Learning how to 'sock' it to 'em out at Scotiabank Field

(Scotiabank Field at Nat Bailey Stadium - Vancouver, BC) - When cheering on our Vancouver Canadians, I habitually admire the view of the crisp, bold lettering of "Canadians" carefully stitched into each white jersey as our home team stands tall across Scotiabank Field at Nat Bailey Stadium.

As a relatively new baseball fan, I find myself trying to learn more about our C's as their double knit uniforms reflect many historic details which have evolved to make our Canadians look as good as they do now.

Considering the first official baseball uniform was issued back in 1849, that consisted of a flannel shirt, wool pants, simple high top sneakers, and get this a straw hat, a lot has happened in the last 161 years.

But what is the story behind our players' shin-high red socks?

"Stockings" as they were called back in the early 1900's became the new standard in baseball pants as loose pant hems can potentially trip the players in play. It is interesting to note that these exact stockings were initially considered "immoral and indecent" as the tight fabric defined the player's legs so much they made women blush in the stands.

Historically, there were two parts to the stockings - the top colored layer and the white layer underneath. These two part socks started at the beginning of the 20th century as there were health concerns about the strong dyes used and possible dye contamination from a spike wound from a shoe.

However, the two layers of socks meant that the player's shoe didn't fit. As such, stirrups were introduced as it gave the player the protective layer of material around the leg with the single thickness of material in the player's shoe.

Today, with colored dyes no longer a serious health concern, our Canadians wear single layered, solid colored hose. So now when you gaze at our Canadians in pride and support, remember the unique journey and story behind their signature red socks which make them memorable from any distance.