When you think of baseball caps, what comes to mind? When first used, the original baseball caps could be seen on the heads of – you guessed it – baseball players. They were there to shield the players’ eyes from the sun. Before long, however, everyone from politicians to advertisers would adopt these hats and apply messages to them in the form of sayings, team logos, and more. Celebrities trying to stay incognito and musicians wishing to make a statement would add to the popularity of the baseball cap.
But where did these caps truly originate? Let's take a look, albeit briefly, at the history of the baseball cap.
Though it can vary slightly, a basic baseball cap has a stiff bill with a rounded crown. Typically, a logo or design is featured on the cap’s front. On the back, a closure (making the hat adjustable) may be found. This can include a tri-glide slide, Velcro strap, or prong-in-a-hole plastic strap. They may even have elastic. More specifically suited for the wearer's head, however, some baseball caps are fitted. This was the style of the original baseball cap.
Since first appearing in the 1860s, only subtle changes have been made to baseball caps. Today, there are trucker hats, dad hats, and more. Whereas it started out as a uniform staple with a job to do, it has morphed into more of a fashion accessory today.
The rounded-top, modern version of the baseball cap was originally preceded by one worn in 1860, by the Brooklyn Excelsiors. The hat featured a button on top and a long peak. By 1900, the "Brooklyn style" hat was a favorite. To shield a baseball player's eyes from the sun, the bill extended out slightly. This is also referred to as a brim. In the baseball cap’s earlier days, the peak, brim, or bill was much shorter than today.
Inside the hat, a stiffening material made from latex rubber would be used in the 1940s. This signified the birth of the modern baseball cap. Compared to the 19th and 20th century floppy caps, today's baseball caps are far more structured.
Today, official team colors and logos appear on different styles of baseball caps. So standard is the wearing of a baseball cap by a baseball player that MLB pitchers are now allowed to wear specially reinforced baseball caps. This was approved for the 2014 season and beyond. The whole point of the reinforcement is to deter line drives from severely injuring pitchers’ heads.
A variation of the baseball cap – the trucker hat – got its start in the early 1980s. To rural workers such as farmers and truck drivers, these hats were given for free by farming supply and feed companies. The raised, high front was perfect for advertising logos. Also distinguishing these caps is their mesh fabric and snapback closure.
Hat Heaven carries baseball caps for adults and children, men and women, sports fans and non-sports fans. We've got practically every color under the sun and feature sports logos of numerous teams. If a cartoon character or catchy saying is preferred over a sports logo, we've got you covered there as well.
See for yourself what Hat Heaven has to offer.
