The Bull Pen

Don’t worry, this won’t end with me announcing I’m taking my talents to South Beach.

No, this decision is of the wardrobe variety.

Since the 2005 season, I’ve donned my Ricky Ray jersey for Eskimos games.  Now, that jersey must go unworn, at least until Ray retires or returns to Edmonton in three years to back-up Jeremiah Masoli.

So with #15 gone and the Eskimos unveiling a new look, the time is right for me to get a new jersey.  But who to put on the back?

Do I dare go with a current player?  What if he’s traded?  Then I’m stuck with another jersey I won’t wear for years.  But there are some strong options, like outstanding receivers Adarius Bowman (#4) and Fred Stamps (#2), or hard-working Canadians like Mathieu Bertrand (#30) and Calvin McCarty (#31).

Or should I honour a player from the past?  I’ve had season tickets since 1997, so I’d keep it from that era.  There is no shortage of options, with game-breakers like Ed Hervey (#81) and Terry Vaughn (#3) or staunch defenders such as Donny Brady (#26) and Singor Mobley (#27) all having brought me out of my seat.   But the Eskimos have a new look.  Those players never wore the current jersey, so would it be out of place to slap their name and number on the back on of one?

I need your help!  Tweet me @ReidWilkins or email me at reid.wilkins@corusent.com with your thoughts.  I’ll print some of your ideas in next week’s blog, as I move closer to my decision.