College

Geek time.

When one labels themselves a geek, you know that person must have some confidence.  Our interview today is with self proclaimed sports-geek and Retro Brand fan, Andrew Hammond.   Andrew is a TV producer, writer and radio host, and pens a sports blog (goingahamm.wordpress.com) in his spare time.  And that's when he's not tweeting (@ahammsportsgeek) and playing X-box.   Dude is one busy guy.  His attitude on his field of business and life is pretty enlightening.  Check it out...

Andy:  Your twitter handle of @hammondsportsgeek explains a lot, but I’ll let you describe it in your own words….

Andrew:  I came up with the name when I first got twitter in early 2009.  I'm always looking at a book/database/resource regarding the history of sports from basketball, to tennis, to hockey, so it's pretty fitting I'd say (laughs).

Andy:  Where did you go to college, and did you know then that you wanted to pursue a career in sports journalism in some form?

Andrew:  I've always wanted to do TV/Newspaper/Radio since I was 4, it's crazy I know.  I spent time at two schools; Butler Community College and The University of Kansas.  Both were very enjoyable experiences that saw my love of sports grow even more.

Andy:  You'r not crazy - just an early starter...  Basketball seems to be your forte'.  Did you play ball in High School or college with NBA dreams?  Is that what you cover most as a writer, or do you have to cover all sports?

Andrew:  I'm an all sports type of guy.  I like to call myself a retired high school athlete (laughs).  Once I realized I wouldn't be in the NBA or NFL, I decided to continue pursuing my goal of working for a major media outlet.

The geek could ball....

Andy:  Congratulations on the pursuit paying off.  And speaking of outlets, there seem to be hundreds for sports writers on the internet, so it seems pretty competitive. What do you do to stand out from the pack?

Andrew:  Its simple.  You need to be true to yourself and know your stuff.  Also, you need to have a personality.  There's not many people who are like that in blogs/radio/social media these days.

Andy:  I agree - too many whiners and not enough personality...  We love having sports geeks with personality like you wearing our gear.  What got you into Retro Brand?

Andrew:  I'm as old school as they come. I even break out the SEGA and Nintendo every now and then.  When it comes to Retro Brand gear, I love the old school logos, plain and simple.  It's a healthy reminder of what made you love sports in the first place.

Thanks to Andrew for taking a break from all that sports-geekdom to talk with us today.  If you’re a big fan of Retro Brand, and want to be featured for an interview, please forward a picture of yourself wearing Retro Brand gear, and a brief description of what you do for a living and/or what you do that you think people might find pretty interesting to ahyman@originalretrobrand.com.  If we like what we see, you may be contacted for an interview. We’ll even send you a Retro Brand T-Shirt if we decide to post your story!

What is Z-Life?  At first glance it appears to be an ultra-hip & trendy Men's boutique that has the very best in denim, accessories and kicks, but when you look a little deeper, you quickly see it's much, much, more than that.   As the Retro Brand Retailer of the Month for May, I take that closer look in my interview with the man who puts the Zing in the Z-Life Denim Lounge, owner Adam Zuckerman.

Adam in his comfort zone.

Andy:  I love the wide selection of jeans & accessories in Z-Life, but it's the Lemon Heads and Fireballs that caught my eye.  What's up with that?

Adam:  I am an old school guy who simply wanted to have an environment in the store that would make my customers comfortable.  Having several candy jars filled with favorites from your childhood immediately gives the customer a feeling that they're in a happy place and makes the shopping experience that much more enjoyable.  More importantly, the kids love it.  We also have games for the kids to play with while their parents browse.

Andy:  Can I say brilliant?  What other nuances do you feel add to the Z-Life experience that make it stand out from other Mens boutiques?

Adam:  As people who have become regulars in the community would tell you, while I have a very low pressure sales approach, I have a very aggressive relationship approach.   In the five years we've been here, I've had the pleasure of seeing kids grow through their High School years and head off to college.  By getting to know so many families personally, I know what school this son or that daughter will be attending, and I make sure to stock my t-shirt shelves with those schools.

That is just one example that shows my customers know that I'm honestly more interested in helping them out & getting to know them and their needs, then simply closing a sale.   Retail is in my blood - It's who I am, and my customers know my dedication and passion.

