Backpage Press

“Overhead Sid” 1-off Limited Edition mounted canvas print - $35.00

Mon, 12 Oct 2020 16:55:25 +0000

1 made, hand-silk screened, hand-made frame, and hand-stretched. Be the only one with this hanging on your wall. Signed, numbered, and dated by artist.

Mixtape tee - $25.00

Tue, 09 Jul 2019 20:36:52 +0000

Keep it real, PA.

Print or Die! limited edition tee - $25.00

Fri, 22 Jun 2018 20:37:48 +0000

Celebrating a way of life for all screen printers, and the name of Dave Philips and my ill-fated podcast, circa 2013. *Limted run of 15 for each color * Printed on the softest tees you can find, called "sueded" cotton. They do not disappoint. * Design by Dave Philips of Pelican Print Shop in San Francisco

Crystal Lake Fightn' Bats Hockey Club tee - $16.50

Sat, 10 Feb 2018 17:33:42 +0000

The only team who practices in a cave and goalie plays with a machete. NOTE: Avoid the lake. We can’t even play on it. It never freezes, and it’s full of death. GO FIGHTN' BATS! A collaboration between Thad Myers + Backpage Press Check out more of Thad's amazing artwork at instagram.com/outdoormayhem Printed with water based ink on a super-soft, premium tri-blend, athletic grey tee.

This Machine Kills Fascists tee - $25.00

Sun, 07 Jan 2018 13:02:18 +0000

"Refuse/Resist": a moto that I embraced for much of my life; applied to various circumstances that a rebellious young man encounters in life. But, in this political climate, it takes on a whole new meaning for myself and many others. Woodie Guthrie, the great folk singer/songwriter who inspired generations and individuals such as Bob Dylan (whom this business is named after) famously wrote on his acoustic guitar "This Machine Kills Fascists". This image has become iconic, and applicable to many situations we have come across as a society in the last 50+ years. In this case, I felt it needed and update: one, so to not "rip-off" Woodie's iconic image, and two, because I love the Gibson Explorer. And its true; whether an old tenor acoustic, a Gibson, artistic imagery, or the mighty pen...these art forms kill Fascists. No matter how you feel about politics today, most know that there are major changes happening, whether you feel they are good, or bad. Represent those feelings, educate yourselves, and stand for what you believe. * Printed all in water based ink, on a super comfortable premium heather "Silk" color 50/50 tee.

Backpage Press LTD EDITION Ten-Year Anniversary tee - $25.00

Fri, 22 Dec 2017 18:35:34 +0000

"Out of the darkness, and into the light." This all began in a small town house basement on December 17, 2007 when I made my first print, and has now manifested into a full-fledged commercial custom design and print shop, offering my style of art and printing to large clients, and the individual tee clients that started it all. THANK YOU to all my family, friends, customers...& more importantly, the personal relationships which has developed with my loyal customers who have believed in me over this 10-year life-long dream to become my own, individual artist. You have all fulfilled my dreams. Limited edition of 2 prints of each size, hand-numbered on the inside of the bottom hem (S-XXL) Photo Credit: Cory Seymour * printed on the the most premium tee I can find, and the only one I wear, the Next Level sueded tee.

Pug Life hoodie - $45.00

Wed, 15 Nov 2017 20:44:34 +0000

My beloved pug "Bettis" makes her debut on the front of this hoodie, above the banner of "Pug Life", which would be a fitting moto for this place since it could be considered a print shop AND a pug farm. The back displays a "borrowed" logo from the movie "World's Greatest Dad", which I loved so much that I altered it to say "Backpage Press Fighting Pugs". Bobcat Goldthwait made that movie, so I have to give him props on making the best High School mascot & logo ever. * Printed on the softest hoodie will might ever own, called the "Zen" hoodie from J.America. It's essentially a "burnout" fleece, and is very light, airy, and soft, yet warm; it's pretty much a magic hoodie. Plus, it get's better with age (and has pugs on it).

Backpage Press Old E drip logo tee - $25.00

Sat, 11 Nov 2017 20:21:23 +0000

Support graphic designers and screen printers everywhere with the Backpage logo printed in quicksilver midnight blue ink on a premium tee.

Johnstown Jets '50's logo tee - $25.00

Sat, 11 Nov 2017 20:15:05 +0000

A spin off from the 2009 Jets logo tee, this '50's logo is printed with water based in on a premium light heather blue 50/50 blend tee for ultimate comfort and look. Original 2009 write up: In 1950, Johnstown, PA built the 3,745 seat War Memorial Arena, and welcomed the brand new EAHL hockey team, the Johnstown Jets. The jets would become a mainstay in Johnstown, fueling a then thriving coal and steel town’s passion for hockey. The Jets won consecutive EHL championships in 1951–52 and 1952–53. The Jets would join the International Hockey League (IHL), Eastern Hockey League (EHL), and the North American Hockey League (NAHL) before they closed up shop. After joining the new NAHL in 1973, Dick Roberge coached Johnstown to the Lockhart Cup championship 1974–75. For me, the most notable part of that season's playoff run included the Carlson brothers, Jeff, Jack and Steve, who became the basis for the Hanson Brothers in the movie Slap Shot. Jeff and Steve Carlson portrayed their fictional selves in the movie, while former Jet Dave Hanson portrayed Jack. The Jets played four seasons total in the NAHL before the league folded in 1977. The team itself folded in the offseason, when the Johnstown flood of 1977 that damaged the arena's ice making equipment. Johnstown hockey didn’t stop there… In 1988, Johnstown was granted another hockey franchise, which would play in the All-American Hockey League, and ultimately the East Coast Hockey League. The owners originally wanted to name the team the Jets in honor of a team that had played in Johnstown from 1950 to 1977. However, the old Jets' former owners still held the trademark for the name and refused to allow the new team to use it. Fortunately, they had a second choice. A contest was held by the owners, allowing the people of Johnstown to vote for the new team name. Since the now cult hockey movie Slap Shot had been filmed in Johnstown, used the War Memorial Arena for most of the films hockey scenes, and featured a minor league team called the Charlestown Chiefs, the fans readily jumped on the tie-in, and the Johnstown Chiefs were born. It should be noted that the great Paul Newman had said in many interviews that filming Slap Shot in Johnstown was one of the best times of his life. This shirt was made to celebrate the 60 years of Johnstown hockey. Unfortunately, Johnstown lost the Chiefs franchise to Greenville, SC after a long, bitter battle between the fans and ownership. Johnstown retained ownership of the name and records, so if a new franchise is awarded, they can be used. This Jets logo was the last one used by the team before the 1977 Johnstown flood, which ultimately killed the team.

Rap Party tee - $25.00

Sat, 11 Nov 2017 20:09:03 +0000

Now you'll have something awesome to wear to your next Rap Party.

Fuck you, pay me. tee - $25.00

Sat, 11 Nov 2017 20:05:49 +0000

Business bad? "Fuck you, pay me." Oh, you had a fire? "Fuck you, pay me." Place got hit by lightning, huh? "Fuck you, pay me." Well, what are you waiting for?

Cooking with Heisenberg tee & apron - $25.00

Sat, 11 Nov 2017 20:02:27 +0000

No matter how well you cook your meals, or illicit street drugs, people will take you seriously if you are wearing these. R.I.P. Walt White

Willie Stargell "Pops" Sledghammer tee - $25.00

Thu, 20 Apr 2017 22:40:14 +0000

Original Willie Stargell 2012 1-color design broken-down and reprinted at a dynamic 4-color design, on a premium vintage black tee. Original 2012 write-up: When you live in a place long enough, you become sick of the local radio stations. This was the case when I drove through Pittsburgh on Monday, April 9th, 2001. I go through a Van Halen phase every other year, and ’01 was one of those years. I was listening to a mix of Roth and Van Hagar songs, which to some people is sacrilege. But I don’t play by those rules, and it was the perfect soundtrack for my trip to Opening Day… the very first regular season game ever at PNC Park. Needless to say, I was really enjoying the ride. Since the North Side was torn up due to the stadium construction projects, I was about to begin my habit of parking in the Strip District, walking through the city, and making my way across the 6th Street Bridge, which had recently been dedicated as the Clemente Bridge. Normally, the beginning of April in western PA is grey and miserable. But, on this Monday, the sun was shining and the air was a comfortable 75 degrees. I couldn't wait to see the ballpark, not to mention the new Roberto Clemente and Willie “Pops” Stargell statues. There had only ever been one statue in Pittsburgh sports history (Honus Wagner batting in front of Gate A at Three Rivers), so adding two new ones was a big deal. As I crossed the river and approached the left field gates, I saw Pop’s statue, and it was overwhelmingly huge. The artist had captured Willie’s enormous physical and metaphorical presence at the plate. His stance was wide with his left elbow pointing straight back and an oversized bat sticking straight up in the air. I began to think of all the stories I knew about Willie: his contribution to his team and organization, the “Stargell Stars” he gave out for motivation and accomplishment, the fanfare of “We Are Family” in 1979, hitting a homer into the upper deck of Montreal's Olympic Stadium, and using a sledge hammer to warm up in the on-deck circle to intimidate the opposition (quite possibly the coolest thing ever). This last fact is what I focused on as I admired the enormity of this perfect representation. I was 15 feet from the Pop’s statue when I noticed the elaborate collage of colors that a dense ring of floral arrangements had created around Willie’s feet. I focused on a man in his 40s who was on one knee. His cheeks glistening in the sunlight from tears, he stood up and performed the sign of the cross. I remained there for several minutes, observing the emotions of my fellow fans who continued to place flowers and photos around the statue. Still looking forward, I whispered to my then-girlfriend, “I like Willie too, but crying is a bit overboard.” The man in front of me immediately turned around and stated, “He died this morning." My loathing of the Pittsburgh airwaves and my obsession for Van Halen had kept me from the most important news of the day. If we had to lose him, it was only fitting he left the world on this day. The Bucs got stomped by the Reds that afternoon, but they received their beating in the most beautiful ballpark in the league on an abnormally pleasant April day in Pittsburgh. The Pirates were nine years into their 20-year decline, but it was obvious PNC Park would be the beginning of a new age for Pirate baseball. I’m telling you, between the new ballpark and the weather, I wasn't sure I was really in Pittsburgh. It was strange for something so sad to happen on a day that was, for all intents and purposes, wonderful. But there was also something poetic about losing an iconic individual who lived and died for our city and its ball club on the dawn of a new era for Pittsburgh. Who says baseball isn’t romantic? That day has never faded from my memory, and it likely never will. I took my time to construct this design in order to best represent the thoughts and images that flooded my mind as I approached the dedication, which quickly became a memorial, for our beloved baseball hero. We take our statues seriously in Pittsburgh.

"Spatula City" tee - $25.00

Wed, 19 Apr 2017 23:24:30 +0000

"What better way to say I love you, than with a gift with a gift of a spatula" -Sy Greenblum - President, Spatula City Thank you for your sense of humor Al Yankovic; it makes a lot of us quirky, funny, sometime misunderstood, weirdo-docks feel better about ourselves. You're a true man of the people. I changed the "feel" of the commercial, for irony's sake. The commercial from W. Al Yankovic's masterpiece (this rating recorded as 12-year old me) which this shirt was inspired by: https://youtu.be/4BUDwj_mXKE I changed the "feel" of the commercial, for irony's sake. *Printed on a super soft, nicely colored, deep heather grey tee that is so nice, you won't take it off for days.

Mercy Is For The Weak tee - $25.00

Wed, 07 Dec 2016 20:16:07 +0000

"Put him in a body bag!" R.I.P. Spencer Laning 9/7/14 2:33 PM

"Cordell's Hardware" tee - $25.00

Thu, 28 Jul 2016 11:02:37 +0000

One of my favorite memories as a kid was going down to a dusty-old hardware store in Patton, PA named "Cordell's". Family owned and operated for decades, and the nicest people you could find to help you locate your nuts and bolts. There were always old guys just hanging out in there, happy as a clam, and I thought, "Some day, that'll be me". Coffee shops are for wimps.

"Patton Clay Works" tee - $25.00

Thu, 28 Jul 2016 11:01:46 +0000

The town I grew up it, Patton, PA, once dominated the region and parts of the country with clay manufacturing and kilning made at the Patton Clay Works. They made everything from clay pipe, building brick, and most famously "The Patton Paver", for road paving. At one time you could travel to parts of Europe, and see roads and public squares paved with the embossed-branded "Patton Paver". Unfortunately by the time I came around in the '70's, clay pipe and paving bricks had long been out of favor, and the old clay plant and it's kilns lay empty and in ruin, much like the small town's economy. What this plant and it's history means to me, is that I grew up about 100 yards away from it; it was almost in my backyard. One of my first memories is seeing flames shoot over our small hill, separating us from the Clay Works facility, and thinking, "This is not good." It turned out the local fireman were practicing their skills on the old structure by lighting it on fire, and then putting it out. Like most kids in small towns, you have fun with the means your area gives you. In my case, I played in the ruins of the Clay Works for my entire early childhood. There were striped-out pieces of land everywhere, leaving (probably dangerous) cliff's to climb, old factory roads to ride your bike on, woods to explore, and old machinery to play on. The place was such a part of my existence, the spot was also a go-to in my teens, when it's abandoned seclusion made it a perfect spot for more nefarious activities that teenager partake in. I made this tee not only for my own nostalgia, but to celebrate something important that once made my little town important and special. When I see empty buildings where our local business's used to reside and the general degradation of the town I grew up in, I wanted to make something that makes out town and it’s history look good, and proud. Other Pattonites have similar memories, and also completely different ones of the great Clay Works, and I hope this tee makes them remember them with pride. *4 color print on the softest damn premium tri-blend heather grey tee your upper body has ever felt

"DSMVWL Hollidaysburg, PA" tee - $25.00

Thu, 28 Jul 2016 11:01:05 +0000

A tee for "Hollidaysburg", our 'burg in PA where the shop is located, but with the vowels taken out. AKA "Disemvoweling".

"Stencil Factory" sueded super-soft vintage-style tee - $25.00

Thu, 14 Apr 2016 17:04:33 +0000

Write up coming soon...

"Stencil Factory" super-light jersey hoodie - $35.00

Thu, 14 Apr 2016 17:02:02 +0000

This might be the best hoodie ever! We added some new BCKPG icons to a hoodie made from cotton jersey material, which feels just like a vintage heavy cotton long sleeve tee. It's perfect for summer or if you find hoodies just too hot sometimes. I've been test running it for a couple months, and I already wore out the 1st one. Check out the tee version too; it's printed on the softest tee I've ever found!

"Boombox" tee by Backpage Press - $25.00

Sun, 03 Apr 2016 16:47:35 +0000

Whether you were kickin' it on the streets, or stuck in farm country, there weren't too many people who didn't want one of these on their shoulder in the '80's. * SUPER SOFT water based black ink print on primo Tri-Blend preshrunk cotton/poly/rayon tees. Very soft, super comfortable, with a slimming fit. Side-hemmed to hang just right. Between sizes? Make sure to size up with this one.

"Polish Eagle" tee by Backpage Press - $25.00

Sun, 03 Apr 2016 16:45:32 +0000

"Old No. 8 Coal Mine" tee - $25.00

Sun, 03 Apr 2016 16:43:45 +0000

If you grew up in a coal town like I did, it's part of your heritage. This was our most local mines, and I want to celebrate and industry that built the small town I grew up in in Central PA.

