Throwback Jersey? Right.
Ohio State Athletic director Gene Smith announced this morning that the Buckeyes will be wearing uniforms paying tribute to the undefeated 1954 Ohio State squad when they take to the field against Michigan. Smith said that the uniforms are part of Nike’s Rivalry program and will feature “cutting-edge fabrics and technology.”
Although the official design’s won’t be unveiled until November 15, one would assume that they look like the uniforms used in 1954. However, this is Nike so who knows what to expect. A photo going around Twitter today (apparently posted by Brandon Smith) has been leaked showing a sample of the uniforms. (at right).
If these are throwback uniforms, wow. Nike’s vision of old school and mine are two entirely different things. If they truly are 1954 style uniforms, I’m all for it. Nothing like going back to the days of Hopalong Cassidy for some good mojo. I’m just not too keen on uniforms “inspired” by the 1954 team. I mean really, look what happens in Oregon when they go looking for uniform inspiration.
Update: 11 Warriors has a “leaked” photo of the uniforms. I’m digging the pants and helmet but what’s with the spiral design on the shoulder. Nike just had to put their spin on it didn’t they.
As a refresher, here’s some images from the 1954 season and a glimpse of what the tribute uniforms might look like:
I'd love to see a uniform like this.
No buckeye leaves on that helmet
Program from 1954 Ohio State Michigan game. Union looks like I remember it.
"Big" Jim Parker -- 248 pounds of hurt. Note the "technical" fabric used in the jersey.
Hopalong...enough said.
1954 Ticket Stub
UPI Reporters Fay Loyd and Kurt Freudenthal convering Ohio State at Purdue. The week before, Loyd had been barred from the press box at the Army/Navy game. We've come a long way haven't we Erin?
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Kurt Freudenthal is my father. He passed away almost three years ago. When we were putting together a collage to celebrate his life we came across this picture. At the time, we did not know who the woman was or what the story was about the picture. About a year ago, I found this photo online and learned of its significance. I tried to find out if Fay Loyd was still alive but have not had any luck to date. I’d appreciate it if anyone had additional information to contact me. Thanks!
Hi Tracie,
Thank you for stopping by. I’m afraid I don’t know anything more about the photo then what I found online (which you probably already know). I found the photo when looking for pictures of the Ohio State 1954 football season.
The main reason I included it was that I found it interesting that Fay Loyd was banned from the press box during the 1954 Army/Navy game the week before because she was a woman. (”Erin” being a reference to ESPN reporter Erin Andrews.)
A couple of sites that might help if you haven’t found them yet, http://www.downhold.org/lowry/upiimages.htm and also http://www.downhold.org/ which is a site dedicated to preserving the history of the UPI.
I hope this helps and good luck with your search.
Thanks for the leads! I will certainly follow the trail…
Tracie