The American Institution of Baseball Uniforms

Something happens inside anyone who puts on a baseball uniform. No matter your age, you feel youthful. No matter your occupation, you become a player. No matter your skill, you feel as if just wearing that uniform will allow you to transcend the status quo and transform to a spiritual awareness that is simple and true.

You can win. You are donned in the garb of the greatest sport on the planet. A sport fueled by the drive and ambition and determination that is at the heart of every American, those qualities that define this great country and all that it stands for: freedom, success, liberty and independence. Few other sports are characterized by how they emphasis the skill of the individual player.

It is team, but it is solo. Only you are at bat. Only you can hit the ball and make a play happen. You have your number. It is your uniform. You make the play. By far the most interesting aspect of baseball uniforms as this great American past time has evolved is the socks. Each team’s identity was distinguished by the stocking colors, and the names usually followed suit.

Emblems on the socks were an additional symbol, but were not significant as they are today. The press was the source responsible for the use of nicknames for the different ball clubs, and they were consistently inconsistent. In 1901, the Detroit Tigers established the first constant display of an emblem by placing a small red tiger on the black, wool caps that spurted a trend of fans wanting to acquire a genuine Tiger cap, a rage that lives on even today!

Mike Long is the successful web publisher of Baseball-SuperGuide.com providing valuable tips, advice, and info about a multitude of relevant topics including baseball uniforms.

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Outdoor Sports Lighting

Many factors go into selecting the right lighting system for sports complexes. The difference is in location whether indoor or outdoor as in both lighting has to be uniform and encouraging. If at a crucial point or strike the beaming lights hit onto a player’s faces a game or match is lost. Good quality outdoor sports lighting should illuminate entire playing areas with low-mast or high-mast pole configurations depending on sports played.

For public stadiums or courts decision should be taken by experts. If deciding on personal tennis or basketball court, then also a specialist is of utmost importance. The reason is placement of wiring which should not impinge on player’s movements. The ideal mode is underground conduit wiring and maintaining high voltage to prevent voltage drop. Another must is maintenance and periodic cleaning of outdoor sports lighting fixtures. A dusty lens causes wastage of nearly 30% of electricity and it is advisable to change lamps after 75% of usage for optimum light level. With more and more sports activities scheduled for late evening outdoor lighting has to be of recommended level to avoid glare or hit and miss lighting. Recreational or smaller sports activities normally consume 200 to 500 lux. Professional games with television coverage and larger spectator attendance average 3000 lux or 300 foot candles.

Controlling outdoor sports lighting is a challenge of quality, design, location and alignment of field or premises. Fiber optic technology is fast gaining popularity due to its safety quotient. Besides new technical trends certain rules need to be followed for placement of outdoor sports lighting. The freestanding outdoor fixtures should not exceed a certain height depending on size and level of playing arena. Similarly a spill and glare control package should be fitted to protect spectators and players. Flashing lights that revolve or rotate or flicker should be avoided unless essential. A level playing/sports field is as important as skill and fitness of player.

Outdoor Lighting provides detailed information about outdoor lighting, decorative outdoor lighting, low voltage outdoor lighting and more. Outdoor Lighting is affiliated with Gazebos.

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Ninja Uniform For Cheap - How to Make Your Own

What if you can’t afford an expensive ninja uniform? What if you want to be an everyday Ninja in the real world?

Here is the formula of how to create your own Ninja uniform and dress like a true Ninja in the modern every day world.

1. The black hoodie sweatshirt.

The black hoodie sweatshirt will serve many purposes as a ninja uniform. Obviously the color black is representing and respecting of our ninja brethren of old. The hood represents the same and has a very versatile throw on and off function to it. Finally, and this is big, the pocket section of the hoodie is an awesome area for storing easy to reach ninja equipment, such as plastic throwing stars or Styrofoam nunchucks.

As a modern day ninja you want to blend in, yet still represent the ninja lifestyle at the same time. The black hoodie serves as an excellent modern day ninja uniform.

2. Leg wear. Pants for the modern day ninja uniform are indeed a challenge. You have two options and both will require going to a thrift store or vintage clothing store which will carry clothes from the 80’s and early 90’s. What you are looking for are either circa 1980’s black parachute pants, or circa late 80’s early 90’s black color designed baggy bodybuilder pants. Both are versatile with a high maneuverability function. The parachute pants will contain several pockets which is a big advantage.

3. Footwear. For the modern day ninja uniform you need a pair of black wrestling style shoes. These are just about the best option for lightweight yet durable footwear. The aspiring ninja should strongly consider dying or painting any remaining color on the shoes to black.