"Big Game Hoth Hunters" Star Wars AT-AT tee - $25.00

Sun, 03 Apr 2016 16:39:39 +0000

If you and you and the boys decide to visit the frozen planet of Hoth on you're next hunting expedition, make sure you're packin' heavy, because whether you're using blasters, harpoons, or sabers, at 73' of armor with chin-mounted laser cannons, you better get them, before they get you. Hint: Aim for the neck. It's a little more to brag about than a one-armed wampa. * 2-color print on primo 50/50 preshrunk cotton/poly tees. Very soft, super comfortable, with a slimming fit. Side-hemmed to hang just right. Between sizes? Make sure to size up with this one.

"Hexagon" tee by Backpage Press - $16.50

Sat, 03 Oct 2015 12:19:17 +0000

You're favorite 6-sided shape. * 3-color, thick plastiol ink print on American Apparel premium fine fine jersey tees. -Design by Craig Walter

"...Last Stop Canton" Jerome "The Bus" Bettis tee - $25.00

Thu, 06 Aug 2015 14:48:18 +0000

With the front of this tee mimicking the blue, yellow, and red hypocycloids of the Steelers logo, the stencil design celebrates images of each of The Bus' career stops: Notre Dame, Los Angeles, and finally Pittsburgh. When combined with the back "bus stop" sign, the print's circle completes the classic Pittsburgh logo, and reminds us of where The Bus finally rolled to a stop, and ultimately found his home; completing a story-book sports tale, sure to be shared by generations of Pittsburghers, and football fans alike. Congratulations Jerome, it's been a long time coming. * Limited 1st run of hand-numbered, 25 men's, and 25 women's tees. * This 3-color front, 1-color back plastisol ink design is printed on premium men's and women's, dark heathered sport grey, 50/50 cotton/poly blend tees for light, comfortable feel.

"The Barrett" tee - $16.50

Thu, 06 Aug 2015 10:26:48 +0000

Trippy. * 4-color high-density plastisol ink print on premium Bella+Canvas tees. -Design by Craig Walter

"Pittsburgh Professional Hockey Club" aka Pittsburgh Pro's custom hockey tee - $25.00

Thu, 29 Jan 2015 21:06:27 +0000

Pittsburgh has been in the American hockey forefront way before the Penguins moved into the Civic Arena in 1967. We had the Pittsburgh Athletic Club, the Pittsburgh Pros, the Yellow Jackets, the Pirates, the Shamrocks, the Hornets, and then the Penguins. Pittsburgh hockey can be dated as far back as 1895. Take that Canada. These shirts were made in celebration of Pittsburgh hockey and it’s illustrious, and often overlooked, history. An incredible amount of effort was put into recreating each design from hand, using vintage team photos as references. The prints are done meticulously; as to not disappoint passionate, detail obsessed fans, nor myself, often the worst critic. The “Pittsburgh Professional Hockey Club” logo was recreated by hand and eye, by referencing two original team photos. Only minor accounts of their existence and black and white photos are available to the public, so this recreation’s colorway was up to a good amount of interpretation. Keeping the logo lighter than the medium was the only self-imposed guideline, and a very sharp looking combination of blues was the eventual result. Alternate versions are always in order if any hockey historians can help verify the actual Pro’s jersey colorway. A brief history of the Pittsburgh Pro’s: The Pittsburgh Professional Hockey Club, often referred to as the “Pittsburgh Pros”, was the first inter-city pro hockey team in Pittsburgh, and was associated with the International Professional Hockey League (IPHL) from 1904 to 1907. The club formed with players from the defunct Western Pennsylvania Hockey League (WPHL) after the 1904 season, and played its games at the then spaceous 5,000 seat Duquesne Gardens. The IPHL showcased teams from Houghton, Ontario, and Michigan, and adopted a 60-40 home-visitor split revenue sharing plan to make the long trips worth it for the visiting team. However sensible this program seems, it would lead to the demise of the team and league in 1907. The revenues would prove inadequate to maintain player salaries, particularly with the advent of other professional leagues. Due to the pre-established hockey tradition in Pittsburgh, the Pro’s where able to make significant attendance draws to the large Duquesne Gardens, and the largely working-class fan base took to nicknaming their team the “Coal Heavers”. Even though the team existed for only 3 years, 4 future NHL Hall of Famer’s (Jimmy Gardner, Tommy Smith, Bruce Stuart, & Hod Stuart) dawned the Pro’s uniform. As we know, this would not be the end of pro Pittsburgh hockey, merely the historic beginning… * This design is printed with custom-mixed “Dull Baby Blue” plastisol ink on Tultex’s premium “Indigo” fine jersey tees, and offers a light (yet durable), comfortable, loose fit. These tees are great because they aren’t boxy, and aren’t super-slim, but land right in the middle. This color is reactive-dyed, and has a great vintage look and feel, which is why it's used for this design. Specs: 4.5 oz., 30/1 Fine Knit 100% Ring Spun Cotton Jersey.

"The Victorian Tattoo" tee by Backpage Press - $25.00

Sun, 30 Nov 2014 17:20:43 +0000

Sometimes, you have a good idea, but when you first finish it, it's one or two elements away from being great. The foundation is there, but the venere needs some work. So was the case with "The Victorian" tee from last year. At that time, I wanted to do experiment with some interesting color contrasts, and did, but in the process, didn't make the most "wearable" tee. So, taking another crack at it, some new colorways will be released with base design from "The Victorian" tee from last year. In this installment, soft hand white ink is layered onto a "vintage" style black Tultex 100% cotton fashion fit tee, with a 1 1/2" Backpage "Old E" logo is printed on the right sleeve. The classic script design paired with the vintage black dyed tee is made to look like a classic tattoo culture tee you would find in southern California. It's soft, literally goes with anything, and makes a subtle statement. That sounds "wearable" to me.

"LCS Hockey" tee - $20.00

Sun, 20 Jul 2014 21:58:19 +0000

LCS Hockey was the original hockey blog. The brainchild of four good kids in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, the site was a haven for hockey news and statistics just as the Internet was growing. Twenty years later, LCS has transformed into a podcast and the Internet's best non-updated hockey site in all the land. Mike Dell and Larry Fairish are the ship's captains now, and after years of wondering why they don't have a shirt newer than the red, blue and yellow ones from back in the day, here we are. Along the way, LCS has managed to unite a world of social misfits & all-around interesting people, by representing a world of sarcasm and sports, while maintaing a healthy dose of apathy & nostalgia. The guys behind LCS, as well as the fore-mentioned listeners and readers, have proven to be the most insanely loyal supporters of Backpage Press, the likes of which will never be eclipsed. So I took great pride in doing this project; it's great to give something back to everyone. Especially to Larry, who will be sent an omelet for every tee sold. Foreword by Sean Leahy (columnist/writer at Puck Daddy) & Cory Seymour (owner of Backpage Press) Check out all things LCS: lcshockey.com blogtalkradio.com/lcs * This design is printed on vintage heather black Anvil ring spun cotton tees. These tees are incredibly soft, comfortable, and flexible. They have a sliming cut, but not enough that it throws off the sizing. Bottom line, these tees will be among your go-to favorite tees. For more detailed information, including sizing, check them out at Anvils website: http://www.anvilknitwear.com/Product-Catalogs/Tees/980

"Lucas Jackson, Inmate 37" Cool Hand Luke tee - $25.00

Sat, 03 May 2014 19:33:22 +0000

Luke was a small-time hood trying to rationalize how his poor choices, impulsivity, and plain bad luck were justifiable. His passion towards life and win-at-all-costs, up-yours attitude is infectious, and that charismatic charm eventually inspires unity and humanity from hardened inmates as Luke is brutalized by the prison system. He is confident and willing to suffer to prove a point. That’s what I like about Luke. He kept what little integrity he could and never gave in. He’s a pretty cool guy with a nickname that's a no-brainer. Lucas Jackson, inmate #37… one of cinema’s great antiheroes. The “Cool Hand Luke” poster art who inspired this design is probably my second favorite of all-time, just behind “Star Wars.” Made by Bill Gold, an uber-talented graphic artist who has done artwork on a number of Clint Eastwood movies as well as “A Clockwork Orange," the poster is some of the finest pieces of art created in the modern era of the hand-illustrated and painted movie posters. The Bill Gold poster and artwork I used for this design uses the repeated profile lines of Paul Newman’s face to create an effect that’s visually striking. The face itself is heavy in shadow and looks burdened by something, and Newman’s peaceful yet piercing blue eyes bring it all together. The image represents the mood of the movie, and I always thought if I could break it down simplistically, it would look great on a t-shirt. This is one of those pieces of art that I just can’t fully describe the reasons for my admiration. I like it. I just do. It’s so cool looking, and it inspired me to make this tribute design. I wanted to simplify the original by representing the key pieces that struck me. I toiled with this thing for a LONG time, and I’m at the point that I’m proud of it. I hope I can get one of these to Bill Gold to say thanks. Makin’ a shirt here, boss!

"Mongo Noonan" FHM Magazine Edition tee - $13.00

Wed, 16 Apr 2014 19:03:30 +0000

The very 1st Backpage design from 2007, reprinted on a premium 50/50 heathered Steel Green tee. Super soft, unique look, multi-layered hand printed design, printed specifically for a FHM magazine "Spring Fashion" feature. Celebrate a big moment in the history of this indie shop by showing the world the design that started it all. * Printed on the softest and best fitting tee American Apparel makes, the 50/50 Poly Cotton tee.

Altoona Curve Double A Baseball "Trying To Make Pittsburgh Better Since 1999" redesinged tee - $25.00

Sun, 09 Mar 2014 14:36:06 +0000

Original 2013 design revamped, making font larger and more legible, printed with silver grey ink on a premium trigger-blend maroon tee. Original 2013 write-up: In central & western Pennsylvania, there really isn’t a whole lot going on. People like it that way. If you don’t, you can get up and drive for two hours and catch a Pittsburgh Pirates game. That being said, I was always thankful that we had sports, no matter how far away they where…it was simply something fun to do around here. There was great fan loyalty that stretched across dozens of counties, towards Pittsburgh teams that brought home the trophies. I’ve seen many other people from across the globe feel this gratitude to their regional sports teams, offering undying devotion as payment. Many of us here possess this endless devotion. So much so that our team’s game-day fortune or, misfortune, will spell out how the rest of your day, or week (in some cases), will go. These were positive values to grow up, but the repetitive 2-hour travel time was a real bummer…never getting to see playoff games, and having to be happy only catching two games a season, if you’re lucky. Then, in 1999, it all changed… In the late ‘90’s, a group of people from Altoona were able to obtain the Pittsburgh Double A baseball franchise. They built a beautiful, retro-style stadium in the parking lot I used during my first job at Lakemont Park, and dubbed our new team the “Altoona Curve”. This was officially the biggest sports event I had ever been a part of in this rural region. The Curve dawned retro-style burgundy, green, black, & white sleeveless uniforms, used the same font as the Buccos, and required players to peg their pants just below the knee, just like the old days. From a designer’s perspective, they nailed it. The excitement of catching my first game at Blair County Ballpark in summer of ’99 was only trumped by the fact that they sold $5, 32 oz. Molson Canadian drafts. Oh boy. Off and on for 15 years, I’ve sat right by the visitor’s dugout on the 3rd Base line, watching the sun go down behind the Skyliner rollercoaster, perched behind the right field wall. To me, it’s a little slice of heaven, which only takes me 4 minutes to get to. But, any good story has a downside… the rain on the parade. In this case, the “rain” was the fact that the Curve were not helping the Pirates pull out of the basement, which they had been dwelling in since 1993. As a baseball fan, the choice seemed to be to either suffer for those 13 years by focusing on the crappy baseball, or enjoy the fact that you were spending a 75 degree summer night in a scenic-little ballpark, with a paper cone full of honey roasted Cashews. Personally, I kind of wavered in between those two feelings for all those years, never really being able to effectively dance between the two. Hindsight’s 20/20. But, we prevailed, and started seeing players like Neil Walker and Pedro Alvarez come through here. The Curve started winning, and so did the Pirates. For once, we were helping to make Pittsburgh baseball better. It made me very proud of living in Altoona, and reminded me why I focused my loyalty to our regional sports in the first place. It made all of that dedication worth it. Our growing town was actually helping the big city win. And for me, there was nothing like seeing a winner…in person.

"Mighty Mick's Boxing Gym" Rocky Balboa tee - $15.00

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 09:40:33 +0000

Most things don’t mean the same to you now as they did over 25 years ago, but the words of Mickey Godmill do. Hearing Mickey yell, “You gotta eat lightin’ and crap thunda!” in the first “Rocky” makes me want to, well, eat lightning and crap thunder. If you aren’t motivated by the gravely voiced, 76-year-old boxing trainer motivating the lovably illiterate, seemingly washed up boxer, then you just aren’t American. I have come across many people, mostly ladies and people born after 1988, that have never even seen “Rocky.” I get very upset at you people, mainly because I just don’t understand you. I recently played “Rocky” for my wife, and she laughed at Rocky screaming for Adrian at the end. I was confused, insulted, and trying to figure out how I could have her arrested. I seem to put a lot more reverence in this movie than some people, but then again, the people I like most feel the same way about Rock and Mick as I do. To make it easier for us to spot each other, I made a tee that would not only look great as we punched beef and chased chickens in between training sessions at Mighty Mick’s Boxing Gym, but also make both Burgess Meredith and Mickey Godmill proud. So get up and buy this tee, you son of a bitch, cause Mickey loves ya. * To ensure that all customers are satisfied with the fit they want, this design will be available in two retro inspired styles. The Heather Charcoal/Navy tee is the standard fitting tee, and the Heather Navy ringer tee will be a slim, tight fitting tee. Please read below for more details of both. * The premium Heather Charcoal/Navy tee is made by Tultex brand, and offers a light, comfortable loose fit, all the while be more slimming than any the cheap, boxy styles every customer dreads and will never find at Backpage Press. Tultex offers a great look and style to their heather blend, which is why it's used for this design. Specs: 3.2 oz. 40/1 Ultra Jersey 65% polyester/ 35% cotton blend. * The ultra premium Heather Navy ringer tee is made by 213 Apparel, and new branch of American Apparel. These are retro inspired, reminding you of a tee that you have worn for years. Ultra soft, and cut just right for a great form fit. A great product if you like that premium soft jersey fabric, and a tight fit. Specs: 40 Single, 60% Poly, 40% Cotton, 3.8 oz Blended Jersey Fabric, Cotton Rib Binding in neck and sleeves, Heather Color Body With Solid Color Ringer PLEASE ALLOW 3-5 DAYS for RINGER TEES TO BE SHIPPED, due to each being printed to order for the time being.

