Results tagged ‘ apparel ’

Reds Gift Guide 2008: 10 Oddball Things

Tenth in a Series

In the process of researching and writing this series, we have come across so many great items that we couldn’t come close to slotting all of them into one of the prior themes. Many times we just ran out of space. Other times we figured to plug the item elsewhere.

Welcome to Elsewhere.

Now, as the holidays fast approach and the series winds down, here are 10 of the more interesting, if not curious, gift ideas still unmentioned. Many of these items can be found at stores around the Cincinnati area. Some will have to be purchased online and probably can’t arrive in time for Christmas.

But you get the idea of the, uh, idea. Perhaps some of these can be remembered for a birthday, anniversary or Father’s or Mother’s days.   

Pete Rose Rookie Card
Of all the Reds cards over the past and present, the experts at Professional Sports Authenticators say that Rose’s 1963 Topps #537 rookie is the card all true Reds fans should own. Yes, the price is getting up there ($900 book value) but the casual fan doesn’t need the razor-sharp edges, perfect centering and high color quality that has earned the card up to $20,000 for some of the best graded versions. You just want the card. You can find a perfectly acceptable quality for less than $400 at a local dealer or eBay. PSA also suggests buying the Johnny Bench and Tony Perez rookie cards because they are experiencing a market dip these days, and keep an eye on the 1940 Reds team issue of 35 postcards ($500 and stable); pick up the stadium giveaway Kahn’s Reds cards, which date to 1955; and, of course, the 1919-20 Reds postcards set of 24, now at about $75 each. For more modern interests, the 2008 SP Authentic includes autographed rookie cards of Jay Bruce ($40), Joey Votto ($20), Johnny Cueto ($20) and Paul Janish ($15).

Redlegs M&M Candies
Super idea and really popular among sports fans, get your custom Redlegs M&Ms. You realize they’re trying to kill us with these red M&Ms. In 1976, Red was removed from the bag because of concerns about the red dye. Now he’s back and comes with a really cool Mr. Redlegs logo and one with the traditional wishbone C, along with a white C. You can buy ‘em by the bag ($12.99), 5-pound box ($140), or the cool team dispenser with three 7-ounce bags, which is the best value ($59.99). 

Reds Coffee Mugs
Simple, stated and perfect for the quick gift. You can find Reds coffee mugs at many stores around the Cincinnati area. There’s a great selection of styles and some really attractive mugs. Personal fav is the 15-ounce black ceramic model ($20.89 for two, photo). Also very cool is the 2-piece Gameball set ($24.95) with the baseball stitch look. Or, get one of the above mugs with a stainless steel travel mug ($29.95). Can’t go wrong with the old-school crest logo model ($9.95). Need multiple mugs? Check out this liquidation sale for a case!

Mitchell & Ness Products
Big fan of the Mitchell & Ness style and quality, not so much the price. But this is a good time of year for catching sale items and there are some awesome Reds apparel and pennants, including this embroidered fleece jacket ($60), gorgeous white warmup jacket with satin lining ($90, photo right), and long sleeve tee ($36). M&N’s felt pennants ($20) are serious high quality and its throwback jerseys ($200) are just like the players wore. Great stuff.

Reds Leather Travel Bag
Of the hundreds of items we looked through for this series this awesome Carriage House Italian leather Reds travel bag is the one item I wish for. A padded handle and shoulder strap make carrying comfortable and easy, the zippered pockets inside and out make storage a snap, and the embossed Reds logo on the bag and luggage tag add an extra touch of style. I really, really want this bag. Price: $300. Of course, last year I really, really wanted this bag made from glove leather by Rawlings, but Santa left a really nasty note about my yearlong deficiencies and then ate all the @#$&*! cookies.

