Ugh… How About No

19 December, 2008

Brand New, a logo/packaging design blog analyzed the Boston Red Sox logo... and showed an amazing lack of understanding of the symbols associated with what can only be described as an American Institution.

Now, I am not a Sox fan, about the only time I care if they win is against the Yankees, but I understand what the team symbolizes. I've written about baseball before and tried to describe the game's importance to American History and culture in general, so maybe I expect people to have similar understanding of historical trends, but it is hard for me to imagine how someone can say:

Replacing the old seal as the team's official logo is the lone pair of red, hanging sox. Unless I'm wrong, there is no typography associated with it. None. No "Boston." No "Red Sox." If that's the case, this is one of the best cases of visual identity and brand equity becoming so strong the icon doesn't need explanation.

Then go on to say that the iconic "B" on the hats "Sounds good, but again, streamline and modernize that B, please."

... REALLY?

That's like telling New York to give the Statue of Liberty a makeover.

It shouldn't happen, and luckily - since most people who care about baseball also value tradition - it won't.