With some thanks to all who signed the petition for Dirk Nowitzki, the big German will be the his country’s official flag bearer for the Opening Ceremonies of the 2008 Beijing Olympics.  On another note, what is up with that haircut?  Of course we’d expect this type of dome artistry from someone like the “Tru Warier” Ron Artest, but the Olympic rings carved into Dirk’s head proves that you never really know what this guy is gonna do.  To his benefit, about half of his teammates are currently looking just as silly with their head rings.  Let’s see if this look makes it to the court. We’ll keep our fingers crossed. Congrats, Mr. Nowitzki.

When I first saw this picture, which dates from 1983, I figured that it must’ve been an Orioles game, with many of the fans in the stands wearing orange shirts.  But upon closer inspection it became clear that the majority of the supporters in Fenway Park’s outfield were topless.  Speaking with a co-worker who was going to ballgames in the early 1980s, this was apparently not such an out-of-the-ordinary sight.

Now I know that there is no rule about wearing shirts at the ballpark (for men at least, or is there?), but I can’t recall seeing this today.  I mean, to see such nudity on a large scale would surely catch my attention.  Has anybody seen this much skin at a game lately? Any ideas why or why not? How have you noticed how ballpark attire has changed in the last 25 years?

But the fact that the Red Sox are hosting the Brewers that day reminded me that these uniforms and this logo have always been among my favorites.

Let me know what you think about baseball topplessness, ill vintage graphic design, or the combination of powder blue and yellow in the comments.

Some real drama at the Ballpark last night as Josh Hamilton lit up fellow All-Star Francisco Rodriguez as he opened his career walk-off account.  To that point K-Rod had 35 saves and had only given up one homer all year (41 appearances). The Hambino clobbered an off speed pitch to right field to win over the first place Angels. Great next chapter to what is already a provoking story.

I can’t tell you how good it feels for it to be this deep in the season and for the Texas Rangers to have not one, but with Ian Kinsler TWO potential MVPs. sweet.

UPDATE: That video is no longer available at Redlasso. Another link to relive the incredible moment lives here.