The History of Baseball Caps
Whether you’re a die-hard fan cheering on your team or simply looking for a way to protect your head from the sun, you can’t go wrong with a baseball cap.baseball cap hats This quintessential piece of a ballplayer’s uniform has gone from being a simple necessity to a must-have wardrobe accessory for stars, artists, and the common man alike. But how did it become such a beloved staple, and where does its history begin? To answer these questions, we’ve looked back all the way to the very first organized teams.
In 1923, a Boston baseball club called the “Boston Baseball Company” began selling its very own caps for their players to wear on the field.baseball cap hats These early models were similar to today’s hats, but without any logos or team names on them. It would be another six years before the league officially adopted the batting helmet and added team logos to their caps.
These early caps were known as pillboxes, so-named because of their shape.baseball cap hats They had a flat peak and were structured with buckram or some other thick material. Today, this type of hat is considered a true classic, and one that can be easily reimagined with custom patches or pins.
When the New Era brand ran an ad in the April 1980 issue of The Sporting News, it was meant to promote its new fitted cap.baseball cap hats They were unsure how many fans would call the office asking for their caps, but it seems they were right on. The 59Fifty, the official cap of MLB players, is the same design as those first ad caps and looks almost exactly like it does now.
The 59Fifty has become so popular that it now appears on the heads of everyone from hip hop artists to NBA superstars. The cap’s popularity exploded when Chuck D of Public Enemy rocked a black-and-gold Pittsburgh Pirates cap, and even more so when Eazy-E from NWA donned a Chicago White Sox hat. This modern take on a classic style has pushed the hat even further into the mainstream, and it’s one of our favorite hat trends to watch for in 2024.
Just like a well-chosen suit or a pair of jeans, a good baseball cap can say a lot about the wearer. It can show their chosen or inherited allegiances, their sense of style, and even a bit about the person’s personality.
With so many different styles to choose from, it can be tricky to pick a baseball cap that speaks to you. The key is finding a cap that fits your unique style and personality. Luckily, Printful offers both structured and unstructured baseball caps, so you can find the perfect fit for your head. Embroidery is also available, so you can add your favorite team’s logo or other designs to make your cap truly your own.