Patch Poll: Love or Hate the Steelers' Throwback Uniforms?
For the first time, the Pittsburgh Steelers will wear their horizontally striped throwback jerseys and socks in a game when they take on the Washington Redskins today at Heinz Field. What's your take on the 1934 replicas?
Photos
Killer bees? Depression chic?
Those are some of the kinder phrases thrown about by some Pittsburgh Steelers fans who are less than thrilled that players will be donning throwback uniforms at 1 p.m. today when they meet the Washington Redskins at Heinz Field.
Steelers officials unveiled the black-and-gold horizontally striped jerseys and socks earlier this year in honor of the team's 80th anniversary. The Steelers haven't worn this style of uniform since 1934, and the throwback garb is intended to reflect the team's Depression-era roots.
Steelers’ players are looking forward to wearing the throwbacks today for the first time in a game, according to the team's official blog on its website. Players say they enjoy celebrating the team's history and traditions, according to the Steelers' website.
Some fans, however, haven't been quite so enthusiastic.
In an ESPN SportsNation poll this week, 65 percent of more than 7,500 voters said they despise the black-and-gold outfits.
In social media jibes and talk-radio banter, Western Pennsylvania fans also have described the throwbacks as a major fumble, using terms that invoke bulky bumble bees and jail inmates. Others bemoan the less-than-flattering effect of horizontal stripes on all but the most svelte of figures.
Still others see little to celebrate about the 1934 Steelers, noting that the team went 2-10 that year.
What do you think? Take our poll, and tell us in the comments.
Tara Smith
11:20 am on Sunday, October 28, 2012
They're ok-but honestly not a fan
Erin Faulk
11:51 am on Sunday, October 28, 2012
The stripes are a little hard on the eyes—maybe it will distract the Redskins!
DONE
12:23 pm on Sunday, October 28, 2012
While I agree that the throwback uniforms are "out of fashion" by today's standards, in 1934 they were very much the height of fashion for that time. It's a uniform. Which our team will wear for one day. And which only changes the look of the team, not the skills and abilities of the team.
I don't care what uniform they wear. They are still THE STEELERS!!! =)
M
11:15 pm on Sunday, October 28, 2012
True, but to me it's just another unnecessary expense in a time when most of us are doubling down on austerity. Insensitive, to say the least, if not dismissive of fans who can no longer or ever could afford to attend an actual game, much less with their family, like me.
One of the reasons I've relocated to TN where pretty much everything about the state and city cost 10% of what it did in Moon where we lived in Moon since '85. Our home here is half the size, but then we aren't raising 3 sons. Here our annual property tax is $700 for a fenced acre of land, 7 year old home, 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 2-2 car garage, stainless steel appliances, etc., etc., etc. The sun shines most of the time, we have a view of the mountains, neighbors on acreage, a very active Catholic parish among the numerous Baptist denominations.
Have a good week:)
Peggie P. Richardson
12:23 pm on Sunday, October 28, 2012
If they were a good idea, they would still be wearing them today as the regular uniform. They are AWFUL. Jailbird look.
Mike Jones
12:18 pm on Sunday, October 28, 2012
I kinda like them because they're so different. But I really wish the Rooney's would start using the 1970s block number uniforms again.
Airdoc
12:23 pm on Sunday, October 28, 2012
They might help win the game when the Redskins are rolling around on the ground laughing.
Sherry
1:27 pm on Sunday, October 28, 2012
There should be "like" or "dislike" buttons here for all the comments. I dont personally like the uniforms but, I'm with Erin on this...I hope it distracts the Redskins and we win!!
Erin Faulk
2:06 pm on Sunday, October 28, 2012
If we had "like" and "dislike" buttons, I would "like" this!
Mike Jones
3:13 pm on Sunday, October 28, 2012
"Like"
Whitney
1:27 pm on Sunday, October 28, 2012
Did Rugby by Ralph Lauren design them ???
Deborah Ferguson
1:32 pm on Sunday, October 28, 2012
They are more lik "Throw UP" uniforms!
Mrs. D.
1:43 pm on Sunday, October 28, 2012
Yikes, They look like they dressed for Halloween!
SteelerNationFan
1:43 pm on Sunday, October 28, 2012
Throw-back or Throw-up uniforms? Glad it is just for one day! I do like the idea of the Redskins rolling on the ground and laughing while they lose....
Mike Jones
2:03 pm on Sunday, October 28, 2012
I'm digging the "throw-up" name. Unfortunately for people who hate them, the Steelers are wearing them again when they play Baltimore on Nov. 18.
JB
2:10 pm on Sunday, October 28, 2012
The shirts are growing on me but the pants an socks have to go!
jodi correll
2:41 pm on Sunday, October 28, 2012
If Im laughing from my couch, imagine the trash talk at the line of scrimmage!!!
Billee
3:13 pm on Sunday, October 28, 2012
Nike does say... Just Do It! Our Pittsburgh Honey Bee's are filling the Black and Gold Pot with a 18 point lead... SWEET!
Becky Brindle
3:05 pm on Sunday, October 28, 2012
I actually like them, but the socks are a bit much.