Andy:  You just don't find that kind of attentiveness enough these days.  I know from my own shopping experiences that fakery and high pressure never work, and I HATE shopping.  The informal poll taken in my head presumes most men feel the way I do.   Am I right?  Since you cater mostly to men (70% Mens apparel 30% Womens), how do you handle the apathy?

Adam:  I'd say your partially right.  I prefer to say that men don't want to shop in a women's store, and women will shop anywhere.  Most men like to shop quickly, get in - get out, but are open to advice and talking about sports.  I'm a huge sports fan so it makes it easy to converse with them (and the women for that matter) whether it's what's currently happening in the world of sports, or more often than not, the good old days.  There is a huge flat screen TV in the store programmed to ESPN most of the time (I'll change to Nickelodeon for the kids, or anything else a customer might want to see) and I have several sports books and magazines that get referenced on a regular basis.  Of course the vintage Retro Brand shirts always get the conversation about sports going, which is one of the things I love about the brand.

Room with a view.

Andy:  So between your one-on-one valuable input, the old school candy, ESPN, and Retro Brand vintage shirts, suddenly shopping isn't so terrible.  Thanks for the compliment too.  What are some of the other things you love about Retro Brand?

Adam:  I promise I'm not saying this just because you're doing a story on Z-Life, but when it comes to buying product for the store, there is nothing more enjoyable then sitting down with Marc (Marc Herman, CEO of Retro Brand) and going through the treasure trove of vintage Retro Brand graphics and talking sports.  So many of the logos and graphics conjure up great sports memories of my time growing up and events that customers my age remember.  Not only do the older customers feel a positive connection with the shirts, but the younger kids are genuinely fascinated to learn what they're about as well.  Retro Brand also allows me to be very timely in the shirts I buy -  from the NCAA Final Four, to spring break, to the Stanley Cup Finals.  Buying mens denim and womens blouses may pay the bills, but not nearly as fun.

Andy:  What would you say is the most rewarding part of your job?

Adam:  As you may have guessed, it's the relationships I've been lucky enough to have fostered over the years.  I truly cherish them.  I've found a comfortable niche in a fantastic community.  Also when I hear a customer say something like "This is a great store!"

Another part of the job that's pretty rewarding is being able to get up every morning and throw on a crisp pair of plaid shorts, a Retro Brand vintage shirt, and my favorite pair of sneakers and head into the store.   That's me.  That's rewarding.

Andy:  That is awesome, and you are awesome for taking the time to speak with me today.  Thank you!

To learn more about Z-Life denim Lounge, you can visit them online here.

We highly recommend stopping in the store if you are ever in the Rye Brooke, NY area.  You know Adam and his staff will treat you right.

138B South Ridge Street.

Rye Brook, New York 10573

store phone:  914-937-5433 (life)

fax:  914-937-5434

Denim all day.

North Carolina freshman Michael Jordan draining a jumper with 17 seconds left in 1982.  Lorenzo Charles buzzer beating dunk for Jim Valvano and N.C. State in 1983.  Magic vs. Bird in the most watched College game ever in 1979.  And of course Christian Laettner's fade away bomb that stunned Kentucky and pushed DUKE into the Final Four in 1991.   The list can go on and on.  All spectacular sports moments.  All works of art.

Atlanta Art.

Being a resident of Atlanta, it's hard not to notice the latest work of sports art around town as the 2013 Atlanta Final Four logo is unfurled everywhere.  And a beautiful sight it is.   Being a blogger for Retro Brand, it's hard not to use this occasion to notice our Final Four t-shirt collection and that is a beautiful sight too.

Alas, "beauty is in the eye of the beholder", but here are what we believe are the Top Ten FINAL FOUR graphics ever.

10. The Hogs wore the crown well in 1994. WPS!

9. In 1999, the UCONN Huskies stand as tall as the Tampa Palmetto's when they win their first national title.

8. Love the Colt in Kentucky, and love # 8 seed Villanova winning their first title in the 1985 tournament over Big East rival Georgetown.

7. The coin designed logo fits in well for Kansas. To "coin" a phrase, ROCK CHALK JAYHAWK win the 50th Anniversary of the tournament behind Danny "and the Miracles" Manning. Pay Heed.

6. It's a simple game. It's a simple logo. It simply works. In 1979, Magic made it pretty simple for Michigan State too (sorry Larry).

