DAILY DIRT: Either put the sweater on, or take the sweater off … ahh, the good ole days

Daily Dirt for Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2023

Can you imagine the size of jumpsuit I would have needed? You’ll understand in a minute, I promise … Welcome to today’s three thoughts that make up Vol. 509 of The Daily Dirt.

1. I know it’s only late January, but it seems like spring is just around the proverbial corner.

Heck, MLB spring training is less than a month away!

And with the coming of spring, we need to be prepared for a bevy of new fashion looks, but before those arrive let’s look back at some of the trends we’ve dealt with over the years.

Today we’re going to examine the three worst fashion looks for men since the 1960s. On Wednesday, we’ll provide the three worst trends for women over that same period.

How many of the men reading this remember these looks?

Gold medal: The worst overall fashion statement for men in the last 60 or so years may very well have been the sweaters tied around the neck, which somehow became popular in the 1980s. Put the sweater on, or take the sweater off. Thankfully, this trend was relatively short-lived.

Silver medal: M.C. Hammer pants, also from the 1980s. Granted, M.C. Hammer was (and still is) one cool dude, but those pants? Whoaaaa …

Bronze medal: Jumpsuits for men came on the scene in the 1970s, and left almost as quickly as they arrived. Be grateful, be very grateful.

Honorable mention: Leisure suits of the 1970s. Not only did the coat and pants match, so did the vest. Yes, there was a snazzy vest, too.

(And for those who might be wondering, the first day of spring is March 20.)

2. Here’s a look at the players who have the best-selling NBA jerseys:

• 1. Steph Curry, Golden State Warriors: No surprise here. Curry is a pitch man for several major companies, so he’s on TV as much for that as he is those 3-point jump shots. Plus, he comes across as a likeable and well-spoken guy that both kids and adults seem to gravitate toward. 
• 2. LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers: He may have lost some respect in certain corners of the NBA over the years, but there’s no questioning he is an icon … and icons sell a ton of jerseys.
• 3. Giannis Antokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks: He’s oh-so talented and oh-so popular, not only because of that talent, but his engaging on-camera personality. 
• 4. Lukas Doncic, Dallas Mavericks: DeAndre Ayton and Marvin Bagley III were drafted ahead of Doncic, who was the third overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. Wow.
• 5. Kevin Durant, Brooklyn Nets: At age 34, and his frequency of injuries on the rise, it appears K.D. is officially entering the twilight of his career.
• 6. Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies: At some point in the coming years, this guy will officially become the face of the NBA.
• 7. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics: The pride of St. Louis.
• 8. Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns: This classy guard wears No. 1, which is rather fitting.
• 9. Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers: Best big man in Philadelphia since … Wilt?
• 10. Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers: A six-time all-star, “Dame” is also an all-star in his community, which is even cooler.

3. The best pre-game introduction of starting lineups among small school area high school basketball programs might just be at Palmyra.

When the starting five for the Panthers’ boys team is introduced, the players are accompanied by a spotlight in an otherwise-darkened gym AND the opening minute or so of The Who’s “Baba O’Riley.”

Classic. Simply classic.

Speaking of the Palmyra boys team, hats off to the players who after every game — win or lose — go and shake hands with Palmyra fans who came to the game to watch them. Class. 100 percent class.  

Steve Thought O’ The Day — I never owned a pair of M.C. Hammer pants or a jumpsuit, but I may have tied a sweater or two or around my neck — and I have regretted that decision ever since. 

Steve Eighinger writes daily for Muddy River News. Does have a cardigan like Donald Sutherland wore in ‘Animal House’ and in ‘Invasion of the Body Snatchers’?