A baseball hat is a type of cap that has a firm peak projecting in the front and a rounded crown. It usually has a logo or design on the front. Baseball hats are worn both for practical reasons and for fashion reasons. They are a mandatory part of the baseball uniform. The back of the cap can either have an elastic, Velcro, or plastic adjuster, which allows for anyone to wear the hat and adjust it to fit their head. Alternatively, it can be fitted to the person’s head size.
Why They Help Performance
Baseball hats are part of the traditional baseball uniform. While they must be worn by all players, they do help performance. Mainly, they help keep the sun out of players’ eyes. This is extremely helpful when playing baseball, because the sun can distract a player from catching a fly ball. Manufacturing companies have also begun producing hats that are specially reinforced to help protect players from getting hit in the head by rogue balls. Hats can also absorb sweat, preventing it from getting in players’ eyes during the play.
What are They Made of?
Baseball hats are usually made of solid-color wool, although you can also find hats made from cotton or cotton-synthetic combinations. The visors include stiffening material, such as a plastic insert or buckram. On the inside of the hat, sweatbands are typically made from cotton, although they may also be made of thin leather. The logo on the front of the hat is usually embroidered into the fabric.
Washing and Care Instructions
Baseball hats are both practical and fashionable, but they can get dirty easily, especially if you wear them while you play sports and sweat into them. Before you do anything, check the tag on your hat for washing instructions. If there are none, you can use warm water with a mild laundry or dishwashing detergent. Avoid detergents that contain bleach because it may stain the fabric. Spot clean the exterior with a clean white cloth, and use shampoo to remove sweat stains on the inner brim. Let the hat air dry, but avoid placing it in direct sunlight to prevent aging and fading. To prevent staining, use a stain repellent, available at your local sporting goods store.
Who Makes Them?
New Era is the exclusive manufacturer of official on-field baseball hats worn by every Major League player. They also provide hats for the Korean Baseball Organization and all minor league affiliates of Major League teams. They are located in Buffalo, New York, and were founded by Ehrhardt Koch in 1920. New Era has over 1,500 employees worldwide.
Price Range
The cost of a baseball hat depends on whether the hat is an official Major League Baseball hat or not. Typically, official New Era hats cost around $40. You can find unofficial hats for much less, however. You can also find official hats online, on sites such as Amazon and eBay, for cheaper than in a retail store. Keep in mind, however, that you may have to pay shipping and customs costs, depending on where you live.