5. The road to the Emerald city was paved with Michigan Gold in 1989. Rumeal Robinson sank two free throws with 3 seconds left in OT to lift the Wolverines over Seton Hall for their first National Championship.

4. "The Pit" in Albuquerque, New Mexico proved perfect for the Pack.

3. Keith Smart of Indiana had more nerve than a riverboat gambler when he sank the game winner over Syracuse to give the Hoosiers the 1987 title at the Superdome in New Orleans.

2. The trumpet head as a basketball net for this New Orleans classic? Awesome! Oh yeah, that game the Tar heels won over the Hoyas in '82 was pretty awesome too.

1. Bobby Knight gets his 2nd of 3 titles in 1981. The Red Basketball, White & Blue logo on a literal symbol of America's freedom - The Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, make this our # 1 Final Four graphic. Retro Brand shirts proudly MADE IN THE USA!

"As an alumnus of U. of Missouri, I'd like to watch Mizzou play football in every SEC stadium."

If you're a baseball fan, or a sports fan of any kind for that matter, you've probably thought of what it might be like to go to a game in every single baseball stadium across the country.  That's exactly what Retro Brand fan, Wes Milligan from Collierville TN, has done.  I caught up with him to get some details of the sights, sounds, highs & lows of what living one of the ultimate sports fans dreams come true was like.

Andy:  You have fulfilled a fantasy that many sports fans dream of – attending at least one baseball game in every Major League Park.  Can you tell us what was your favorite and least favorite parks are and why?

Wes:  When fans learn I’ve attended a game in all 30 ballparks, plus seven old ones, they immediately ask me which one is my favorite – so I had to rank them (See list below)!  Number one has to be PNC Park, home of the Pittsburgh Pirates.  Every seat has clear sight lines of the field and downtown Pittsburgh.  The pedestrian Roberto Clemente Bridge adds to the experience, the club section is the best in baseball, and concession prices are very reasonable (cheap beer!).  Words really don’t do it justice.  My least favorite is the Oakland Coliseum (sorry A’s fans).  It’s not even a ballpark.  Baseball is just played there.  I really hope Major League Baseball allows the team to move to San Jose.  I must say, however, Oakland has the cheapest field-level tickets, the fans are very supportive of the players, and vice versa, and how can you not love an MC Hammer bobblehead giveaway?

Andy:  Aside from the cheap beer, surely you had to have had taken notes on cuisine.  Any comments on the best hot dog, beer, or other foodstuffs that you thought stood out?

Wes:  The garlic fries at AT&T Park (San Francisco), pulled pork at Boog’s BBQ in Camden Yards (Baltimore), and Schlafly Pale Ale at Busch Stadium (St. Louis) top my ballpark cuisine list.  But the best ballpark cuisine is grilling local bratwurst while tailgating outside of Miller Park in Milwaukee.  Oh, and Dodger Dogs are way overrated.

But the best ballpark food I’ve ever had was during a Philadelphia Phillies spring training game.  I still dream about the sliders with grilled onions, along with a tall can of Yuengling beer, at Bright House Field in Clearwater, Fla. The Hooters ball girls didn’t exactly hurt the atmosphere either.

"I’ve attended four MLB All-Star Games and Home Run Derbies, and cheered on my St. Louis Cardinals from the stands during the 2011 World Series"

Andy:  Can you describe a little bit about how you traveled, scored tickets, lodged (always a hotel, or friends house, your car, etc.?) and set up the schedule from the get go?

Wes:  My ballpark “quest” started when I drove from St. Louis to New York to watch the Cardinals play a three-game series at the old Yankee Stadium in 2003.  After seeing that ballpark, I needed to see them all.  Planes, trains and automobiles sum it up.  Plus, it gave me an excuse to visit my friends who lived across the country.  I have my ticket stubs from every ballpark proudly displayed in my home, and each one has a fond memory attached to it.

Opening Day April 4th!

I’ve attended four MLB All-Star Games and Home Run Derbies (2004, 2009, 2011, 2012), and cheered on my St. Louis Cardinals from the stands during the 2011 World Series (Games 1, 2, 6 and 7).  I’ve also been to the revered Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, and cheering on Team USA at the 2013 World Baseball Classic was recently crossed off my baseball bucket list.

Andy:  Did you get to meet any players, celebrities, and/or crazy fans when all was said and done? – describe.

