As many of you know, my passion for the history of Michigan
football is exceptionally high. I'm not
alone in this regard; it is why I have a kinship with Greg Dooley of
MVictors.com in large part because of this.
Greg's work on the Michigan uniform timeline is a passion project and
one I have been happy to be a part of as well.
So when Tiedman and Formby offered me a chance to give a
sneak preview at their 2014 Michigan throwbacks, I jumped at the chance. This is totally a recognition of my affection
for their work (I currently own a 1934 Gerald Ford #48 throwback from them.)
Before I go any further, let me first note that Craig Tiedman*
asked if I would mention the Kickstarter they are currently running which ends
on June 11, 2014:
He told me that they are offering jerseys at discounted
pre-order prices as a reward for pre-orders
(The Kickstarter is to help with working capital.)
(The Kickstarter is to help with working capital.)
*-Yet another example
of my firm belief in the Craig recognize Craig rule.
Well, what's available this year for you, Michigan fans?
Let's start with a 1927 Benny Oosterbaan felt sweater. Block M on the front, #47 on the back,
complete with the Drop Tail. Perhaps a
little warm for September games, but still, Bennie!
The Mad Magicians won the 1947 National Championship on the backs of a several of significant players, two of whom, the ringleader, Bob Chappuis and future Michigan coach Bump Elliott, get the Cotton Durene treatment here. (Similar to the Ford and Harmon jerseys.)
The 1964 Rose Bowl team, coached by Bump, led by Captain Conley, celebrate their 50th anniversary this year, and T&F celebrate them with a Rose Bowl jersey from that year, Mel Anthony's #37. They nailed the shoulder Ms, well done all around.
Next up, one that I think will be very popular, partially as it has not been offered before, but the 1976 away jersey for the Guts and Glue of the Maize and Blue, #7, Mr. Rick Leach. The detail note here I love is the exceptionally narrow sleeve stripes which were a mainstay of the mid-70s tear-away away jerseys.
On the basketball side, another 50th anniversary item, a road jersey for the Final Four team, represented here by #22 Bill Buntin. Such a classic look to this jersey. Were adidas not so concerned with their own branding, this should be Michigan's basketball look. Clean, crisp, classic.
And last, and certainly not least, on the hockey side, the greatest Michigan jersey ever, the 1962 Red Berenson navy sweater. I am so happy Michigan embraced its classic past in recent years (even if the Block Ms are a bit gratuitous.) But now, if you've regretted the branding choices, you can get the original, in the original sweater material.
All in all, T&F have done a great job "getting it
right". Classic materials, classic
sizing (which yeah, keep that in mind when ordering), the small details. If you have a passion for Michigan's classic
looks, this is the place.