Redlegs Plush Bears
I dunno. Maybe it’s the season, but of all the plush items out there this homely looking dancing bear (right) struck me as the perfect huggable for a young, future Reds fan. Standing 13 floppy inches, he comes with a voice chip that yells such phrases as “Dusty Must Go!,” “On-Base Percentage Is Not You Grandpa’s Stat!” and “Whaddya Mean There’s No More $1 Hot Dogs?” You know, to get the kid on the right track to Reds fandom. Price: $29.95

On the subject of plush, Reds collectors should not overlook the line of high-end bears made by Cooperstown Bears. These items have amazing value escalation because of their extreme quality and limited numbers. The sold-out 1869 Red Stockings Bear originally priced at $140 in 1998 is now at $350 and rising. Look for a 1956 Reds bear ($190) and a 1951 model ($140), both of which are still available.

Reds Pro-Grip Calculator
You didn’t think I’d forget the stat geeks? It’s the holidays, for crying outloud, and nerds deserve a hearty good cheer, too. Even if they are so stupid as to think OPS is a measure for shortstops. Or every batting order slot requires high OBP. This eight-digit Reds calculator is a nice complement for their number crunching. Comes with team logo and molded side grip so they can literally get a grip the next time someone older, wiser and far grumpier yells, “dope smokers!” Price: $15.97

Reds Mini Fridges
Yep, there’s more than one. Who knew there were mini and mini-me fridges? Made by Boelter, these popular yet gaudy team-style fridges are perfect for game rooms or the home office. The portable mini-me Reds fridge ($249) holds 24 cans and can be plugged into your car’s DC socket. Grab it by the handle slot and go! The more standard mini fridge (right) holds 84 cans and comes with auto defrost and shelves ($399). You probably want to leave this one stationary; it weighs 100 pounds.

Reds Garden Gnome
Okay, something has to work, right? Eight straight losing seasons call for desperate measures and the Reds garden gnome is our salvation. You smirk? One of my friends has a goose ornament he puts in his front yard for the biggest games and dresses him in black-and-gold garb, alas the “Steelers Goose.” Seems to work out just fine. We need a Reds garden gnome. Get yours before the 2009 season. Price: $24.95

MLB Gift Card
Run out of time, run out of ideas? Why wonder and ponder what to buy the baseball fan? Go by the Reds gift shop or online at MLB.com and grab the MLB Gift Card. Available in denominations of $100-$250, the gift card can be used to make online merchandise purchases at reds.com or shop.mlb.com. Unfortunately, that doesn’t include Reds single-game tickets just yet but is expected to be available by the start of the season.

Reds Gift Guide 2008: Gifts for Her

Eighth in a Series

By Amy
Staff Mom and Blog Goddess

Hey everybody, I’m back with another installment of Mr. Redlegs’ holiday gift guide series for Reds fans, “Gifts for Her.” I have to say, this segment was so much fun to research, but it may cost me–big time. It’s amazing how much stuff is out there just for female fans. I want a lot of things from this list.

Jewelry, clothing, accessories–you can find merchandise ranging from funky to understated–for Reds fans of varied tastes. The overall selection of “Gifts for Her” might even be the most appealing day of the entire “12 Days” series!

So pay attention, all of you Santas out there: there’s plenty of great ideas to put something Red under your tree this Christmas!!

Best. Gift. Ever.
For two years now, my husband has treated me to what I do seriously consider one of the best gifts I’ve ever received: Diamond Seats (photo, right), a fireworks night game, and a night at the Hilton Netherland Plaza. Some of you may remember my LotD blog description of last summer’s game–well, here’s the condensed version:

The food is superb, the seats are beyond compare, and you just never know who you might run into waiting for the elevator. As for the hotel, I know the trendy place to be is across the river, but if you like a hotel with a bit more history and character, the Netherland Plaza is the place to be. I could rave on about the art deco style, the woodwork, the small details, but this site does it for me. Trust me, you can’t go wrong giving this to your Reds girl!! Prices: Diamond Seats, $225 per seat; hotel room, $99-$300 per night.

Loaf of Bread, Jug of Wine . . . Oh, Just Hold the Bread
For the wine lover in your life, I suggest the Cincinnati Reds wine glasses.  Pair the classic tulip-shaped glasses with a bottle of her favorite wine, delivered in a Reds-logoed red velvet wine bag. Want to go even more Red? Make the wine a Longball Cellars charity vintage featuring Ken Griffey, Jr. (Cabernet Sauvignon), Barry Larkin (Merlot) or Homer Bailey (Chardonnay).   Glasses: $32.99; wine bag: $9.95; charity wines: $13.99 per bottle.

