I've been holding onto this 1927 Brooklyn Royal Giants retro cap that the New York Mets wore during Negro Leagues Tribute games from 2014 through 2016 and I'm ecstatic to finally break it out in recognition of Buck O’Neil, Bud Fowler, and Minnie Minoso being elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame this past Sunday, December 4.
In addition to that formidable trio of Negro League superstars getting their due in Cooperstown, another reason to showcase this cap today is to celebrate Human Rights Day which is observed on December 10 every year. Baseball's history has been marred by inequity every step of the way and it is important to take note of events like Sunday's that aim to correct those wrongs.
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| Unique hats with this colorway are a great option for non-Mets fans to wear at a Mets game in New York. Most people won't know or care about the logo is but it's all worth it when someone gives you props when they recognize it. |
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| That "Made in U.S.A." quality hits like no other! I acquired this cap around 2018 but have no idea exactly what year it's from so it would be greatly appreciated if someone could take a look at the sweatband tags and let me know in the comments of this week's Instagram post. |
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| Since 2017, all on-field caps have featured the New Era flag however its absence here means the most recent year this cap could have been worn was 2016. Historically these caps have also been exempt from the "MLB batterman" requirement however that might no longer be the case going forward because a year ago around this time it was decided that the Negro Leagues would henceforth be considered "Major Leagues". |
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| Many have said that the Mets predicted the 2014 World Series matchup between the Kansas City Royals and San Francisco Giants with their Brooklyn Royal Giants throwbacks on June 28, 2014 when they beat Gerrit Cole and the Pittsburgh Pirates, who wore Pittsburgh Crawfords uniforms. Another interesting fact there is "Crawford" is the maiden name of Cole's now-wife, Amy, whose brother is San Francisco Giants shortstop Brandon Crawford!!! |
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| Jacob DeGrom struck out six batters and walked none in 8 shutout innings while wearing the Brooklyn Royal Giants throwback on June 25, 2016 en route to beating the Atlanta Braves who donned the uniforms of the 1938 Atlanta Black Crackers. |
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| John Rieger/US PRESSWIRE |
I love my blue and orange Brooklyn Royal Giants cap but as a Giants fan, I need the black and orange version like the one Tim Lincecum is wearing in the photo above which was taken on June 22, 2008 in Kansas City with the Royals paying honor to the Kansas City Monarchs. The Giants lost that game and to my knowledge this was the only time this uniform was worn.
I'm not certain if any of those caps from 2008 were produced for public sale but even so, I'm not holding my breath that I'll find one now. My best bet is for Ebbets Field Flannels to retro this cap someday but now that the Negro Leagues have the designation of being "Major Leagues" I hope that doesn't stifle Ebbets' production of those caps.
This week's Fresh Fitted Friday selection is not going on the Trading Block however please don't hesitate to reach out if you want any other cap from that list and you are willing to part with any of the hats on my Wish List.
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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