Most of the time, Massachusetts sports fans know what they’re doing (with a few exceptions). That’s clearly the case in a recent study of throwback jersey sales from clothing company Mitchell & Ness. Where other states made quizzical choices, Massachusetts fans (as well as Rhode Island) go for throwback Larry Bird jerseys more than anyone else.

Here’s the full study from Mitchell & Ness, as well as a full size version of the map. Clearly, Minnesota has some explaining to do, with Wisconsin, Ohio and Tennessee joining that disappointing group. Why Kobe? Mississippi also obviously holds Mr. Bird in high esteem, though that seems somewhat random as well.

That said, the most utterly inexplicable throwback to appear on this map is North Dakota’s strange affinity for Hall of Fame Oakland Raiders wide receiver Fred Biletnikoff. Not that anyone is saying Biletnikoff isn’t amazing, and completely worth being on this list, but why exactly is he dominating North Dakota? From (basic) research, he seems to have no direct ties there.

Another notable observation: Deion Sanders is the only player to appear on this list three with all different jerseys. Georgia still loves Falcons Deion, while Hawaii loves 1994 49ers Deion, who (like Darrelle Revis) won the Super Bowl in his lone year with the team. Oklahoma, on the other hand, loves Cowboys Deion, who also won a Super Bowl in Dallas. “Prime Time” was always very good at leaving a lasting connection with fan bases, even during the age of NFL free agency.

Vermont is still hanging in there with the Carl Yastrzemski (props), while Maine seems to be the only one who actually gets the concept of a novelty throwback, opting for the awesome, though clearly random, Dave Winfield Padres jersey. Good selections all around.

Author’s note: I own only one of the jerseys on this map. Can you guess which one? It’s definitely nothing to do with my last name. Not at all.

Via Mitchell & Ness, featured image via Ktr101, CC by 3.0