Sparkly Stuff
I had no idea there was so much Reds jewelry out there–everything from your gaudier gameday gear like a funky beaded bracelet and Mardi-Gras-style beads with Reds medallion, to your much pricier 14k and sterling items.  Really, it’s kind of sad that the only Reds jewelry I own is one small pair of dangle earrings (ahem!). I didn’t realize that Alyssa Milano’s “Touch” line included jewelry–this charm bracelet is a lot of fun. Here are some nice, classic pieces: a wishbone C pendant in various sizes, in both sterling, 10k and 14k gold (photo, right)–these go beyond gameday-only wear; these can be everyday jewelry. Browse fansedge.com for the best selection of sterling and gold pieces, including Mr. R’s personal fave, the wishbone C toe ring. Prices: beaded bracelet, $6.95; beads with medallion, $8; dangle earrings, $6.95; charm bracelet, $15.95; sterling pendant, $38; gold pendant, $92-$176; toe ring, $40-$188.

Redlegs Hat Society
Okay, I have to ask: Why do 95 percent of the ladies’ versions of Reds hats have to be pink? If you like that sort of thing, there’s a lot of it out there, but I prefer the more traditional colors–although I still love my green Reds hat from the St. Patrick’s Day game in Sarasota. Since it is winter, and sadly, it will stay that way for several more months, you might like a warmer knit hat like this cabled version. As far as baseball caps, the classic look is wonderful, but sometimes we like something just a little bit different from everyone else . . . I think this khaki hat with a red wishbone C (photo, above) fills that requirement nicely. It’s a men’s hat, yes, but it’s adjustable. Or how about a visor? This one’s nice and simple, unlike most of the other hats at this website! Prices: Cabled hat, $16.99; khaki hat, $16; visor, $16.99.

Reds Footwear
Show some team spirit from the ground up! You knew this was coming–the (in)famously lucky Reds Crocs, right? And now, also from Crocs, snazzy black Reds flipflops–excellent baseball-season footwear. Going with your running shoes instead? Add some Reds ankle socks. Oh, and if your gal is both Reds fan and golfer, these golf shoes from FootJoy are perfect (I’m guessing the guys might really enjoy these, too). They almost make me want to take up golf. Almost. They’re that cute. Prices: Crocs, $34.99; socks, $7.95; golf shoes, $129.95-$149.95

Reds Reusable Shopping Bags
Reduce, reuse, recycle–get with the program, people! These Reds shopping bags are infinitely cooler than the ones you can buy at the grocery store.  Sure, you can fill them up with fresh produce, but I use them for many other purposes–trips to Grandma’s house, taking supplies to Scout meetings, buying all the stuff you see here–perfect mom gear. You know what else they’d be great for?  Carrying your gameday supplies–camera, sunscreen, rain gear–you’ll be surprised how much one of these environmentally friendly bags hold. Set of six shopping bags: $23.95

A Fan’s Loyal Friend
Mr. Amy travels–a lot–and with managing the kids, their activities and the house, it’s enough to drive a woman to drink. Sadly, I have a cardinal rule about not drinking when I’m the only adult home, even when the bullpen blows a lead or E5E5 butchers an easy toss to first. But if I were ever to consider breaking my rule, I’d have this attractive 6-ounce Redlegs flask cocked and loaded. Comes with a nice metal logo and can be engraved.  Price: $39.95-$42.95. 

I Want All of These, Thanks!
There was an unfortunate laundry incident with my favorite Reds t-shirt this fall. And now the only player whose jersey I owned has been traded. I am in serious need of some new Reds garb. Let’s go! Pajamas, definitely: drawstring pants and a tank. Hey, look, there’s a cool hoodie from Alyssa Milano’s line (right) that doesn’t look like you need to be a size 0 to wear! And this crew neck t-shirt (below, right) is my pick to replace the tee from that laundry incident–love the embroidered striped sleeves. Or maybe this Mr. Redlegs ringer tee.

