Vacation time is over. It's time for my research team to get back to work.
Some of you have asked about this group of misfits: Who are they? How do they keep their jobs? And why do I keep insulting them?
They're not a bad group, just some guys with questionable judgment. They're actually frat brothers from a small Midwestern college where they were outcasts at rush parties. Their names? You might have heard of them before: Clayton, Sidney, Jugdish, Mohammed and Lonny.
Unfortunately, they haven't gotten much work done since returning this week. Besides watching an "X-Files" marathon, the U.S. Open and mixed martial arts events while they were off, they apparently got the bug for a new, uh, hobby: game-worn jerseys. And they can't stop talking about them.
Yes, this a very popular niche in sports. A number of things can affect the value of these jerseys, such as specialty or championship game patches (as you see on NBA Finals jerseys), rips and tears, the age of the jersey and, in some cases, DNA (blood on a hockey enforcer's jersey can make its price skyrocket). But all these uniforms have to be worn by players in a game to have any special meaning.
One disclaimer: This is a very, very expensive hobby. While like other sports collectibles, prices are falling in this economy. But do not jump into this hobby unless you have the disposable income to sustain it.
UniWatch
Site: www.uniwatchblog.com
The skinny: This site is called the "Obsessive Study of Athletics Aesthetics." We know it as the ultimate resource of information on team uniforms by Paul Lukas. From future jersey changes (the Kings are on the radar) to throwbacks, Lukas is meticulous in finding changes in pro and college uniforms now and oddities in uniforms way back when.
The call: His blog is a must-read for anyone in this hobby, especially when he gives you a heads-up on upcoming uniform changes. He also writes a regular uniform column/notebook for ESPN.com's Page 2.
Also: www.espn.go.com, and type in a search for UniWatch.
Game Worn Jerseys
Site: www.gamewornjerseys.com
The skinny: The most passion for game-worn jerseys comes from fans of hockey, a sport in which you are expected to wear your favorite jersey to a game. This site is a one-stop resource for research, selling and admiring game-used hockey jerseys.
The call: This is a very comprehensive site. It has some very useful extras for those just starting out, including a "tips" page for collectors and a spirited message board where authenticity and honesty are expected.
Also: Check out www.gameworn.net, another hockey jersey resource.
And: www.gameworn.org is more than just a seller's site, too.
MeiGray
Site: www.meigray.com
The skinny: This company was started about a decade ago partly by Barry Meisel, a former New York Daily News sportswriter. It has since become the reseller of preference for the jerseys of NHL teams, two NFL teams and, just this month, the NBA Finals jerseys.
The call: MeiGray's site is good for, at the very least, gawking. Have fun browsing at the site while you can learn more about the hobby, such as the difference between "game-worn" and "game-issued."
P.S.: In case you have $17,500 lying around, MeiGray has a Joe Montana game-worn 49ers jersey from 1988. Click on the NFL and the 49ers logos to check it out.
Got a cool Web site? Write or call Sports Editor Bill Bradley, (916) 321-1224.