DONNYBROOK! tee - $13.00

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 10:49:11 +0000

Main Entry: don·ny·brook Pronunciation: \ˈdä-nē-ˌbru̇k\ Function: noun Usage: often capitalized Etymology: Donnybrook Fair, annual Irish event known for its brawls Date: 1852 1 : free-for-all, brawl 2 : a usually public quarrel or dispute Otherwise, it's just a number of hockey players beating the crap out of each other. Don’t be surprised when you’re serving a 5-minute major every time you put this on. * Choose from either the bloody (Rated R) or non-bloody (Rated PG) versions of this tee in the drop down menu to the left. Would you like both? You'll also find an option to buy both tees at a discounted group price. * The DONNEYBROOK! tee printed on Anvil ring spun cotton tees. These tees are incredibly soft, comfortable, and flexible. They have a sliming cut, but not enough that it throws off the sizing. Bottom line, these tees will be among your go-to favorite tees. For more detailed information, including sizing, check them out at Anvils website: http://www.anvilknitwear.com/Product-Catalogs/Tees/980

"It's a hockey night in Pittsburgh" tee - $25.00

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 22:07:37 +0000

These designs could have easily equaled multiple tees, but during the process, it became apparent that they needed to be combined. Reason being…Mike Lange and The Igloo are synonymous with Pittsburgh hockey. Both have been there since the beginning, both are still apparent in our city, but both are now somewhat in the background. They definitely compliment each other in many ways. Mike Lange first came to Pittsburgh as the play-by-play broadcaster ’74, seven years after the Pens arrived in the city. The Pens struggled immensely in those early years, and by the end of the 7th season, the team was in bankruptcy, and with no guarantee of a job, Lange moved on to Washington to call soccer games. The Pens obviously survived, and Large subsequently returned in ’76, staying as the enigmatic play-by-play man for Pens radio and TV, until an unpopular move by Fox Sports in 2006. On June 29th, Fox did not exercise the option year on Lange’s contract, and stated that they would like to “go in a new direction”. The move seemed to be centered on internal spite by FSN, because of the shear senselessness of it. Lange was a cornerstone of Pens hockey, and recognized around the league as a lead figure in the world of sports broadcasting, receiving the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award for his outstanding work as an NHL broadcaster in ’01. The Pen’s radio broadcaster, John Steigerwald, took over for Mike on FSN broadcasts. Steigy was gracious in his acceptance of the job, stating, “I’m not going to try to replace him. I think he is irreplaceable.” Lange begins each broadcast by stating, “It’s a hockey night in Pittsburgh”. But more recognizable is his claim to national fame, which are his post-goal expressions, which you see on the back of the shirt. It was insanely hard to pick my favorites from the plethora of cryptic and unique, yet brilliant and hilarious expressions. Mike’s credits also include a major motion picture in ’95, where he appeared in the Pittsburgh/Civic Arena based, Jean-Claude Van Damme movie “Sudden Death”, playing himself. Steigerwald sat along side Mike in the booth, also playing himself. The movie was shot in and around The Igloo during the NHL strike year of ’94. Strangely, the Van Damme movie might be one of the worst movies I have ever seen, but one of my favorites just because it took place in Pittsburgh. Hell, where else can you see a drug-addled over-hyped action star fight the Pen’s mascot “Iceburgh”. I might add, Iceburgh met its demise in the conveyer dishwasher, which we all will sadly admit, is how most mascots loose their lives. The Igloo seems to be the only name that has been consistent with the building the sits at the base of the Hill District in Pittsburgh. It was coined “The Igloo” by Pittsburghers because of it’s stainless steel domed enclosure. Names, whether they were official or not, included Civic Auditorium Amphitheater, Civic Arena, The Pittsburgh Dome, Allegheny Energy Dome, and Melon Arena. “The Igloo” was almost the official name in ’92, but stayed as simply the nickname. From opening to closing, the building was only known as the “Civic Arena” and “Melon Arena”. Opening on September 19, 1961, and closing on June 26, 2010, the Civic arena was originally built for the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera, and not hockey. The structure’s nickname also inspired the naming of the cities new NHL franchise during the great expansion of 1967. The Penguins played their first game at the Civic Arena on October 11, 1967, loosing to the Canadiens 2-1. At that time, the arena’s capacity was only 12,580, and the most expensive seat was $5. Uniquely, the roof is divided into eight sections. Six of the sections could fold underneath two, in 2½ minutes, making the Civic Arena the world's first major indoor sports stadium with a retractable roof. Before moving to the Consol Energy Center in late 2010, the Pens played in the 3rd smallest arena in the NHL, only in front of Edmonton and Long Island. On September 16, 2010, the Allegheny County Sports and Exhibition Authority voted unanimously to demolish the Civic Arena. However, on November 24, 2010, the building's demolition was delayed due to a last-minute nomination as a National Historic Landmark. On January 5, 2011, the Pittsburgh Historic Review Commission voted 5-1 in favor for preliminary approval of the arena's historic nomination status. The vote has paved the way for a formal hearing on the proposed designation on March 2, 2011. This narrative was coincidentally written on March 2nd, but no new information on the possible demo was available. It should also be noted that Jean-Claude Van Damme saved the building, and the city of Pittsburgh, from homicidal terrorists in 1995. These two Pittsburgh fixtures are as unique to hockey as they are to Pittsburgh. One of the first memories I have of pro hockey is hearing Mike Lange’s spot on play-by-play, as well as his post-goal expressions. You could also add that watching Mario, as well as back-to-back cups in the early 90’s, was a great way to introduce a young kid to a sport. During a time when the Pirates where unraveling, and the Steelers stunk, it was great to see the best player in the game in Pittsburgh a jersey, and Mike’s voice piped into Sports Center highlights. This all taking place under the steel roof of the Civic, which looked like nothing else that I had ever seen. Whether The Igloo is standing downtown or just memory like Three Rivers, or Mike is on TV or the radio, both will always conger up great memories of Pittsburgh hockey.

Pittsburgh Pirates NHL custom 1925 hockey long sleeve tee - $30.00

Sun, 09 Dec 2012 20:34:07 +0000

Pittsburgh has been in the American hockey forefront way before the Penguins moved into the Civic Arena in 1967. We had the Keystones, the Yellow Jackets, the, the Shamrocks, the Hornets, and then the Penguins. Pittsburgh hockey can be dated as far back as 1895. Take Pirates that Canada. As a passionate fan of Pittsburgh hockey, a sports history enthusiast, and an artist, it was extremely fulfilling to recreate and print the Pittsburgh Yellow Jackets tee. Customers who bought the tee where equally passionate, and turned into email pen pals. Ideas where tossed around to recreate a set of classic Pittsburgh hockey shirts. I realized that all the logos would have to be recreated by hand since only photos of the logos existed, and many of the jerseys had little nuances such as stripes and sleeve logos that would be a crime if not included on the print. I also realized that this would take an incredible amount of time, and skill. I didn’t know if I would ever have the time to devote to making 4 classic tees from the ground up…and then I broke my ankle. These shirts were made in celebration of Pittsburgh hockey and it’s illustrious, and often overlooked, history. An incredible amount of effort was put into each design and print so passionate fans will not be disappointed, nor myself, often the worst critic. This Pirates tee is made to replicate the 1925-26 jerseys. I decided not the keep the Pirates script logo that appears on top of the original wool jerseys, and went with only the simpler “striped P” logo for this tee, just for aesthetic purposes. The front print was recreated on Photoshop to aid in keeping the straight lines and edges. It should be noted that this front print is not the same as the square logo that you will find on image searches for the NHL Pirates. The square logo has different intersecting lines than the original Pirates NHL jerseys, and the "P" is not slightly slanted. The front print on this tee replicates the original Pirate’s jerseys. On the right sleeve, a version of the Pittsbugh city crest was recreated from pictures of the original Pirates jerseys. The gold it was specially mixed to replicate the team colors at that time, and to contrast best with the style of tee picked for this design. A brief history of the NHL Pittsburgh Pirates: The Pittsburgh Pirates played their first NHL game on December 2, 1925 in which fans paid $1.00 to see them lose to the New York Americans at The Gardens. The Pirates where the 3rd American franchise in the NHL, and the 7th team overall, coming into the league in 1925, and ceasing operations in 1930. Obviously, the nickname comes from the successful baseball team that had been around for over 25 years at that time. The NHL Pirates are actually the Pittsburgh Yellow Jackets that were renamed the Pirates after changing ownership in 1925. The new owner, James F. Callahan cashed in a favor from then MLB Pirates owner Barney Dreyfuss to have the right to name his hockey franchise identical to the local ball team. Unfortuantly, Pittsburghers missed having all 3 pro teams named the Pirates by 3 years since the NHL Pirates folded in ’30, and the NFL Pirates (Steelers) where formed in ’33. An equally interesting fact in Pittsburgh hockey history is that the NHL Pirates where the 1st team to don the black and gold colors in the city, basing the scheme around the Flag of Pittsburgh. In a 1925 Pittsburgh newspaper article, the writer refers to the Pirates as "the Black and Gold". The MLB Pirates wore the popular color scheme of the time, which was red, white, and blue. The black and gold uniformed Steelers would come into the league 3 years after the hockey Pirates folded in ’30. The National League Pirates were actually the 3rd and final team to wear black and gold, changing in ’48. In one of my favorite black and gold facts, the Penguins actually used the long defunct NHL Pirates as an example of a team other than the Boston Bruins to wear the black and gold, after the B’s petitioned the league over Pittsburgh’s jersey color change in 1980. The Pen’s were struggling, and were in danger of losing the franchise when they decided to change the two-tone blue jerseys to black and gold to match the dual-champion ’79 Steelers and MLB Pirates. Creating some sort of alliance with championship teams would hopefully drum up fan support. The NHL allowed the Penguins to change their colors as a result of the Pirates using these colors 50 years prior while playing in the same league as the Bruins. As a result, our fair city is the only one in America to dress all of their major sports teams in the same color scheme. Note: It turns out that colors don’t make a team successful, but Mario Lemieux does. The Pirates joined the NHL and were assigned to, what would later be called, the NHL's American Division with the Boston Bruins and the New York Americans. The Duquesne Gardens, located in Oakland, served as the team's home arena. The Pirates, dubbed the "Mighty Steel City Sextet" in the Pittsburgh Press, were mostly leftovers from the former Pittsburgh Yellow Jackets. Ten former Yellow Jacket players would play for the Pirates. For reasons I can’t find exact reasoning behind, the team switched to black and orange uniforms for their fifth and what would be their final season. Baffling and appalling to Pittsburghers, this will answer and age old hockey question…why do the Philly Flyers play with black and orange uniforms? This fact came to be because in five seasons, the Pirates were above .500 and made the playoffs only twice. So, on October 18, 1930 at the NHL Governors meeting, Pirates owner Benny Leonard moved the team to the other side of Pennsylvania and renamed them the Philadelphia Quakers. Leonard's ultimate intention was to return the team to Pittsburgh as soon as a new arena was built. Thirteen players from the Pirates were transferred to the Philadelphia Quakers after Pittsburgh franchise relocated. The Quakers had a wretched season in 1930–31. The team then received permission from the NHL on September 26, 1931 to temporally cease operations as they sought a permanent arena in either Pittsburgh or Philadelphia. Meanwhile The Great Depression would devastate the NHL as 4 teams were forced to fold, leaving behind just six teams. When a new Pittsburgh arena failed to materialize, Leonard surrendered his franchise in 1936. As it turned out, a new arena in Pittsburgh wouldn't be built until the Pittsburgh Civic Arena opened in 1961. The NHL would play with six teams for 25 years before deciding to expand. The expansion in 1967 brought the Pittsburgh Penguins to the NHL and the city of Pittsburgh and the orange and black uniformed Philadelphia Flyers to Philadelphia. * This version of the "Pirates 1925 NHL" tee is printed on premium black American Apparel ring spun cotton long sleeve tees. These tees are incredibly soft, comfortable, and flexible, and are the same as the famous American Apparel tees, but with long sleeves of course. Be sure to go one size up when ordering American Apparel tees if you wish to have a roomier fit.

"I Wasn't Hired For My Disposition" Greg Lloyd tee - $25.00

Sun, 21 Oct 2012 13:35:23 +0000

I don’t need my football players to be pleasant. I like them to be strong, resilient, violent, and full of colorful metaphors. I’ve always respected people who approach life aggressively, and I respect athletes who play with a chip on their shoulder. I like when people take their jobs seriously and complete their tasks so well they don’t need to “schmooze” or sugar coat their personalities. I like people who are strictly business. No wonder one of my favorite football players would wear a muscle tee under his shoulder pads that read “I WASN’T HIRED FOR MY DISPOSITION." In the 1980s, there were only a few bright spots for the Pittsburgh Steelers. While fans and teammates struggled with offensive players like Bubby Brister and Tim Worley, they never had to worry about the linebackers on defense. And few linebackers brightened those dark days more than Greg Lloyd, a man who was ejected from his first NFL game for punching Broncos quarterback Gary Kubiak in the face. Greg Lenard Lloyd, Sr. was born in Miami but raised in a broken home in Fort Valley, Georgia. He grew up the youngest of nine children, all abandoned by their mother when Lloyd was two. Scorned and bitter, Lloyd turned the rage into brutal play on the gridiron. Here's his explanation for one of his earliest aggressive acts: "I'd be playing against these kids and they'd have their parents up in the stands rooting and hollering for them, and I would get very mad. I'd say to myself, 'I'm going to break your Johnny's nose.' I'd try to kill the kid and then look up in the stands at his parents. Back then, it was the best way I knew how to deal with the anger." That a boy. He played college ball at Fort Valley State before being drafted by the Steelers in 1987. A knee injury kept him from starting until ’89. His dominance on the outside of the 3-4 defense began in ’91. Lloyd was one of the first components of the rebuild that took the team to Super Bowl XXX. He finished his career with 54.5 sacks in 147 games, earning his way to 5 Pro Bowls & 1994 Defensive Player of the Year. Not bad for a 6th-round pick. In the Three Rivers days, Pittsburghers celebrated our fearsome linebacker with a banner that hung on the second tier of the north endzone that read “AVOID LLOYD” in large block letters. The slogan served fair warning to visitors of the physical specimen that was Greg Lloyd: 6’2”, 225 lbs, with 6% body fat. He was the forefather of the “cut-up” players we see today. You only begin to appreciate his explosiveness and overall brute strength when you realize he did all of it without ACLs in either knee. Some say he dispensed illegal blows, using the helmet improperly, hitting quarterbacks late, and trying to dismember offensive players rather than simply tackling them. Many of the criticizing detractors were the ones on the receiving end of his wicked blows, like Brett Favre, who Lloyd once hit so hard the NFL fined him $12,000. Lloyd was widely known as a media recluse, but when you got him to speak, it was usually good. It didn’t matter if it was speaking out against the disrespectful kids in an autograph line or his thoughts on the conclusion of the ’95 AFC Championship game, it usually was biting, raw, and full of expletives. He took a firm stance on criticizing NFL brass when they started protecting, or better “babying," quarterbacks in the early ‘90s. An obvious precursor to James Harrison both visibly and audibly, Lloyd would probably have a stroke if he played in today’s NFL. Today Lloyd is a fourth-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do and teaches in a studio outside Georgia. Even though a horrific infection to his leg in ’97 threatened his life and ended his career somewhat early (and in Carolina), he speaks of his days in Pittsburgh with reverence and respect. As a fan, I will always look to him in the same way. He helped maintain and preserve the integrity and intensity of Pittsburgh linebackers in a particularly rough time for Steelers football. I think there is no better way to conclude than with this quote: “If I have to scream, if I have to bite, spit, get a 15-yard penalty, curse somebody out, even if I have to curse out one of my coaches and it means winning, then that’s the ultimate thing. If you don’t like it, the hell with you.” -Greg Lloyd, 1991