Footballfanatics.com has a vast collection of women’s clothes and they still have that great shipping deal as well–$4.99 for any size order. I’ve not found this particular women’s jersey anywhere else–love it! And they have the best selection of long-sleeved tees–if you live in the frozen tundra of Ohio like I do, you’ll get more wear out of these than the short-sleeved versions.

Another great idea for a Reds fan this time of year? A jacket. Here’s a very nice mid-weight microfiber, microfleece number–looks pretty cozy. Also can’t go wrong with a simple Reds zip-up fleece with half-mock collar. Prices: drawstring pants, $21.99; tank, $21.99; touch hoodie, $44.99; striped-sleeve tee, $34.99; ringer tee, $22; Jersey, $50; long-sleeved thermal tee, $21.95; microfiber jacket, $89.99; fleece jacket, $74.99.

And Finally . . . the Official Scent for Hypnotizing Male Fans
We all know Mr. Redlegs has his weaknesses: a pulled-pork sandwich, fruity beer, a lively war of words with dope-smoking bloggers. Well, Mr. R. has made another confession. To him, there is no better fragrance for women than “Red” from Giorgio. Quoth he: “This classic floral-oriental fragrance has been hypnotizing male suitors and interlopers for almost 20 years.”  Its impact on leather-headed mascots? He’s waxing his mustache and firing up the Victrola as we speak. Price: ranges from about $16 for tester spray to $50 for 3-ounce bottle; 4-piece gift packs range from $65 to $100.

Reds Gift Guide 2008: Gifts for Kids

Fourth in a Series

By Amy
Staff Mom and Blog Goddess

How much fun is it to have one (or more) of your kids cuddle up beside you and watch the Reds game?

One of the best things about last season was having my kindergartener decipher the Fox SportsNet graphics and tell me what the score was, what the pitch count was, which half of the inning it was–at least until he felt the need to update me after every . . . single . . . pitch.

But still, so cool that they pick things up. My older son followed Griffey’s climb to 600 home runs nearly as avidly as I, and my little daughter has developed a shocking infatuation with Mr. Redlegs. I, ummm, I just don’t know what to say about that.

We want to encourage their budding fandom, right? No better way than to gear them up with the latest, greatest Reds stuff–except that creepy, leering Mr. Red mobile, which should be declared hazardous and removed from shelves everywhere. Seriously.

Anyway, Mr. R asked me to take a look at kid-centric Reds merchandise for this holiday season. I was pleasantly surprised by the variety and quality of items available. There’s something for every age group. Take a look:

Reds Heads Kids Club Membership
Don’t overlook the Reds’ own kids club, captained in 2009 by fan favorite Jay Bruce. The list of goodies the lucky club member receives includes four free ticket vouchers to select home games, members-only experiences at Great American Ball Park, jersey, cap, wristbands, an “exclusive drawstring Jay Bruce jersey replica backpack,” a free pass to the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum and freebies at the Cincinnati Zoo and Bob Evans. Unbelievably great deal. Sorry, for kids only, you middle-aged cheapskates. Price: around $20 for a one-year membership.

American Girl Kit Kittredge Reds Doll
Released in 2000, the seventh of the ultra-popular American Girl series historical dolls is a Depression-era Kit who hails from Cincinnati and plays catcher for her baseball team, emulating her favorite Reds player, Ernie Lombardi. One of Kit’s many companion books, “Kit’s Home Run,” is the tale of Kit as an enthusiastic baseball player in 1933 whose home-run slide has surprising consequences. The book includes historical notes on baseball and the Cincinnati Reds in the 1930s. When Kit was originally released, one of her accessory sets was a Cincinnati Reds outfit (right). That set has since been discontinued, but you can still find one on eBay (around $75). One of her current accessory sets even includes a teeny picture of Lombardi. Price: $90 for the basic Kit doll and less than $10 for the book at Amazon.com.