4. Optional hand wear. A pair of all black cut off at knuckles weightlifting or biker gloves can serve as hand wear for the modern day ninja uniform. These can also be stored inside the front pocket of your black ninja uniform hoodie.

As you see, dressing as a real modern day Ninja, is very much possible by applying the clothing guidelines above.

Chess McDoogle has discovered the ultimate A to Z resource on becoming a modern day Ninja. Weapons, training, and more are discussed on his blog at http://www.squidoo.com/how-to-be-a-real-ninja/

You can learn how to live the life of a Ninja in the modern everyday world. Check out, http://www.squidoo.com/how-to-be-a-real-ninja/ and thanks for reading.

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Kung Fu Uniforms

It is necessary for a kung fu master to do swift and fast movement. Kung fu masters need to be agile, flexible and alert. This need is reflected in the choice of the uniforms. A kung fu uniform is designed to help swift movements. The cloth does not come in between moving hands or legs. The uniform provides maximum comfort to the wearer. The uniforms are available for adults as well as for children.

Since kung fu also reflects a philosophy of life, the kung fu uniforms are simple in nature. They are not very stylized or fashionable, but are made for real use.

A basic kung fu uniform consists of trousers and top or jacket. The trousers are loose-fitting. Pants come with an elastic waist with drawstring, a gusseted crotch and an elastic ribbed ankle. Pants are made of cotton, polyester or silk.

A kung fu uniform top has rollback cuffs, a mandarin collar and side vents. They are generally adorned with frog buttons or knots. There are mostly three color options: black with red, black with white or completely black. The tops are also made of cotton, polyester or silk. A kung fu jacket comes with white frog buttons, white collar, and white cuffs. Middleweight polyester/cotton fabric keeps this jacket looking sharp. The soft, silky, shiny sashes will complement any kung fu uniform. It generally measures 4″” x 120″”. The cost of the entire kung fu uniform is up to $100.

There are many online companies that sell kung fu uniforms. The shipping charges are generally waived if the purchase is more than $100.

Kung Fu provides detailed information on Kung Fu, Kung Fu Styles, Kung Fu Weapons, Kung Fu Uniforms and more. Kung Fu is affiliated with Martial Art Equipment.

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How to Stay Cool on the Court - Choose a Light-Weight Basketball Uniform

One of the more interesting changes in basketball uniform design in recent years involves the use of lighter-weight, more comfortable fabrics and subsequently, lighter-weight uniform decoration as well.

Not so long ago basketball coaches subscribed to the “heavier is better” theory when ordering basketball uniforms and lettering/numbering. The typical basketball uniform might have been constructed of heavyweight “Dazzle” or a similar fabric with heavy screen-printed plastisol inks or even sewn-on tackletwill letters and numbers. It was thought that the only way to ensure longevity was to use the heaviest, most durable fabrics and graphics available.

With the 21st century comes the advent of lighter-weight materials as well as a new, state of the art decoration method called sublimation. There are now a variety of breathable, yet durable, fabrics available that are designed to “wick” moisture away from the athlete’s body, which is particularly important in a sport as strenuous as basketball. Benefits of sublimation, a decoration method keeping in line with lighter-weight, durable fabric include:

  • A minimal increase in garment weight as all lettering and numbering can be dyed directly into the fabric
  • A lifespan as long as the material itself
  • An almost unlimited array of graphic options that makes producing an elegant uniform as inexpensive as producing a “plain” one

Lighter-weight materials and sublimation have dramatically changed the basketball uniform business. Athletes can now have their cake and eat it too by wearing visually stunning uniforms that are lightweight, comfortable and will last as long as the heavyweight “old-time” uniforms.

Today’s basketball player can now wear a uniform that actually enhances performance rather then detracts from it. Any reputable American uniform manufacturer should be able to offer an array of new basketball fabrics as well as screen-printing, tackletwill and particularly the new sublimation system of imprinting. If you buy from a domestic manufacturer you can now wear a custom-made, attractive yet comfortable uniform that can be produced in a reasonable period of time that will last for years and years.

Cisco Athletic is a top-quality team uniforms and athletic wear manufacturer to thousands of schools, universities, corporations and organizations worldwide. For all major sports, they have custom-made team uniforms, warm-ups, and accessories available, including custom basketball uniforms. Uniforms can be imprinted by sublimation, screen-printing and tackle twill. Visit their website at http://www.ciscoathletic.com or call 1-800-437-1757.

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How To Wear Your Ninja Uniform Everyday

A common question on becoming a real ninja in the modern world is in regards to the ninja uniform. How can one become a real modern day ninja, yet be able to wear a ninja uniform in the real world? The answer of course will only emanate from thinking about this dilemma as only a ninja can do: With cunning, intelligence, swiftness and decisiveness.

