LACROSSE IS THE GAME FOR NOTRE DAME.

When you think of Notre Dame, you usually think of Knute Rockne, The Four Horseman, “Win one for the Gipper”, “Rudy-Rudy”, Touchdown Jesus, and how the Irish have won 10 football games in a season just twice in the past eighteen years.

What you usually don’t think of is Notre Dame Lacrosse.  The Golden Domered stickmen have quietly joined the ranks of the College Lacrosse elite in a sport dominated over the years by the likes of Virginia, Syracuse, Maryland, Duke, Johns Hopkins, Princeton, and North Carolina. 

Currently ranked # 4 in the nation, Notre Dame is in the quarterfinals for the fourth time in the past five years as they take on defending National Champion Virginia (# 5) this Sunday.  If they can get by the Cavs, and win their semi-final, they could conceivably end up in a rematch with DUKE for the Championship, to whom they suffered a heartbreaking OT loss in the 2010 final.

Revenge will have to wait, but at least for today, Notre Dame gets the crown of “Original Retro Brand COOL VINTAGE T-SHIRT OF THE DAY.”

A BETTER VIEW....

.....AND OF COURSE IN GREEN TOO.

I’ll be posting a new ORB Cool Vintage T-Shirt of the Day mostly every other day during the week.  Have a shirt you’d like to see featured, or have a photo of yourself in one of our shirts you think is cool, and want to share?  Tell us what it is or send it in, and we’ll post it up!

FOR UPDATES ON CONTESTS, FASHION, AND FUN FROM THE ORIGINAL RETRO BRAND,  LIKE US ON FACEBOOK AND FOLLOW US ON TWITTER.  WE’RE NEW ON PINTEREST AND INSTAGRAM TOO!

Timing is everything, right?  Thus the shirt I’m rolling with today is a New York Rangers classic, inspired by their Game 7 victory on Saturday over the Caps, and their Eastern Conference Finals border war showdown with the uber-bitter rival New Jersey Devils in Game 1 tonight!

While I love the Rangers “Original 6″ classic crest, I tend to lean toward loving the diagonally spelled out team names on t-shirts more, as seen below (the young lady wearing the shirt simply closes the deal).

"MANLY YES, BUT I LIKE IT TOO!"

YOUR "MADISON SQUARE" GARDEN VARIETY

Well there you have it for today, Vintage T-shirt fans.  Cannot wait for the puck to drop tonight!!

I’ll be posting a new ORB Cool Vintage T-Shirt of the Day mostly every other day during the week.  Have a shirt you’d like to see featured, or have a photo of yourself in one of our shirts you think is cool, and want to share?  Tell us what it is or send it in, and we’ll post it up!

FOR UPDATES ON CONTESTS, FASHION, AND FUN FROM THE ORIGINAL RETRO BRAND,  LIKE US ON FACEBOOK AND FOLLOW US ON TWITTER.  WE’RE NEW ON PINTEREST AND INSTAGRAM TOO!

Outside of McRibs (when available) & M&M’s w/nuts (readily available), there is nothing that I am more addicted to then vintage t-shirts.  And since I am employed by the Original Retro Brand, I do not see an intervention in sight, nor do I want or need one (addiction denial).

I haven’t counted lately but the last time I did a few years ago, I was near the 400 mark, and I’ve definitely added a bunch since then.  Basically I can wear a different shirt every day of the year and I usually do.  My wife thinks I’m crazy of course, and rolls her eyes when I ask her things like “Does this Quebec Nordiques shirt make me look fat?”  I’m so obsessed that I’ll actually “feel bad” for shirts I haven’t worn in awhile, so yeah, I’m crazy.

I’m not alone though, right?  So for those of you who are as crazy as I am about Original Retro Brand’s great feeling, great fitting, old-school shirts, or just mildly so, I bring you the “ORB Cool Vintage T-shirt of the Day”*

COOL CROWN (shirt, not head).

For Men...

...and for Women.

I’ll be posting a new ORB Cool Vintage T-Shirt of the Day usually every OTHER day during the week.  Have a photo of yourself in one of our shirts you think is cool, and want to share?  Send it in, and we’ll post it up!

FOR UPDATES ON CONTESTS, FASHION, AND FUN FROM THE ORIGINAL RETRO BRAND,  LIKE US ON FACEBOOK AND FOLLOW US ON TWITTER.  WE’RE NEW ON PINTEREST AND INSTAGRAM TOO!

*You may not think it’s cool, but as a vintage t-shirt snob, I offer it as my “kinda-expert” opinion.

