NewEra hats

[jkumpire]

But isn't it true in your collective experience that the quality of uniforms and most equipment is going downhill fast?

Yes, Titanium masks are great, and West Vest type protectors are okay too, but when I compare West Vests to West Vests of 5 to 7 years ago, the quality is bad. Hats and shirts, there is no comparison- the fabrics are good, but the quality of the items are terrible.

It is very disappointing, as Kevin put it. Richardson hats are bad, New Era hats are mega expensive and of poor quality; frankly I still wish I had some old Roman Pro hats from 20 years ago, leather bands and all.

Unless someone can find a way to inject quality back into clothing, and that IMO means bringing production back from overseas, things will only get worse.

I did a game this year where the ball were rubbed up beforehand by the home team. The balls they use are terrible; nobody makes a ball worth a hoot anymore, except for D1 college balls or real MLB balls. But the funniest thing was you could see eraser marks on the balls.

After asking why they had eraser marks, one guy told me he goes over every ball they get to use and erases "Made In China' off every ball. In the future I will do the same thing; even if I have to get to the park 30 minutes earlier to do it.

[NFump]

Originally Posted by jkumpire

But isn't it true in your collective experience that the quality of uniforms and most equipment is going downhill fast?

Yes, Titanium masks are great, and West Vest type protectors are okay too, but when I compare West Vests to West Vests of 5 to 7 years ago, the quality is bad. Hats and shirts, there is no comparison- the fabrics are good, but the quality of the items are terrible.

It is very disappointing, as Kevin put it. Richardson hats are bad, New Era hats are mega expensive and of poor quality; frankly I still wish I had some old Roman Pro hats from 20 years ago, leather bands and all.

Unless someone can find a way to inject quality back into clothing, and that IMO means bringing production back from overseas, things will only get worse.

I did a game this year where the ball were rubbed up beforehand by the home team. The balls they use are terrible; nobody makes a ball worth a hoot anymore, except for D1 college balls or real MLB balls. But the funniest thing was you could see eraser marks on the balls.

After asking why they had eraser marks, one guy told me he goes over every ball they get to use and erases "Made In China' off every ball. In the future I will do the same thing; even if I have to get to the park 30 minutes earlier to do it.

And erasing it does what? They're still made in China.

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by NFump

And erasing it does what? They're still made in China.

I tried to do this, but it turned out that the eraser was made in China so I didn't want to use it.

[jkumpire]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

I tried to do this, but it turned out that the eraser was made in China so I didn't want to use it.

Hey look, it's printed by a seam, and if you take a little sandpaper or an emery board,....

[Kevin Finnerty]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

I tried to do this, but it turned out that the eraser was made in China so I didn't want to use it.

Post of the week/month/season!!

[jkumpire]

Originally Posted by NFump

And erasing it does what? They're still made in China.

The journey (to change things) begins with a single step....

[MrUmpire]

Originally Posted by jkumpire

The journey (to change things) begins with a single step....

Erasing is not a step. Not using the ball would be a step. Erasing isn't even tying your shoelaces. You are still using the product and creating a demand for more.

[jkumpire]

Originally Posted by MrUmpire

Erasing is not a step. Not using the ball would be a step. Erasing isn't even tying your shoelaces. You are still using the product and creating a demand for more.

The beginning of change is noting the need for it. You are saying the first step in change is is really step #2.

And while we are at it, please name for me one baseball manufacturer that makes its baseballs in America? I'll buy them for games myself if you can name the name and send contact information along.

Or if you have enough $$$, let's start our own ball making business.

[NFump]

Originally Posted by jkumpire

The journey (to change things) begins with a single step....

Erasing the "Made in China" label isn't a step it's turning your head and looking the other way.

[Kevin Finnerty]

Most of the people who now oppose our selling out to China originally raved about how profitable it was and consistently acted and voted in support of it.

That's always amused me.

[jkumpire]

Originally Posted by Kevin Finnerty

Most of the people who now oppose our selling out to China originally raved about how profitable it was and consistently acted and voted in support of it.

That's always amused me.

NF and Kevin,

As one who spent a lot of time opposing MFN status for Peking's oppressors in the 1980's and 1990's, it is no laughing matter to me. Some supported MFN for the best of reasons, it's a shame their hopes were shown to be misplaced. It's just a fact that Communists can only lose power through revolution and/or a firing squad. But this topic is going way off track, and so I am withdrawing from the discussion. Thank you.

[Kevin Finnerty]

I'm only amused by the hypocrisy of the loudest of the opposing voices of today, not by the situation itself.

And, you're right; this is a reality-based subject about which the bold truth is being told, and we both know where that leads on this site.

So let's just say, in closing, that all is right with the world, and especially here in America. There, that should help.

[David B]

Originally Posted by jkumpire

But isn't it true in your collective experience that the quality of uniforms and most equipment is going downhill fast?

Yes, Titanium masks are great, and West Vest type protectors are okay too, but when I compare West Vests to West Vests of 5 to 7 years ago, the quality is bad. Hats and shirts, there is no comparison- the fabrics are good, but the quality of the items are terrible.

It is very disappointing, as Kevin put it. Richardson hats are bad, New Era hats are mega expensive and of poor quality; frankly I still wish I had some old Roman Pro hats from 20 years ago, leather bands and all.

Unless someone can find a way to inject quality back into clothing, and that IMO means bringing production back from overseas, things will only get worse.

I did a game this year where the ball were rubbed up beforehand by the home team. The balls they use are terrible; nobody makes a ball worth a hoot anymore, except for D1 college balls or real MLB balls. But the funniest thing was you could see eraser marks on the balls.

After asking why they had eraser marks, one guy told me he goes over every ball they get to use and erases "Made In China' off every ball. In the future I will do the same thing; even if I have to get to the park 30 minutes earlier to do it.

Cheaper materials, but keep the price the same or lower,and people "think" they are getting a "great deal".

Only problem is that we have to replace them every two years or so instead of four or five as in the past ...

Been looking at hats recently and its sad because I've used New Era forever.

Thanks
David