Enter the black hoodie.

Now the black hoodie serves several advantages as a ninja uniform for the modern day ninja. Obviously the color black is representing and respecting of our ninja brethren of old. The hood represents the same and has a very versatile throw on and off function to it. And finally, and this is huge, the pocket section of the hoodie is a wonderful area for storing easy to reach ninja equipment. Remember as a modern day ninja we want to blend in, yet still represent the ninja lifestyle at the same time. The black hoodie serves as an excellent modern day ninja uniform.

Now there is only one modification i would consider making to the black hoodie ninja uniform and that involves a frontal sheet of black durable yet breathable cloth that would cover the mouth area. Velcro can be used to attach this piece of cloth from one end of the hood to the other. One permanent sew could be made on one side of the hood, and the remaining black cloth can be simply stuffed inside the hood, until…it’s time.

A quick one pull over will bring the hood onto the head, and then a swift wrap around with the cloth, velcro’ing your one loose side to the other side the hood, and you are ready to roll.

Pants for the modern day ninja uniform are a bit more of a challenge. I will present what I feel is the ideal: Old 80’s black parachute pants. Both versatile with high maneuverability function and containing several pockets, the parachute pant present an interesting option for the modern day ninja uniform. Your best bet would be to scour thrift stores to find a workable pair.

Footwear for the modern day ninja uniform should ideally be a pair of black wrestling style shoes. These are just about the best option for lightweight yet durable footwear. The aspiring ninja should strongly consider dying any remaining color on the shoes to black. Cloth paint could work as another option.

A pair of all black cut off at knuckles weightlifting gloves can serve as hand wear for the modern day ninja uniform. These can also be stored inside the frontal pocket of your black ninja uniform hoodie when the situation calls for such.

As you see, wearing your ninja uniform everyday is a very real option for modern day ninjas. Adapting to the modern world and its ways means that it is not necessary to wear the ninja uniform 24/7. But when one gets out of work or school, and hits the street, it’s smart to have a duffel bag containing your ninja uniform so one can make the transformation conveniently and efficiently.

Interested in becoming a REAL modern day ninja? Here’s my blog with resources on how to do it http://www.squidoo.com/how-to-be-a-real-ninja/ It’s possible to apply the old ways into the modern world, learn how at http://www.squidoo.com/how-to-be-a-real-ninja/ and thanks for reading a McDoogle article.

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5 Tips on Cleaning Your Civil War Uniform

How necessary is cleaning your Civil War Uniform?

The every day Confederate or Union soldier’s uniform was actually never made to be washed. They wore out so fast that many of them were never cleaned - ever.

This leaves us with the question –

Do you really need to wash or dry clean your Civil War uniform?

Some reasons for cleaning a uniform may be

1. To prevent it from smelling really bad.

(Some hardcore reenactors feel that smelling really bad is really part of the mystique?
What do you think about having an “authentic smell?)

2. To prevent the various body chemicals that the uniform can absorb or acquire like sweat, body oils, from destroying the integrity of the fabric.

3. To have your uniform look good.

4. To do some type of seasonal, yearly, monthly maintenance to preserve your uniform.

So, considering all of these things, if you still want to clean your uniform, here are my suggestions.

1. Do as little as possible. Less is better.

2. Jackets, pants, and vests (wool/jean cloth) - None of mine have ever been laundered.

3. What I do is I put them outside on the porch on a hanger and let them air out.

4. If I want to get some of the dirt out, I use a nice stiff brush and brush the dirt out of it.

(A stiff hairbrush works fine.)

5. If you still really want to clean it, I would suggest soaking it in cold plain water

with some type of wool fabric cleaner like Woolite.

Any cleaning tips you have please send them to coach@civilwaruniforms.net, so we can pass them on to other reenactors.

Coach McCoach has been creating patterns and making Civil War uniform items for 25 years. His Civil War uniform designs have been seen in the movies GETTYSBURG, ANDERSONVILLE and the Antietam Visitors Center. For more information, contact coach@civilwaruniforms.net or visit http://www.civilwaruniforms.net

2004 permission granted to reprint this article in print or on your website so long as the contact information is included to coach@civilwaruniforms.net and http://www.civilwaruniforms.net

Coach McCoach has been creating patterns and making Civil War uniform items for 25 years. His Civil War uniform designs have been seen in the movies GETTYSBURG, ANDERSONVILLE and the Antietam Visitors Center. For more information, contact coach@civilwaruniforms.net or visit http://www.civilwaruniforms.net

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