Life is very good right now if your a sports fan.  Major League Baseball is off to a torrid start;  No-hitters, beanings, walk-offs galore, and the Baltimore Orioles atop their division?!  Even Alberlt Pujols hit a Home Run.  Floyd “Money” Mayweather wins the Junior Middleweight Crown over a worthy Miguel Cotto on Cinco De Mayo, & a record 165,307 mint-julep drinking fans crammed into Churchill Downs to see the 138th running of The Kentucky Derby Saturday too.  The NFL draft is still top of mind for many as training camp looms in July, and the NBA & NHL Playoffs have been pleasure packed with weeks and games to go before I sleep.

Did I miss anything?  There’s Track & Field, Swimming, Volleyball, Soccer, etc.  College Baseball & Softball conference tournaments have already begun, and will lead up to the College World Series in June.  The College Lacrosse tournament of 16 has been set, with the semi’s and Championship being settled at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass., over the Memorial Day weekend (and don’t forget the Indy 500!).

Seems like College Football is what’s slipped under the radar.  Only the die-hard fan has been salivating over the spring practices and inter-squad games (In April, Ohio State drew 81,112 fans & Alabama drew 78,526 to their spring suare’s for cryin’ out loud!).  I’m one of those same hard headed salivators and College Colors Day can’t get here soon enough (Check out the countdown to that glorious day on collegecolorsday.com which stands at 114 days, 06 hours, 48 minutes and 22 seconds til August 31st as I write this…)!  And speaking of hard headed, I laid out the Original Retro Brand’s TOP 20 football helmet t’s to get you in the College Football mood (Come on, it’s too early for actual rankings.  Don’t fret, you might win a $50 ORB gift card by entering our Tuesday Trivia Time contest at the end of this post).

20. Realize "UM" obviously stands for University of Maryland, and not, um, well - UM. Fear the Turtle!

19. Could you take the ball away from this Bad-Ass Bucky Badger?

18. Before the BIG 12, the Aggies roamed the Southwest Conference (SWC) for 80 years. Maybe if their new home in the SEC doesn't pan out, they can try the PAC 12?

17. 70's style facemask a reference to the 70 year drought between Rose Bowl victories for Oregon? Gotta give the Ducks their due.

16. Yes, Penn State actually had #'s on their helmets the year #22 John Cappelletti won the Heisman, but this is a YALE Bulldogs helmet. And it's cool.

15. Despite the Bayou Bengals record of 3-5-2, it was the 1955 LSU 'fourth-quarter ball club' that helped the moniker 'Tigers' grow into another team nickname, 'Fighting Tigers'. Way to Geaux.

14. Two, two, two helmets in one. To the winner of the Red River Rivalry goes the Golden Hat Trophy (Longhorns lead the Sooners all-time 59-42-5).

13. This logo adorned the Viginia Poli-Tech helmet from 1966-71. Looks good on her too..

12. Two words: Pony Express.

11. The Hogs won 13 SWC Championships during their 76 years in the conference before joining the SEC in 1992.

10. Big Red wore the "NU" for 1967, 1968, and 1969 - The 100 Year Anniversary of College Football.

9. Notre Dome donned the shamrock from 1959 - through 1962, and brought it back for a historic night matchup with the Michigan Wolverines this past season. It didn't bring them luck in the 35-31 loss.

8. Looks like Bucky Badger in orange (see # 19). I just love the 1950's style collegiate cartoon mascots, and this one's a doozy.

7. 1966 Sugar Bowl Single bar. Down 20-0 to Mizzou, Gator QB Steve Spurrier nearly pulled the miracle comeback, but fell short 20-18. He still was named the game MVP.

6. I only think of one thing when it comes to the Cowboys, and it ain't Pistol Pete - it's Barry Sanders. The orange OSU helmet is from the early 70's and pre-dated Barry's Heisman season in 1988 in which he ran for 2,628 yards. Holy Pokes!

5. Nitschke? Butkus? Not quite, but future Minnesota Viking standout Linebacker Scott Studwell was All Big 10 for the Illini when they wore this beauty from 1971-1976.

4. The Tide has worn #'s on their helmets for as long as I can remember (I'm old), but this # 14 is not for any particular player, but signifies the total National Championships won - The most in the modern era.

3. Looks like Herky is about to perform the very first spike? Probably not, but an old leatherhead on a featherhead is to cool for school.

2. Bucky, Herky, & the rest got nuthin' on this version of Purdue Pete. Didn't know they had P90X in the 40's? Buff dude with sledgehammer not to be messed with.

