<<

10/1/2015 Best Selling Players : Mitchell & Ness

FREE SHIPPING for all orders $65 and up! US domestic ground shipping only | Clearance shirts an additional 10% off ­ use code SPRINGSHIRTS

OUR STORY SOCIAL MEDIA HISTORY VIDEOS TOP PLAYERS NBA PLAYERS BY NUMBER NFL PLAYERS BY NUMBER LONGEST HOME RUNS SHOP

Share: BEST SELLING PLAYERS BY STATE

We’ve seen quite a few maps showing the top jerseys in each state, from the Top Selling NFL Jersey among Women Map to the NFL Team Jersey Map. As purveyors of throwback sports apparel with an extensive catalog of vintage jerseys, we wanted to look more into which of our retro jerseys were most popular in each state. We thought it would be interesting to learn more about which historical players each state was fond of or what sport each state enjoyed the most. Using our 2014 sales data, we compiled a list of our top selling player in each state then and aggregated that data into the map seen here. See our full list of players below, with a short description of that player’s career or season. further ado, here is Mitchell & Ness’ Best Selling Player by State map.

ALABAMA 1984 Authentic Jersey

In his 2nd season at second base, Sandberg had a breakout season in which he batted .314 with 200 hits, 114 runs, 36 doubles, 19 homers and triples, and 84 RBI. He led the Cubs to the 's Eastern Division title and won the NL Gold Glove Award and NL Most Valuable Player Award.

ALASKA – Los Angeles Kinds 1992-93 Authentic Jersey

The Great One's move to Los Angeles brought an increase in attendance and fan interest in a city not known for following hockey. Many credit Gretzky's arrival with putting non-traditional US hockey markets on the NHL map, with California receiving two more NHL franchises during his time in LA. Gretzky led the Kings to their first Stanley Cup Finals in 1992-93, although they ultimately lost in 5 games to the Canadiens.

ARIZONA 2000 Replica Jersey

Sports Illustrated football writer Paul Zimmerman named Tillman to his 2000 NFL All-Pro team after he finished the season with 155 tackles, 1. 5 sacks, 2 forced , 2 recoveries, and 9 pass deflections. In May 2002, Tillman turned down a contract offer of $3. 6 million over three years from the Cardinals to enlist in the US Army. His number has been retired by both the Arizona Cardinals and while being inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2010.

ARKANSAS – White Sox 1993 Authentic Jersey https://www.mitchellandness.com/company/best­selling­players­by­state/ 1/7 10/1/2015 Best Selling Players : Mitchell & Ness Bo Jackson – White Sox 1993 Authentic Jersey

In the midst of his stunning NFL/MLB hybrid career, Jackson appeared in 85 games in 1993 with the White Sox and made his only post-season appearance, losing to the in the Championship Series.

CALIFORNIA 1989 Authentic Jersey

How do we define a career year? How about League MVP, Player of the Year, Offensive Player of the Year, Pro Bowler, All Pro First Team and MVP? That's Joe Montana in 1989, and that is a career year.

COLORADO 1994 Authentic Jersey

Elway spent his entire 16-year professional career with the Denver Broncos, recording the most victories by a starting and statistically was the second most prolific passer in NFL history. He led his teams to six AFC Championship Games and five Super Bowls, winning his last two.

CONNECTICUT Vince Carter – Toronto Raptors 1998-99 Authentic Jersey

The Raptors struggled in their early expansion days, but following the 1998 acquisition of Carter, the team set attendance records in 2000, 2001, and 2002. Carter was key in leading the Raptors to the in 2000 for the first time in franchise history and led them to a then-franchise high of 47 wins and their first ever playoff series win in 2001, advancing to the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

DELAWARE Kobe Bryant – Los Angeles Lakers 1996-97 Authentic Jersey

Kobe was the first guard to ever be taken out of high school as the 13th overall pick and in his first season became the youngest player ever to play in an NBA game and the youngest NBA starter ever. During All-Star weekend, Bryant became the youngest player to be named slam dunk champion at the age of 18. Although he initially played limited minutes, his playing time rose throughout the season to the point of taking crucial late shots against the Utah Jazz in the 2nd round of the playoffs.

