What Year Flannel -> Polyester ?

[Tom Oates]

My question is baseball card related. I'm thinking that at the MLB level, the switch from flannel to polyester came around in the very early 1970's.

What year do you all think the switch in uniform materials took place?

Once I have a few replies, I'll post a scan of a card that makes one scratch their head.

 

[Jeff D]

I think most all teams made the switch to polyester in the early 1970's following the Pirates first use of it in 1970.
Not sure what team or when the exact last use of wool was, though. I'm almost positive it would have to have been last used in the 70's and surprised if any team was using flannel past the mid 70's.

 

[Tom Oates]

Thanks Jeff, your timeline coincides with my thoughts. I looked at some 1975 Topps cards and I see polyester everywhere. I seem to recall seeing polyester on 1974 Topps cards as well but I can't recall 1973 or 1972. Sooo.. A player who had his rookie year in 1985 would not have a game used jersey card that is flannel.

Here is the example. Puckett's Rookie year was in 1985. I also have a 2004 Playoff Honors card where the Puckett jersey piece is flannel. Seems to me that Donruss/Playoff got some jerseys mixed up.

 

[soccerman034]

This thread reminds me of the Seinfeld episode where George gets the Yankee's to switch to cotton uniforms :lol:
[youtube:3a7fix4p]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WTwE7xDZkPk[/youtube:3a7fix4p]

 

[hofmichael]

Thanks Jeff, your timeline coincides with my thoughts. I looked at some 1975 Topps cards and I see polyester everywhere. I seem to recall seeing polyester on 1974 Topps cards as well but I can't recall 1973 or 1972. Sooo.. A player who had his rookie year in 1985 would not have a game used jersey card that is flannel.

Here is the example. Puckett's Rookie year was in 1985. I also have a 2004 Playoff Honors card where the Puckett jersey piece is flannel. Seems to me that Donruss/Playoff got some jerseys mixed up.

Actually it is very possible it is legit.You forget about throwback days at the park where the teams wear the old throwback unis.
Mike

 

[Tom Oates]

Thanks Jeff, your timeline coincides with my thoughts. I looked at some 1975 Topps cards and I see polyester everywhere. I seem to recall seeing polyester on 1974 Topps cards as well but I can't recall 1973 or 1972. Sooo.. A player who had his rookie year in 1985 would not have a game used jersey card that is flannel.

Here is the example. Puckett's Rookie year was in 1985. I also have a 2004 Playoff Honors card where the Puckett jersey piece is flannel. Seems to me that Donruss/Playoff got some jerseys mixed up.

Actually it is very possible it is legit.You forget about throwback days at the park where the teams wear the old throwback unis.
Mike

Seems more likely a Donruss screw up but definately possible that it was from a throwback uni. Do we have any hard core & long tenured Twins fans here?

 

[wolfmanalfredo]

[quote="Tom Oates":1bdpv4f1]Thanks Jeff, your timeline coincides with my thoughts. I looked at some 1975 Topps cards and I see polyester everywhere. I seem to recall seeing polyester on 1974 Topps cards as well but I can't recall 1973 or 1972. Sooo.. A player who had his rookie year in 1985 would not have a game used jersey card that is flannel.

Here is the example. Puckett's Rookie year was in 1985. I also have a 2004 Playoff Honors card where the Puckett jersey piece is flannel. Seems to me that Donruss/Playoff got some jerseys mixed up.

Actually it is very possible it is legit.You forget about throwback days at the park where the teams wear the old throwback unis.
Mike

Seems more likely a Donruss screw up but definately possible that it was from a throwback uni. Do we have any hard core & long tenured Twins fans here?[/quote:1bdpv4f1]


I also have a few Puckett Gu in the flannel/wool category, and on one of the backs of the card it shows the jersey it came from. Since both of yours and all of my wool ones are from DLP, I assume they all came from the same wool jersey. I have to look into again, but I know these throwback nights were a regular occurance back in the day, and at the very least seasonal.

I'll have to find the specific card and get a scan of the back for you guys.

 

[Tom Oates]

Andy, You have been thanked. Any chance I could get a scan of the back of that card? I would love to see what it came from. I've been pouring over Google images and cannot find a picture of Kirby in a throwback uni.

Tom

 

[mlbsalltimegreats]

I found this.


1984 Minnesota Twins Home Jersey From Mitchell & Ness, With #34 On Jersey (Kirby Puckett)

This style was worn at home from 1973 through 1986. This authentic jersey will have the number 34 on it. Please note: the player's name is not on the jersey. Quality Construction Authentic Materials. Accurate detailing. Exceptional workmanship. These are the hallmarks of Mitchell & Ness's shirts, jackets, sweaters and felt pennants. The wool flannel shirts are constructed of a lightweight wool blend predominant in the late 60's. The 70's and 80's knit jerseys are made of fabrics identical to the originals.


That might help your curiosity a bit? But then you never know with these companies.

 

[Tom Oates]

mlbsalltimegreats - You too have been thanked. As usual this group is a wealth of information!

 

[wolfmanalfredo]

Andy, You have been thanked. Any chance I could get a scan of the back of that card? I would love to see what it came from. I've been pouring over Google images and cannot find a picture of Kirby in a throwback uni.

Tom

I will look for the card, I also beleive his 95 or 96 collectors choice card has him pictured in the throwback uni