1. Our # 1 choice - The Granddaddy of 'em all - is this Rose Bowl shirt that features Alabama's 1935 victory over Stanford. Taken off the game's program cover, the pose is very similar to that of the Heisman trophy pose which coincidentally was awarded for the first time that same year.

There are plenty of Original Retro Brand Helmet t’s that didn’t break our top 20 that are pretty spectacular too, so we highly recommend you browse around the college section and enjoy.

Before we leave, did I mention it’s Tuesday Trivia Time?  Just answer the following question correctly in the comment section at the end of this post, and be automatically entered into our drawing for a FREE $50 Original Retro Brand gift card.  It’s that simple.  We’ll announce the winner on Facebook tomorrow afternoon.  Ready (it’s a 2-parter)?

Two men are mostly credited with inventing the football helmet.  One was George Barclay, who invented a “head harness” back in 1896, but the second came up with more of a helmet device.  What was his name, and what school did he play for?

Let’s see those answers and GOOD LUCK!

GOOD LUCK TRUCKER

Wait, let me guess, you had the Vancouver Canucks and Boston Bruins losing in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs right?

Of course not.

Well, not unless you’re a fan of the Los Angeles Kings or Washington Capitals — then it’s believable.

But, honestly, who saw the team with the most points in the 2011-12 regular season (Vancouver) and defending Stanley Cup champions (Boston) out of the picture this early?

That, my friends, is the beauty of the NHL playoffs.

I’m certainly not going to complain about the drama so far.

After receiving my trusty Philadelphia Flyers Original Retro Brand trucker cap prior to Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals, my beloved Orange and Black went out and knocked off who many believed would be this year’s champs in the (hated) Pittsburgh Penguins.  Sorry, Sidney.

Is the ORB hat good luck?  Maybe.

I’ll let you know once the Flyers hopefully make their way past these pesky New Jersey Devils.

PESKY DEVIL

Call it wishful thinking, but wouldn’t the Kings and Flyers make for an intriguing Stanley Cup final?  Mike Richards and Jeff Carter, once thought to be the cornerstones of the Philadelphia franchise for years to come, were both eventually shipped out west to allow the Flyers to reinvent themselves.

Someone apparently forgot to remind the Kings they’re a No. 8 seed.  I still think the St. Louis Blues make this a series, but like L.A. to move on to the conference finals.

Speaking of good stories, it’s nice to see some new teams in the mix for a change.

The Nashville Predators and Phoenix Coyotes may come from small markets, but just ask those Original Six teams from Chicago and Detroit about how big their opponents played in the first round of the playoffs.

Something tells me the Predators, trailing 2-1 after winning Game 3 last night, find their way back into this series and pull off the comeback.

Did I mention I’m a Flyers fan?  Did I also mention that makes me a Capitals fan by default since their playing the (it pains me to even type this) New York Rangers in their semifinals matchup?

I don’t think it’s any secret the Rangers had the Flyers’ number this season. When you go 6-0 against a team in one year, and I was there when the Rangers came back and stunned Philly in the Winter Classic, it makes you scratch your head.

As much as I would like the Flyers to get a shot at redemption against the Blueshirts… Let’s Go Capitals!!!

WINTER CLASSIC WOES.

All of our teams still have a LONG way to go before getting the chance to hoist Lord Stanley’s Cup.  Me?  I’ll be wearing my ORB Flyers hat every game of the way, and most off days too, in hopes of realizing that dream.

And if I’m going to unfortunately watch my team go down, I mine as well look good and be comfortable doing it.

Goodbye for now and good hockey!

Special thanks go to Anthony Coppola for filling in today.  The Flyer fanatic currently writes for The Daily Journal in Vineland, NJ.  If you recall, Anthony gave us an NHL preview for Round #1 back in the beginning of April.  He picked 5 of the 8 series winners correctly, so not too bad…

You can reach Anthony Coppola via email at antcop20@comcast.net or on Twitter @AVCoppola.  You can also check his awesome blog in which he is a regular contributor to, in which he discusses another Original Retro Brand favorite – BEER! Snobs of Beer —> http://bit.ly/ynKGLf

APPLE OF OUR EYE.

Ok, I’m sure the Ft. Wayne TinCaps would prefer another Midwest League Championship like in 2009, but the honor of being the Original Retro Brand Retailer of The Month will still be a nice addition to their trophy case.

I had the pleasure of speaking with the team Merchandising Manager, Karen Schieber (left) about her experiences since joining the San Diego Padres Single A Affiliate….