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Cal Ripken, Jr. – Orioles 1993 Authentic Jersey

In April of 1992, the opened their new state of the art facilities in Camden Yards. The following season the Orioles hosted the fan favorite midsummer classic and wore a patch throughout the season to denote its presence. Orioles iron man, Cal Ripken, Jr. , started the All Star game at his short stop position and helped the American League to a 9-3 victory. The late was awarded with the game's MVP Award.

FLORIDA Alonzo Mourning – Miami Heat 1996-97 Authentic Jersey

In Mourning's second season with the Heat, the team won a franchise record 61 games finishing 2nd in the Eastern Conference to the defending champion Bulls. In the playoffs, Miami defeated the Orlando Magic in five games and advanced to the conference semi-finals against the New York Knicks, where the team's rivalry intensified. The Heat went down 3-1 in the series, but following a brawl with Charles Oakley in Game 5, Mourning scored 28 points in Game 6 and 22 points in Game 7 to help Miami advance to the Eastern Conference Finals. The team's first appearance in the conference was short lived as the Chicago Bulls won the series in 5 games, even with Mourning guaranteeing victory (and following through) in Game 4.

GEORGIA 1990 Authentic Jersey

Sanders was the fifth pick overall in the 1989 NFL by the Atlanta Falcons, where he played until 1993. Deion found the end zone ten times in his five years with the Falcons with three defensive TDs, three kick returns, two returns, and two receptions.

HAWAII Deion Sanders – San Francisco 49ers 1994 Authentic Jersey

Deion had arguably his best season as a football player in 1994 in his only season with the 49ers winning the 1994 Defensive Player of the Year award and recording an in the 49ers 49-26 victory of the Chargers in Super Bowl XXIX. Who can forget his memorable return to the when he got into a scuffle with former teammate and intercepted a pass from returning it 93 yards while https://www.mitchellandness.com/company/best­selling­players­by­state/ 2/7 10/1/2015 Best Selling Players : Mitchell & Ness

mocking the Falcons sideline before high-stepping into the end zone?

IDAHO 1951 Authentic Jersey

The 1951 season marked the Golden Anniversary of the American League. While barnstorming the West Coast, the World Champion New York Yankees played the University of California in an exhibition game on March 26. A young Mickey Mantle exhibited his power by blasting a 600 ft. home , a testament of what was to come. Mantle wore the number 6 during his debut with the Yankees on April 17. After starting off slow the Yankees sent Mantle down to their Kansas City Farm Club. When Mantle returned later that year he wore the number 7, and helped the Yankees to their 14th Championship over the .

ILLINOIS 1985 Authentic Jersey

Payton rushed for more than 1,500 yards in 1985, helping the Bears establish at 15-1 record. That season culminated in the release of the "Super Bowl Shuffle" and a 46-10 victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XX.

INDIANA – Baltimore Colts 1970 Authentic Jersey

In Super Bowl III, the Baltimore Colts were upset by the confident and the New York Jets. The Colts were poised to return to the big game and capture their first Super Bowl title and they did just that in Super Bowl V against the Cowboys. The 1970 season featured the great Johnny Unitas at the helm of the Colts offense. Unitas completed 14 and threw for 2,213 yards while steering the Colts to Super Bowl V against the Cowboys. Super Bowl V featured a multitude of mishaps and turnovers but the Colts sealed the victory on a last second game winning field goal.

IOWA Joe Namath – New York Jets 1968 Authentic Jersey

Super Bowl III featured the New York Jets and the Baltimore Colts, a David vs. Goliath match up. Joe Namath, quarterback of the Jets, guaranteed a victory against the heavily favored Colts. Coming through with his word, Namath upset the Colts, leading the Jets to a 16-7 Super Bowl win. Namath began his career in 1965, and in 1967 he became the first quarterback to pass for over 4,000 yards in a single season.

KANSAS 1966 Replica Jersey

Nitschke spent his entire 15-year career with the Green Bay Packers winning the NFL Championship 5 times including 1966, a season where Ray was also a First-team All-Pro selection. Ray remained popular in Green Bay after retiring, having his phone number and address published in the phone book and appearing in local TV commercials for his auto dealership. His #66 jersey is retired by the Packers and he was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1978.

