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.