Dear Throwback Jerseys,
Like last week’s WU@W (Velour Jumpsuits), you had a nice run. It was a multi-year run in fact. You were hot for a few years back in the early 2000′s. In theory, you are an excellent idea. A way for sports fans to express their fan-ship for a past player, past team, or past style of uniform. In the beginning, that’s all you were worn for. Then Fabolous took the throwback game over.
I’m a Fabolous fan. Always liked him, still do in fact. “Loso’s Way” is a good CD. But I don’t think anyone would deny that he brought the fashion trend to the mainstream. In nearly all of his videos back then, he wore you with pride. He even had a entire song dedicated to you on one of his albums, and shouted different types of you out in numerous songs. At this point, you became a trend, more so for the rarity or ridiculousness of the player as well as the color combination of the jersey than for fan-ship. Looking back, this was kind of sad, and probably the reason you fizzled out.
I, however, have not given up on your true meaning. I’m still on the search for an affordable, appropriately sized, Gary Payton throwback jersey from the old style Sonics (not the ’96 Finals joints). I hope to one day find and wear with pride. But until then, I’ll just wonder what exactly brought the reign of the throwback jersey down. Even Fab doesn’t wear them no mo’.
Until next time,
The Mixtape Monster
PS – I’d love to see a Mitchell & Ness earnings chart from like 1998-2008 if anyone can find one.