"TCB" tee - $25.00

Sun, 23 Sep 2012 18:38:51 +0000

No need for a write up on this one, it speaks for itself. One things for sure, you'll be taken seriously if you're wearing it. Backpage Press means business, and so do you. * This design is printed on Anvil ring spun cotton tees. These tees are incredibly soft, comfortable, and flexible. They have a slimming cut, but not enough that it throws off the sizing. Bottom line, these tees will be among your go-to favorite tees. For more detailed information, including sizing, check them out at Anvils website: http://www.anvilknitwear.com/Product-Catalogs/Tees/980

The Ultimate Warrior "From Parts Unknown" tee - $13.00

Tue, 26 Jun 2012 13:46:52 +0000

Written by Adam Rank Nobody encapsulates the iconic 80s like the Ultimate Warrior. Bleached frizzy hair, day-glow colors and obvious drug abuse – what could be more 80s? The only thing more 80s would have been to drop the New Coke swilling, acid washed jeans-clad Warrior into the Nicaraguan forest to join the Freedom Fighters while he used a gun funded from inner-city crack sales. Actually, that was a movie pitched to the studios by the WWF (f-you hippies, it's still the WWF to me) before it decided to go with No Holds Barred. Professional wrestling changed in the 80s. Skilled mat technicians were replaced with muscle-bound meatheads with limited skill sets (kind of the opposite of what's happening now). Just look at our champion during that time, Hulk Hogan. His finishing move was a freaking leg drop. You know a finishing move sucks when you practice it on your friend's little brother and it barely dazes him. But it was cool to us as little kids. However, as we got older our tastes changed. We started to notice things like Hogan was kind of a (female dog). Hogan cried when Paul Orndorff turned heel (though the pile driver had to hurt). King Kong Bundy broke his ribs to send Hogan to the hospital (though, that was kind of cool how they broke into SuperStars to update us on what was going to happen on Saturday Night's Main Event). And then Andre the Giant made Hogan cry on national TV. We bought Hogan back when Land of the Lost seemed like the most intense show ever, but as our generation became teenagers, we wanted more. We didn't want a sympathetic champion; we wanted an ass-kicker. We wanted the mother (expletive) Warrior. The Warrior was all man. (Well, as all man as you can be with tassels on your arms.) His intro music was pure hair metal (and you've likely been stuck in your head since you clicked in). The Warrior charged the ring like people charged life in the 80s, without consequences and again, pumped up drugs. Train, say your prayers and eat your vitamins … bah! The Warriors vitamins were putting a foot in his opponent's ass. The Warrior ended the Honkeytonk Man's Intercontinental title reign and WWF career with a 31-second beat down in WrestleMania III. (Compare the HTM's loss to Daniel Bryan for how to rebound after an embarrassing WM loss.) Warrior reached his zenith when he finally put away Hogan in WrestleMania VI. The Warrior ruled the wrestling world. He even managed to retire Randy Savage in WrestleMania VII. But like the 80s, the star was far too bright. Nobody could sustain his level of intensity for long. There were even rumors of his death, though I believe people were getting him confused with Jon-Erik Hexum. And like the pop from a prop gun, the Warrior was gone as mysteriously as he had arrived. Turner's wrestling federation tried to dupe fans into thinking the Renegade was really just a rebranded Warrior. But the Renegade was lame. And let's not talk about the ill-fated OWN (One Warrior Nation … it's nWo backwards – get it?). Although I do believe he killed Brutus Beefcake in one angle, which was kind of cool. But it was never the same. So with this we salute you Ultimate Warrior. Wear this shirt proudly, and with neon orange and green tassels, of course. Yeah, not really. Adam Rank, the author if this piece, is a stand up comedian and columnist at NFL.com. You can see Adam star in NFL productions such as "NFL Fantasy Live" and the "Dave Damehsek Football Program."

"Real Men Ski In Jeans" tee - $25.00

Sun, 03 Jun 2012 22:14:20 +0000

Oakley Frogskins, Columbia Bugaboo jacket, neon green boot gaiters, backwards baseball cap, and Levi’s jeans. These are the genuine articles that comprise the uniform of a true 90’s east coast ski bum. Before there were moisture wicking, synthetic thermo tops and bottoms, there was cotton…magnificent, frozen cotton. The clothing alternative for a skier back in the late 80’s and early 90’s was pretty slim; puffy, cotton-insulated bib overall snow pants or spongy, synthetic Spyder brand nut-huggers, mainly used by men presenting themselves as ski racers in their local NASTAR competition. You could see skiers miles away, as they swiveled their hips down the slope in dayglow windbreakers. If you chose skiing over the soon-to-be juggernaut snowboarding, you had subjected yourself to a sport that was tragically unhip for most of its existence. The irony? Most thought they looked awesome. Completely awesome. Before the X Games and halfpipe competitions, skiers would pull off Daffys. Glorious, glorious Daffys. Once you mastered that epic move, you could impress the ski lift passengers with your repertoire of Helicopters, Backscratchers, and Spread Eagles. How did a young skier learn these tricks? The same way anyone learns anything…movies. Films such as "Hot Dog," "Ski School," "Ski Patrol," "Better Off Dead," and the holy grail: "Aspen Extreme." Some call them cult classics; I call them staples of life. Many enjoyed the cheesy quality of these movies, such as the clichéd tagline of psychotic skiing villain Suicide in "Ski Patrol," who would repeat, “Taste death. Live life.” before embarking on his ridiculous downhill antics. But any avid skier of this era would agree Aspen Extreme reached the paramount of ski movie lore. Co-star Dexter Ructecki not only represented the classic dim-witted loyal sidekick and I-don’t-give-a-damn ski bum attitude, but he also epitomized the day's hot dog ski fashion. A backwards ball cap and goggles became standard after this movie was released in 1993, but what Dex really did was validate what most of us really wanted to do, or were already doing: skiing in jeans. While alpha male star TJ Burke was bedding all the women, Dex was keeping it real by developing a drug habit and tearing shit up in his 501’s and boot gaiters. Don’t know what gaiters are? Google it. You’ll be wearing them to work tomorrow. Those of you who don’t ski or have taken it up since the reshaping of equipment and subsequent rebirth of the sport are surely asking yourself, “Why would anyone want to experience such discomfort, and possible hypothermia, by wearing a heavy cotton product and no ear protection in a sport based on frozen water and gravity?” BECAUSE YOU LOOK FREAKIN’ AWESOME. That’s why. Or at least I thought I did.

"Independent Contractor" tee by Backpage Press - $20.00

Fri, 25 May 2012 20:51:30 +0000

Sometimes it doesn’t matter what you say, it’s how cool you look not saying anything at all. Boba Fett is the epitome of independence and resiliance, and I’ve never been ashamed of pulling so much inspiration from someone who does not exist. So I will escape the irony of writing a wordy piece for a subject that has 4 lines in his entire film career. Without further ado…I present this tee in homage to the mercenary with impecable swagger, who is by far the ultimate “Independent Contractor”. ** This is a refurbished design from 1 of the original 6 Backpage Press tees, originally printed in 2007. The original was 6 inches smaller, used white ink, had no back tag, and said had the shops location written below Boba Fett. * This tee is printed with " Metallic Gold Shimmer" ink. Pictures never do this ink justice. The ink has a gold foil quality, and shimmers in the light. Very low key, and very tasteful. People who see this ink in person can't say enough good things about it. * This design is printed on Black, Anvil ring spun cotton tees. These tees are incredibly soft, comfortable, and flexible. They have a sliming cut, but not enough that it throws off the sizing. Bottom line, these tees will be among your go-to favorite tees. For more detailed information, including sizing, check them out at Anvils website: http://www.anvilknitwear.com/Product-Catalogs/Tees/980

Mario Lemieux "66>99" tee - $25.00

Sun, 25 Mar 2012 19:36:12 +0000

99" tee " align="left" style="margin:0 10px 10px 0;" />In response to some other printers "borrowing" the Backpage Press 2012 original Mario Lemieux 66>99 idea, I offer the black & gold version of the design, using a specially-mixed "antique Pittsburgh gold" ink. I originally hesitated to offer this no-brainer version because I already had so many in that color way...but if it fits, it fits. I still love the original "chalkboard" idea, but I love a happy customer and a proud Pittsburgher more. The Original write-up below: Hi and hello, hockey fans. It's your old pal Dave Dameshek. When is 66 greater than 99? Well, listen here, fella, and I'll give ya the straight poop. Wayne Gretzky may be The Great One, but he's not The Greatest One. That honor belongs to one man and one man only. The Pride of Pittsburgh. The Steel City Savior. A two-time Stanley Cup champ-een as a player and a third time as an owner, he's meant more to his respective franchise than any other athlete in the history of hockey, nay, professional sports. His name literally means The Best. I know him as 66. You can call him Mario Lemieux. Unlike Gretzky, Lemieux came into the league on a terrible team with no supporting cast. And even though he played in an era when it was more difficult to score goals, Lemieux still matched or exceeded Gretzky's scoring pace. When Gretzky was setting his records, the league was all hooey and applesauce. Goalies looked like Mr. Salty and defensemen wore full-length trousers. Egad! While Lemieux played his entire career in Pittsburgh and saved the Penguins not once, not twice, but three times from financial ruin, Gretzky played for Edmonton, Los Angeles, St. Louis, and New York, tarnishing his legacy with each subsequent stop. Gretzky never won another championship after leaving Edmonton. Yet how much did the Oilers miss him? They won the Cup two years after trading him. Know why the Penguins never moved Lemieux? Because you don't trade the best player to ever play the game! Lemieux could do everything Gretzky could do, but Lemieux did it in a 6-4, 225-pound frame. Gretzky could never overpower opponents or carry defenders to the net like 66. Lemieux was simply the bigger, stronger man. Had it not been for his health issues, Lemieux would stand alone in the record books. He'll have to settle for rewriting math books. Because by any measure the equation proves true. 66>99 But before I go, let me just say blah blah spicy brown mustard. Blah blah blah breakfast meats. Blah pizza toppings blah blah. It's been a thin slice of heaven. NOTE: Scheduling conflicts prevented Dave Dameshek from writing the intro to this shirt, which he helped create. So instead, here's someone pretending to be Dave Dameshek. Let it be known that Dave Dameshek has pledged to provide an official write up, which will be posted when said piece becomes available. *This Lemieux 66>99 tee is printed on Chalkboard Green color premium American Apparel fine jersey tees. These tees are incredibly soft, comfortable, and flexible, and have all of the great qualities you have come to expect from AA. Be sure to go one size up when ordering American Apparel tees if you wish to have a roomier fit.

Mario Lemieux "66" tee - $25.00

Sun, 25 Mar 2012 19:28:12 +0000

Mario Lemieux is synonymous with the number 66. Yet during his early days in Laval, he actually wore 27 to honor his older brother Alain. Agent Bob Perno, who along with Gus Badali also represented Wayne Gretzky, suggested Lemieux flip Gretzky's 99 upside down, thinking it would inspire obvious comparisons to the Edmonton Oilers superstar. Lemieux embraced the challenge, making 66 his own and spending the rest of his career turning hockey on its head. The Backpage Press "66" shirt pays tribute to Lemieux and his signature sweater number, conjuring an iconic image worthy of hockey's greatest player. Lemieux's profile, as defiant and strong as the man himself, hovers in silence above the 66, allowing the number to do all the talking. Sporting his distinctive Cooper helmet and the 66 on his shoulder, this is a young, hungry Lemieux, the unstoppable goal machine that used power and speed to shred defenses and to wreck goaltenders. This Lemieux, before the Stanley Cups and the Hall of Fame teammates, was a one-man gang of individual brilliance, the likes of which had never been seen before or since. This is Lemieux at his coolest. This is 66. Original writing by Michael Dell Artwork & design by Cory Seymour *Printed on the best premium ringspun cotton tees available.

"Adopted Son" tee by Backpage Press - $25.00

Sun, 25 Mar 2012 19:24:07 +0000

By 1998, I had realized Mario Lemieux was not just a hockey player, but a model of loyalty, perseverance, and strength. He was Pittsburgh’s sacred, adopted son. Yet contract squabbles meant Mario wasn't exactly thrilled to come to Pittsburgh as a first-round pick. Mario wanted an annual payment of a million dollars in each of the first three years, guaranteed. The Penguins where offering just under that, and an agreement that was suitable to both parties was not met by draft day. When Mario’s name was called, he defied hockey tradition and refused to walk to the podium or to don a Penguins jersey. Because of Mario’s actions, justified or not, many writers and critics described him as an arrogant, spoiled brat. One enraged writer was quoted as saying, “A tasteless demonstration of bad manners, unmatched by anything I’ve ever seen.” It would be the last time anyone from Pittsburgh ever had reason to criticize Lemieux. Mario's popularity and skill saved the hockey franchise from impending financial doom in 1984, and as the decade wore on, he inspired a mad love affair between Pittsburgh and the sport of hockey. Fans filled the Civic Arena like never before, and the Steel City truly became a three-sport town. We watched the Penguins slowly become contenders, stockpile skilled players, and then win a Stanley Cup, something that was incomprehensible before Lemieux's arrival. That 1991 season is scorched into my brain. I remember the stunning displays 66 performed, including the now legendary goal against Jon Casey in Game Two of the Stanley Cup Finals. I remember the moment Mike Lange stated the Pittsburgh Penguins were indeed Stanley Cup champs, and I remember running out the back door, arms in the air, exclaiming to my father and Mr. Terza that the Penguins had won the Stanley Cup! Dear Lord! How people where not rioting in the streets was beyond me. My dad looked at Mr. Terza, then to me, and said, “That’s good.” At that moment, I knew two things: Mario’s magic had not yet charmed everyone in Pennsylvania, and my father was without a soul. The Penguins tore through the NHL, with star players like Ron Francis, Jaromir Jagr, Kevin Stevens, Rick Tocchet, and Larry Murphy providing Mario with the supporting cast he never had. But in early 1993, it all came crashing down. Even the best hockey player in the world was not immune to the most sobering trials and tribulations life had to offer. Lemieux announced he had Hodgkin’s lymphoma and underwent immediate chemotherapy. And on the day of his last treatment, Mario played a game in the most unholy of unholy hockey cities… Philadelphia. Of course the notoriously classless Philly fans booed Mario, right? No, not at all. They gave him a standing ovation. Damn them. If they would of booed the greatest, my hate could be pure; but now I have to give them a pat on the back and put words together that should never be spoken: Philadelphia was pretty classy that day. Constant back trouble and his ongoing cancer recovery forced Mario into retirement in 1997. His last game was played before a sellout crowd in the Philadelphia Spectrum, and he received another standing ovation. Damn it. A few months after retirement, Mario was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, becoming the ninth player in history to have the mandatory three-year waiting period waived. However, in my opinion, what shot Mario into the stratosphere of legend is what happened next. During the early ‘90s, the Pens were grossly mismanaged. Money was simply thrown at talent. Those free-spending ways brought two Stanley Cups but left the franchise over $90 million in debt. Some high-priced stars, including Mario, were asked to defer their salaries to help keep the team afloat. Dumping other high-profile players attempted to stop the bleeding, but the ploy ultimately backfired. In 1998, the Pittsburgh Penguins declared bankruptcy. In an unprecedented move, Lemieux, who was owed more than $30 million dollars by the Pens, proposed he recover this money by converting it into equity and buying the franchise. He also promised to keep the team in Pittsburgh. Lemieux later said he would have put in a bid even if he had not been owed the deferred salary. The NHL's Board of Governors approved his application for ownership on September 1, 1999. This made the then-retired star the first former NHL player to become majority owner of his former team. Lemieux assumed the position of Chairman of the Board, President, and Chief Executive Officer of the Pittsburgh Penguins. In what many Pittsburghers describe as one of the most electrifying and unbelievable moments ever, Mario returned to the NHL ice on December 27, 2000. Mario would play the dual role of star forward and owner, a unique position to say the least. Unfortunately, due to the timing of the comeback, Mario would have to wear my most hated Penguins jersey, the one often referred to as the “pajama jersey.” Get on your Google machine and look it up. Make sure and have a punching pillow and barf bag ready. Luckily, this fashion disaster did not tarnish his career. One would think this is all one man can do for a sports team and a city. If you think that, then you must not know Lemieux. By 2004, the NHL entered a lockout, which threatened to end the Penguins and severely damage the league. Rumors surfaced the team was in danger of moving again, this time to Kansas City. I remember the subsequent fire sale of Pens gear in Pittsburgh, which is when I was able to pick up my first authentic Lemieux jersey at a reasonable price. I was of course happy to finally own an authentic jersey, but it made me think the team was finally a goner. And what a horrible feeling it was. Enter Sidney Crosby. Somehow, someway, the Pens won the draft lottery in the resurrected 2005 NHL and snagged the most highly touted hockey player in history. Mario graciously opened his home to the18-year-old Crosby. The Kansas City deal was off. Mario did visit Kansas City, but he later said the trip was only to scare Pittsburgh officials into a new arena deal and lease with the team. It worked. Mario’s management tactics and leadership where crucial in obtaining funds for what would be the Consol Energy Center and a 30-year lease between the team and the city. Mario would play one year with Sid the Kid before retiring for the second and final time. He has now saved the Pittsburgh Penguins from demise three different times in 20 years. Beat that, Wayne. On June 12th, 2009, Lemieux won his third Stanley Cup, this time as an owner. This French-Canadian has truly carried Pittsburgh on his back. * This design is printed on Anvil ring spun cotton tees. These tees are incredibly soft, comfortable, and flexible. They have a sliming cut, but not enough that it throws off the sizing. Bottom line, these tees will be among your go-to favorite tees. For more detailed information, including sizing, check them out at Anvils website: http://www.anvilknitwear.com/Product-Catalogs/Tees/980