KENTUCKY Dave Concepcion – 1983 Authentic Mesh BP Jersey

A lifelong Red's , the Venezuelan compiled an impressed list of stats. He was a 9x All-Star, 2x World Series Champion, 5x Gold Glove Winner, 2x Silver Slugger Winner, 1982 All-Star Game MVP, and has his #13 jersey retired by the Reds.

LOUISIANA Steve Gleason – Saints 2006 Authentic Jersey

On September 25, 2006, the played a game in the Louisiana Superdome for the first time since ravaged the City of New Orleans 21 months earlier. In that emotional game Steve Gleason cemented himself in Saints lore when he blocked a punt in the first quarter. The ball was recovered in the end zone for the Saints first td of the game. In 2012 a statue of Gleason making that play was erected outside of the Superdome.

MAINE 1978 Authentic Jersey

In 1965, construction on San Diego Stadium began after sports editor Jack Murphy made a campaign for a new state of the art facility. The Padres, who expanded into the National League in 1969, hosted the 1978 All Star Game at San Diego Stadium. Dave Winfield received his second consecutive invitation to the mid-summer classic, representing the host city with one in two plate appearances. Winfield finished the year with https://www.mitchellandness.com/company/best­selling­players­by­state/ 3/7 10/1/2015 Best Selling Players : Mitchell & Ness

a . 308 batting average and 97 RBIs as the Padres wore a patch on their jersey to represent the arrival of the All Star Game.

MARYLAND Cal Ripken, Jr. – Baltimore Orioles 1993 Authentic Jersey

In April of 1992, the Baltimore Orioles opened their new state of the art facilities in Camden Yards. The following season the Orioles hosted the fan favorite midsummer classic and wore a patch throughout the season to denote its presence. Orioles iron man, Cal Ripken, Jr. , started the All Star game at his short stop position and helped the American League to a 9-3 victory. The late Kirby Puckett was awarded with the game's MVP Award.

MASSACHUSETTS – Boston Celtics 1985-86 Authentic Jersey

Finishing the regular season with an impressive 67 - 15 record, the Celtics breezed through the playoffs, defeating the Bulls, Hawks and Bucks on their way to a finals meeting with the Rockets. The Celtics beat the Rockets in six games to give the city of Boston their 16th NBA Championship. Larry Bird won his second Finals MVP award and was named MVP for the third consecutive season.

MICHIGAN 1993 Authentic Jersey

See District of Columbia

MINNESOTA Kobe Bryant – Los Angeles Lakers 1996-97 Authentic Jersey

Kobe was the first guard to ever be taken out of high school as the 13th overall pick and in his first season became the youngest player ever to play in an NBA game and the youngest NBA starter ever. During All-Star weekend, Bryant became the youngest player to be named slam dunk champion at the age of 18. Although he initially played limited minutes, his playing time rose throughout the season to the point of taking crucial late shots against the Utah Jazz in the 2nd round of the playoffs.

MISSISSIPPI Larry Bird – Boston Celtics 1985-86 Authentic Jersey

See Massachusetts

MISSOURI – St. Louis Cardinals 1992 Authentic Jersey

Ozzie had a memorable 1992 by stealing his 500th career base, notching a for his 2,000th hit, appearing on an episode of , and winning his final Gold Glove. Smith's record of 13 consecutive Gold Gloves at shortstop in the National league has yet to be matched.

MONTANA Cowboys 1971 Authentic Jersey

Roger Staubach was a proven leader before he even joined the in 1969. After winning the in 1964, the Naval Academy graduate fulfilled his military commitment in a tour in Vietnam.

NEBRASKA – Philadelphia Phillies 1976 Authentic Jersey

Carlton rose to prominence with the Phillies following a trade from the St. Louis Cardinals, winning four Cy Young Awards and one World Series with the club. Over his time in the league, Carlton won a total of four Cy Young Awards, two World Series Titles, was elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame, is second all-time for strikeouts by a left-handed , has the second-most lifetime wins of any left-handed pitcher, and even won the Triple Crown in 1972.