Reds-Themed Room
Young fans love to deck out their room with everything of their favorite team. If they start bugging you to paint their room Cincinnati red, there are very attractive options: hand-carved, hand-painted Reds furniture from Guidecraft–coat tree, lamp, toy chest and more. Very nice stuff. If only the Mr. Redlegs rocker came in a full-size version! I also found a full-sized bed with a Reds-logo headboard, but wow, the price (gulp)! Add some spiffy Reds bedding, and that junior Reds fan has a spectacular bedroom. Be sure to shop around at sites such as bestpricetoys.com. Prices: $29.95-$133.95 (Guidecraft furniture); $159.95 (bedding set). And, oh, if you give in to painting the room, the Pantone color match for Cincinnati red is PMS 187. 

Redlegs Caps, and a Place to Hang ‘Em
Shopping for a teenage boy? It’s tough, and buying a cap is very subjective to what is personal taste and what is teen cool. But I don’t think you can go wrong with a Reds cap, and this one from New Era is sharp: flex fit, bright white with a red wishbone C and red piping. Not your kid’s style? Check out the big selection of Reds caps at footballfanatics.com and their great shipping rate. Also, it might be more of a gift for mom, but check out this hanging cap rack. Corral all of his hats–it holds 36 of ‘em–and hang it in the closet, over a door, on a wall or from the ceiling. Prices: cap, $24.95; cap rack, $22.95.

Pennant Chase
From Mitchell & Ness, this 30-by-12-inch wool felt pennant features a wonderful 1930s period look and feel and serves as a simple yet classic display. If pennants are your thing, be sure to search eBay. A very quick look will show pennants from the 1970s, the 1990 World Series, and the opening of GABP, and the prices–most under $25–make them great collectibles for kids.  Price: $20.

Ball-and-Bat Sets
Classic and affordable, the ball-and-bat set is a can’t-miss holiday gift. Choose the 13-inch mini slugger and stuffed ball for toddlers, the 28-inch heavy-duty plastic bat and ball for slightly older kids, or even a set with a wooden bat–all emblazoned with the Reds logo. Your youngster’s a more serious fan? Go for the collectible Louisville Slugger with the Reds logo and your kid’s name. Prices: $5.99-$69.99, and remember: no playing ball in the house!

Redlegmobiles
Have a kid who loves anything with wheels? Check out Upper Deck’s annual Reds tractor-trailers collectibles and diecast cars packaged with baseball cards. You can also find older Reds diecast vehicles on eBay, but then we get into the whole collectible vs. toy issue, right? Well, check out some of the cool diecasts from the recent past–such as the 1993 1st Metal Bank and the 2003 Fleer Monster Truck. Go to eBay and type in the keywords “Cincinnati Reds diecast.” Price: $12.99-$29.95 

Redlegs School Supplies
Not very exciting, no, but an everyday way to show some team spirit and a good stocking stuffer. If you’re giving to more than one child, the combination pack could be easily divided–six folders, four notebooks, and two 3-packs of memo pads. Another multi-item set features pens, wooden and mechanical pencils, ruler and note cube. And to put all the supplies in? The Mr. Redlegs backpack, naturally. Prices: combination pack, $31.99; pencil set, $12.97; backpack, $19.95

Li’l Redlegs Stuff
Who wants to go in with me on a Reds Teddy Bear Throw for LotD blogger DonkeyDizzle’s baby shower? All together now: awwwwww! Also high on the cute scale–the three-piece Home and Away set, with black shorts, a red “home” t-shirt and black “away” t-shirt. Another reason that’s an excellent idea? The little guys rarely make it through the day wearing just one shirt.  Looking for something a bit more feminine? Try the Baseball Baby outfit, with a white baseball-stitch-printed swing top and red ruffle-trimmed diaper cover. Prices: Throw, $31.99; Home and Away set (sizes 6-24 months), $24.99; Baseball Baby outfit (sizes 3/6, 6/9 months), $19.99

Build-A-Bear Reds Plush
From the folks at the Build-A-Bear Workshop, Curly Teddy’s wearing an adorable little Reds uniform, complete with bat, ball and glove set. And for $3 extra, you can make him play “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” when you squeeze his paw. Build-A-Bear has quite a list of Reds accessories, so if your intended recipient prefers monkeys, bunnies or tigers to teddy bears, just buy the animal and gear it up yourself from their website. They even have a bear-sized foam finger! Price: around $45.

