MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!

Hope all my readers have a great Christmas Eve tonight and a very Merry Christmas tomorrow. The Jets let me down today but the Knicks can save my Christmas with a win against Boston today :)

UPDATE FOR YANKEES-SOX ON 4/20

Updating my previous post, I've googled what the Highlanders/Yankees & Sox wore in 1912 and both sets look awesome, if the Yankees mass produce jerseys or hats from this I will have to pick one up. Now as for what I said about the Yanks wearing throwbacks for the first time, I was wrong. Back in 1996 (when I was 3 years old and not religiously watching every game like I do now) the Yankees wore Negro League throwbacks in Detroit against the Tigers. My father doesn't remember it either but I have come across a picture that says otherwise that was taken at Tiger Stadium. (Pictured Top Right)
My speculation of what the Red Sox will wear could very well be the same jersey they wore against the Cubs last May. (Pictured Under the Yankees)
Hopefully we'll find out what will be worn on April 20th.

Looking Towards April

I know I promised a post about teams and players but as I was on twitter today, someone posted a link about some exciting breaking news that I would like to share. The Yankees...yes the Yankees, along with the Red Sox will be wearing 1912 throwbacks to commemorate Fenway Park's 100th birthday. here is the link:
http://usatravel.abo...rk100/index.jsp


"April 20, 2012 - 100th Birthday of Fenway Park
Will commemorate 100 years of history at Fenway Park with a large-scale pre-game ceremony. The Red Sox will play the New York Yankees, same team (then the New York Highlanders) they played on April 20, 1912. Both teams will wear 1912 throwback uniforms"


Above is something I made up in paint using logos from sportslogos.net to recreate what the then Highlanders (Yankees) and Red Sox logos were, the Highlanders is from 1911 but I wouldn't be surprised to see this used because the logo in 1912 was the current Yankee cap logo in navy. This will be exciting to see for a Yankee fan like myself because never in the history of the most storied franchise in sports have they worn an alternate uniform or throwback. To quote Bart Scott, I "CAN'T WAIT!" for April 20th.

Farewell New Jersey

The Jason Kidd Jersey I wore to my first Nets game

As I posted the NBA preview, I forgot 1 teams new logo on purpose because I wanted to deticate a post to it. The team I'm talking about is my home state's team, the NEW JERSEY NETS. For their final season in the great state of New Jersey, the Nets have made their "35th anniversary in New Jersey" logo their primary. The logo is great as it combines all of the New Jersey Nets logos into one spectacular logo. However when you realize that after this season, we wont see a "40th anniversary in New Jersey" logo in 5 years. The Nets are on the move to Brooklyn and on their website shows the slogan "Jersey Strong, Brooklyn Ready" which, I.M.O is a slap across the face to Jersey's die hard fans such as my father. I personally will miss the Nets because over the years I have enjoyed going to see the Nets in person because I really don't see myself going to Brooklyn to see a game unless they're playing the Knicks or if I ever get paid to cover a game. Over the years I've been to countless Nets games whether they were playing at the Arena (or now called iZod Center) or now at Prudential Center in Newark. I remember my first Nets game back on February 6, 2004, I was in 5th grade and my mom got tickets from her old boss and asked me if I wanted to go. I remember driving up with my mom and calling my cousin Drew to tell him that I was going and asked him what it was like to go to a Nets game, he told me "when I went it was cool & the announcer says Jason Kidd's name really loud and fast when he scores". I was beyond excited to go, I was wearing a Red Nike Fauxback Jason Kidd jersey. The seats my mom got were unbelievable, they were right behind the basket and by the tunnel where the Orlando Magic came out. The Nets crushed the tanking for Dwight Howard Magic 120-99 and during the game I got Bill Walton's autograph. I've managed to make a few Nets games since then at the Arena since then including seeing their history making loss against the Mavericks on December 2, 2009. Other then that I've seen Nets play the Suns(on a few occasions such as the last game at iZod & D-Will's debut), Knicks (when they both were awful), Heat(when their only superstar was Wade) & Celtics(I was at the game when that fan went nuts when D-Will made that shot). I will be attending a few games at Prudential Center this year and it will be very upsetting for me when they move because I will miss just going up to see an NBA game in Jersey...well at least we still have the Devils(for now)

I will try to post tomorrow about players & teams I would like to see or have seen. STAY TUNED!

NBA logo & uni preview for 2011-2012

Sorry for the lack of posts over the last few days, I've had finals, a family birthday party for my cousin, work & Knicks open practice tickets. Speaking of the Knicks it's time to talk about the new logos and uniforms in the NBA for the 2011-2012 season.