Wes:  When I attended my first game as Nationals Park (Washington, D.C.), St. Louis Cardinals left fielder Matt Holliday threw me the third-out baseball in the bottom of the seventh.  It’s one of my favorite souvenirs, especially when I met him the next year and had him autograph it.  I’ve seen several fist-fights break out at Yankees vs. Red Sox games (surprise, surprise), nothing beats watching the Clydesdales round the warning track at Busch Stadium during Opening Day – and I cherish seeing Stan Musial.

Andy:  Do you have any plans to do another trip – Minor League Parks, Pro Football, SEC, etc.?

I’m an alumnus of the University of Missouri, the newest member of the SEC, and I would like to watch the Mizzou play football in each SEC stadium.  So far I’ve seen the MU Tigers play football at South Carolina and Tennessee, and Ole Miss and Vanderbilt are on deck next year.  I’ve also flirted with the idea of knocking out the AAA Minor League Ballparks, because I’m a huge fan of the Memphis Redbirds.

Andy:  Yes, do the Minor League Parks!  How’d you hear about Retro Brand and what do you like about our shirts?

Wes:  A friend who is an alumnus of Oklahoma State introduced me to Retro Brand when Mizzou was still in the Big 12.  I really liked the throwback designs and 50% Polyester, 38% Cotton, 12% Rayon blends, and quickly purchased Missouri Tigers, St. Louis Blues and Memphis Chicks shirts.  My favorite Retro Brand is definitely the gray Memphis Redbirds shirt I purchased after my first game at AutoZone Park. I’m looking forward to buying another one on Opening Day!

You can find out what Wes will be planning for his next trip by following him on Twitter @wesmilligan

Wes Milligan’s Ballpark Rankings below.....

1.    PNC Park – Pittsburgh Pirates
2.    Petco Park – San Diego Padres
3.    Miller Field – Milwaukee Brewers
4.    Coors Field – Colorado Rockies
5.    Target Field – Minnesota Twins
6.    AT&T Park – San Francisco Giants
7.    Comerica Park – Detroit Tigers
8.    Safeco Field – Seattle Mariners
9.    Busch Stadium – St. Louis Cardinals
10.    Camden Yards – Baltimore Orioles
11.    Yankee Stadium – New York Yankees
12.    Wrigley Field – Chicago Cubs
13.    Citizens Bank – Philadelphia Phillies
14.    Progressive Field – Cleveland Indians
15.    Ballpark at Arlington – Texas Rangers
16.    Nationals Ballpark – Washington Nationals
17.    Citi Field – New York Mets
18.    Kaufman Stadium – Kansas City Royals
19.    Fenway Park – Boston Red Sox
20.    Dodgers Stadium – Los Angeles Dodgers
21.    Chase Field – Arizona Diamondbacks
22.    Minute Maid Park – Houston Astros
23.    U.S. Cellular Field – Chicago White Sox
24.    Angels Stadium – Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
25.    Marlins Stadium – Florida Marlins
26.    Turner Field – Atlanta Braves
27.    Great American Ballpark – Cincinnati Reds
28.    Rogers Centre – Toronto Blue Jays
29.    Tropicana Field – Tampa Bay Rays
30.    Oakland Coliseum – Oakland Athletics

Old Ballparks (7)
·    Old Busch Stadium
·    Old Yankee Stadium
·    Old Comiskey Park (Chicago)
·    Shea Stadium (Mets)
·    Metrodome (Minnesota)
·    Dolphin Stadium (Marlins)
·    Veterans Stadium (Philly)

It was on this day back in 1979, when the Michigan State Spartans led by Earvin "Magic" Johnson defeated Larry Bird's Indiana State Sycamores.  To this day, it remains the most watched College Basketball game in history.

The beginning of a long and legendary rivalry.

Indiana State 1979 Final Four Women's Shirt.

1979 Michigan State Spartans Final Four Men's shirt

Just enter our sweepstakes on Facebook HERE.  It's easier then filling out your brackets, and it's FREE to enter.  There are 3 chances to win!

Week #1 prize is a $75 Retro Brand Gift Card.  Week # 2 is a $100 Retro Brand Gift Card and the Grand Prize for week # 3 is a $200 Retro Brand Gift Card.  We'll post our weekly winners starting this Tuesday 3/26/13, on our Facebook timeline up to and including the day after the 2013 NCAA Men's Basketball Championship Game on 4/9/13.