Comments on: Garts Comes Home

By: OrderedChaos (Mike Rucki)

OrderedChaos (Mike Rucki) — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 21:17:08 +0000

Chris, that’s OK — you’re not the first with that reaction, and you won’t be the last.
Gartner and Langway, I would posit, are worthy by any measure (Cup or no), and the Hall of Fame certainly agrees. Labre and Hunter were heart-and-soul leader-types, and some might argue it might have been premature to retire those numbers.
It depends on how important one thinks a jersey retirement really is. For example, I put less than no value on All-Star game appearances, other than perhaps a player’s very first because most players get so excited about it. But All-Star selections are popularity contests that have little relevance.
Retired sweaters carry more weight than an All-Star selection, but again I don’t assign much importance to it. I would MUCH rather see a Stanley Cup Champion banner in the rafters… whether it’s surrounded by retired numbers or up there alone doesn’t matter to me.

By: Chris

Chris — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 20:03:28 +0000

Look… I don’t mean to be That Guy. I really don’t. Love the Caps, go team, and all that… but I’m going to be a downer here.
Does a team with zero championships really merit four retired numbers? I don’t mean to diminish the contributions of Labre, Langway, Hunter and Gartner, I really don’t. Great players, all. It just seems a bit much.
Hopefully the Caps will win a cup or two soon, preferably before they raise 12 and 37 up into the rafters.

By: Mark Miller

Mark Miller — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 19:36:30 +0000

Garts was one of my favorite players, and he doesn’t get enough credit for his charitable work. During his last three seasons, he donated $1,000 to Children’s Hospital for every goal he scored — not a small contribution, considering he scored 115 goals over those years.
The Capitals Fan Club is making a donation to Children’s Hospital to honor Gartner while also helping a lot of children from our community. You can too, at http://childrensnational.org/give.

By: OrderedChaos (Mike Rucki)

OrderedChaos (Mike Rucki) — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 18:42:39 +0000

For those wishing to pass along a congrats to Gartner (or share your favorite memories) check out the Caps' special page: http://capitals.nhl.com/fanzone/mikegartnermemories.htm

By: Gustafsson

Gustafsson — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 14:38:32 +0000

I’m totally with you Sombrero Guy. I’m about to get my Hunter and Langway posters properly framed. What the hell am I supposed to do with that stupid pin?

By: Sombrero Guy

Sombrero Guy — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 14:33:28 +0000

Call me greedy, but I was hoping for a card stock quality of a reprint of a career retrospective painting, like the caps gave out when they honored Dale Hunter, Rod Langway and the Caps All time 30. I have gotten each of those framed and matted on my office wall. Either way, I am looking forward to the ceremony!

By: jg284481-5-37

jg284481-5-37 — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 14:33:22 +0000

I always thought Gartner was one of the under appreciated players when he played. All the players mentioned in the post that is when I first started following Caps. I think the Caps dont do enough to promote the good/great players from the past.
Also, I cant get the jersey picture to load.

By: Muddapucker

Muddapucker — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 12:25:15 +0000

I think this is a great move on the Caps part… I hope the game is broadcast in Canada, which I feel certain it will be since its a Leaf’s game.
There’s been a lot of talk about the Caps 3rd jersey. I love the Caps original jersey. Why don’t they just wear that as the 3rd jersey?
I bet the Caps will really look sharp tonight wearing the “old” #11 sweaters!!