FanExpo 2016

This is a long overdue post, but I'm finally coming around to posting my day at FanExpo 2016 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. I went last weekend with some friends and had a blast. Didn't take too many photos or grab too many things, but for anyone who hasn't yet been to the event, I encourage you to check it out. Just be aware, you might have to spend a little more than you expect - especially if you go on a Saturday.


Can't go wrong taking a pic of Boba Fett pointing a weapon at you.


For those of you who grew up in Canada during the 90s, PJ Fresh Phil was a part of your childhood. He and some other former hosts of YTV did a small reunion at the event and took some time to autograph photos and take selfies for charity.




Zombie Jesus [whom I have never heard of] was selling tees and I grabbed the least offensive ones.

So Hip It Hurts x 25 Ann'y

So Hip It Hurts is celebrating their 25th ann'y this year and they released this commemorative shop deck designed by one of their employees. I'm always down for that shop and grabbed one to skate with. Support your local skate shop.

Chicago Bulls x Michael Jordan [1992-93, 1996-98]

Been a very long time coming, but finally, here it is. This is a Chicago Bulls Michael Jordan road jersey. A Michael Jordan jersey just seemed mandatory, but I wasn't willing to pay retail for one. So I had to piece this one together almost from scratch.


The is an Adidas jersey bought from a thrift store with a different name and number. I stripped the entire piece and had it sent out for lettering the front word mark. After that, I took it to another company to complete the numbers and ID. Everything is embroidered in two layer tackle twill in black and white.


Born on 17 February 1963 in Brooklyn, NY, Michael Jeffrey Jordan was selected 3rd overall by the Chicago Bulls in the 1984 NBA Draft. And the rest is history.


Career Highlights
NBA Rookie of the Year (1985)
NBA Defensive Player of the Year (1988)
6× NBA champion (1991–1993, 1996–1998)
6× NBA Finals MVP (1991–1993, 1996–1998)
5× NBA Most Valuable Player (1988, 1991, 1992, 1996, 1998)
14× NBA All-Star (1985–1993, 1996–1998, 2002, 2003)
3× NBA All-Star Game MVP (1988, 1996, 1998)
10× All-NBA First Team (1987–1993, 1996–1998)
10× NBA scoring champion (1987–1993, 1996–1998)
3× NBA steals leader (1988, 1990, 1993)
2× NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion (1987, 1988)
2x Basketball Hall of Fame Inductee [2009, 2010]
NBA playoffs all-time leading scorer
Chicago Bulls all-time leading scorer
No. 23 retired by Chicago Bulls


"Just play. Have fun. Enjoy the game." - Michael Jordan

Boston Celtics x Larry Bird [1979-92]

Today's item is Larry Bird's Boston Celtics road jersey he wore for his entire NBA career from 1979-92. Some might be surprised as to why I'd wear the green and white jersey because of my loyalty to other teams considered rivals, but it's all about the player on the back and Larry Bird is one of the true legends of the game.



Born on 7 December 1956 in French Lick, IN., Larry Bird played for the Indiana State Sycamores from 1976-79 and was drafted 6th overall by the Boston Celtics in his third collegiate year. Entering the league with another dynamic rookie, Earvin Magic Johnson of the Los Angeles Lakers, he would help save the league from flourishing by renewing the Celtics-Lakers rivalry and increase fan interest.


Fanning out as I usually do with my apparel, I just had to get the matching lid. This is a vintage snapback with an all green crown and visor.



NBA Career Highlights and Achievements:
Rookie of the Year and All-Rookie Team [1980]
3x MVP [1984 – 1986]
3x NBA Champion [1981, 1984, 1986]
2x Finals MVP [1984, 1986]
9x All-NBA First Team [1980 – 1988]
12x All-Star [1980 – 1988, 1990 – 1992]
All-Star Game MVP [1982]
3x 3-Point Shootout Champion [1986-88]
Jersey #33 retired by the Boston Celtics [1992]
Olympic Gold Medalist [1992]
Named to the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History [1996]
Basketball Hall of Fame Inductee [1998].


"I've got a theory that if you give 100% all of the time, somehow things will work out in the end." - Larry Bird

Ewing Athletics x Guard Mid

I've always been 50-50 on Ewing Athletics because the designs are pretty rad, but the materials are questionable. However, since a local sports shop is having a massive sale, I grabbed a pair of Guards for the hell of it.


The majority of the shoe is made of suede with hints of rubber. A neat feature is the embroidered "Patrick Ewing" signature with the blue "33" on the side.


The back of the heels sport and embroidered "EWING" in white stitching.


The best feature is the midsole and outsole. It's a very soft rubber that adds absorbs impact as you walk. Although the shoe is made of suede, the materials feel very durable and and unmatched comfort. Not bad for my first pair of Ewing Athletics and hopefully I can grab another pair in the near future.

