shame on you TAMPA BAY RAYS

[cubbs1232]

Tampa bay is know as "cigar city" Hand-rolling cigars was the main business of Tampa for many many years. The city was basically founded by cigar makers. I was born and raised here my whole life and I am a die hard fan and collector of the rays.

That being said the Rays just released the Tampa Smokers uniform designs they will be wearing in this years "Turn back the clock night" game on July 2, notice anything missing?

If youre not going to wear the exact replica of the uniforms worn back in the day, then why wear them for tbtc night at all. imo its a bad idea and a little disrespectful to the history of this city.

Shame on you Rays for furthering the pussification of America!

[Shipp_96]

Tampa bay is know as "cigar city" Hand-rolling cigars was the main business of Tampa for many many years. The city was basically founded by cigar makers. I was born and raised here my whole life and I am a die hard fan and collector of the rays.

That being said the Rays just released the Tampa Smokers uniform designs they will be wearing in this years "Turn back the clock night" game on July 2, notice anything missing?

If youre not going to wear the exact replica of the uniforms worn back in the day, then why wear them for tbtc night at all. imo its a bad idea and a little disrespectful to the history of this city.

Shame on you Rays for furthering the pussification of America!

+1 :)

[frikativ54]

Shame on you Rays for furthering the pussification of America!

I think that there is a better explanation here than America's being emasculated. MLB has an image problem regarding tobacco, something that may be dealt with in the next collective bargaining agreement. Some have suggested banning smokeless tobacco altogether from the sport, but I believe that the players' union has resisted. After all, tobacco is perfectly legal. However, MLB has cracked down on smoking in the dugout and has attempted to curb chewing on camera. By wearing uniforms with cigars on them, the Rays may be seen as promoting tobacco usage, something that might get them in trouble with their sponsors.

There are also strict rules about when and how tobacco is to be advertised, so perhaps the Rays are playing it safe in terms of both legal and image issues.

I know that cigars and smoking have been historically associated with masculinity - at least since the nineteenth century. However, I doubt there is any conscious attempt at "pussification."

Regardless of the tradition, there are other factors at work here. The last thing that the MLB wants is for kids to see the Smokers shirts with cigars on them and think that tobacco use is cool.

Honestly, I'm surprised that the Rays are wearing shirts with the text "Smokers" on them anyway. But I think the image of a cigar hits home more than the actual words on a jersey.

[cubbs1232]

frik well said, but then they shouldnt have decided to wear those uniforms at all if they were going to change them.

i dont smoke, never have and never will, and i dont have kids so maybe i dont understand, but when i grew up smoking was everywhere. on tv, in mags, every parent and grandparent i had smoked. And yet i never tried, not because my favorite team wasnt pushing it but because my parents parented me and told me what was good for me and what wasnt.

now-a-days it seems like fewer and fewer parents do their duties. they leave up to athletes to be role models and tvs and computers to raise their kids. So if a kid can be influenced by a cigar on a shirt or chew in someones lip thats on the parents not mlb.

sorry for the rant guys some topics just get me a little worked up

[Ollie]

Frik hit the nail on the head. I work in film and the media is extremely regulated on what we can show of smoking, even down to 10ths of second (like foul language) which I always found funny as I smoke cigars once a month or so and most behinds the scenes guys smoke.

It's all about pleasing the advertisers and taking no risks. Also agree that I'm surprised that they went with the Smokers uniform!

[godwulf]

Honestly, I'm surprised that the Rays are wearing shirts with the text "Smokers" on them anyway.

As am I.

It's true that cigars and cigar-smoking have long been associated with masculinity in American culture; that does not, in any way, make sticking a bunch of rolled-up leaves in your mouth, lighting it on fire and inhaling the fumes any more intelligent or less disgusting.

[slambam]

lol. Maybe they should keep it authentic by using the zipper rather than buttons too. :rolleyes:

Pussification of America huh? I hope you don't wear your seat belt, after all back in the day not all cars had them.

[cubbs1232]

lol. Maybe they should keep it authentic by using the zipper rather than buttons too. :rolleyes:
And they should isnt that the point of the tbtc games. they arent called "turn back the clock somewhat" games now are they?

Pussification of America huh? I hope you don't wear your seat belt, after all back in the day not all cars had them.
Yea and not all cars went 100 mph either now did they

[mlupo]

Shame on you Rays for furthering the pussification of America!

I get what you are saying, its in line with that winning doesn't matter/everyone gets a trophy attitued that kids are growing up with today. When really our lack of competitive edge is probably going to lead to the rest of the world passing us by.

