A Brief History of Baseball Caps
From the early days of baseball, players experimented with various headgear before settling on the design we recognize today. It started in 1849 when the New York Knickerbockers donned straw hats to take the field, and since then tons of unique variations popped up over the decades. At Ebbets Field, our assortment of ballcaps takes inspiration from several heritage styles, all with their own special place in the history books.
The Six-Panel Wool Cap
This is the classic. The six-panel wool cap took over around the late 1950s and the whole baseball world agreed there was no more need to experiment. It’s got that iconic, gently curved brim, it’s made from sturdy and breathable wool, and it still holds up today. Basically, if you picture a baseball cap, this is it.
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The Eight-Panel Hat
Before the six-panel became the standard, the eight-panel hat was a popular choice. Loose and breathable, the look saw many evolutions itself after emerging around 1910 before slowly getting phased out after 1949. It was originally made from wool or flannel, and it has a relaxed fit that looks iconic without that more structured feel we’re used to now.
The Soft Brim
The soft-brim cap was all about comfort. Back then it was easy to stuff in your back pocket or customize the brim to your liking (look up an old picture of Babe Ruth or Jackie Robinson from the ‘40s and you’ll see what we mean). If you’re after some extra vintage charm, a soft-brim cap is where it’s at.
