Inside Label: Pre- 20th Century "HOMERUN" Woven Straw Hat

One must look deep inside the game of baseball when tracing the influence of head wear within American culture. Baseball has been a fixture within the early roots of Americana and head wear, dating its birth several years prior to the country’s Centennial year.
The cap always served as a piece within the make-up of a team’s uniform. It is clearly evident how baseball helped stylize the socially appropriate head garment within American society. Templates of baseball caps were seen within the units of the Union Army during the Civil War.
Prior to the 20^th century teams played in several cap variations. One of the more notable styles has been noted as the pill box cap. These caps were boxed off wool and had felt lettering or stripes applied to the crown. Many teams revived this style in the late 1970’s, the most notable being the Pittsburgh Pirates.
At the turn of the century, teams began wearing low profiled, short brim caps with embroidered thread, as appose to cut felt. As the game evolved, so did the hat. Currently the style seen at the professional level has set the trend of modern day head wear. Many designs, colors and logos are embroidered onto a fitted cap, the same style worn within the game of baseball. There are not many remnants of baseball head wear which date prior to the 20^th century. Those which are found tend to have failed the test of time, showing signs of age and exhibiting many blemishes.
This photographed piece, which serves as a notation of baseball, is a rare example of pre 20^th century head wear. This hat is uniquely constructed and sits in pristine condition, showing limited signs of age or flaws. The cap is constructed of two styles of tightly woven straw, one being dyed in color. The straw runs both vertically and horizontally throughout the entire cap. A button sits atop the cap as the straw weaves its way above and around. The rear of the cap certainly predates the snap back style but depicts an interesting fascine design. A straw roped cord is shaped into a tight loop. It was designed to fascine to a button which sits on the opposite side (photo unavailable). The under visor and band are wrapped in either a soft canvass or leather, it is connected, through a single needle stitch, to the outer lining of the cap. A satin band runs across the front of the hat and is secured through two metal eyelets on both sides as well as being tucked under the band. Sublimated onto the band are a baseball theme image and term, tracing this significantly rare piece to baseball. This piece was auctioned off by Robert Edwards in 2006.

Image: Robert Edwards  /  Text: J. Wheeler

Inside Label: 1962 MLB All-Star Game Straw Hat

Baseball is a game which thrives in the twilight of summer. It is a game which reflects the valued traits of American patriotism. It is a game which has stood the test of time, finding an everlasting foothold within the heart’s and mind’s of American society. Nothing displays its importance more than the All Star Game, baseball’s mid-summer classic.
The first All Star contest was held in 1933 at Comiskey Park on Chicago’s south side. It was originally formatted to coincide with the World’s Fair Exposition. However, it served as a short form of relief from the depressing economic collapse which suffocated the 1930’s. The great Babe Ruth left his mark on the mid-summer classic by hitting its first home run. The All-Star Game has been an annual event since that sunny summer afternoon in Chicago, pausing only for World War II.
The 1962 All Star Game was held in the nation’s capital. It was the first of two All Star games that would be played out that year in order to boost interest. President John F. Kennedy sat in attendance and threw out the ceremonial first pitch. The game was dominated by pitching but won by speed on the base paths. Maury Wills, shortstop for the Los Angeles Dodgers, scored the first run of the game after stealing second base. He again used his speed in the eighth inning to pad the National Leagues’ lead. The game ended with the National winning by a score of 3-1. The incredible instincts and speed of Wills on the base paths earned him MVP honors. It would be the first time this award was presented at the All Star Game.
This woven style straw hat is currently being featured by Hunt Auctions in their July auction. Stitched, in a single needle style, on the outer crown is a cream satin band. Screen printed on the band in scarlet type is, 1962 All Star Game. A multi-colored feather accents the side of the straw hat as it lies over the cream satin band. Further research has determined that this style of hat was worn by members of the press. This unique piece is a depiction of the importance the All Star Game has within American society.

Image: Hunt Auctions

Summertime Straw Hats @ UrbanExcess.com

UrbanExcess has stocked up on plenty of new Straw Hats for summertime action. If you don't own a straw piece, now is the time to consider this option. Whether keeping cool or changing up your steez, a Straw Hat is a definite, must-have, at least one for the collection. UrbanExcess has you covered with a huge selection of straw hats ranging from Trilbys, Bowlers, Porkpies, vented Cowboy hats, and classic staples from well-known brands such as Brixton, Goorin, Bailey, and UE Branded options. Below, I've highlighted just a few of my favorites but head over to UE to see the full range of straw hats. Note: UrbanExcess ships worldwide.
Oxford Trilby Straw Hat

Classic Trilby Festival Straw Hat

Brixton Pack Straw Bowler Hat

Goorin Women's Hammond Straw Hat

Images: UrbanExcess.com

Rag & Bone Liberty Straw Fedora Hat

Since launching their accessories line back in 2007, Rag & Bone continues to release top-quailty headwear pieces that compliment their already distinct and tailored apparel collections. Below is R&B's Liberty Straw Hat for Summer 2010 that was introduced a few months back.  The hat is weaved with sisal straw, rocking a heavy pinched crown and chambray band. This piece is made in the USA and can be found at both their downtown NYC flagship boutiques plus better department stores like Saks.

Image: Saks.com

Inside Label: Bobby Jones 1920's Straw Hat

During the month of June, the age old game of golf is played out in a major tournament known as the U.S. Open. One can trace the origins of the tournament to Bobby Jones, the eye of the golfing world during the roaring 1920’s. Jones was the Babe Ruth of the game of golf, winning the U.S. Open a total of four times within seven years.
Jones was slated as an amateur throughout his entire career, only playing golf as a part-time hobby. In 1930, in his final year of competition, the twenty-eight year old Jones mastered the links of all four major tournaments, the U.S. Open, the U.S. Amateur, the British Open and the British Amateur. This remarkable feat is marveled as one of the greatest accomplishments within American sports.
After removing himself from the spotlight, Jones began making instructional golf videos. His masterful approach served as an influence to the future of the game. Jones was the lead architect behind the course at Augusta National. Jones also founded the illustrious tournament which is played out each year on his course. This tournament is none other than the Masters. After founding the event, and designing the layout of its course, Jones played in it until his health prohibited him from shooting a round of golf.
This woven, pork pie style straw hat was featured by Robert Edward Auctions in their May of 2010 auction. The hat can be traced to the 1920’s, the era in which Jones dominated the links. The outer crown surface is wrapped in a silk like black band. The interior is lined in a brown leather band. Atop the inner crown rests several bold stampings, thus which includes the manufacturer, American Fashion Hats, as well as their associated union. The hat is sized at 6 ¾ and has Jones’ autograph on the outer crown in blue ink. This is a significant historical piece that has preserved the legacy of golfing great, Bobby Jones.

Images: Robert Edward Auctions

Arth 'Knot' Straw Fedora Hats

ARTH introduces their 'Knot' Straw Fedrora Hats for the summer. These great, lightweight, hats will have you covered from sun rays plus get some heads talking. The attractive, raw-silk, hat bands jump off the straw crowns with good color contrast and height. Arth's Orange County store now has the Knots for $130.

Image: ARTH