Andy:  Have you always been a baseball fan, and how did you end up working for the TinCaps?

Karen: I actually grew up without television and listened to St. Louis Cardinals games on the radio, so yes, I am a big baseball fan.

I’m sure that influenced me in that I always knew I wanted to work in a sports related field.  I was lucky enough to get an internship with the Frisco Rough Riders through a sorority sister while I was at Oklahoma State, which led to a position with the Greenville Drive, and eventually my current position with the TinCaps starting in 2009.

Andy:  2009 was a good year to start, eh?

Karen: You can say it was unreal.  It was really such a perfect and exciting season to be involved in my first year with the team. There was a buzz before it even started as the organization had just opened a new ball park downtown (Parkview Field) and the team switched their name and look from the Wizards to the TinCaps. The team set a franchise record for wins (101!) and attendance (378,529 came through!) enroute to the Championship.  Not coincidentally, the team success boosted our sales in the team store all year.

Andy:  Not a bad rookie season for you!  I know the season is young, but I’m curious as to what you do in the off-season.  Is the stadium store open year -round?  Do you have the winter months off like teachers have summers off (to go to TinCaps games no doubt)?

Karen: Actually the off-season is more crazy-busy then the regular season.  In addition to the Stadium store remaining open all year, the team opens another store at the Glenbrook Mall for the Holiday season.  So basically it’s like having two opening days busy!

Andy:  I assume you are directly involved with the buying and merchandising for all store set-ups.  Can you give us a quick description of what that experience is like?

Karen: I do a good deal of the buying when I attend the Winter Meetings, which is really the only trade show I attend.  As far as merchandizing the stores, I really enjoy the opportunity to use my creativity in bringing out the best for our team and the products we carry/display.  It’s fun and rewarding to see people enjoy the store the way they do, and to hear so much constant positive feedback.

"...CONSISTENT YEAR IN - YEAR OUT IN DELIVERING QUALITY.."

Andy: We’re extremely excited for your personal and team success, and so appreciative that when you attend those Winter meetings, your buying plenty of the Original Retro Brand.  Can you tell us what it is about our brand that works so well for you?

Karen: Obviously the retro look and feel are key, and you know you’re going to get a product that lasts. I find the brand is consistent year in-year out when it comes to delivering quality and new styles.  To borrow a well known tag line, the Original Retro Brand simply “sells itself.”

Thanks so much to Karen for taking the time to join us between innings today, and congratulations to the Ft. Wayne TinCaps for being named the Original Retro Brand Retailer of The Month for May, 2012.

If you’re in the Ft. Wayne, Indiana area, try and catch a TinCaps game and visit the team store!

Store Hours – Non Game Days

M – F: 10am – 5pm (closed Sat & Sun)

Store Hours – Game Days

M – F: 10am – 4pm (Re-Open when gates open.)  Saturday – 10am – 4pm (Re-Open when gates open.) Sunday – Open when gates open.

You can also shop online at The Orchard team store.

Rock The Vote is where music and politics meet.  Original Retro Brand had the pleasure and good fortune to meet R&B singer-songwriter and rapper, John West, at the recent Rock The Vote-Original Retro Brand apparel launch.  John was kind enough to answer a few questions for us…

"...love the Rock the Vote sneaker t-shirt, it’s just got a really fresh/retro vibe..."

Andy:  Before you began your music career, you had other plans to make a living as a cartoonist.  Do you still want to pursue this other art form professionally, or is it more of an enjoyable hobby on the side now?

John: Yeah, cartooning used to really be my thing; political cartoons, comic strips, caricatures – but once I started taking music seriously near the end of college, I haven’t really looked back.  That being said, there’s a children’s book concept I’ve been sitting on for years that I look forward to getting published once I’ve built up a name for myself.

Andy:  I think you’ve achieved that goal John – Let’s see the book (I have a 7 year old who loves to read)!  Coincidentally you and I share the same birthday of May 11.  I have 23 years on you so I was 11 in 1971 when one of your musical influences, Carole King, released her epic “Tapestry” album.  Were there any songs specifically from that album that influenced your music and style?

John: Nice, same birthday!  Carole King’s entire album was so good, from the very first bars of “I Feel The Earth Move” .. My favorite track is probably “You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman.” Such a great concept and melody, and then with a crossover ability that got Aretha Franklin wanting to cover the same song.  Pretty dope (Speaking of “Pretty dope,” check John’s video below).

