Inside Label: Ray Schalk's Chicago White Sox, 1917 6-Panel Wool Cap

After holding a post of neutrality in the early stages of World War I, the United States of America issued a declaration of war against Germany on the date of April 6, 1917. Four million troops volunteered their services, bolstering the Allies’ campaign against German forces on the European front.
With baseball posing as the nations patriotic past time, many teams began showing their loyalty to the wages of war declared by President Wilson. Drill sergeants were assigned to every American League team and would conduct daily military drills with the players prior to the start of the game. War charity exhibition games were held throughout the season, pinning several inter-league match ups. Uniforms were decorated with felt patches that depicting the American flag or its imposing colors. The program for the annual fall classic featured an illustration of President Wilson tossing a baseball above a powerful image of the nations’ flag. However, the most striking piece was worn at home by the Chicago White Sox during the 1917 World Series against the New York Giants.
The White Sox toiled the earth of Comiskey Park in an off white wool style jersey. White stars were hand cut within the Sox chest logo as red, white and blue braid trimmed the uniform top. The stirrup hose and hat also displayed the majestic colors of the American flag. The patriotic clad White Sox defeated the New York Giants in 6 games. The bats of Eddie Collins and Joe Jackson paved a tremendous offensive attack while Red Farber won three games, completing two. 
This rare six panel cream wool cap was worn by Ray Schalk, the White Sox Hall of Fame catcher, during the 1917 World Series. The brim of the cap is wrapped in navy wool and is applied through the use of white thread. A navy button rest at the top of the caps crown with streaks of navy and scarlet cord edge pealing down the panel edges. Cream stitched eyelets are punched through the hats panels and a tan leather ban wraps around the inside of the cap. This unique piece of baseball and American history rests within the Baseball Museum in Cooperstown, New York.