NEVADA Kobe Bryant – Los Angeles Lakers 1996-97 Authentic Jersey

See Minnesota

https://www.mitchellandness.com/company/NbeEsWt­s eHllAinMg­pPlSayHeIrRs­Eby­state/ 4/7 10/1/2015 Best Selling Players : Mitchell & Ness NEW HAMPSHIRE Vince Carter – Toronto Raptors 1998-99 Authentic Jersey

See Connecticut

NEW JERSEY Joe Namath – New York Jets 1968 Authentic Jersey

See Iowa

NEW MEXICO – Chicago Cubs 1969 Authentic Jersey

The 1969 season marked the 100th Anniversary of the forming of the Cincinnati Red Stockings, the first professional baseball club. Each team wore a patch on their jersey commemorating this event. The Chicago Cubs created a memorable summer for their fans as they made a run at the National League pennant. The Cubs fell short of catching the Amazing Mets as the curse of the goat remained within Wrigleyville. The summer of 1969 also heard Bank's famous catch-phrase, "Let's play two," for the first time as Bank's tried to cheer up his gloomy team mates in 100 degree weather.

NEW YORK Patrick Ewing – New York Knicks 1991-92 Authentic Jersey

Ewing enjoyed a successful career named an NBA All-Star eleven times, an All-NBA First time once, an All-NBA Second Team six times, and an NBA All-Defensive team three times. He also won gold in Barcelona in 1992 with the Original Dream Team. Ewing also lead the Knicks to the 1992 Eastern Conference Semifinals against the defending champion Bulls, in which Ewing had the performance of his career in Game 6, although the Knicks ended up losing in Game 7.

NORTH CAROLINA Larry Johnson – Charlotte Hornets 1992-93 Authentic Jersey

The 1992 - 93 Hornets made their playoff debut in this, their fifth season. They even won the first round, defeating the Celtics 3 games to 1. In the second round they fell to the Knicks in 5 games

NORTH DAKOTA – Oakland Raiders 1971 Replica Jersey

Fred Bilentnikoff was a standout star in college becoming Florida State's first consensus All-American and in the pros being a 6x selection for the Oakland Raiders. His NFL career total of 589 receptions and record of 10 straight seasons of 40 or more receptions is impressive considering the run heavy style of that era. Biletnikoff was inducted into the Pro Hall of Fame in 1988 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 1991. The Fred Bilentnikoff Award, named in his honor, is awarded to the best in college football since 1994.

OHIO Kobe Bryant – Los Angeles Lakers 1996-97 Authentic Jersey

See Minnesota

OKLAHOMA Deion Sanders – Dallas Cowboys 1995 Authentic Jersey

The 1995 NFL off season was not kind to the Dallas Cowboys. They lost four starters and had another key player lost for the season in week one. These personnel issues, along with the fact that was in just his second season, had some wondering if it was time for the Cowboys to ride off into the sunset. Unfortunately for the rest of the NFL, four 'boys weren't ready to take that ride. , , and the newly acquired Deion Sanders led the Cowboys to a 12 - 4 regular season record and their third Super Bowl title of the 1990's. Deion Sanders joined "America's Team" on September 11, 1995, after one year in San Francisco and made an immediate impact on both offense and defense, despite playing in only nine regular season games.

OREGON Kobe Bryant – Los Angeles Lakers 1996-97 Authentic Jersey

See Minnesota

https://www.mitchellandness.com/company/PbeEsNt­NseSllYinLg­VpAlaNyeIrAs­by­state/ 5/7 10/1/2015 Best Selling Players : Mitchell & Ness PENNSYLVANIA 1992 Authentic Jersey

On June 25, 1992, Philadelphia Eagles Pro Bowl Defensive was killed in a car accident. The Eagles organization honored the beloved Brown with a commemorative patch worn on all jerseys for the entire 1992 season. The team and the fans adopted the slogan "Bring it home for Jerome", referring of course to the Lombardi Trophy. The Eagles fell short in their effort when they fell to the Cowboys in the Division Championship. Randall Cunningham was named 1992's Comeback Player of the Year after returning from a 1991 season ending injury.