Mike Tomlin "OG" tee - $25.00

Sun, 11 Dec 2011 18:43:37 +0000

When I opened the paper on January 22, 2007, I said to myself, “Who in the hell is this guy?” Most Pittsburghers expected Russ Grimm or Ken Whisenhunt to succeed Bill Cowher as Pittsburgh Steelers head coach. Both served under Cowher as assistants and were considered very Cowher-esque. When dealing with Steelers football, most Pittsburghers don't like change, and Russ or Wiz under the head coach’s headset would have lessened the anxiety for fans and players. Unless you were deeply ingrained in NFL culture, you had no idea who Mike Tomlin was. Personally, I couldn’t get my head around it. Most of that confusion dealt with the Rooneys risking the sacred legacy of the Steelers, who have a much-publicized history of choosing quality coaches. In retrospect, shame on me for questioning the Rooneys. I should of known they would be looking out for the Steelers legacy more closely than myself, or anyone else for that matter. Once the buzz settled down, Pittsburghers realized most everyone who had played for or who had worked with Tomlin vouched for his character. However, criticism surrounded his attendance of small William & Mary, which isn't exactly known as an athletic powerhouse. The W&M Tribe was also the last team he played ball for. Then came criticism of his age. When he was a defensive backs coach in Tampa and Minnesota, Tomlin was the same age, and sometimes younger, than the players he coached. This fact would also follow the 34-year-old to Pittsburgh, where Tomlin became the 9th coach in Steelers history to be hired in his 30s, but the only one who hadn’t played pro ball in some way, shape, or form. After 15 years of Cowher, how was this young, un-established guy going to handle or improve a veteran team one year removed from a Super Bowl victory? It was a long offseason waiting to see what this guy was all about. What we ended up seeing was a well-mannered, intense young man who took full control of the team in the opposite way Cohwer did. Tomlin let the team know he was boss, yet he kept a youthful enthusiasm most Steelers fans had never seen. Speaking for myself, I had only lived through Chuck Noll and Cowher, so when I saw a young man running onto the field to chest bump Hines Ward after a first down catch, it was both alarming and awesome. The players responded well, and Ben Roethlisberger commented on how much he appreciated Tomlin’s non-dictatorial approach. This displayed the rarity of Tomlin’s personality, a leader who was able to effectively control while remaining part of the gang. As we got to know Tomlin, we began to love him. There wasn't much to dislike. He was a good-looking guy who rocked the standard NFL sideline gear like no one’s business. Even his sunglasses were cool. Women began to rave because he looked like actor Omar Epps. The Epps comparison was no coincidence, considering Omar is Mike’s first cousin. Then came the press conferences. Only the certainty of his words outdid the intensity of his face. He spoke like a coach leading his team in the golden era of the NFL, back when they played championship games and not Super Bowls. Tomlin gave one of his most famous post-game press conference quotes after a rough Steelers loss to the Ravens in the ’09 season, stating, "We will not go gently. We will unleash hell here in December, because we have to. We won't go in the shell. We will go into attack mode, because that is what is required." My God. After that one, I was conducting trips to the grocery store with an unheard of intensity. I was also working on a Brooks Orpik design at the time and wasn’t able to come up with a tagline. The Orpik/Ovechkin “Unleash Hell” tee was finished four days after that press conference. So now that we're looking back on the first four years of the Tomlin era, do you not feel even more enamored with the genius of the Rooneys? They picked a guy who no one knew, and now he's the toast of the league. Tomlin’s organizational moves have been as classy as his on-field swagger. He was humble enough not to implement his “Tampa 2” defense and instead let the great Dick LeBeau continue on with Blitzburgh. He retained Bruce Arians when everyone wanted him gone, and now our offense has a high-powered air assault to compliment the classic, bruising running attack. He allowed players to develop their personal styles rather than forcing a fundamental change. He altered the climate and attitude of an already award-winning team and won a Super Bowl. He suffered through intense player scandals and went to another Super Bowl. Mike Tomlin is Pittsburgh’s O.G. Keep it real, Coach.

James "DEEBO" Harrison tee - $25.00

Sat, 10 Dec 2011 00:02:16 +0000

I will spare the normal 6 paragraph write-up for this tee, since it will be the 3rd Harrison design I've made. However, a short recap is always in order... This paragraph taken from the 2010 "Support Your Local Linebacker" tee: "About a week before Super Bowl XL, I made the James Harrison “Deebo” design, because he was my favorite player. Joey Porter had coined the nickname during Monday Night Football introductions in 2005. They let players do the player intros instead of the booth guys that year, and Joey made a glorious mockery out of the situation. Joey called James “Deebo” in reference to Tiny Lester’s character in the movie “Friday”. The comparison in attitude seemed to fit like a glove, and James really did look like Deebo…so, as soon as I had the skills to make the tee, I did. And then James ran back an interception for 100 yards in the Super Bowl…the rest is history." So why did I make anther Harrison design? Because I can make it better than I have in the past. Each year I wrench away in the shop, sharpening skills and learning new tricks. Each year, I look at my old stuff and think of how much better it could be. So, I've taken my original 6 designs and revamped them. The original "DEBO" tee (notice the misspelling) was literally my 3rd Backpage Press tee. When I look at the original, I still love it, but I also want one of my favorite ideas to look as good as it possibility can. By re-working this design, it can it live on, and I can also continue support for my favorite player.

Hines Ward "Pride" tee - $25.00

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 21:32:39 +0000

No one epitomizes the toughness, dedication, and pride of the modern-day Pittsburgh Steelers more than Hines Ward. Often described as a “throwback player," Hines' major appeal is his work ethic, which makes him like everyone else in the Pittsburgh region. Students of the game admire Hines for his willingness and ability to block, while opponents hate him for the viciousness of those same blocks. When Terrell Suggs refuses to even utter your name, you know you're effective in your job. Continuing the everyman theme, he stands only 6 feet, 220 pounds and runs the 40 about as fast as the rest of us. In a league full of posturing and showboating, Hines' smile has charmed a city and set a new standard for player attitude. When you're that passionate and tough, who needs to give dirty looks? His play speaks for itself. Hines was born in Seoul, South Korea, and moved to Georgia when he was 1. He attended the University of Georgia and played most of his games as a wide receiver, ranking second in Bulldogs history for career receptions and yardage. He also played tailback and is second only to Heisman Trophy winner Herschel Walker in all-purpose yards. Of course, to touch on the popular lore, Hines played QB as well, mostly in his sophomore year. Hines has smashed nearly every receiving record in Steelers history, emerging as the team's all-time leader in career receptions, career receiving yards, and career receiving touchdowns. And on one of the top two days of my life, Hines won the Super Bowl XL MVP and, in a class move, “Road the Bus to Disneyworld." Shortly after a gut-wrenching playoff loss to New England in ‘04, Hines was involved in a tearful press conference, where he expressed his friendship, as well as the team’s respect, for our beloved Jerome Bettis. Many mocked Hines, marking his show of emotion as weakness. But I couldn’t disagree more. Hines displayed guts, raw passion, and solidarity. That's a big reason why you see Pittsburgh fans in every city in America and why players never want to leave the organization. It's also why Bettis has a ring. If Pittsburgh didn’t already love Hines, that consummated the relationship. He has been the heart and soul of the team, and often our city. Hines is an adopted son, making us all proud of where we're from. Oh, and he won a TV dance show too.

The Godfather "Don Vito" tee - $13.00

Sun, 04 Dec 2011 19:51:53 +0000

"The Empire Strikes Back," "Teen Wolf Too," "Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights," "Speed 2: Cruise Control," "Weekend at Bernie’s 2," and "The Godfather: Part II." All movie sequels that have either rivaled or blown away their predecessors. The Godfather: Part II was the first sequel to win an Academy Award for best picture and took six Oscars out of 11 nominations. It is widely considered one of the best films of all time and is selected for preservation in the US National Film Registry. Robet De Niro is an idol of mine. I can’t think of an actor I respect more, or whose mannerisms I've studied more, than De Niro's. The first time I watched the Godfather films, I watched them one after another on a snow day. Those nine hours changed the way I looked at movies. It was like having a filet after eating round steak my entire life…other movies were just cheap and tasteless in comparison. De Niro, a trained method actor following in the footsteps of his idol Marlon Brando, auditioned for the roles of Sonny Corleone, Michael Corleone, Carlo Rizzi, and Paulie Gatto in “The Godfather" before he was cast as “young Vito” in “The Godfather: Part II." De Niro became the first actor to win an Academy Award while speaking mainly a foreign language, in this case multiple Sicilian dialects. De Niro and Brando, who played the older Vito Corleone in the first film, are the only actors to have won Oscars portraying the same fictional character. This print is highlighting my favorite image of De Niro, as well as all of the Godfather films, in which Vito is shooting Don Fanucci in the doorway of a New York apartment in 1920. Vito stalks the New York underworld boss to his apartment during a “festa” and shoots him dead in a darkened stairway. Vito’s revolver, wrapped with cloth for a makeshift silencer, catches fire immediately after the gun is shot. This event, and captured image, not only marks the beginning of Vito’s reign of the underworld, but also creates one of the most iconic images of American film.

Arron Asham "Sandman" tee by Backpage Press - $20.00

Sun, 16 Oct 2011 15:19:23 +0000

On October 13, 2011, Arron Asham put a Beagle to sleep. I was so excited, I had to make a shirt about it. On October 16, 2001, I met with Phil Bourque and Arron Asham. This is the story: I emailed Joe Bendel, from 970 ESPN, on 10/18 asking if he could get a tee I made to Asham. Joe told me that my best bet would be to attend a taping of "Along the Boards" on 10/21, which Phil Bourque will be hosting with Asham at River’s Casino. So, I put aside my nerves, and attended the show last night. We were able to get to the back room of the Wheelhouse at Rivers Casino, 10 minutes before the show started. I went up to Arron and told him that I was a fan of his. I handed him the tee and told him he inspired me to make a design and shirt. He looked surprised, and then smiled, and asked if he could take a look at it. As he opened it, I said, “I know you apologized for this, but I thought it was awesome.” He took one look at it and started to smile. This was a wonderful reaction, because I was expecting a sullen, tough guy who might just think I am glorifying something that he had to apologize for, or think I was a creepy fan. The only thing that was going wrong at this point was some Miller Lite promotions girl was doing a half-assed job at flirting me into buying her beer. Arron was asking me questions, and this young lady kept interrupting him about contests and shitty beer. (I kept thinking about the irony of someone interrupting such an important conversation for me, as I gave a hockey enforcer a tee I made, which celebrated the beating of a pest). I threw out something about my wife, which made her leave, and I continued talking to Asham. Arron then looked at Bourque (Ole 2-9er) and said, "Look at this!" Ole 2-9er said, “That’s so awesome!” and started analyzing the shirt to a couple crewmembers. I was literally frozen at this point…I had been so nervous, drove down there not even knowing if I would get to talk to Arron, and expecting he and 2-9er to be annoyed with me… my pessimistic mind couldn’t believe such a great thing was happening…2 people, whom I enormously respect, like something I made in the basement. I was just so happy at that moment. I felt very proud. Meanwhile, outside of my head, Arron kept thanking me, and telling me how cool the idea was. He seemed flattered. I asked for a picture and Arron immediately complied. I was still shitting bricks, and amusingly, Arron had to give me directions on how to do this picture. He said, “let’s get the shirt in the picture.” Arron grabbed it, I just stood there, and then he said, “You take this side of the tee”. I just said, “Right. Thank you.” Bourque asked me how I made it. I began to tell them the actual printing and design process, at which time the show’s producer came up and thanked me for making the tee, asked if I would be interested in promoting the tee on 970 ESPN, handed me a card, asked me to contact him over the weekend, and told me the show was starting. What are the chances of that happening?! I watched the show from the front lounge chairs in the little studio area they have in that bar. Most of the people were just hanging out and eating, so it felt like 2-9er and Asham were doing a show for me and about 6 other people. During a couple of the breaks (and as my panic settled), I would go up and talk to Arron a little more. He was SO genuine and nice. He was very interested wanted to hear what I had to say about t shirts and puck. He asked me about the creation of the tee, I told him the timeline of events, and how much I loved his actions that Thursday. I told him that I spent 9 hours just on the design, that I was proud of his role on the team, and I wanted to get the design perfect in hopes to represent the great things the fans and I thought of him. Arron said it was perfect. He kept smiling when I would bring up the Beagle fight…I could tell that he felt his actions were warranted (including his hand gestures), and he did indeed apologize due to pressure from management, agent, whoever. Bourque kept smirking during this conversation as well. During the show, Bourque mentioned Arron’s role as an enforcer on several different teams, at which point the Ole 2-9er and Asham both looked up at me. That put me on cloud 9. At the end of the show, I went and talked to them both once more. Josh, the 970 producer, took a picture of Bourque, Asham, and I with his nice camera. 2-9er told me again that I did a great job, and that he liked my work. Asham reiterated that point, and said he would be wearing the tee around. I told them how much those words meant to me. I left Rivers and went straight to Primanti’s in the Strip. I ate 2 ½ pastrami’s w/egg. My life was complete. Check out the beating here: http://www.hockeyfights.com/fights/105602 * This design is printed on Anvil ring spun cotton tees. These tees are incredibly soft, comfortable, and flexible. They have a sliming cut, but not enough that it throws off the sizing. Bottom line, these tees will be among your go-to favorite tees. For more detailed information, including sizing, check them out at Anvils website: http://www.anvilknitwear.com/Product-Catalogs/Tees/980