Redlegs Rags
There’s so much MLB-branded stuff out there that no one really needs my help with this category. Besides, kids like what kids like, and that changes weekly, if not daily. But I will pass along the one thing that got a begrudging “that’s not bad” from my preteen–a zip-up layered hoodie in gray. There’s also a simple pullover hoodie in red. Mr. R says your kid will never take off Majestic’s ultra-comfortable Therma Base Fleece (right), which is what the players wear in cold times of season. And surely (maybe) your picky kid will think a Reds replica batting practice jersey is pretty nifty. Sizes S-XL youth. Prices: zip-up hoodie, $44.99; pullover hoodie, $34.95; Therma Base Fleece, $39.95; replica batting practice jersey, $49.95.

Mr. Potato Head
Everybody’s favorite spud gets a Cincinnati Reds makeover; I especially like how the description says it “may include one or more interchangeable parts.”  Hello? It’s a Mr. Potato Head! That’s all it IS! This particular tater comes with batting helmet and regular cap, a bubble-gum bubble piece, one arm with a ball and one with a glove. Cute! Price: $15.99

Redlegs Glove Chair
Kids figure they need their own chair for watching a game. Now, from Left Field Enterprises, is a glove-shaped inflatable Reds lounger that is portable and usable indoors, outdoors or in the pool. The chair comes with compartments for holding drinks and snacks, plus the Reds’ logos and MLB markings. The seat is a ******** 54 inches wide so it can handle kids of all sizes. Makes for a nice bedroom piece to watch the game, play video games or . . . study. Price: $103.97

To Cap It Off, Reds Apparel 2008

It’s that time of year when I shamelessly start thinking about my Reds summerwear. This involves a thorough online search for new team t-shirts and caps, bargains on winter garb, a new pair of adidas slides and a pedicure, which Ms. R voluntarily pays for, figuring it’s the only way she can bunk with professionally cleaned feet once a year.

This season I’ve again been advised to buy some new work dresswear, but the clothes I bought in 2003-’04 are still more valuable to me than to Goodwill. Except for the belt. I do need a new belt.

All of this distresses Ms. R something terrible each spring. She’s a manager for a high-end women’s clothing store. She has serviced the vice president’s wife, members of Congress, the wives of three District of Columbia mayors, entertainers (“Honey, who is Sarah McLachan?”), women of athletes and recently a stunning “actress” named Tonya Trzebny, who, as it turns out, is an adult actress who goes by the stage name of (warning! seductive image)Ginger Lea.

“What!?!?” Ms. R yelled in disbelief. “She dresses like a CEO and is one of the most beautiful women I have ever laid my eyes on. She has the kind of beauty that makes men and women stop in their tracks. My God! She looks so professional I just thought she was one of these young actresses I’ve never heard of.”

“Well, uh, ya know,” I snarked, “she’s a professional, awright.”

Pause.

More pause.

Steely blue-eyed stare.

Oh no. . . .

“So, how do you know she’s a porn actress?”

“I Googled her after you told me she was in the store,” I said, truthfully.

“Uh, huh.”

Seriously.

Anyway (sheeesh), the point is Ms. R is one of the best-dressed business babes ever and I’m a pathetic manchild when it comes to Reds apparel. I have 8 Reds caps, 11 t-shirts, 3 sweatshirts, 3 pairs of shorts and a winter pullover. There would be much more but some of my garb somehow shrunk a few sizes over the years. I blame Maytag. I’m also a Reds fashion snob. I’m prejudiced toward New Era caps and I don’t wear anything with a player’s name or number. I do have three official game jerseys–home (1993), away (1997) and batting practice (2007)–purchased from the spectacular Koch’s Sporting Goods, the long-time team embroiderer located in downtown Cincinnati. The number and name on the back of my jerseys are mine. I’m my own biggest fan. Big surprise.

