I've already mentioned this before but can't help reiterating 2021 is a milestone year for this blog as it celebrates its 10th anniversary. Having the opportunity to do something I truly enjoy for a decade is a strong reminder of how very fortunate I have been during that time.
When I published my first post in August 2011, my passion for ballcap collecting had just been reignited after spending my first full year in New York City. Of course, I wore ballcaps when I was in the Bay Area but it wasn't an everyday thing like it is for me now.
My move here during the Giants historic postseason run in 2010 must have amplified my desire to flaunt my love for the Bay as well as connect with people from home. Thankfully, there was an East Village bar called Finnerty's where Bay Area ex-pats congregated and wearing a Giants hat was an easy way to spot each other as we enjoyed the spoils of New York while far from home.
Wearing my fresh Giants cap with the 2010 World Series patch while watching the series at Finnerty's was an incredible feeling that I'll never forget. Even the offseason was enjoyable (at least in relation to every other one I'd experienced until then) as I incessantly rewatched postseason clips in preparation for the 2011 season.
I entered a bit of a frenzy buying vintage Giants caps during that time and besides the World Series hats, the only new style cap that I purchased was the 2011 "Ring Ceremony" version which was worn by the world champions exactly ten years ago during a pre-game ceremony on April 9, 2011.
Doing this blog for so long means I've racked up lots of memories—both fond and otherwise—and this cap conjures up enough of the good kind to be this week's Fresh Fitted Friday selection. It also helps wash away the recent sting of bad experiences like the Dodgers winning the World Series in 2020 and their own "Ring Ceremony" which as it happens, takes place today.
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| I can't believe i'm throwing a birthday party for a ballcap but here we are! I don't wear this hat as often as the black and orange variety but it's great for a special occasion like commemorating this day in Giants history. The gold-drenched design is also perfect for cheering on the 49ers! |
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| The guts of this cap will be in direct contact with my head as I attempt to counteract the vibes given off by the (ugly) gold-trimmed celebration caps the Dodgers will wear as they are presented with their 2020 World Series rings before today's game. |
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| As of writing this, I don't know what the batterman will look like on tonight's Dodgers cap but even though blue and gold are objectively-speaking a better combo than orange and gold, I still prefer this cap! For some reason. |
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| You see kids, back in 2011 finding a New Era tag on a cap that reads "Made in U.S.A." wasn't such a rare feat like it is nowadays! |
I'll be fighting back salty tears as I switch between today's Giants and Dodgers games but I am feeling hopeful about San Francisco's chances this season. Their 3-3 record going into their home opener against the Colorado Rockies isn't too exciting but their series finale in San Diego resulted in a win which exactly the kind of energy you want to bring into your first home series.
As always, thanks for coming back to read about baseball hat geekery. I've got comments disabled here so if you'd like to discuss a trade or simply just chat about hats, please feel free to connect via the following social sites:
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Twitter: @FittedFriday
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