shame on you TAMPA BAY RAYS

[cubbs1232]

Tampa bay is know as "cigar city" Hand-rolling cigars was the main business of Tampa for many many years. The city was basically founded by cigar makers. I was born and raised here my whole life and I am a die hard fan and collector of the rays.

That being said the Rays just released the Tampa Smokers uniform designs they will be wearing in this years "Turn back the clock night" game on July 2, notice anything missing?

If youre not going to wear the exact replica of the uniforms worn back in the day, then why wear them for tbtc night at all. imo its a bad idea and a little disrespectful to the history of this city.

Shame on you Rays for furthering the pussification of America!

[Shipp_96]

Tampa bay is know as "cigar city" Hand-rolling cigars was the main business of Tampa for many many years. The city was basically founded by cigar makers. I was born and raised here my whole life and I am a die hard fan and collector of the rays.

That being said the Rays just released the Tampa Smokers uniform designs they will be wearing in this years "Turn back the clock night" game on July 2, notice anything missing?

If youre not going to wear the exact replica of the uniforms worn back in the day, then why wear them for tbtc night at all. imo its a bad idea and a little disrespectful to the history of this city.

Shame on you Rays for furthering the pussification of America!

+1

[frikativ54]

Shame on you Rays for furthering the pussification of America!

I think that there is a better explanation here than America's being emasculated. MLB has an image problem regarding tobacco, something that may be dealt with in the next collective bargaining agreement. Some have suggested banning smokeless tobacco altogether from the sport, but I believe that the players' union has resisted. After all, tobacco is perfectly legal. However, MLB has cracked down on smoking in the dugout and has attempted to curb chewing on camera. By wearing uniforms with cigars on them, the Rays may be seen as promoting tobacco usage, something that might get them in trouble with their sponsors.

There are also strict rules about when and how tobacco is to be advertised, so perhaps the Rays are playing it safe in terms of both legal and image issues.

I know that cigars and smoking have been historically associated with masculinity - at least since the nineteenth century. However, I doubt there is any conscious attempt at "pussification."

Regardless of the tradition, there are other factors at work here. The last thing that the MLB wants is for kids to see the Smokers shirts with cigars on them and think that tobacco use is cool.

Honestly, I'm surprised that the Rays are wearing shirts with the text "Smokers" on them anyway. But I think the image of a cigar hits home more than the actual words on a jersey.

[cubbs1232]

frik well said, but then they shouldnt have decided to wear those uniforms at all if they were going to change them.

i dont smoke, never have and never will, and i dont have kids so maybe i dont understand, but when i grew up smoking was everywhere. on tv, in mags, every parent and grandparent i had smoked. And yet i never tried, not because my favorite team wasnt pushing it but because my parents parented me and told me what was good for me and what wasnt.

now-a-days it seems like fewer and fewer parents do their duties. they leave up to athletes to be role models and tvs and computers to raise their kids. So if a kid can be influenced by a cigar on a shirt or chew in someones lip thats on the parents not mlb.

sorry for the rant guys some topics just get me a little worked up

[Ollie]

Frik hit the nail on the head. I work in film and the media is extremely regulated on what we can show of smoking, even down to 10ths of second (like foul language) which I always found funny as I smoke cigars once a month or so and most behinds the scenes guys smoke.

It's all about pleasing the advertisers and taking no risks. Also agree that I'm surprised that they went with the Smokers uniform!

[godwulf]

Honestly, I'm surprised that the Rays are wearing shirts with the text "Smokers" on them anyway.

As am I.

It's true that cigars and cigar-smoking have long been associated with masculinity in American culture; that does not, in any way, make sticking a bunch of rolled-up leaves in your mouth, lighting it on fire and inhaling the fumes any more intelligent or less disgusting.

[slambam]

lol. Maybe they should keep it authentic by using the zipper rather than buttons too.

Pussification of America huh? I hope you don't wear your seat belt, after all back in the day not all cars had them.

[cubbs1232]

lol. Maybe they should keep it authentic by using the zipper rather than buttons too.
And they should isnt that the point of the tbtc games. they arent called "turn back the clock somewhat" games now are they?

Pussification of America huh? I hope you don't wear your seat belt, after all back in the day not all cars had them.

Yea and not all cars went 100 mph either now did they

[mlupo]

Shame on you Rays for furthering the pussification of America!

I get what you are saying, its in line with that winning doesn't matter/everyone gets a trophy attitued that kids are growing up with today. When really our lack of competitive edge is probably going to lead to the rest of the world passing us by.

[sox83cubs84]

I get what you are saying, its in line with that winning doesn't matter/everyone gets a trophy attitued that kids are growing up with today. When really our lack of competitive edge is probably going to lead to the rest of the world passing us by.

+1

Dave Miedema