hunt for one of these uniforms for a long time since reading his biography; Pistol: The Life of Pete Maravich. This is the road blue style with single layer tackle twill numbers and letters. A very interesting addition was the "Pistol" nickname added to the back as opposed to the conventional ID on the rest of the league's team uniforms.


Born on 22 June 1947 in Aliquippa, PA, Peter Press Maravich was destined to be a basketball player. He attended Louisiana State University where, in 3 seasons between 1967-1970, he became the all time leading scorer for LSU and the NCAA earning the Naismith College Player of the Year [1970]. His collegiate career average of 44.2 points per game still stands as the greatest average of all time - and this is well before the shot clock and 3-point line were introduced in college competition.


In the 1970 NBA Draft, Pete Maravich was selected with the 3rd overall pick for the Atlanta Hawks. In his rookie season, he averaged 23.2 PPG and recieved a spot on the All-Rookie Team as well as a playoff spot. His second season, however, did not go as well as his first with an average of 19.3 PPG. But once again, he helped the team to a playoff run and averaged 27 PPG in the postseason.


In his third season in the league, he averaged 26.1 PPG and passed the 20,000 point mark while making his first appearance to the All-Star Game. In the 1973-74 season, he averaged his career best in PPG in Atlanta with 27.7, second best at the time, and another appearance at the All-Star Game before shipping off to an expansion team; the New Orleans Jazz.


His five and a half season stint with the New Orleans Jazz would be his most memorable. He'd make it to the All-NBA First Team in 1976 and average a career best 31.1 PPG in the 1976-77 season. In a game against the New York Knicks that season, he dropped a career-high 68 points - one of the few players at the time to do so. Furthermore, he made three appearances at the All-Star Game between 1977 to 1979.


Pete Maravich along with the franchise moved to the state of Utah where injuries would have him sidelined or limit his playing abilities. Midway through his final season in the league, he was traded to the Boston Celtics where he would play alongside future superstar Larry Bird. Playing the sixth man role, he averaged a career-low 13 PPG and would finally retire at the end of the season after a ten year run in the NBA.


On 5 January 1988, at the age of 40, "Pistol" Pete Maravich passed away during a pickup game at a local church from heart complications. His death sent shockwaves through the basketball world, especially through the state of Louisiana where he had set his mark on the sport. He was posthumously honoured by the NBA when he was named to the 50th Anniversary Team in 1999. In 2005, he was named the greatest college player of all time by ESPNU.


Career Highlights and Awards:
Naismith College Player of the Year [1970]
NBA All-Rookie Team [1971]
5x NBA All-Star 1973-74, 1977-79]
2x All-NBA First Team 1976, 1977]
NBA 50th Ann'y Team [1999]
2× USBWA Player of the Year [1969–70]
AP College Player of the Year [70]
3× SEC Player of the Year [1968–70]
3× Consensus NCAA All-American First Team [1968–70]
In 1970, his #23 was retired by the LSU basketball team. In 1985, his jersey #7 was retired by Utah Jazz and later by the New Orleans Hornets in 2005. Additionally, in 1988, the gymnasium of his alma mater was renamed the Pete Maravich Assembly Center to pay tribute to one of their greatest athletes.


"There is nothing wrong with dedication and goals, but if you focus on yourself, all the lights fade away and you become a fleeting moment in life." - "Pistol" Pete Maravich