Gerry Cheevers "Leatherface?" long sleeve tee - $30.00

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 17:26:04 +0000

A BCKPG design originally made in 2010, rebooted to give the idea new life. The original '10 design of Gerry Cheevers (encapsulated in the lowercase "bp") is now printed on the back, and the Cheevers stencil that the design was based from is printed on the front. Enjoy the original product write-up below: As a kid roaming around the local mall during the few sports card shows that were held there throughout the year, I was usually in all of my glory. One fall day in ‘89, I was indeed basking in all that glory. Card shows were a different scene back then: the cards weren’t yet overpriced and you could afford to buy boxes and spend all day opening them. The rarities and classics in the glass cases were in abundance and you could annoy the pants off of the vendors asking them countless questions and then still not buy their coveted ’86 Donruss Canseco Rated Rookie (thank god). During this particular card show, I was beginning to focus on hockey cards due to the Pittsburgh Penguins beginning to show a lot of promise. Not knowing much about the league besides Mario, the few star Pens we had and of course your Gretzkys, Hulls, and Orrs, I just poked around trying to absorb as many names as I could so I could start having a hockey conversation. After looking at a few Orr cards, I came across one that I could not get over; a ‘79-‘80 O-Pee-Chee Gerry Cheevers card. There was this Cheevers guy, taking an on-ice break, with the classic style goalie mask (which in my world, Jason Voorhees made famous) propped upon his head. All that I was focused on was the tiny bit of mask that I could see which was covered with hand-drawn “scar marks”. Always looking to make friends with people who might contain endless amounts of useless knowledge, I asked the man behind the case why this Cheevers had drawn all over his mask? Was he trying to look like he was in a horror film? Why didn’t he have cool pictures on it like the other goalies? Is he really mean? Would he want to hang out with me? This slightly disheveled man in a stained Pirates shirt managed to squeeze out a few words of explanation; “No man. He marks his mask with a Sharpie every time a puck hits his face.” “Fuck that’s cool”, I stated. That card vendor was right. It’s popular hockey lore that Cheevers faked an injury one day in practice after a puck struck him in the mask. Gerry retired to the locker room for a smoke and a beer and was soon caught by Harry Sinden, the Bruin’s head coach, who ordered him back to the ice. As a jab at the goaltender’s embellished injury, the team trainer later painted a stitch mark on Gerry’s then blank white fiberglass mask. Ever since that day, Cheevers would draw a scar on his mask after being hit in the face by a puck, subsequently creating one of the most recognized masks in history. Regardless of Cheever’s role as the poster boy for iconic goalie masks, he is one of the best goalies to play the game. This two-time Cup winner holds the record for consecutive undefeated victories with 33. Cheevers held respect in the locker room with friends and teammates such as Phil Espositio, as well with opponents on the ice. He often crept outside of the crease with an aggressiveness often referred to as a “3rd Defensemen” and was not afraid to throw his body around. That being said, I doubt I will have to point to the obvious parallels between Cheevers and a modern day, Stanley Cup winning Bruin’s goalie who likes to play his position aggressively while dawning a monotone, iconic mask. * I feel obligated to offer a preemptive apology as this shirt has scared women or child during its production and subsequent printing * This reboot of the Cheevers "Leatherface?" tee is printed on premium white American Apparel ring spun cotton long sleeve tees. These tees are incredibly soft, comfortable, and flexible, and are the same as the famous American Apparel tees, but with long sleeves of course. Be sure to go one size up when ordering American Apparel tees if you wish to have a roomier fit.

Brooks Orpik / Ovechkin "Unleash Hell" revamped tee - $25.00

Mon, 06 Jun 2011 01:04:05 +0000

By surprising customer demand (considering I thought a favorite design was dead since Orpik & Ovechkin have played on the same team for several years) this 2009 design has been resized and graphically brushed up, then printed with a bolder Pittsburgh Gold (in response to the awesome switch back to the '90's uniforms) on a black premium tee. Original 2009 write-up: Brooks Orpik, a classic “defensive Defenceman”, unselfishly cares more about enforcement and protecting his zone than offensive accolades. Named after Herb Brooks, legendary coach of the 1980 “Miracle On Ice” US Olympic Hockey team, it can’t be a coincidence that he emulates Herb’s hard-nosed, grinding style and overall work ethic. Brooks has accumulated only 9 goals in 12 seasons, but has laid down more bone-crushing hits than one could count. Accredited with the Alternate Captain “A” on his chest in ’08, Brooks is an intrical part of the Pens defensive rise, and has a stare that makes the faint of heart wet their pants. Brooks was born in San Francisco, but matured in the hockey crazed Northeast. Attending Nichols School in Buffalo, Thayer Academy in Massachusetts, and ultimately Boston College, he won the Hockey East post-season championship in ’99 and ’01. In the 2000 entry draft, the Pens drafted him 18th overall, and soon began his pro career in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton with the baby Pens of the AHL. Wearing the #29, Brooks made his NHL debut in the ’02-’03 season. He of course changed that number to #44, giving the #29 to the ’03 1st overall pick. In the ’09 playoffs, Alexander Ovechkin attempted to check Orpik. Brooks, staunch as usual, laid Ovie out, making it look like he was the one initiating the hit, as well as making Alex look like the victim of a violent crime. One of my favorite sports photo’s ever was snapped at just the right time, and after some artist manipulation, this tee is made in homage. You can check out the hit right here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cv3fI6WEyxg&feature=player_embedded

"Frank Drebin, Police Squad" Leslie Nielson Naked Gun tee - $25.00

Sat, 04 Jun 2011 22:27:37 +0000

Sadly, we lost Leslie Nielson, and Frank Drebin, in late 2010. Leslie Nielson, born in Regina, Saskatchewan, was originally a dramatic actor of the highest regard, working in a time in Hollywood known as “Television’s Golden Age.” It wasn’t until the Zucker brother’s cast him in the 1980’s spoof “Airplane!” that Leslie became a true household name. His deadpan delivery was the exact professional style the Zucker’s were looking for. Their new style of sarcastic comedic films wanted to use the classic acting styles of Robert Stack, Lloyd Bridges, and Nielson to lampoon ridiculously over-serious Hollywood films. The subsequent success of Airplane! thrusted the Zucker’s and Nielson into the forefront of brilliant, sarcastic comedy. One of my earliest memories of frustration was in the summer of ’88. My parents came home from a movie night, still in hysterics from a movie that ended an hour ago. I begged them to key me in on what was so damn funny, but the only thing that I was told was that they had just seen a movie called “The Naked Gun”. In typical “parent speaking to a ten year old” fashion, they informed me that, “I was too young to understand.” However frustrating that statement is, in hindsight, they where right. Like many people (both casual viewers and loyal fans) I still am pulling new sexual innuendo’s and random hidden references from that movie. That’s what makes all three movies timeless, but most notably, the first. “The Naked Gun” was based on the Zuker’s short-lived 1982 ABC television series “Police Squad!”, which was cancelled after only six episodes. Sergeant Frank Drebin, Detective Lieutenant Police Squad, was the lead role of the TV series, as well as the films that would follow 6 years later. The Zucker’s simply Frankenstiened all of the official police titles to invent Frank’s position in an elite task force of the LAPD called “Police Squad”. Drebin, who inherently means well, is oblivious to the fact that he causes more problems than he solves. His only advocates are Captain Ed Hocken and Detective Nordberg, who’s unflinching loyalty proves to be the only factor that causes Frank’s cases to have a positive outcome. Note: You might remember OJ Simpson, the actor who played Norberg, from murdering psychopath fame in the early ‘90’s. Leslie’s switch to deadpan comedic acting reinvented his career, and brought a lot of joy to my life. “The Naked Gun” is one of my top 5 movies of all time. I felt I needed to make a tee for Frank Drebin that wasn’t tacky. I thought one that was deadpan, just like the character, would do the character, and film, justice. This looks like a standard issue department tee a cop would wear, but when you look close, it’s just plain ridiculous. * This design is printed on Anvil ring spun cotton tees. These tees are incredibly soft, comfortable, and flexible. They have a sliming cut, but not enough that it throws off the sizing. Bottom line, these tees will be among your go-to favorite tees. For more detailed information, including sizing, check them out at Anvils website: http://www.anvilknitwear.com/Product-Catalogs/Tees/980

Pittsburgh Olde Time Hockey Project Complete Set - $140.00

Fri, 22 Apr 2011 09:34:07 +0000

All 6 custom designed, pre-Penguin, Pittsburgh hockey clubs at a discounted price. * Go to the individual tee pages for team history and specific details on each shirt.

Pittsburgh Shamrocks custom 1935 hockey tee by Backpage Press - $25.00

Thu, 21 Apr 2011 19:24:45 +0000

Pittsburgh Athletic Club custom 1901 hockey tee - $25.00

Thu, 21 Apr 2011 19:18:13 +0000

* New runs reprinted with water based ink, for better overall comfort and style. Pittsburgh has been in the American hockey forefront way before the Penguins moved into the Civic Arena in 1967. We had the Pittsburgh Athletic Club, the Yellow Jackets, the Pirates, the Shamrocks, the Hornets, and then the Penguins. Pittsburgh hockey can be dated as far back as 1895. Take that Canada. These shirts were made in celebration of Pittsburgh hockey and it’s illustrious, and often overlooked, history. An incredible amount of effort was put into recreating each design from hand, using vintage team photos as references. The prints are done meticulously; as to not disappoint passionate, detail obsessed fans, nor myself, often the worst critic. The Pittsburgh Athletic Club logo was recreated by hand and eye, by referencing two original team photos. The ink color was specifically mixed to match the original team colors as close as possible, and the premium tee used was also chosen to best represent the original jersey color. A brief history of the Pittsburgh Athletic Club: The Pittsburgh Athletic Club (PAC) existed as a member of the Pittsburgh Hockey League (or the Western Pennsylvania Hockey League, as it was later known) from 1895-1904, and then again from 1907-1909. It holds a place as one of the earliest professional ice hockey teams in history. In the winter of 1895, hockey was introduced to the city of Pittsburgh, and the city introduced artificial ice making to the North America. The Schenley Park Casino fashioned the first artificial ice making plant, and hosted the opening game of the “Great International Hockey and Polo Tournament”, which featured a group of local players from Western University & Pittsburgh Catholic College of the Holy Ghost (now known as the University of Pittsburgh & Duquesne University) against Queens University. Records indicate no account of the final score, but do note more than 2,500 fans attended the game at Schenley Park, and Queens U outplaying the virgin Pittsburghers, who had never played an official hockey contest. After witnessing the energetic fan fare of this contest, the Casino’s management decided to organize a league at the rink, built specifically for amateurs. Organizers named the league the “Pittsburgh Hockey League”, but soon changed to the “Western Pennsylvania Hockey League” (WPHL). They constructed 4 teams, and set the first season for 1896 through 1897. 1896-1897 Western Pennsylvania Hockey League teams: • Pittsburgh Athletic Club • Duquesne Country & Athletic Club • Western University of Pennsylvania • Pittsburgh (the ‘Casino’ team) The league would play their games in the Schenley Park Casino Tuesday and Friday nights, and threw its first “big league” championship game on November 17, 1896. Played between Duquesne County & Athletic Club and the Pittsburgh Athletic Club, Duquesne coming away with a 2-1 victory and the championship. The success of the league was short lived, since the Casino would catch fire on December 1896, destroying not only the only ice hockey rink in Pittsburgh, but also the equipment of all 4 teams, and the league along with it. Fortunately, the WPHL and the Pittsburgh Athletic Club would soon experience a revival due the construction of an artificial ice rink at Duquesne Gardens, and the PAC were able to enter a second official season January 24, 1899. The Pittsburgh Athletic Club proved to be the superior team in not only this season, by also the following, capturing the “$500 Trophy” in 1900 and 1901. The 1901-02 season was an important time for WPHL, and Pittsburgh hockey as a whole. This is the first time in history that Pittsburgh was recognized as having professional hockey teams. To meet the expectations of a pro hockey franchise, the PAC filled their team with players from Canada, luring them with the promises of high-paid entertainment and $30 a week cash incentives. The WPHL and its teams lasted until the end of the 1903-04 season. In the end, the league scavenged its best players to field one team named the “Pittsburgh Professionals”. This team of Pittsburgh all-starts would play in the International Professional Hockey League. For the third and final time, the WPHL, as well as the Pittsburgh Athletic Club would be revived for the 1907-08 season. The PAC were able to attract top Canadian talent, while the other teams in the league found it difficult to attract these Canadian stars with the novelty salaries of the past, since professional hockey had spread into Canada. What mainly attracted players to sign were the games played on Duquesne Gardens’ artificial ice, which was not dependant on cold weather to provide a naturally frozen surface. However, as winter began and Canadian rinks became available, the players would flock north to teams closer to their homes. Due to this and other growing pains of an emerging sport, the WPHL and Pittsburgh Athletic Club disbanded after the 1908-09 season. As we know, this would not be the end of pro Pittsburgh hockey, merely the historic beginning… * This design is printed on American Apparel’s top rated Tri-blend track shirt, in heather maroon color. This tee incorporates everything you love about the fit, feel and durability of a vintage T-shirt, in a brand new version. Constructed of Tri-Blend (50% Polyester / 25% Cotton / 25% Rayon), this will soon be your favorite tee due to its softness and flexibility. Per American Apparel: Polyester retains shape and elasticity; Cotton lends both comfort and durability; addition of Rayon makes for a unique texture and drapes against the body for a slimming look.

