Everyone has a story of their first game worn jersey. I have to laugh that I got mine about three years before I started collecting and had no clue as to what it was at the time.
In the Spring of 1999, I was finishing my Junior year at the University of Minnesota. I lived in Wilkins Hall and was walking back from class at Moos Tower. When I got to the old part of campus, I saw that they were having a clearance sale in front of the entrance to Williamson Hall, where the old bookstore was located. On the tables were box after box of Gopher football jerseys. I basically sorted through them until I found a number that I liked in my size. I picked out #74. I wanted #72, but since the number is retired, no dice. I either paid $35 or $40 for it. Anyway, I wore the jersey to games at the Dome in my senior year and for a couple of years after that when I'd make a Fall trip back to the Cities. In about 2002, I started collecting game worn Gopher jerseys. I pulled the #74 and found that there was still threading on the shoulder where the nameplate had been attached. After a little research, I found out that it had been worn by Adam Haayer. Before that, I didn't even think about it being game worn.
Looking back, I know that there were hockey jerseys hanging on a rack off to the side of the tables. I looked through them, but I already had my gold replica that I wore to all of the games. So, why would I need another jersey? Ah, to know then what I know now, and to not be a poor college kid, that sale could have been dangerous.
Today I have a pair of jerseys to share. The first is the aforementioned Adam Haayer home jersey. The second is #70, Todd Meisel throwback. This jersey was worn for one game in 2006 against NDSU in a 10-9 victory at the Metrodome. The Gophers wore this style to honor the 1960 National Championship team. Full size photos are available on the Football page.
Thanks again for visiting.
In the Spring of 1999, I was finishing my Junior year at the University of Minnesota. I lived in Wilkins Hall and was walking back from class at Moos Tower. When I got to the old part of campus, I saw that they were having a clearance sale in front of the entrance to Williamson Hall, where the old bookstore was located. On the tables were box after box of Gopher football jerseys. I basically sorted through them until I found a number that I liked in my size. I picked out #74. I wanted #72, but since the number is retired, no dice. I either paid $35 or $40 for it. Anyway, I wore the jersey to games at the Dome in my senior year and for a couple of years after that when I'd make a Fall trip back to the Cities. In about 2002, I started collecting game worn Gopher jerseys. I pulled the #74 and found that there was still threading on the shoulder where the nameplate had been attached. After a little research, I found out that it had been worn by Adam Haayer. Before that, I didn't even think about it being game worn.
Looking back, I know that there were hockey jerseys hanging on a rack off to the side of the tables. I looked through them, but I already had my gold replica that I wore to all of the games. So, why would I need another jersey? Ah, to know then what I know now, and to not be a poor college kid, that sale could have been dangerous.
Today I have a pair of jerseys to share. The first is the aforementioned Adam Haayer home jersey. The second is #70, Todd Meisel throwback. This jersey was worn for one game in 2006 against NDSU in a 10-9 victory at the Metrodome. The Gophers wore this style to honor the 1960 National Championship team. Full size photos are available on the Football page.
Thanks again for visiting.