Ok, we'll let you play only if you promise

[spedrunr]

not to use your old glove. And yes, the rich kid can play too

[offsidewing]

Is that VELCRO on the Cubbie's ball glove.

Ugh.

That's like when Kevin Lowe wore plastic hockey skates...

[spedrunr]

Ryne: "darn it, i forgot to bring my glove! does anyone have one i can borrow(preferrably with a velcro adjuster strap?)"

Ozzie: "i hated using the trapeze style horween pro12tc, does anyone have a gigantic closed web made in china black akadema i could use?"

is nothing sacred?

[glovemedic]

Ryne: "darn it, i forgot to bring my glove! does anyone have one i can borrow(preferrably with a velcro adjuster strap?)"

Ozzie: "i hated using the trapeze style horween pro12tc, does anyone have a gigantic closed web made in china black akadema i could use?"

is nothing sacred?

Hey its just celebrity softball. Apparently once you are a HOFer the qualtiy of your glove is insignificant.

[Cowboy7130]

As mentioned in this forum last year, Ozzie Smith was a paid endorser and consultant for Akadema after his playing days. Thus, it is not surprising that he is seen wearing the product of the company that pays him.

It is, however, disconcerting to me. As a glover, I would expect players to have loyalty to the gloves that helped shape their careers. Mr. Smith was known for using a Rawlings Trap; he should never be seen in anything else!

However, Mr. Smith may not see things that way. To Mr. Smith, a glove may be merely a utilitarian construction of leather, nylon stitching and wool-felt padding. To Mr. Smith, it was not his glove that carried him to the Hall of Fame, but his talent and skills and the "Wizardry" he displayed in using the glove. His glove was merely one of the tools he used to build his career.

I am reminded of a quote, supposedly from John Wayne. A reporter once asked Duke about his favorite movie horse; Roy had Trigger, Gene had Champion, so how did he feel about horses?

His reply: "A horse is just a horse. Its a tool we use to make a movie. And people don't pay their money to see the horse underneath my @-$-$, they pay to see me riding the %@^* thing."

[offsidewing]

Cowboy,

Good point about the "investment" in Akemdamamdama. I think Ozzie was particular about his gloves during his playing days. Knowing how particular he was about equipment, may have led to his involvement with Akenademamada. Now, he probably has some sort of investment in Akaeadmaeadma, either money or time, and wants to promote that product. Nothing wrong with that. Should he have done it with Rawlings? Purists will probably say 'yes.'

I don't see Ozzie as a Rawlings traitor, I just see him promoting a product he has a vested interest in. Those who know, know about the luciousness of the Pro-12TC, back flips, and that unique snap throw to first base.

[docglov]

I think Ozzie has been dropped from their catalg now. But hey its a buiness decision now , can't blame for making money. I remember one time visiting the cardinal club house during the season, And saw him warming up with an H&B 12Tc like ours. He just laughed and said his Rawlings contract was up the day before and this would get us on the ball with a new one. I don't know if I'm right or not but I feel the autograph no longer means anything after little league. Customers are much more savy about what really works for them or their child. No one will spend a couple of hundred on a glove because of who's name is on it.

[spedrunr]

it's kind of funny how these guys in there prime, were extremely dogmatic about what they put on their hands. but as they've gotten older, i guess they realize that some things don't really matter

[Cowboy7130]

Doc - I think you are right about kids today no longer caring about whose name is on the glove. In fact, there was a pretty lengthy discussion in the forum last spring about that very thing.

I tried to get my kid interested in a Dale Murphy-endorsed Rawlings lefty not too long ago. He said "Who's that?" I almost hyperventilated.

[spedrunr]

no doubt, they probably don't know who these "old timers" are. but i do know that many kids are keen on the price of a glove. i see 8 and 10 y/o using hoh's and pro preferreds nowadays