Andy:  Is it also safe to assume that growing up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, had a profound effect on your musical influence as well?  If so, can you specify?  Or maybe it had more affect on you being an LSU fan?  Perhaps I’m assuming wrong on both?  Please clarify.

John: Baton Rouge definitely had an impact musically.  Some of my good friends in high school were jazz musicians so I used to catch my guys playing all the local spots every weekend.  That taught me a lot about the groove of good live music.  Plus there were a lot of jam bands playing around the LSU campus, so by the time I moved to Chicago at age 19, I had been influenced for sure.  And let’s not forget about gumbo.  I’m just saying.

We have the Ladies covered too...

Andy:  Even as a Georgia Bulldog fan, I can appreciate the best gumbo in the world… Ok, how did you get hooked up with the folks at Rock The Vote, and can you explain your role/what you do as a performer/music ambassador for the movement?

John: I met Kelly Fogel of RTV through our mutual friend Emile Kelman, who’s a fantastic producer/songwriter that I’ve had the pleasure of working with a lot over the years.  It’s been great coming out to some of the RTV events like Rock the Vote and Original Retro Brand’s t-shirt launch during Grammy week.  I’m down to help spread the word however I can – voting means having a say in where the country is headed. That’s important to me.

Andy:  As you know, the Original Retro Brand has a line of Rock The Vote apparel that we’re very proud of.  Can you tell us what you like about our shirts?

John: I particularly love the Rock the Vote sneaker t-shirt, it’s just got a really fresh/retro vibe and meanwhile works as a great reminder to get to the polls come November.

Special thanks to John for his time, and especially for his Music and commitment to Rock The Vote!

Be sure to check out more on John West on his website at http://johnwestsongs.com/, and for more information on Rock The Vote, visit their website at  http://rockthevote.com/

What makes a Snapback truly a Throwback Snapback? Having a vintage logo helps, but how about one that looks & feels like it was worn by the old full service gasoline attendant you remember from the good ol’ days?  Not the clean cut guy from Texaco, but the one who worked under the cars too, and had tears and oil stains and smudges on his lid.  Well if you don’t remember the full service days, then that proves we’re really talking throwback here!

Original Retro Brand mudwashed Snapback Trucker caps ARE these caps.  Our mesh backs are the broken-in-anti-stiff style, so it’s like slipping into your favorite pair of jeans, but on your head!  I really like all of the caps in our current collection (and there is a whole new shipment about to arrive very soon…), but I can’t help but lay out my personal favorite TOP TEN, and here they are….

10. I'm a carpetbagging Yankee living in Atlanta 21 years via Long Island. Can't forget my 4 Cup Isles! Plus the dang Flames & Thrashers skipped town on me..

9. Can't you just hear Tone Loc referring to Alex the Dog in "Funky Cold Medina?" The Stroh's advertising pooch was a hit before Spuds Mackenzie.

8. Happy to don this Dons.

7. Always loved the Capitals Red, White, & Blue patriotic logo with the stars & stick. A Caps Cap for a Man's Man, I always say..

6. "It's the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen" - UCLA Legend John Wooden. All ORB truckers have the vital little details.

5. Have to include any Hockey team that had a Hall of Fame goalie named Gump Worsley.

4. The bleacher bums at Wrigley stop drinking Old Style only long enough to sing “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” during the seventh-inning stretch, unless they’ve already spilled it on the ivy-covered outfield wall.

3. "You can observe alot by watching." Ok, this is the Scanton Wilkes Barre Yankees, but I can never pass up an opportunity for a "Yogiism." AND it's the only hat on our site that has 3 images!

2. Amazing to realize Hockey legends Gordie Howe & Bobby Hull played on the same Hartford Whaler team that made the playoffs in their first NHL season.

1. It's late Friday, and clearly the hat speaks for me: "LONG LIVE LONG NECKS!"

Like I said, I like all the truckers in our collection, but these are the 10 I’d like to hang my hat on (You can always count on me for cheesy references like that).

Before you go, please take a minute to follow us on Pinterest.  We’re totally into it, and would love to see your pins & boards.  We’ll be having a pretty awesome “Pin it to Win it” contest coming in the next few weeks, and you won’t want to miss it!

ALSO, FOR UPDATES ON CONTESTS, FASHION, AND FUN FROM THE ORIGINAL RETRO BRAND,  LIKE US ON FACEBOOK AND FOLLOW US ON TWITTER TOO!

Every year for opening day, the Arizona Diamondbacks affiliate from Visalia, California – The Rawhide – have a little fun with a fashion show on the local morning news. You’ll notice several Original Retro Brand shirts in the starting lineup!