History of the Baseball Hat

Have you ever stopped to wonder where the baseball hat came from? It's hard to imagine baseball without these iconic caps, and they've become a symbol of the sport. Baseball hats today have become both a fashion statement and a way for fans to show their support for their favorite teams. Where did this beloved accessory come from? Let's take a trip down memory lane and explore the history of the baseball hat.

Origins of the Baseball Hat

Believe it or not, the use of hats in baseball can be traced back to the 1800s when baseball was just starting to take shape. But it wasn't until 1849 when the Knickerbocker Baseball Club, one of the first teams to play baseball at a community level, decided to use hats as part of their uniform. These working-class men, who had jobs as bankers, teachers, and attorneys, wore hats made of straw to shield their eyes from the sun while playing.

Fast forward to the 1860s when the Brooklyn Excelsiors, who played on an amateur level, wore the first baseball caps as part of their official uniform— making history. Made of wool and had a round, flat top with a small brim. These caps were, of course, designed to keep the players' hair out of their faces and to protect their eyes from the sun.

It's worth noting that the Brooklyn Excelsiors eventually became the Brooklyn Dodgers, a professional team that won six World Series championships. The Brooklyn Dodgers were known for their iconic uniforms, paving the way for the classic blue and white baseball cap with a stylized "B" on the front.

1900s – 1980s

It wasn’t until 1901 that the Detroit Tigers became the first team to formally place logos on their baseball caps. This sparked a trend, and soon other teams followed suit, putting their logos on their caps.

In 1954, Harold Koch introduced a new hat style, which eventually became the iconic 59Fifty, manufactured by the New Era Cap Company as we know it today. The New Era hat had a fitted design and a rounded crown, with a small brim. This design became the standard for baseball hats, and New Era is still one of the most popular hat brands today and the official supplier for the MLB.

1980s - Today

During the 1980s & 90s, baseball hats became more than just a sports accessory— they became a fashion statement. People all over the world started wearing them as part of their everyday attire, and the popularity of the hats continued to grow. Soon, people began collecting hats to show their support for their favorite sports teams.

One person who contributed to the popularity of baseball hats during this time was Ken Griffey Jr. He famously became the first person to wear his baseball cap backward in public. However, Griffey wasn't trying to start a fashion trend. In fact, he just used to wear his dad's large hat that way as a kid. But, his unique style caught on, and soon other players and fans started wearing their hats backward as well. It became a symbol of coolness and rebellion, and even today, you can see people wearing their hats backward as a nod to this iconic trendsetter.

So, whether you wear your hat forwards, backward, or to the side, know that you’re part of a long history of baseball hat culture.

Baseball hats have a long and fascinating history, and it's amazing to see how they've evolved over time. Whether you're a young baseball or softball player looking to show your support for your team or just want a stylish accessory, baseball hats are a perfect choice.