Inside Label: 1933 Frankie Frisch All Star Game 'NL' Fitted Cap

Throughout its history, the game of baseball has reflected the state of American society. In 1933, the economic depression was still a paralyzing force on a defeated society. Americans took refuge in days out to the ballpark. Arch Ward, sports editor for the Chicago Tribune, saw the important impact that the game had on our society. Ward proposed the idea of an All Star baseball game to coincide with Chicago’s Century of Progress Exhibition.
On July 6, 1933 the holy grounds of Comiskey Park welcomed the best players from both the National and American Leagues for the first All Star Game. The American League players wore their team uniforms while the National League wore a customized hat and jersey, identifying their league. It would be the only All Star Game in which one team wore a uniform that identified their league instead of their team. The All Star Game became an annual event and is now known as the Mid Summer Classic.
The Bronx born Frankie Frisch played in the first All Star Game at Chicago’s Comiskey Park. Frisch was a member of the St. Louis Cardinals famous Gas House Gang. The Hall of Fame seconded baseman was the best of his time. Frisch played in 8 World Series during his career with both the New York Giants and St. Louis Cardinals. In 1937, after playing in just 17 games, Frisch called it quits. He finished his career with a .316 clip and just 120 hits shy of the holy hit number, 3000.
This uniquely styled navy wool, fitted hat is attributed to Frankie Frisch, of the St. Louis Cardinals. Frisch wore this hat during the 1933 All Star Game. This is a six panel hat constructed by the Spalding, Co. The front two panels hold the unique National League logo, NL, stitched in white thread while navy wool covers the metal button resting at the top of the hat. The under visor is lined in green cloth and the aged, sweatband is made of tanned leather. The Spalding, Co logo is stamped beautifully in silver on the rear of the hat, on the leather band. This rare, historical piece remains in the vaults at the National Baseball Hall of Fame Museum and Library.

Text: J.Wheeler

Mitchell & Ness Fall 2011 ABA 'Red/White/Blue Basketball' Fitted Caps

Mitchell & Ness is set to introduce their latest ABA (American Basketball Association) headwear collection for Fall 2011. This cap collection hopes to re-ignite ABA history to a whole new generation of sport consumers that might not know much about the league founded in 1967. To set it off, Mitchell & Ness brings out the official ABA Red/White/Blue Basketball fitted caps, offered in either solid Blue or Red wool with contrasting button and eyelets. The Red/White/Blue basketball was the main symbol of the ABA, established by the league's first commissioner George Mikan. The ball colors represented a more patriotic feel and easier visibility for fans watching in the stands or on TV. Another nice detail to these caps are the full embroidered red and white pin stripes on the undervisors. The stripes were inspired by the referee's uniform worn during games, which also sported the ball on the left chest. These ABA caps are due to release in September through Mitchell & Ness.com and very select retailers. Stay posted for more of the Mitchell & Ness Fall 2011 ABA cap collection.

Adapt "MISFIT" Snapback Cap

Adapt is out now with their latest Misfit snapback cap. Produced by Elm’s Reach division, the cap is made with cotton twill and features white MISFIT stitching across the front and the letters SF highlighted in orange. Additional hits include side embroidered logos, orange back closure and custom taping. The undervisor stays grounded with a nice slate grey. The cap is available now through Adapt online shop for $36.

Images: Adapt

GORETEX x CA4LA 2011 "Colorful Jungle" Bucket & 5-Panel Hats

Premier hat store, CA4LA Japan has connected with Goretex on a special "Colorful Jungle", outdoor hat collection for summer 11. These great pieces are made with Goretex's traditional breathable and waterproof shell then color blocked in fun color palettes. CA4LA offers either the classic bucket hat or 5-panel camper. Produced in limited quantities and only available at CA4LA stores in Japan.

Images: CA4LA

Sedgwick & Cedar 5-Panel Heather Chambray Hat

Based in New York, Sedgwick & Cedar is a brand rooted in paying homage to the birth place & roots of the Hip-Hop movement. Below is S&C's new 5-Panel Chambray hat debuting this August as part of the brand's first headwear collection for Fall/Holiday 2011. The hat features a black felt label with S&C Owl logo stitched on a classic heather grey, chambray fabric. The hat will be available through Sedgwick & Cedar online plus official dealers.

Image: Sidgwick & Cedar

RichWierdo "Everything Else is Regular" Snapback Cap @ Arth

Independent apparel brand, RichWierdo, strives to be different with their latest "Evrythng Else Is Rglr" snapback cap. This is a solid, six panel cap made in cotton twill with plastic backstrap. Upon close inspection you will notice the spelling is a bit odd, in a block letter font. The visor is decked out in a full-color sublimation print of a nice tropical scene and RichWeirdo's icon embroidered on the back. This piece retails for $40 at Arth stores plus directly through RichWierdo's online site, which also offers red or black crowns. Enjoy the summer, have fun and be different, cause everything else is regular!

Text: J.Villarin / Image: Arth