A long long time ago, when I first started blogging, one of my blogs was on E commerce and my favorite websites from which to purchase. One of them was Distant Replays of Atlanta, Georgia,. They specialize in anything and everything "retro" in sports.
Over the past couple of years, I have established a relationship (of sorts) with the owner and entre-manure, Andy Hyman, and have bought some items from him.
At one point I even sent him copies of my CD's.
If you have been following my blog in the past months, you know that I have become interested in restoring a Riddell football helmet from the 1960's. It's still a work in progress.
Quirky as I am in my old age, I decided I would try to find full sized, accurately detailed helmets from that era. I began making inquiries, looking specfically for a Bart Starr type Green Bay helmet. My one insisted criteria was that I be able to actually comfortably put the helmet on my head.
Truthfully, I didn't call Distant Replays first because they listed the helmets at $60.00 more than other sites. Unfortunately, I found that all other outlets had sold out of the helmets and Riddell has stopped making them.
So I called Mr. Hyman, and asked if he had access to this helmet and I made it very clear to him that I wanted to be able to PUT IT ON MY HEAD AND WEAR IT COMFORTABLY.
He assured me that he could get me the helmet and that I would be able to wear it.
When it arrived, I looked inside the helmet and the size listed was 7 3/8. Cool! I am only a 7 1/8th! But when I tried to slip it on, I came to realize that there was no way I was going to get it on. It also became obvious that Riddell makes these only for display (I already have a Packer helmet size 6 for that express purpose).
Now, heaven knows I am not about to get involved in a sand lot tackle football game where I NEED a helmet. I admit I am just an old weird guy who still has a lot of little kid alive inside and I wanted to be able to put my helmet on here at the office while I typed my blog!
So I called Andy and told him I felt he had misled me and that I was not happy. We went back and forth on the phone for a bit. He explained if I unsnapped the jaw pads I could put it on and that I should keep the helmet and enjoy it.
I slept on that idea overnight and the next day I called back, spoke with a sales rep instead of Mr. Hyman (knowing he would give me more shit) and being the good upright person that I am, I did not ask for my money back, but instead wanted to exchange for a Mitchell and Ness Ray Nitschke jersey (valued nearly the same).
They didn't have any so I went a step further and settled for a Jim Brown jersey as I have always admired Brown as the greatest running back ever.
The reason I tell you all this is as a lead in to these pictures Mr. Andrew Hyman sent me by e mail along with this messsage:
I just don't get it Heagle. But if you don't like it, you don't like it. I understand it may not fit, and you changed your mind, but you cannot say it is not what you ordered! That is the only size EVER made to be sold at retail- it is the RK model 2-Bar full size helmet and it only comes in the size you received and can be worn and is cool as all the dirty words on your CD!!! They don't make these bad boys like fitted baseball caps for goodness sake!! Notice I am wearing a Patriots tee in protest (also notice my cool NFL poster above my right shoulder from 1968 featuring some Packer dude). I appreciate the exchange for the Jimmy Brown and will send out. I must say I look pretty snappy with that helmet on, and with the hint of grey in my 5 o'clock shadow and fearful grimace, I look like Brett Favreharvre himself! When you visit my store, there will be fistacuffs galore! Looking forward to your reply -
Andy Hyman, Owner
Distant Replays
Tel. 770-953-2722
Fax 770-953-2723
Here is my e mail reply:
Dear Mr. Hyman:
Imagine my shock and surprise to find your 5 o'clock'ed, grimacing image staring out at me from what looks to be the most uncomfortable helmet modeling job of the 20th century. I mention the century because the only historical mask I can compare this photo to is "The Man in the Iron Mask" (circa 1782) -- the novel written by Mr. Alexandre Dumas.
And here you are, a modern day Andrew Dumas(s)!
I wish I could have been at the store to watch you put it on and take it off -- with those six jaw pad snap- points raising hell with your jaw, I'll bet it was a scream (literally!)
You give a whole new meaning to the expression "a little head".
The Patriots tee shirt is disgusting. It looks good on you, though!
And now I challenge you to a bet. If the Packers go to the Superbowl and win, You must wear the Packer helmet to Hooters for lunch with me.
On the other hand, if the Pack loses, no harm no foul. A Packer loss will be punishment enough!
respectfully yours,
Larry Heagle
the man with the dirty mouth
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Note: If you are a sports nut with an eye towards sports history, Distant Replays is an excellent source! The web site can be found at www.distantreplays.com.
Please visit the site and buy something, for God's sake! Andy has a small child that needs food and clothing.
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