NEW YORK KNICKS-  We'll start off with (IMO) the most confusing logo change to hit New York since the Islanders fisherman logo in the 90's, I'm talking about the new Knicks logo. Gone is the black drop shadow that I've seen since I watched my first basketball game back in '94 when i was a baby. I guess they've tried to combine the 90's logo with the 70's logo. I have heard from multiple sources that they did not submit an application for new uniforms on time so we'll be seeing the familiar white & blue jerseys with black stripes & the green versions for St. Patrick's Day and doubtful for Christmas due to the Celtics likely wearing green at MSG. Also the same for 2011-12 will be the court at MSG with the same logo, I know that because I attended the Blue & Orange Scrimmage last Sunday and noticed the unchanged court. The jury's still out on this logo for me, I guess I have to see what the new uniforms look like next year for me to either love or hate this logo. I pray they bring back a version of the throwbacks they used last year, if they do that I can see this logo sticking around for a long time.

MIAMI HEAT-  The Heat have added a new alternate for the 2011-2012 season. Gone is the red alternate that they wore when they won the NBA title back 2006 and is replaced by an all black jersey that reads "MIAMI" with white trim on the Miami & the numbers. As much as I dislike Pat Riley and the Heat, I don't like this jersey. LeBron says he "doesn't want the villain role" well with an all black uniform being worn, that won't help him. I was a fan of the red jersey, it was debuted back in the days when the Knicks-Heat rivalry was at its peak. It fit nicely for them & was one of few 90's uniforms, in all sports, that survived criticism and was accepted by many. Anything to make money I guess.

SACRAMENTO KINGS-  The Kings are "BACK IN BLACK" with new black alternates. With one team looking away from a nice looking 90's jersey another team is building upon one to fit their current uniform set. The Kings new alternates brings back the black that they used in the late 90's and early 2000's. The script on this jersey is beautiful and brings back the script from the team's Kansas City and early Sacramento days. Overall I love this alternate for the Kings, it fits and may go out and buy one when Jimmer has these sold in every market.

PHILADELPHIA 76ERS-  According to NBA 2K12, which has been on the money for all the new alternate uniforms, the 76ers will be adding a blue version of their jerseys. It's nothing special but it fits for them it's just an inverse of their current red road uniforms.




DALLAS MAVERICKS- Yet again the Mark Cuban and the Mavs have a new alternate uniform, this is the third version of the P Diddy designed "MAVS" jersey. The original made its debut back in 04 and was green. That was retired back in 2009 in favor for the royal blue version for one season before being retired in 2010. The royal blue color replaced the navy blue on the "DALLAS" road uniforms and after a one year hiatus both navy blue and "MAVS" jerseys will return together for the 2011-2012 season. The only thing I know about these jerseys is that i need to find a size 48 Dirk by April 29th. Overall this jersey is great and I hope this is the last time Mr. Cuban makes a uniform alteration for a while, Dallas has a great set all around right now.


UTAH JAZZ-  Last but not least for new alternates is the Utah Jazz. I was upset when I heard they weren't bringing back the black 90's jersey that was a favorite of mine as a kid (i had a Stockton with matching shorts). But when I did see what they would use as alternates I was very impressed. I like the green jersey, it's a modern representation of the team's old uniforms that debuted when they were in New Orleans back in the 80's. It fits better then the current purple road uniform does and I wouldn't be surprised if this got elevated to road status in a few years. Great job Utah!

 WASHINGTON WIZARDS-  The Wizards have completely rebranded, we might as well call them the Bullets again. This rebrand is great for the Wizards because the great Ted Leonsis has yet again done a great job bringing back red, white and blue to the nation's capital. Like he did with the Capitals in the NHL, Mr Leonsis has brought back some familiar logos and uniforms to DC fans. We'll start with the new secondary "dc" logo which now looks like the Bullets logo. The uniforms are great, it brings back the unique striping pattern of the old Bullets jerseys. What I like on the script is that Mr. Leonsis has incorporated something into it, like the "L" in the Capitals jerseys incorporating a hockey stick, the "d" in Wizards and the "h" in Washington has incorporated the Washington Monument. Overall this is absolutely awesome and it may only be a matter of time before the Bullets name is brought back. check out the set at http://sportslogos.net/team.php?id=219

Other possible additions for `11-`12- The Cavs will likely add a new "Cavsfantatic" uniform like they've been doing that will put past eras in a blender and put out a good mix. The Raptors will wear military appreciation jerseys which are supposedly camouflage and maybe the old Toronto Huskies throwbacks. The Clippers may wear the ABA's LA Stars uniforms. The same NBA teams that have worn "green uniforms", "Noche de Latino uniforms"&"St. Patrick's Day uniforms" will use them again in 2011-2012.

I may have another post or 2 coming on the blog this week. STAY TUNED!

Personal Q&A

CP3 stories are beaten to death, I dont know if or when he will be traded to whereever the NBA wants, so (with this being my 2nd post), i thought I'd put together a personal Q&A for my readers to see and to get to know who I am.

Q1. Who is 1 sports reporter you would want to be & why?
A: Scott Stanford, he's livin the dream. He does sports in the best market on earth, New York, and works for WWE. That's awesome if you ask me.