I also don’t wear anything with the Nike logo. Zero. I hate outlandish designs and dopey caps. Yo, homey! Sometimes, the price makes you triple blink. I realize there are some rabid fans, like Grizzly Fox, but seriously, fan face should get you arrested. And no-no-no to designs in which they don’t use redas the primary color for the, uh, Reds.

I also avoid the boilerplate junk from MLB Properties by which one style design fits all. You know, a t-shirt that looks okay but the exact design is a master–replace Reds with Rangers and swap out the colors and you have the same shirt. I also remove the price tags and labels from everything. I have no idea how the Minnie Pearl look became chic.

To this point you have read 547 words and you’re probably asking . . . why?Well, for some unknown reason this looks like a good year for Reds apparel. Maybe it’s the growing popularity of Mr. Redlegs logo items because the Reds are typically in the bottom third of MLB merchandise sales. The last real bump in product was when Junior Griffey arrived in 2000. I bought nothing that year. It was stuff targeted for a national audience based on one player’s popularity. I’m fairly proprietary. Even last year, when the Reds unveiled new uniforms, there was no great flood of really cool apparel. To me, the best was a t-shirt some of the players wore as their game undershirts. You didn’t see this tee in public very often.

This year, there’s a throwback-style tee with the 1970s-style logo and red trim that yells “Groovin’ With the ’70s” oh-so-perfectly when adorned with amuscle shirt, even though I’m ordered to never leave the yard in such a rag. I kinda like thisshirt. It looks old and worn, like me. I’m also leaning toward a little Red Stockings revisionism. A new offering of seasonal mesh shorts is subtle and attractive. Not bad.

I’m thinking about a pair of spiffy Reds socks to complement with my slides. Yes, I’m one of those people who wears low-cut tennis socks with his slides. I’m partial to adidas but perhaps you need new slides, too. I found a good bargain ($35) on an embroidered hoodie for next winter and I’m eyeballing a more traditional model. I found this shirt somewhat gaudy but oddly attractive . . . eeek!–the logo! My favorite Reds shirt ever is still a Therma fleece style that I originally saw on Derek Jeter. I asked him about the shirt and he swore by the comfort, pulling up the bottom to show me the inner lining. “You gotta get one of these,” he said.

If it’s good enough for Jeter, it’s good enough for me. It’s one helluva comfortable fleece.

As for caps, I’m forever disappointed. Cool caps just can’t be that hard to conceive. Look at what’s out there this year for the NRA member . . . the drunk . . . the pimp . . . the Goth . . . the blind . . . the stupid . . . the pansy . . . the pointless . . . the atrocious . . . the Browns . . . the cheapass, the Nick Esasky Vertigo Special (c’mon) and most of all, the “Cincinnati Cubs” fans still obsessed with Dusty Baker.

Caps I like this year are for the bald . . . the nostalgic . . . the duffer . . . and the self-serving.

There’s also some new footwear, including Crocs, sandals and a flashierkickback I’m pondering but not very seriously. Redlegs M&Ms are more my style.

I apologize for not reviewing the women’s and kids’ apparel. I was too busy shopping for myself. But I don’t think the guys would object too loudly if their girlfriend or wife donned this outfit once in a while, especially if she has a great tan. Redlegs danglers are a nice touch, and nothing says hot-chick-hot-chick like a lady Reds fan in a ragtop with her hair breezing beneath a visor.

Reds apparel is obviously far more plentiful in Cincinnati-area stores. Sometimes you can find many of the same items by
going to those stores’ website. There’s a lot of stuff at Reds.com but it’s a little pricey. They have some decent clearance sales and their shipping is really fast. I really likeFootball Fanatics.com. They sell for college and pros, and their Reds selection is terrific. You’ll find stuff you won’t see anywhere else and their shipping is reasonable and really fast. I’ve also had luck over the years scanning eBay. I’ve also had some bad luck over the years buying on eBay. Hit and miss.

With a new season and new hope for the Reds to break their losing ways, now’s a good time to be searching for your summer Redlegs garb. Team spirit is important, so is filling Bob Castellini’s coffer. But remember the most important Redlegs fashion tip of all: If you’re the only kid on your block wearing that item, you’ve done great.

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