[Editor’s Note: I received the following e-mail from long-time reader Aaron Telecky, looking back on how Uni Watch has influenced his life for more than 20 years! Has Uni Watch affected you similarly? I’d love to feature your thoughts. Shoot me an e-mail, and enjoy Aaron’s thoughts, which of course include a uni-related anecdote! — PH]
Hi Phil,
First of all, I think you’re doing a wonderful job carrying on Uni Watch and I still love to check in each morning and see what’s new on the site. So thanks for all you’re doing – those of us in the Uni-Verse appreciate it so much! Now to why I’m contacting you today.
I first discovered Uni Watch back in the mid-2000s when Paul wrote for ESPN and truly couldn’t believe there was somebody out there who was covering the uniform scene (and doing it so well), because I’d grown up fascinated by uniforms, hats and logos and I was immediately and forever hooked on his column.
What became the most interesting niche of the Uni-Verse for me personally were the unusual, quirky and at times outright ridiculous identities of high school, college and minor league teams. I mean, why be an ordinary eagle or wildcat when you can be a Lugnut or Pretzel or Beetdigger? So over time, apparel for such teams began to top my birthday and Christmas wish lists, and I now have a nice little collection of some of my favorites. I also have an adult son, Luke, who is an accomplished graphic designer, and for my most recent birthday, he totally surprised me by designing my very own, one-of-a-kind team identity and mascot: The Hometown Clerical Aardvarks.
I’ve attached photos of two prints, one which explains how he came up with the idea, and the other showing what he created for me, and among other things, what makes it so uniquely personal is that:
• It incorporates my favorite uniform colors – orange and black.
• The “Clerical” part refers to the fact that I am an ordained minister (a clergyman/cleric). You’ll note that the aardvark’s sweater actually includes a clerical collar!
• “Aardvark” begins with “Aa”, as does my first name, Aaron.
Anyway, I wanted to share this with you in part because the whole thing brings me such joy, and also because the whole thing traces its roots back nearly 20 years to when I first found, and fell in love with Uni Watch.
Hope you enjoy the story and the photos!
Sincerely,
Aaron Telecky
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Thanks Aaron!
Readers? How has Uni Watch influenced you over the years? What has been your favorite “niche” Uni Watch has explored? I’d love to share your thoughts and stories! Shoot me an e-mail (phil.hecken@gmail)!
Awesome story Aaron! Does your son have a website? I love to see what designers are up to these days.
Unfortunately he doesn’t right now. He had one in the past with his college portfolio, but I don’t think it’s up anymore.
What a great story Aaron. Thanks to you for sharing it!
You bet! I just felt like it was too good not to share with the comm-uni-ty!
I don’t think it will surprise anyone to know my favorite part of Uni Watch is when readers design their own uniforms.
Agree-tweaks and concepts are creative and fun and generally well done.
Chris Diamond’s “What If” series and your takes on MLB CC and ‘Property Of” gear were outstanding!
Very cool!
“How has Uni Watch influenced you over the years?
Would take up many inches of comment block to document, but I can probably sum it up in 2 words…Think Harder.
“What has been your favorite “niche” Uni Watch has explored?”
So many to consider…”Fathers in Uniform” is not ‘niche’ (more a celebration -YMMV) but the fascination/exploration with baseball’s use of flocked helmets and front pants pocket phenomenon are right up there…as is the lace-tied-to-the-square-toed-kicking-shoe coverage.
Failed to mention Jim Vilk’s idea that numbers can be ‘fast’ or ‘slow’.
Intriguing!
That logo – including the slogan – is one of my favorite all-time entries on UniWatch!
Yes! The slogan is so perfect, isn’t it? His creativity constantly amazes me!
Comm-uni-ty, plain and simple.
Super fun!
What sport or sports would your mascot represent?
How would you & your son apply it to different sports?
Are there any sports you wouldn’t want your mascot to represent?
It’d be fun to see what your son came up with for uniform designs / applications!
Really nice story Aaron. Your son did a great job on the logo and details.
That is truly a cool message and the fact that you have been going to this site for over 20 years is amazing. Learning more about my brother is also very cool too.
Wow, you and Aaron are brothers, and you didn’t know how bonded you two are in the uni-verse? Looks like the Telecky families should get together more often – and how fun tying your uni interests together would be, especially since you guys could do so under the banner of the Aardvarks mascot (whose double-A could also stand for Aaron and Andrew)? I see custom shirts/ uni jerseys in your futures! Wishing you all the best of the seasons!
This is incredible! The gems are amazing = ‘AA’ connection, gritting teeth, letter sweater.
My favorite aspect is the nod to traditional collegiate mascots with his marching arms and stomping feet!
Bucky (Wisconsin), Goldie (Minnesota), Brutus (Ohio State) and Tuffy (NC State)
Well done!
Cerebus is still my favorite aardvark.