Q2. Who are your favorite sports teams?
A: New York: Yankees, Jets, Knicks, Rangers. Michigan Wolverines & Alabama Crimson Tide in college FB. Duke & Georgetown in college BB

Q3. Why two teams in college?
A: In football and basketball i like the teams that gave my pro team my favorite players, Bama- Joe Namath & Georgetown- Patrick Ewing. I know it may be weird but thats who i like in college

Q4. When did you realize you wanted to be a sports journalist?
A: When I was about 11 I found I had a knack for talking sports & when i found out it was a career, i wanted to pursue it

Q5. When did you become a WWE fan?
A: I wasnt allowed to watch wrestling on TV and around the time i was 9 my friend who was a fan had me over his house to play "WWE SmackDown! Shut Your Mouth" I only knew Hulk Hogan, The Rock and Stone Cold and almost instantly enjoyed the game and about a month later I started watching the TV and my parents were okay with it.

Q6. What was your favorite sports event you went to?
A: I can say any Yankees game I've gone to with my dad but if i had to pick one it would have to be the 2000 ALDS Game 3 between the A's and Yankees. I didn't know i was going until the morning of so all day in school I was ecstatic about going to my first playoff game. My parents and my brother went up to Yankee Stadium when my dad got home from work. My dads seats got upgrade for no cost & once we got into the stadium my dad took my brother and me to Monument Park for the first time. While in Monument Park: Art Howe, Tim Hudson and Ramon Hernandez walked past us (it was pretty cool). My brother and I then proceeded to wipe our foreheads with our hands and wipe it across Babe Ruth's Monument (like Roger Clemens). It was the only game I ever sat in the lower deck on the first base side at the old Yankee Stadium. The Yankees won the game 4-2 with El Duque won the game with Mo picking up the save and the Yankees taking a 2-1 series lead. we sat by a tunnel and my brother was sitting the closest. My favorite memory from that game was seeing my brother put his arm out for high 5's and almost everyone stuck their hands out and game him a high 5. To this day it remains the only playoff game I've ever been to in any sport.

Q7. Any honorable mentions for favorite games?
A: Yankees first win at New Yankee Stadium 4/17/09 I was there & it was awesome
11/22/08 My first time at MSG, Knicks beat Wizards
My first Rangers game on 3/14/10 when the Rangers beat the Flyers 3-1 with 2 goals by Sean Avery
My First Mets game on Mother's Day 2000 Mets beat the Marlins, Mike Piazza (my favorite catcher ever) hit a grand-slam & I sat in the front row by the Marlins dugout
Hurricanes @ Flyers 12/11/08 Flyers came back from 5-1 down going into the 3rd & went on to win in a shootout (my only Shootout and Hat-Trick that I've seen live)
Seahawks @ Jets 2004 Jerry Rice made a great TD catch with the Seahawks
Jaguars @ Jets 2003 & 9/18/11 Watching the Jets beat my brothers Jaguars and going with him is up there for me
Mavs @ Knicks 2/2/11 went to the game with my best friend & even though the Knicks lost I got to boo justin bieber
Mets at Yankees 5/20/11 first subway series game, night after my prom, I went with my dad & 2 mets fans (my cousin & my prom date) it was fun...even though the Yankees lost
Yankees @ Mets 7/2/11 sat front row in left field, first Yankee "road game", mostly Yankee fans, yankees won

Q8. Any cool sports collections?
A: My Jerseys, been collecting since I was 3

Q9. Favorite jerseys?
A: For my favorite teams Yankees (my authentic pinstripe 2010 Derek Jeter) Jets (my green Joe Namath M&N throwback) Knicks (my blue swingman Jamal Crawford jersey because its what i bought at my first game) Rangers (my heritage authentic Mark Messier) non favorite team jerseys Baseball (tie between Canada WBC 2006/ 2010 authentic grey Joe Mauer) Football (my authentic black Ravens Steve McNair) Basketball (my authentic blue Cavs Shaq) Hockey (my authentic 2009 Winter Classic Blackhawks Patrick Kane)

Q10. What are your hopes for the blog?
A: To be entertaining & a good read for my readers

There's a little about me so we'll talk new NBA uniforms for the upcoming season

First Entry

Welcome to my blog! My name is Mike Iannaccone and I'm an aspiring sports journalist currently majoring in journalism at Middlesex County College. Since I was a young kid i've always enjoyed two things, talking about sports and writing about things I like. I've always wanted to either work for a team or a network. As a kid I've admired watching Michael Kay, John Sterling, Sam Rosen, Doc Emrick & Stephen A Smith.Talking sports is something I have always been able to do with just about any of my colleagues. I also am fascinated by the logos and uniforms in sports and am an avid reader of websites such as icethetics.info & sportslogos.net. I hope i keep my readers entertained so lets get started, first subject of the blog will be about CP3 which I'll post tomorrow after my math final which should be around 2 PM.