GENES - #1 - My 1987 Baseball Jacket
The first issue of a new series I've been working on. GENES will uncover the stories of peoples favorite things, how they came to own them, and why they continue to love them.
Introducing GENES:
I’ve been wanting to interview people about their one or two favorite clothing/accessory items/things that they own for a long time now.
Simply, I’m interested in the story of those items for example; when and how they were purchased or obtained? Why the piece(s) are significant? I also will, of course, include photos of the person wearing it, and the piece(s) on their own.
As for how I would ask people to pick these pieces, my mind generally gravitates to a few threads that are interesting. I’m sure if I pitched; “favorite one or two pieces you own” most peoples choices would fall into one of these subjects, but, if they needed a bit of direction I’d say:
Well used/loved clothing/memorabilia/tools
Cherished and preserved clothing
An item that tells a story
There of course is a chance that some of these naturally over lap, but others may not..
I have a list of locals I will be starting with, the vast majority have graciously agreed to take part and I am looking forward to exploring with them already. I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but they are mostly people I’ve taken photos of before and who I generally appreciate their aesthetic or clothing philosophy, and I hope I can do a few a month during my walks around the neighborhoods.
Below I am going to outline my own example as a guide for future writings.
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My 1987 Baseball Jacket:
Here is how I see these going, I have a few items I might practice with but this one is really the piece that sparked the idea.
This jacket has been with me for a long time.
Origin Stories
I am considered to be someone who is generally “hard on his things”. My friends and family, if asked, would all likely say I “don’t tend to keep things in good condition”.
I prefer to think of it as I “thoroughly enjoy my things” and that I “believe clothes are made to be WORN”. I also tend to enjoy “patina” on things, whether old cars, clothing, furniture, buildings, etc., there is something about the slow aging process that tells a unique story in my mind, and the bumps, bruises, stains and scratches are just part of that process. I would say it definitely translates into things I look for when I am taking photos of as well either in the outfits that catch my eye or the other random things in the neighborhoods.
All that being said; this jacket is still, in almost, perfect condition, and I have no idea how its lasted so long in my life.
I bought this jacket back sometime between 2007 and 2009 and I recall so many details about that day or at least, this is the legend I’ve continued to manufacture about this jacket in my head.
My brother (David) and I used to frequent the Value Village on Ontario Street in St. Catharines during my visits home from university. He was usually after some skinny jeans and vintage punk t-shirts and I was on the look out for vintage rock and skate or surfing t-shirts. We both would nerd out over vintage sports apparel and would occasionally get lucky at this location. The aging demographic that makes up the city meant there was usually a regular supply of old sports memorabilia getting cleared out of storages, closets, and garages.
One day perusing the racks, this jacket popped up. I can’t say I’m always on the hunt for baseball clothes in particular and would not say I am a baseball fan by any means, but baseball itself definitely has some of the best apparel silhouettes in the past half century and I respect the hell out of the aesthetic. Baseball caps, jerseys, raglan tees, and these jackets are definitely timeless and I would argue never really go out of style. *I am unsure what happened to the baseball pants, but the sport definitely has some hits otherwise (hey-o). Baseball clothing, i.m.o., is the perfect blend of practical athletic cuts, Americana, youth, and just a general “day at the park” nostalgia.
What likely first caught my eye was the colour combo, the first touch on the hanger felt like it was in good condition. As I started to look at it, the details floored me; the date on the chest was 1987, a couple years before I was born, the crest read “Merritton Athletic” (a local district in St. Catharines) so bonus points for keeping it local too. I hadn’t even thrown it over my shoulder yet and I knew I had to have it. As I tried it on, I felt the sleeves fit right and the cuffs were not too long but not too short and I remember getting the nod from David, we’re for sure bringing this one home. All buttons were present and the inside looked as if no one had ever worn it.
On top of all that…$29.00? Sold.
As I am waiting in line to cash out, I’m still wearing it and am starting to really analyze it… the fabric is thick, but breathable, the stitches are strong, the colours are bright but not loud, and the weight of the jacket makes it fall perfectly to the correct height on my torso-hip-interface. The buttons are well spaced out, but keep shut when needed the cuffs are the perfect tightness and the back is plain with no large logo or sponsor.
It’s perfect.
We cashed out and jumped into the VW to head home. As were pulling out of the parking lot I remember David looking over at me and saying “Wow, what a find.” He continued; "and I can’t believe it has your name on it too”. As I peered down my arm I noticed it, unsure how I missed it in the store, but in the finest stitched script the suburb midget team could buy, I read it under the number 6: “Mike”.
Longevity
This jacket is roughly 35 years old and has now been in my possession for almost 15 years. And it is in amazing condition. Which, as mentioned before with my track record of keeping things in good condition, is shocking to say the least.
It survived three universities, multiple “summers out west”, a move across the country, and every fall/summer in between with occasional, but consistent, wear.
This jacket never really leaves my spring and fall rotation. Some years I wear it more than others, but I’ve never packed this thing away, I think at this point it’s obvious I love it too much.
How has it lasted so long?
Was it produced at the height of Canadian and/or American team sports memorabilia manufacturing and is of the highest, locally produced in the late 80s, quality? Maybe?
Is it the perfect mix of practical and aesthetic which lets it age gracefully to the point where you don’t really notice?
Is it magic?
Or… is there something ultimately unconsciously happening when I wear it, where I put the “skate and destroy” mentality away for a little while as I have it over my shoulders. I guess we’ll never know for sure…
Safe to say though that I will be wearing this for as many more years as I can, at least probably until my daughter steals it from me one day…
…So thats what I am thinking for this series
Just a short story of a piece of clothing, or two. It would likely be more of a Q&A style writing once I get into the interview phase with people, but I would also try and distill it down into a story about the piece before writing out the Q&A.
Few questions before you go…
What would you choose as your piece?
Who would you think would have an interesting story to share?
Thanks again for taking the time to read this Substack, it’s been more and more apparent these days that everyone is trying to steal your attention and I really appreciate you choosing to spend your time reading this!
Leave a comment below or DM me!
Love it. I saw the photo of the “Mike” stitching before reading that part and thought for sure you added that on yourself (which would’ve been kinda dorky, now that I think about it.)
Magic. Great first read.
From the threads/strands of DNA to the nostalgic storytelling, I loved everything about this concept and execution!! Looking forward to all the future stories :)