CBSN New YorkWatch Now
Filed Under:Daniel Friedman, list, Mercury Mets, New Jersey Nets, New York Islanders, New York Jets, New York Mets, New York Rangers, Uniforms

By Daniel Friedman
» More Columns

On Tuesday night, the Islanders (sort of) brought back their infamous “Fisherman” jerseys for pregame warmups. That uniform is a product of one of the most disastrous makeover attempts in the history of pro sports.

READ MORE: Police Reveal More Details In Death Of 10-Year-Old Ayden Wolfe; Mother's Boyfriend Ryan Cato Faces Murder Charges

But believe it or not, the Isles have churned out worse threads before, and they are not the only team in the Tri-State area to design really, really bad ones.

Here are the six worst uniforms in N.Y.-N.J. sports history:

6. Nets Home & Away (1990-1997)

Mookie Blaylock on January 28, 1992 (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)

Mookie Blaylock on January 28, 1992 (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)

I’m not sure which was worse: the bright coloring or the font “Nets” was printed in. These never looked right.

5. Titans Home & Away (1960-1962)

The blue and gold combination was strange, there were no logos on the helmets and the team stunk. They were eventually rebranded as the Jets, which turned out to be a much better look.

4. Rangers Home & Away (1976-1978)

A screen shot illustrating the horrible Rangers jerseys from 1976-77. (nhluniforms.com)

A screen shot illustrating the horrible Rangers jerseys from 1976-77. (nhluniforms.com)

As other teams have learned, you don’t mess with tradition. The Rangers did, and the jersey never latched on. It was an unwelcome departure from the deep-rooted Blueshirts uniforms the team had worn for most of their existence.

READ MORE: Long Island Rail Road Riders Face Crowded Trains On First Day Of Service Cuts

3. Islanders “Fisherman” Home & Away (1995-1997)

Islanders ownership made the ill-fated decision to switch the team's longtime logo to this one back in 1997. The outrage from fans quickly became the stuff of legend. (Photo by Ian Tomlinson/Allsport/Getty Images)

Islanders ownership made the ill-fated decision to switch the team’s longtime logo to this one back in 1997. The outrage from fans quickly became the stuff of legend. (Photo by Ian Tomlinson/Allsport/Getty Images)

“It was the 90’s” is probably the only somewhat-plausible explanation for these sweaters. Again, you don’t mess with tradition.

2. Islanders Alternate (2011-2014)

Rhett Rakhshani on February 4, 2012 (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Rhett Rakhshani on February 4, 2012 (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Just as other New York teams were reverting back to their original blue and orange colors, the Isles decided to put out a black one. It looked terrible.

1. “Mercury” Mets (1999)

Part of an MLB promotion, the Mets designed and wore “future” jerseys. Hopefully they’ll remain in the past. Forever.

 

 

 

MORE NEWS: NYPD Making Progress Bringing In And Promoting Women, But It Still Has A Lot Of Work To Do