Pittsburgh Hornets custom 1936 hockey tee - $25.00

Thu, 21 Apr 2011 19:13:11 +0000

Pittsburgh Pirates 1925 NHL custom hockey tee - $25.00

Thu, 21 Apr 2011 19:04:55 +0000

Pittsburgh has been in the American hockey forefront way before the Penguins moved into the Civic Arena in 1967. We had the Pittsburgh Athletic Club, the Yellow Jackets, the Pirates, the Shamrocks, the Hornets, and then the Penguins. Pittsburgh hockey can be dated as far back as 1895. Take that Canada. These shirts were made in celebration of Pittsburgh hockey and it’s illustrious, and often overlooked, history. An incredible amount of effort was put into recreating each design from hand, using vintage team photos as references. The prints are done meticulously; as to not disappoint passionate, detail obsessed fans, nor myself, often the worst critic. This Pirates tee is made to replicate the 1925-26 jerseys. I decided not the keep the Pirates script logo that appears on top of the original wool jerseys, and went with only the simpler “striped P” logo for this tee, just for aesthetic purposes. The front print was recreated on Photoshop to aid in keeping the straight lines and edges. It should be noted that this front print is not the same as the square logo that you will find on image searches for the NHL Pirates. The square logo has different intersecting lines than the original Pirates NHL jerseys, and the "P" is not slightly slanted. The front print on this tee replicates the original Pirate’s jerseys. On the right sleeve, a version of the Pittsbugh city crest was recreated from pictures of the original Pirates jerseys. The gold it was specially mixed to replicate the team colors at that time, and to contrast best with the style of tee picked for this design. A brief history of the NHL Pittsburgh Pirates: The Pittsburgh Pirates played their first NHL game on December 2, 1925 in which fans paid $1.00 to see them lose to the New York Americans at The Gardens. The Pirates where the 3rd American franchise in the NHL, and the 7th team overall, coming into the league in 1925, and ceasing operations in 1930. Obviously, the nickname comes from the successful baseball team that had been around for over 25 years at that time. The NHL Pirates are actually the Pittsburgh Yellow Jackets that were renamed the Pirates after changing ownership in 1925. The new owner, James F. Callahan cashed in a favor from then MLB Pirates owner Barney Dreyfuss to have the right to name his hockey franchise identical to the local ball team. Unfortuantly, Pittsburghers missed having all 3 pro teams named the Pirates by 3 years since the NHL Pirates folded in ’30, and the NFL Pirates (Steelers) where formed in ’33. An equally interesting fact in Pittsburgh hockey history is that the NHL Pirates where the 1st team to don the black and gold colors in the city, basing the scheme around the Flag of Pittsburgh. In a 1925 Pittsburgh newspaper article, the writer refers to the Pirates as "the Black and Gold". The MLB Pirates wore the popular color scheme of the time, which was red, white, and blue. The black and gold uniformed Steelers would come into the league 3 years after the hockey Pirates folded in ’30. The National League Pirates were actually the 3rd and final team to wear black and gold, changing in ’48. In one of my favorite black and gold facts, the Penguins actually used the long defunct NHL Pirates as an example of a team other than the Boston Bruins to wear the black and gold, after the B’s petitioned the league over Pittsburgh’s jersey color change in 1980. The Pen’s were struggling, and were in danger of losing the franchise when they decided to change the two-tone blue jerseys to black and gold to match the dual-champion ’79 Steelers and MLB Pirates. Creating some sort of alliance with championship teams would hopefully drum up fan support. The NHL allowed the Penguins to change their colors as a result of the Pirates using these colors 50 years prior while playing in the same league as the Bruins. As a result, our fair city is the only one in America to dress all of their major sports teams in the same color scheme. Note: It turns out that colors don’t make a team successful, but Mario Lemieux does. The Pirates joined the NHL and were assigned to, what would later be called, the NHL's American Division with the Boston Bruins and the New York Americans. The Duquesne Gardens, located in Oakland, served as the team's home arena. The Pirates, dubbed the "Mighty Steel City Sextet" in the Pittsburgh Press, were mostly leftovers from the former Pittsburgh Yellow Jackets. Ten former Yellow Jacket players would play for the Pirates. For reasons I can’t find exact reasoning behind, the team switched to black and orange uniforms for their fifth and what would be their final season. Baffling and appalling to Pittsburghers, this will answer and age old hockey question…why do the Philly Flyers play with black and orange uniforms? This fact came to be because in five seasons, the Pirates were above .500 and made the playoffs only twice. So, on October 18, 1930 at the NHL Governors meeting, Pirates owner Benny Leonard moved the team to the other side of Pennsylvania and renamed them the Philadelphia Quakers. Leonard's ultimate intention was to return the team to Pittsburgh as soon as a new arena was built. Thirteen players from the Pirates were transferred to the Philadelphia Quakers after Pittsburgh franchise relocated. The Quakers had a wretched season in 1930–31. The team then received permission from the NHL on September 26, 1931 to temporally cease operations as they sought a permanent arena in either Pittsburgh or Philadelphia. Meanwhile The Great Depression would devastate the NHL as 4 teams were forced to fold, leaving behind just six teams. When a new Pittsburgh arena failed to materialize, Leonard surrendered his franchise in 1936. As it turned out, a new arena in Pittsburgh wouldn't be built until the Pittsburgh Civic Arena opened in 1961. The NHL would play with six teams for 25 years before deciding to expand. The expansion in 1967 brought the Pittsburgh Penguins to the NHL and the city of Pittsburgh and the orange and black uniformed Philadelphia Flyers to Philadelphia.

Max Rockastansky tee - $25.00

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 16:36:45 +0000

Now printed with water based ink on a super-premium "oatmeal" tri blend tee for maximum comfort and look. Original December, 2008 write up: In the works for several years, and continually placed back on the shelf due to Mel Gibson’s multiple anti-Semitic rants, I have finally convinced myself that Mel Gibson and Max Rockatansky are two different people, and I can complete this design with a clear conscious. The story of Max Rockatansky (not Mel Gibson) actually starts with Max not being “Mad” at all. Max is a member of the Main Force Patrols (MFP), and is considered the top pursuit man in a futuristic Australia, whose society is beginning to break down. Max is teamed with one of the main characters of “Mad Max” and “The Road Warrior”, an Australian released, limited edition GT351 version of a 1973 Ford XB Falcon Hardtop, or in the movie, “the last of the V8 Interceptors.” Max ends up killing the “Nightrider” in the beginning of the original, and less known “Mad Max” movie, which really pisses of the Nightrider’s gang of unruly thugs. Nightrider's motorcycle gang is lead by friends "Toecutter" and the sociopath Bubba Zanetti. The gang subsequently terrorizes the nearby towns, and seeks revenge towards Max for Nightrider’s death. Max, and his partner Jim “Goose” Rains (couldn’t Jerry Bruckheimer have come up with a different, non-sensical nickname for their action/buddy flick “Top Gun”) try to bring down a rapist gang member with some law and order, which is quickly falling out of style. After charges don’t stick to the gang due the their intimidation towards witnesses, Goose beats the tar out of Toecutter’s boy toy Johnny “The Boy” Boyle. Oh Lord, here we go…hell have no fury like the scorn of the Toecutter. With ammunition towards Goose, Max, and MFP Captain Fred “Fifi” McPee, the homoerotic, homicidal gang unleashes hell. That being said, I can’t help but give my opinion on McPee’s nickname too, which has to have as much intentional irony as the character himself, given “Fifi” looks like German BALCO Kojak meets early 2000’s Emo guy. Nothing like a bald linebacker, in a small baby blue tee, adorned by a scarf, and a handlebar mustache. Long Story short, the gang chases down and burns Goose beyond recognition, which makes Max “Slightly Unsettled Max”. Then the bad guys kill Max’s wife and child during vacation, which makes him “Mad Max”. Max kills the entire gang in a vehicular manslaughter fashion, and drives off into the distance, an emotionless, silent loner. Who would really know that this strange, slightly unsettling Australian film would turn into the coolest sequel ever, “Mad Max 2”, or “The Road Warrior”, as it’s more commonly known. Many of the worlds citizens, who are not lucky enough to have membership in the exclusive Mad Max cult, think that “The Road Warrior” is the original Mad Max. Ridiculous! If that was the first one, how would we know what Max is mad about?! Some people just don’t use their heads. “The Road Warrior” shows an emotionally barren Max traveling the post apocalyptic wastelands of Australia in search gasoline after a worldwide energy crisis. Max’s only companions are his trusty Australian Cattle Dog, and the supercharged V-8 Pursuit Special, the same vehicle he drove off into the distance in the first movie. Max’s foes are even more extreme, homoerotic, and completely amusing than the previous Nightrider/Toecutter gang. Lead by “The Humongous”, his second in command “Wez”, and Wez’s boy toy “The Golden Youth”… (Pause for laughter) …the conflict between Max and the unruly gang is not only because of fallen gang members, but gasoline as well. The Humongous wants to rule the wasteland and have all the gas, so he becomes quite irritated when Max takes up with a small wasteland community fort, which revolves around a small oilrig. Wez has more of a personal vendetta due to the untimely demise of The Golden Youth at the hands of “The Feral Kid” and his razor boomerang. Armed with a often misfiring sawed off shotgun and clothed in the iconic, wasteland-altered MHP uniform and steel leg brace, Max battles the Humongous gang, whom sport the equally iconic (more on the ridiculous side), S&M/used sports equipment costumes, which they purchased at the post-apocalyptic Adult World/Play It Again Sports. I just can’t explain how much I enjoy these movies. They just have everything…muscle cars, great characters, cheesy action, and all of the un-intentional comedy you can stomach. I just wish that Gibson would have kept his hate filled ramblings to himself until production of Mad Max 4 was over. Who knows if the 4th installment will now ever emerge from pre-production purgatory?

Mark Recchi "Inspired Me To Get Old" tee by Backpage Press - $20.00

Thu, 24 Feb 2011 19:19:01 +0000

Does you back hurt? How about your knees? Maybe you have a bum ankle and an arthritic elbow…cry me a river. I don’t hear Mark Recchi sounding like a sissy, and he’s played a sport on a sheet of ice while battling over-sized opponents with long sticks for the last 23 years. And, while doing that, he’s managed to score over 1500 points. How many points do you have? We all now need to stop our whining. Players like Mark are inspiring, whether you’re making a funny t shirt or not. You don’t get a moniker like “The Recchin’ Ball” without some hard work, skill, and perseverance. Many fans in Pittsburgh, Philly, and Boston refer to him with such reverence and respect due to the before mentioned qualities, as well as his small stature and hard nose style of forechecking while in the offensive zone. This respect extends around the league. His attitude, talent, and work ethic has made him a fan favorite in Pittsburgh, Montreal, Philly, Carolina, Pittsburgh again, Atlanta, Tampa, and now, Boston. Mark was picked 67th overall in ’88 by my hometown Pens, and was instrumental in helping Pittsburgh win their first cup in ‘91, as well as his own. God only knows where that franchise would be without players like he, Trottier, Francis, Coffey, and Mario…just to name a few. Now, in Boston, Mark helps shape the talents and lives of young Bruins, just like many of the Pens did for him at age 23. I’ll never figure out how pro hockey players do it. I have followed all 4 major sports for most of my life, and I never come across players in the other 3 leagues who just keep coming back for years, and in some cases, decades, and giving more and more back to the sport. Players in the other sports succumb to their own egos, attitudes, lives leading them in different directions, their bodies break down, or the sport just passes them by. But hockey is somehow different. This gracefully brutal sport of hockey strongly rivals football in physicality. However, there are no time outs and excessive commercial breaks like today’s NFL, so one could argue that it is indeed more physical. The NFL does not allow fist-fighting, the players don’t carry possible weapons in their hands, and turf gives a little more than ice when you fall onto it. Each year, the enigma of the multi-decade tenured hockey player just makes me more enamored to the sport than I was previously. It really shows the true passion these players’ posses for the sport they love and grew up playing. We can all learn a few things about growing old with grace, and grit, from people like Billy Guerin, and Mark Recchi. One last thing...Mark Recchi and Tyler Seguin both own this tee. Actually, Recchi has two. * This design is printed heather Blue/Grey color premium Tultex 65/45 Poly/Cotton blend tees. Light, soft, breathable, and just plain comfortable.

"Haters Gonna Hate" tee by Backpage Press - $25.00

Sun, 05 Dec 2010 12:44:56 +0000

I can remember hearing my father throw fits in regards to a Steeler quarterback named Mark Malone, which would have been 1984. So, I am going to go and estimate that I have been a fan of the NFL for the last 26 years. I have seen the game change in good ways, and bad. I’ve heard penalties and terminologies, such as “spearing” and “clipping” fade off into oblivion. I can remember bone crushing highlight videos that came with my yearly subscription to Sports Illustrated, that detailed 60 minutes worth of the most jarring hits caught on film (they were awesome by the way). But never, and I mean never, have I ever been as disgusted with the way this game has been changed, as I am this year. About a week before Super Bowl XL, I made the James Harrison “Deebo” design, because he was my favorite player. Joey Porter had coined the nickname during Monday Night Football introductions in 2005. They let players do the player intros instead of the booth guys that year, and Joey made a glorious mockery out of the situation. Joey called James “Deebo” in reference to Tiny Lester’s character in the movie “Friday”. The comparison in attitude seemed to fit like a glove, and James really did look like Deebo…so, as soon as I had the skills to make the tee, I did. And then James ran back an interception for 100 yards in the Super Bowl…the rest is history. So the reason for these two paragraphs is to explain two things. I LOVE the NFL and the game of football. And secondly, James Harrison is still my favorite player. He was before he won any Super Bowl, or was awarded NFL Defensive Player of the Year. He won me over in ’02 and ’03 with his special teams play. He was intense, freakishly built, competitive, and passionate, with complete disregard for personal safety (notice I said personal). When I was taught how to play football at 10 years old, the coaches taught us how to square up and tackle with our shoulders. I learned over the years that if I drove into the numbers, and lifted with my legs, the player would leave the ground, and I could slam him to the grass, just like in NFL films from SI. Every year, the coaches went CRAZY. They loved it. Hell, everyone loved it. I loved football. I loved the aggressiveness, the violence, and especially the fact that not everyone wasn’t built for it. So does James…you can kind of tell. He has something to prove, and he is willing to sacrifice his body for it. He loves the game…anyone who was cut by the Baltimore Birdies special teams, and still continued to go for it, LOVES the game. So why, Goodell and your Referee Minions, did you need to find a poster boy for your new rule agenda? Why did you need one at all? And why James? Just make your ridiculous rules, and apply them to EVERYONE. We just celebrated the guy for his tenacity, aggressiveness, and dedication 2 years ago…and now you are going to fine him 4 times for hits that he has been doing for 8 years. Does this have to do with his lack of maturity and bad reputation in high school, or does the obvious chip on his shoulder scare you into thinking what he is actually capable of? I have been watching this game with tactical knowledge for years, and I see hits like that ALL of the time, and I just saw some last week, and nothing was flagged, and no one was fined on Monday. Are you like a child in Elementary school with selective hearing and seeing?? Do you want to haze this guy out of the league for some reason? What is your freaking agenda Rog? Anyone who has played this game has been taught how to tackle in the way I listed above…square up, lower shoulder, drive through the numbers (with your shoulder), wrap your arms, knock the opponent down. One thing that happens with this style is the more than occasionally; your helmet strikes the crown, or side of the facemask of your opponent. This gives you something that all aggressive players of the game want…gashes and paint on your helmet. Do you want the player to be injured? No. Do you want to look and be tough, and send a message to that player and that team? Your damn skippy you do. You wanna know why? Because that’s football. Don’t take this game and the alpha male brutality it was founded on away from us. You CAN protect our present day players from the ills of what Jim McMahon is going through right now in other ways than changing the entire game as we know it. Anyone who has played a game like football, hockey, fell off their bike, or got beaten up outside the bar, knows what a concussion feels like. I’ve had 3…you can kind of tell. They are horrible, and scary. So am I saying that I want Josh Cribbs to get his bell rung and potentionally have his career shortened? Of course not, and no one who supports Harrison would want that. What we are saying is that you CAN’T police these hits, it’s impossible. You can’t demonize a player and make him your poster boy. This is not TMZ dealing with Brittany Spears. Don’t build James up, and tear him down…he was on the damn special teams for 5 years, and he’s been cut 3 times, I would say he is sensitive to criticism. He has also done everything his coaches and family has taught him to do. He plays with passion, aggression, fights through adversity, and he is out there to win for his team, not make sure everyone is OK, and happy with his actions. This is no AYSO soccer. James was born exactly 4 months after me in 1978, about 3 hours from where I’m sitting. I’m sure his coaches told him how to play this game that same that mine did. No coach I ever had said to hurt my opponent…but they weren’t unhappy when they saw a gash in your helmet. Don’t take this game away from us…and please, support our local linebacker. We don’t want him to go too. PS – Since I just made this the longest description for a t shirt ever, how are a few more sentences full of spiteful ramblings going to hurt… Is anyone listening to Merril Hoge?? He is childhood hero, and strong proponent to the safety of our players. Please read his book, and understand that a huge reason that he retired from severe concussions after 8 years is because Chuck Knoll ran him up the 1 & 2 hole as a fullback for 6 years. Merril ran north and south, lowered his head, and knocking over defenders. And yes, the fullback is an offensive position. Maybe Merril and Mike Allstot should be fined for their hits on defenseless middle linebackers, years ago, just so everyone gets the gist of Rog’s new agenda. * This design is printed on Anvil ring spun cotton tees. These tees are incredibly soft, comfortable, and flexible. They have a sliming cut, but not enough that it throws off the sizing. Bottom line, these tees will be among your go-to favorite tees. For more detailed information, including sizing, check them out at Anvils website: http://www.anvilknitwear.com/Product-Catalogs/Tees/980