Los Angeles Lakers x Steve Nash [2012-14]

Today's jersey post is a Los Angeles Lakers Steve Nash home uniform worn during his brief stint in LA from 2012 to 2015. His career was very short in the purple and gold considering his injuries, but it was definitely about the player when I came to purchase this.


This is the swingman home style uniform with embroidered numbers and letters made of single layer screen printed tackle twill.


Born on 7 February 1974 in Johannesburg, South Africa, Steve Nash moved to Regina, Sask., Canada at the age of one and later to Victoria, BC. After earning a scholarship to play at Santa Clara, he was selected 15th overall in the 1996 NBA Draft by the Phoenix Suns where he'd play for two seasons until he was traded to the Dallas Mavericks.


After six seasons with the Mavericks, Steve Nash returned to the Phoenix Suns. Teaming up with a young roster, they clinched the Southwest Division Title and the top spot in the Western Conference. While averaging 15.5 PPG and 11.5 APG, he received the Most Valuable Player Award - becoming the first Canadian recipient. He also received The Lou Marsh Award as Canada's Top Athlete. The next season, the injury plagued Phoenix Suns were still able to capture the Southwest Division Title, and Steve Nash won his second MVP Award averaging 18.8 PPG and 10.5 APG.


After a long run with the Phoenix Suns, Steve Nash was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers before the 2012 season. Unfortunately, he wouldn't find the same success as he had due to injuries. Unable to play an entire season or in the playoffs, the acquisition did not meet expectations. His second season in Los Angeles basically followed suit. In an exhibition game heading into the 2014-15 season, a back injury held him to 15 games. On 21 March 2015, Steve Nash announced his retirement from the game of basketball.


Career Highlights
2x NBA MVP [2005-06]
8x NBA All-Star [2002–03, 2005–08, 2010, 2012]
3x All-NBA First Team [2005-07]
5x NBA Assists Per Games Leader [2005-07, 2010-11]
Lou Marsh Award [2005]


I don't care what other people say. I fight every day to be the best player I can." - Steve Nash

WKND Skateboards x Eric Koston

Switch Skate & Snow is having a sale on some of their boards and I grabbed this WKND Eric Koston guest pro model deck.


It's been several months since the 1996 Thrasher Skater of the Year has been sponsored, if he were to land on any team, WKND would have been the most fitting.


Support your local skate shop.

Button Machine Stickers & Patches

Button Machine is a clothing and accessory company based in Toronto. They use the city's pop culture references for their products and to some, it's an inside joke. To most, it's the lifestyle. These are just a few stickers and patches I ordered and I can't be any more excited. These are definitely getting stitched onto something.


It's not "Toe-ron-to," it's "Turonno."

Mitchell & Ness x Toronto Raptors x Team Short Snapback

Just picked up this Mitchell & Ness Toronto Raptors snapback at a department store the other night. Something I wouldn't normally wear, but the price was really cheap, so I grabbed it.

enjoi Tummy Sticks

Since my brother grabbed a pair, I hopped the bandwagon and also bought a set of rails for my skateboard - at least for my cruiser. Blue Tile Lounge in Toronto had a set of enjoi Tummy Sticks at a great price.


What's cool about these is you can grab different colours. I had to go with orange and blue since that's always been my favourite colour combo.

Spitfire Formula Four Wheels

Picked up a set of Spitfire Formula Four skateboard wheels from Scottie's out in Whitby where they are currently having a sale. Live to burn, burn FOURever. Support your local skate shop.

New Era x Toronto Blue Jays [1990s]

This was a really great find at Pickering's Roadshow Antiques. This is a vintage New Era Toronto Blue Jays deadstock fitted from the 1990s. I was really surprised at how cheap it was and the condition. It was a no-brainer I had to pick this up.



Additionally, the tags were still attached to the crown - I am thinking of whether or not I should remove it because I'd love to wear this around.

Jesse Barfield & Duane Ward Signing at Pickering Markets

This past Sunday was the second day of the Toronto Blue Jays Legends signing at Pickering Markets. Appearing that day was Jesse Barfield and Duane Ward. Even though I showed up pretty late, I was fortunate enough to have a baseball signed by both players.


This was the second time I met the 1986 AL HR leader. This first time was after a game when I won a draw for a meet & greet.



Duane Ward was a late announcement, which surprised a lot of people. But it adds more bang for your buck and it was a privalege to meet a 2x World Series Champion.


Great thanks to Heritage Stick Co. and Pickering Markets for always coming through with autograph signings to our little sector in Durham Region.

Kelly Gruber & George Bell Signing at Pickering Markets

Today, former Toronto Blue Jays players Kelly Gruber and George Bell did a signing at Pickering Markets. It was the first of two days the markets will hold a Blue Jays autograph session. It was great to meet the two baseball legends and I'm looking forward to Sunday's event as well.







Support local business.