Billee
3:13 pm on Sunday, October 28, 2012
Nike does say... Just Do It! Our Pittsburgh Honey Bee's are filling the Black and Gold honey pot with a18 point lead... Sweet! Although to much honey will make for a sick tummy... that comes from Pooh Bear!
Billee
3:25 pm on Sunday, October 28, 2012
Two pending approvals in a row... must have made someone mad. I don't need to show I.D. to VOTE however my freedom of writing is on hold? Someday the true story will be told and all will unfold!
SteelerNationFan
3:39 pm on Sunday, October 28, 2012
They grow on you...(especially when the Steelers are winning). I like how the uniform tops could have been hand sewn and the socks hand knitted...wonder if the originals were done by ladies in the Pittsburgh area...wish we made more things in the USA. And it would be best if we had the option to make and buy things that are made locally.
M
11:15 pm on Sunday, October 28, 2012
I so agree! We all need to support our own country's economy first. It's hard to find things that aren't imported from third world countries. Maybe if Romney is elected he'll see the light and take a leaf from Obama's play book and give tax cuts to small businesses in the state as well as those who don't outsource jobs--a sore spot for me since we have returning vets who should be able to fill those jobs first.
SteelerNationFan
3:39 pm on Sunday, October 28, 2012
Do you think the originals used every day pants and the players just donned the generic stipes then attached their numbers to them. Important to conserve in the depression era and use resources wisely. Anyone know?
DONE
3:52 pm on Sunday, October 28, 2012
http://www.steelersdepot.com/2012/04/steelers-to-use-1934-black-yellow-striped-uniforms-as-throwbacks/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/heritagesportsart/6012137525/
Did a quick search for info on the uniforms. and these 2 links have the most pertinant pictures and info I could find in 10 minutes. Lol! The FLICKR link (2nd one) has links to a Heritatge Uniforms and Jerseys blog that might have the info you are looking for. I am pressed for imte, so I did not get a chance to check the blog. But the original b&w photo in the first link and the artwork in the second link are fantastic. =)
M
11:15 pm on Sunday, October 28, 2012
No, but it would make sense. We definitely need to get back to the practical wisdom of the Depression and waste not, want not, practice common sense in using resources carefully, respectfully, live simply so that others may simply live.
Ed M
4:29 pm on Sunday, October 28, 2012
Too ugly
Scott Baret
4:45 pm on Sunday, October 28, 2012
Not a fan of the uniforms, but they can keep them if they play the way they did while wearing them today!
NE12Ukid
4:52 pm on Sunday, October 28, 2012
Looks like the voting is CLOSED? at 38 votes? or is this another Patch glitch in the program?
M
11:20 pm on Sunday, October 28, 2012
Yeay! It was a fun game to watch here in TN. We don't get many of the games, but this one was a spirit raiser. Went to an apple festival here earlier in the month and wore my Pittsburghese t shirt. Met 3 proud members of the Steeler Nation. We're everywhere!! and I'm an import from Michigan, with 25+ years in the Burg, too boot. It took awhile, and I'm not a football fan in general, but I do love my Steelers!
NE12Ukid
4:51 pm on Sunday, October 28, 2012
Peggie P. Richardson
12:23 pm on Sunday, October 28, 2012
If they were a good idea, they would still be wearing them today as the regular uniform. >>>
Really? Are you still wearing the same things you wore in 1934?
Hey, they won, so they might wear the throwBACK uniforms again this season, it's happened before.
cc
6:46 pm on Sunday, October 28, 2012
If they had wings on the back of the uniforms they could be bumble bees. Uniforms are to funny to look at.
SteelerNationFan
7:06 pm on Sunday, October 28, 2012
Thanks Peggy! Great sites...check them out...to paraphrase...I hope somewhat accurately...Apparently the Steelers were originally the Pirates....and yes the do look more like pirate costumes, but the colors were based on the city's black and gold striped flag (sans crest). The black stripes were strips of felt overlayed on the yellow which also helped to control possesion of the ball. This was all in 1933 when Art Rooney bought the franchise once some of the laws changed and he was able to do so. The team struggled but Rooney was instrumental in the formation of the NFL draft which limited larger established franchises from pirating the best talents. Talent was then available to the smaller ball clubs. The uniforms most likely were made in Pittsburgh...hey...they can wear them proudly!
M
11:21 pm on Sunday, October 28, 2012
True + Yeay, Rooneys! they had the vision and character to stick with their team. So glad they held onto it til now, aren't you?
SteelerNationFan
7:06 pm on Sunday, October 28, 2012
hmmm...I meant to say Thanks Janice Meyer...great sites...beautiful pictures and watercolors of uniforms for sale there too.
Ginnie W
10:13 pm on Sunday, October 28, 2012
YUK! Thank God we won! We would of be the laughing stock of "bubble bee's". Have relatives in several states, receive texts all afternoon, wondering "why" we would to this to our Steerlers.
Joseph
10:56 am on Monday, October 29, 2012
The socks are awesome. The pants are awful. Black pants might be pretty cool though.
Roger Overandout
8:18 pm on Wednesday, November 7, 2012
I liked em
annie toia
11:36 am on Monday, November 19, 2012
UGH!!!!! They look like bumble bees
NE12Ukid
12:35 pm on Monday, November 19, 2012
Well they didn't help the team this week. :-(