[sox83cubs84]

I get what you are saying, its in line with that winning doesn't matter/everyone gets a trophy attitued that kids are growing up with today. When really our lack of competitive edge is probably going to lead to the rest of the world passing us by.

+1

Dave Miedema

[godwulf]

I get what you are saying, its in line with that winning doesn't matter/everyone gets a trophy attitued that kids are growing up with today. When really our lack of competitive edge is probably going to lead to the rest of the world passing us by.

And taking the image of a cigar off a jersey shows a "lack of competitive edge" in exactly...what way? Tobacco makes you strong? Only pussies get cancer? You left me back at the bakery.

[cubbs1232]

And taking the image of a cigar off a jersey shows a "lack of competitive edge" in exactly...what way? Tobacco makes you strong? Only pussies get cancer? You left me back at the bakery.

i think he was reffering to my comment "pussification of America" in general not just on this topic.

When did smoking become illegal?

Im sure anyone of us who goes out and about will see 10 people somking on any given day and guess what if you have your kids with you they see it too! So should those people not smoke because your kid might be influenced?

i get theres a lot of money in sponsorships that could lost if someone gets OFFENDED by a cigar and im not sure the rules about "promoting" smoking so just dont wear the jerseys at all then.

i email them to see why the cigar was left off. itll be interesting to hear the response.

[momen55]

it is all a bunch of bulls**t! they promote drinking by having $1 specials and kids see adults drinking at the park. so? ballgames aren't the family friendly atmosphere it used to be. even in minor league games here in florida it's all about the adults, promoting drink specials, night clubs and parties and concerts.

when i was contacted about the unis not having the cigar my response was "then they aren't authentic. what is the point in wearing them"? they are nice, but not the same.

[momen55]

and by the way, they should redo the unis because they say "smokers"! and the kids will light one soonafter the game! what a joke!

[momen55]

cubbs1232;

email me please. oldz70@yahoo.com.

[Skizzick]

To play Devil's Advocate, the cigar on the original jersey looks more like a big turd with some white stuff on the end than a cigar.

[mlupo]

And taking the image of a cigar off a jersey shows a "lack of competitive edge" in exactly...what way? Tobacco makes you strong? Only pussies get cancer? You left me back at the bakery.

Sorry, I should have made my point a little clearer. I was directing my comments at "Pussification of America", I feel this has less to do about tobacco and more about someone being offended. America is soft these days, we can say this word or that word because someone's feelings could get hurt. Man kids are going to go out into the real world and be in for a major culture shock, people don't just have you things because you try or even just show up. For the record I am not a smoker and never have been, but if you are going to use a jersey, keep it the way it was or don't use it.

[mlupo]

i think he was reffering to my comment "pussification of America" in general not just on this topic.

THANK YOU, yes my comment was directed at the "pussification of America"

[cohibasmoker]

Wow - Since everyone is hyped up about legalizing marijuana, instead of a cigar on their jerseys, perhaps the image of a cannabus plant be more "politically correct"?

mlupo - make no apologies - you're comments are on point.

Just my opinion, hope I didn't offend any one.

[mbenga28]

can't show a cigar on a jersey but splash beer ads throughout the stadium. beautiful.

[momen55]

it was an MLB decision and not the rays'! go figure!:mad:

[frikativ54]

it was an MLB decision and not the rays'! go figure!:mad:

Were you told this by the Rays? If so, this decision doesn't surprise me in the least.

[momen55]

Were you told this by the Rays? If so, this decision doesn't surprise me in the least.

yes. MLB promotes drinking with coupons and wristbands and specials, but an image of a cigar on a jersey is offensive and sends a "bad" message to fans, especially children? give me a *&^%$#@ break!

[mlupo]

MLB promotes drinking with coupons and wristbands and specials

And with a team named the BREWERS

[godwulf]

Much that is dismissed or derided as being "politically correct" is actually nothing of the kind. A lot of the time, it's either a simple matter of being polite or it's a business decision; the case under discussion would very clearly seem to be the latter.

Sponsors and patrons are offended by the image of a cigar on a Baseball jersey, and think it sends a bad message to kids? I'm sure that at least one HoF Pirates infielder would agree. Even if you don't...even if you think it's stupid for people to think that way, it's not your company doing the sponsoring or your team (in the sense of your owning it) reacting to the expected concerns of the paying customers.

Yes, ballparks and teams do promote drinking, particularly beer sales. For the past season or two, Chase Field has sold "All you can eat" seats, where for the price of your ticket you can stuff your face with ballpark junk food for nine innings; that's healthy. One of the Diamondbacks' biggest sponsors is an Indian gambling casino. On the other hand, a person can have a beer, eat a little too much, or gamble occasionally, without adversely affecting their health or finances, as long as they do any of those things in moderation. That's the difference between those things and tobacco use.