RHODE ISLAND Larry Bird – Boston Celtics 1985-86 Authentic Jersey

See Massachusetts

SOUTH CAROLINA Ozzie Smith – St. Louis Cardinals 1992 Authentic Jersey

See Missouri

SOUTH DAKOTA Walter Payton – Chicago Bears 1985 Authentic Jersey

See Illinios

TENNESSEE Kobe Bryant – Los Angeles Lakers 1996-97 Authentic Jersey

See Minnesota

TEXAS Troy Aikman – Dallas Cowboys 1995 Authentic Jersey

The 1995 NFL off season was not kind to the Dallas Cowboys. They lost four starters and had another key player lost for the season in week one. These personnel issues, along with the fact that head coach Barry Switzer was in just his second season, had some wondering if it was time for the Cowboys to ride off into the sunset. Unfortunately for the rest of the NFL, four 'boys weren't ready to take that ride. Troy Aikman, Michael Irvin, Emmitt Smith and the newly acquired Deion Sanders led the Cowboys to a 12 - 4 regular season record and their third Super Bowl title of the 1990's. Troy Aikman started all 16 regular season games and three playoff games, and was named to his fifth Pro Bowl team.

UTAH Karl Malone – Utah Jazz 1996-97 Authentic Jersey

Malone returned from winning a gold medal at the 1996 Summer Olympics to lead the Jazz to a Western Conference Title and an NBA Finals Appearance. Although the Jazz lost to the Bulls, Malone won the 1997 NBA MVP award.

VERMONT – Boston Red Sox 1975 Authentic Jersey

In the 1975 All-Star Game with the American League down 3-0, Yastrzemski was called to pinch-hit in the sixth inning. Without wearing a batting helmet, he hit 's first pitch for a homerun to tie the score, although the American League would ultimately lose 6-3. The Red Sox also suffered another World Series loss, losing to the Cincinnati Reds in 7 games, in 1975.

VIRGINIA – Washington Redskins 1982 Authentic Jersey

Riggins led the Redskins to Super Bowl XVII in the strike shortened 1982 season where he rushed for 444 yards in victories over the Lions, Vikings, and Dallas Cowboys. In the Championship game, Riggins was named MVP by rushing for a then-Super Bowl record 166 yards as the Redskins beat the Dolphins 27-17.

WASHINGTON 1985 Replica Jersey

Largent spent his entire 14-year career with the Seahawks earning Pro Bowl honors seven times. He's since had his #80 retired by the Seahawks https://www.mitchellandness.com/company/best­selling­players­by­state/ 6/7 10/1/2015 Best Selling Players : Mitchell & Ness

and been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1995. When Largent retired, he held all major NFL receiving records, including; most receptions in a career (819), most receiving yards in a career (13,089), and most receptions (100).

WEST VIRGINIA Paul Molitor – Milwaukee Brewers 1982 Authentic Jersey

Twelve years after their arrival from Seattle, the Milwaukee Brewers clinched their first American League pennant. Minnesota native Paul Molitor helped lead the Brew Crew to Milwaukee's first World Series since 1958, when the then Braves lost to the New York Yankees. Molly finished the year with 201 hits and a .302 average. In the first game of the 1982 World Series, against the St. Louis Cardinals, Molitor collected five hits in six at bats. Despite leading the series three games to one, Milwaukee fell to the St. Louis Cardinals in the seventh and decisive game.

WISCONSIN Kobe Bryant – Los Angeles Lakers 1996-97 Authentic Jersey

See Minnesota

WYOMING Lou Gehrig – New York Yankees 1932 Authentic Jersey

Nicknamed "The Iron Horse", Gehrig was a seven-time All-Star, a six-time World Series Champion, winner of the Triple Crown in 1934, twice named the AL MVP, the first to have his uniform number retired, and elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1939. In 1932, in a game against the Philadelphia Athletics, Gehrig became the first player of the 20th century to hit four home runs in a single game.

My Account Customer Service (866) 879-6485 Live Chat Social Media Retailer Login UK/Europe Privacy Terms of Use

©2014 Mitchell & Ness Nostalgia Co. DEFINING AUTHENTIC® All rights reserved.

https://www.mitchellandness.com/company/best­selling­players­by­state/ 7/7