Cam Neely Tribute tee - $13.00

Sun, 21 Nov 2010 14:08:33 +0000

Made is tribute to Cam Neely, picturing his retirement celebration

Rocky Bleier "Guts & Grit" Football Champ & Army War Hero tribute tee - $25.00

Sun, 31 Oct 2010 00:12:27 +0000

Robert Patrick "Rocky" Bleier was born March 5, 1946 in Appleton, Wisconsin. Rocky’s proud father Bob, would walk into his neighborhood bar, and when asked how his new son was doing, Bob would reply, “Aw, you should see him, guys, he looks like a little rock sitting in that crib. He's got all these muscles.” From then on out, friends would constantly say, '”Hey Bob, how's that little rock of yours?' So after that, the nickname stuck, even though Rocky admits that he was a “fat baby”. I guess looks are distorted through a proud father’s eyes. Speaking of pride, this proud Steelers fan has been racking his brain for close to a year on how he could possibly make a design to celebrate Bob’s kid, Rocky Bleier. Rocky is one of my favorite Steelers ever, for many reasons. He often is overlooked by all types fans that aren’t fanatical Steeler fans, and I felt that this is a travesty. The dilemma I found in designing something for Rocky was the fact that Rocky is not only a 4 time Super Bowl champion with the Black and Gold, but is also a brave, and decorated Viet Nam war veteran. I knew this would be hard to combine such immense worlds, and it would take time and planning, but it was the only way to honor him. After Rocky’s 1968 rookie season with Steelers, Bleier was drafted into the U.S. Army in December 1968. He volunteered for duty in the Vietnam War and shipped out in May 1969, serving with the 196th Light Infantry Brigade. On August 20, while on patrol in Heip Duc, Bleier was wounded in the left thigh by a rifle bullet when his platoon was ambushed in a rice paddy. While down, an enemy grenade landed nearby, sending shrapnel into his lower right leg. He was later awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. His rank was Specialist 4. While he was recovering in a hospital in Tokyo, doctors told him that he would not play football again. Soon after, he received a postcard from Steelers owner Art Rooney which just read "Rock - the team's not doing well. We need you. Art Rooney". Bleier later said "When you have somebody take the time and interest to send you a postcard, something that they didn't have to do, you have a special place for those kind of people". One year after being wounded, Bleier reported to Steelers training camp. Upon his return, he couldn't walk without being in pain, and weighed only 180 pounds. He spent two full years trying to regain a spot on the active roster, and was even waived on two occasions. But Bleier never gave up. An offseason training regimen brought Bleier back to 212 pounds in the summer of 1974. From that point in time, he would be in the Steelers' starting lineup. At starting fullback, Rocky would prove to be a great lead blocker for Franco, but also a great rushing fullback. In ’76 Franco and Rocky both rushed for over 1,000 yards. At the time, they were only the second duo in NFL history to complete such as feet. Bleier played in the first four Steeler Super Bowl victories, and caught the touchdown pass from Terry Bradshaw that gave Pittsburgh a lead it would never surrender in Super Bowl XIII. Bleier retired after the 1980 season with 3,865 rushing yards, 136 receptions for 1,294 yards, and 25 touchdowns. At the time of his retirement, he was the Steelers fourth all-time leading rusher. Now, after reading that, you can see why I wanted to make something that would explain and honor the many facets of Bleier’s career in the Army and the NFL, and ultimately, what kind of a person he his. Rocky is maid of the true grit and guts. He is a true inspiration, and more should be aware of what he gave to the city of Pittsburgh, and more importantly, to our country.

"Big Time Timmy Jim" tee by Backpage Press - $20.00

Sat, 23 Oct 2010 22:06:02 +0000

“The Freak” graced our presence in 2007 with his unorthodox pitching style, hair from a throwback era, and the sort of presence and attitude ball fans could relate to. He could gain insane velocity, while only measuring up to 5’11” and 178 lbs. It was like you knew this guy from high school, yet he was a ridiculous force on the mound. In 1989, the Giants were at the top of my list. Then, in 1993, they just plain angered me. My deep loathing for one Barry Bonds made me cross the Giants right off the list, especially in 2002. But now, through years of therapy, I can forgive the team from letting Bonds on the roster, and think of only childhood good times with one Will the Thrill. Now that Baseball has gone back to a game of skill and talent, instead of a game of skill, talent, and chemical enhancement, I felt it was only right to make an original design for “The Franchise”. I love the team again, and Lincecum is the man. Growing up a Bucco fan and seeing Bonds tank every postseason…who wouldn’t want to see San Fran win it all without the help of the self absorbed pre-Madonna. Plus, how can’t your root for the Giant’s cast of characters? Of course all this inspiration has been festering in my head since around, oh say the 1992 NLCS, but thanks to Tim and the newest ESPN Sportscenter commercial, it all came crashing together last week. As soon as I heard Karl Ravech say “Big Time Timmy Jim” as Lincecum was trying to record his voice memo, I started working on this shirt. * Jim in Sacramento, and Mike in Almeda, this my friends, is for you. * This design is printed on Anvil ring spun cotton tees. These tees are incredibly soft, comfortable, and flexible. They have a sliming cut, but not enough that it throws off the sizing. Bottom line, these tees will be among your go-to favorite tees. For more detailed information, including sizing, check them out at Anvils website: http://www.anvilknitwear.com/Product-Catalogs/Tees/980

Johnstown Jets 1977 NAHL hockey tee - $25.00

Wed, 20 Oct 2010 00:20:03 +0000

In 1950, Johnstown, PA built the 3,745 seat War Memorial Arena, and welcomed the brand new EAHL hockey team, the Johnstown Jets. The jets would become a mainstay in Johnstown, fueling a then thriving coal and steel town’s passion for hockey. The Jets won consecutive EHL championships in 1951–52 and 1952–53. The Jets would join the International Hockey League (IHL), Eastern Hockey League (EHL), and the North American Hockey League (NAHL) before they closed up shop. After joining the new NAHL in 1973, Dick Roberge coached Johnstown to the Lockhart Cup championship 1974–75. For me, the most notable part of that season's playoff run included the Carlson brothers, Jeff, Jack and Steve, who became the basis for the Hanson Brothers in the movie Slap Shot. Jeff and Steve Carlson portrayed their fictional selves in the movie, while former Jet Dave Hanson portrayed Jack. The Jets played four seasons total in the NAHL before the league folded in 1977. The team itself folded in the offseason, when the Johnstown flood of 1977 that damaged the arena's ice making equipment. Johnstown hockey didn’t stop there… In 1988, Johnstown was granted another hockey franchise, which would play in the All-American Hockey League, and ultimately the East Coast Hockey League. The owners originally wanted to name the team the Jets in honor of a team that had played in Johnstown from 1950 to 1977. However, the old Jets' former owners still held the trademark for the name and refused to allow the new team to use it. Fortunately, they had a second choice. A contest was held by the owners, allowing the people of Johnstown to vote for the new team name. Since the now cult hockey movie Slap Shot had been filmed in Johnstown, used the War Memorial Arena for most of the films hockey scenes, and featured a minor league team called the Charlestown Chiefs, the fans readily jumped on the tie-in, and the Johnstown Chiefs were born. It should be noted that the great Paul Newman had said in many interviews that filming Slap Shot in Johnstown was one of the best times of his life. This shirt was made to celebrate the 60 years of Johnstown hockey. Unfortunately, Johnstown lost the Chiefs franchise to Greenville, SC after a long, bitter battle between the fans and ownership. Johnstown retained ownership of the name and records, so if a new franchise is awarded, they can be used. This Jets logo was the last one used by the team before the 1977 Johnstown flood, which ultimately killed the team.

Aspen Extreme 1993 TJ Burke & Dexter Rutecki tees by Backpage Press - $25.00

Sat, 04 Sep 2010 22:22:45 +0000

In the winter of '93 TJ Burke talked his friend Dexter Rutecki into moving from Detroit to Aspen to tear shit up and chase all the rich women. After securing spots on the Aspen Ski School team by pulling off daffys and helicopters in a one-time mogul race, TJ proceeds to constantly remind his best friend that he is in fact #2 in damn near everything. The irony here is that in the last 17 years, Paul Gross (TJ) has completely fallen into cheesy sports movie obscurity, and Peter Burg (Dexter) has been extremely successful as an actor and director. "Aspen Extreme" is one of my favorite movies. It is wonderfully cheesy, campy, dramatic, and ridiculous, all the while being completely awesome. If you can say that you can watch that movie and not feel like strapping on a pair of K2's, climbing into bed with a rich woman, developing a street drug habit, skiing down a frozen water fall, and then winning the powder 8...then this shirt is not for you. This tee made for the ski bum in all of us. * Choose from either the Burke #1 or Rutecki #2 versions of this tee in the drop down menu to the left. Would you like both? You'll also find an option to buy both tees at a discounted group price. * These designs are printed on Anvil's premium heather blue "Sustainable" tee's. These tee are made of 50% ring spun cotton and 50% recycled polyester, which means the tees are soft and comfortable, and have a worn in look and feel. Most shirts don't feel like this one.

Pittsburgh Yellow Jackets 1915 custom hockey tee - $25.00

Sun, 25 Jul 2010 16:05:33 +0000

Pittsburgh has been in the American hockey forefront way before the Penguins moved into the Civic Arena in 1967. We had the Pittsburgh Athletic Club, the Yellow Jackets, the Pirates (yes, at one time the hockey franchise where also named the Pirates), the Shamrocks, the Hornets, and then the Penguins. Pittsburgh hockey can be dated as far back as 1895. Take that Canada. This shirt was made in celebration of the history of Pittsburgh hockey. As we welcome in our brand new arena, make sure you know your hockey history. ...a brief Pittsburgh Yellow Jackets history: The Pittsburgh Yellow Jackets, of the United States Amateur Hockey Association (USAHA) were formed in 1915. They evolved from amateur to semi-pro and are one the earliest organized teams in Pittsburgh. The Yellow Jackets won the USAHA Championship in 1924 and 1925 and were coached by Dick Carroll, who earlier won a Stanley Cup coaching The Toronto Arenas in 1918. The Yellow Jackets wore black and gold uniforms and played in the Duquesne Gardens (1895) in the city's Oakland neighborhood. The Gardens was credited with being the finest indoor, artificial ice surface in North America. The Yellow Jackets were owned by Roy Schooley who sold the team to attorney James F. Callahan. Callahan changed the team's name to the Pittsburgh Pirates, borrowing the nickname from Pittsburgh's professional baseball team. The Pirates would become the NHL's third U.S.-based team on November 7, 1925 in joining the New York Americans and the Boston Bruins. The Yellow Jackets returned to Pittsburgh in 1930 after Schooley re-acquired the IAHL team. They were later purchased by Pittsburgh theatre chain owner, John Harris, in 1932. Harris purchased the Detroit Olympics in October 1936 and renamed the team the Pittsburgh Hornets. The Hornets were in originally in the International American Hockey League. * This design is printed with a premium plastisol ink called "Gold Shimmer" which gives the design's finish a flat, gold foil luster. It's very hard to show how wonderful this ink looks with photos, but you will love it when you see this product in your hands. *This design is printed on Anvil's premium "Coal Black" color "Sustainable" tee's. These tee are made of 50% ring spun cotton and 50% recycled polyester, which means the tees are soft and comfortable, and have a worn in look and feel. Most shirts don't feel like this one.

"The Lumber Company" 1971 Buccos baseball tee - $25.00

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 20:46:05 +0000

Redesigned from the original 2010 tee with larger font and overall print, with numbers which better reflect the style the Bucco's used in '71, with a bolder Pittsburgh Gold ink, printed on a premium vintage black tee. Original 2010 write-up: Enough already about the 18 loosing seasons for the Pirates. I get it, it's not getting any better, anytime soon. So while we wait for the nightmare to end, support the hometown team by representing one of the best era's in Pittsburgh baseball history... On September 1, 1971, the Pirates fielded what is believed to be the first all-black lineup in the history of the league. Due to the Pirates high powered slugging offense, they were dubbed "The Lumber Company" or "The Pittsburgh Lumber Company" outside of the city. Al Oliver played first base, joining second baseman Rennie Stennett, center fielder Gene Clines, right fielder Roberto Clemente, left fielder Willie Stargell, catcher Manny Sanguillén, third baseman Dave Cash, shortstop Jackie Hernández and pitcher Dock Ellis in the starting lineup. Oliver ended the season with a .282 average, including 31 doubles (8th in the NL), seven triples (10th), 10 sacrifice flies (2nd), and five hit-by-pitches (good for 9th in the league). After beating the San Francisco Giants in the NLCS, the Pirates won the World Series, beating the Baltimore Orioles in seven games with Oliver as their regular center fielder. About Oliver, Willie Stargell said, "When it came to hitting . . . all he ever did was crush the ball. Al was the perfect number three hitter because you knew he was going to make contact". He had a 23-game hitting streak in 1974 and another streak of 21 games where he got at least one hit. The best hitters in "The Lumber Company" were Al Oliver (#16), Manny Sanguillén (#35), Willie Stargell (#8) and Roberto Clemente (#21). All 4 players are represented by their numbers on this design. Robert Clemente passed away the next year, in 1972, while en route to deliver aid to earthquake victims in Nicaragua. "Pops" Stargell went on to be the heart and soul of the Pirates of the 70's. He lead the franchise to another World Series win in 1979. Now, isn't this a better way to look at things?

Dennis Hopper tribute tee - $25.00

Sun, 11 Jan 2009 13:10:33 +0000

This used to say, "Hopper's not dead, but he still deserves a tribute tee. Obviously that has changed. This is a hand-made portrait done on acetate in a halftone pattern. I hope it adequately represents the brilliance and dedication Hopper has demonstrated in his life, and to his craft.

George Carlin tribute tee - $25.00

Sun, 11 Jan 2009 12:51:51 +0000

Redesigned from the original 2008 image, with sharped lines, an ink-splattered body, and a larger water based ink print on premium tees for ultimate comfort and look. Original 2008 write-up: This was the second Backpage Press design ever. It pays homage to a man who changed my life in 1992, George Carlin. George will always be one of my main inspirations, and while he prayed to Joe Pesci, I prayed to him. I miss you George.