[kudu]

Yes, ballparks and teams do promote drinking, particularly beer sales. For the past season or two, Chase Field has sold "All you can eat" seats, where for the price of your ticket you can stuff your face with ballpark junk food for nine innings; that's healthy. One of the Diamondbacks' biggest sponsors is an Indian gambling casino. On the other hand, a person can have a beer, eat a little too much, or gamble occasionally, without adversely affecting their health or finances, as long as they do any of those things in moderation. That's the difference between those things and tobacco use.

Chase Bank promotes stealing money. So is it OK to steal money in moderation?

[sox83cubs84]

Another one of MLB's PC policies that likely does little except mollify the PC crowd: SGA giveaways can only be given away to adults of legal age if they bear a beer, wine, or liquor sponsor logo on them. How many of these items end up in kids' hands anyway? And we're not talking SGAs that are offensive in and of themselves...we're referring to things like baseball caps, floppy hats, and even baseball cards (Miller Lite 1994-95 Brewers set). You can openly advertise alcoholic beverages inside the ballpark, either through ads or naming rights, but God forbid a 13-year old kid gets a team cap with a tiny Bud Light logo on the back.

Dave Miedema

[godwulf]

Chase Bank promotes stealing money. So is it OK to steal money in moderation?

Chase Bank promotes stealing money? Really? How do they do that?

I can think of a couple of times that the Diamondbacks, themselves, have promoted stealing money: the Eric Byrnes contract and Richie Sexson, to name two.

[cubbs1232]

The jerseys came in with the cigar on the jerseys and the Rays later removed them. The decision was made by the Rays not mlb.

a little funny fact.....the Rays have a CIGAR BAR in the trop

[frikativ54]

The jerseys came in with the cigar on the jerseys and the Rays later removed them. The decision was made by the Rays not mlb.

a little funny fact.....the Rays have a CIGAR BAR in the trop

Interesting. We have two conflicting stories as to MLB's involvement. I wonder what went on...

[cubbs1232]

the local news down here just ran a story about this topic. also when i talked to 2 people i know that work in the front office of the rays they said that they saw the "modern" design and the cigar was still on them and it was a burning cigar. When i told them it was removed they thought i was joking.

[frikativ54]

the local news down here just ran a story about this topic.

Did you inform them? Or did someone else? Do you have a link to the story? I am curious what kinds of reactions this revelation got.

[momen55]

what news? channel? i haven't heard anything. that is odd about the cigars being removed. i wasn't told that.

[lakeerie92]

Yahoo Sports has picked up the story now.

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/blog/big_league_stew/post/Rays-cut-cigars-from-Tampa-Smokers-throwback-jer?urn=mlb-wp10426

[freddiefreeman5]

I hate retro uniforms anyway.

[cubbs1232]

what news? channel? i haven't heard anything. that is odd about the cigars being removed. i wasn't told that.

I saw it on channel 10 and on tbo.com

[momen55]

it's all over. serves them right.

[frikativ54]

I saw it on channel 10 and on tbo.com

Interesting story. I'll have to pick up one of those jerseys to go with my Shea Stadium sign (below).

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j16/frikativ54/Smoking-Permitted.jpg

[mlupo]

It made Yahoo headlines yesterday

[gingi79]

Two quick comments:
1) Ebbets Field Flannel has the correct wool version from 1951 for $185 available here: http://www.ebbets.com/product/321/BaseballJerseys

2) Tobacco is a hot button topic right now. Everyone has an opinion and those opinions run strong. In a day and age when every idiot writing a blog things they should win induction into the HOF as a Ford Frick award winner, why pick a uniform that incites the masses and then modify it? Either do it right or shy away and don't do it at all. Talk about making a mountain out of a mole hill.

Selecting a throwback uniform that says Smokers and removes the cigar is akin to making one for the Tri-City Atoms and removing any mention of Nuclear Energy.

Oh and considering today's youth knows nothing about the past even when it's our Pastime, I'm sure the "Bustin Babes" will never become a Throwback uni out of fear it will incite wife beating......:p

[cubbs1232]

here in tampa it seems to have offened more people that they left the cigar off than if they wouldve if they would have kept it on. It seems to be over thinkingby the rays

[frikativ54]

Well, the Smokers jerseys - sans cigar - have made it on to MLB.com Auctions:

http://auction.mlb.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/ProductDisplay?prrfnbr=159551366&prmenbr=33072944&aunbr=159898076.