Inside Label: 1932 Babe Ruth Game Worn Cap

Emotions flared prior to the start of the 1932 World Series between the Chicago Cubs of the National League and the New York Yankees of the American League. The iconic Babe Ruth verbally made comments to the press about the Cubs management and their poor treatment of Mark Koenig, Ruth’s former teammate and current Cubs shortstop. This angered the Cubs and their loyal fans. The intensity streamed onto the field, but it would be a short, yet notable World Series, with one of the games most significant acts occurring in Game three at Wrigley Field in Chicago.
In the first inning of the third game, Babe Ruth launched a three run home run. He was greeted with the hostile words of the Wrigley faithful. The unforgiving roars arose again when Ruth strolled toward the left handed batters box in the top of the fifth inning. The great Bambino worked himself into a two ball, two strike count as he calmly fought off the loud jeering which rained on him from both the fans and the players along the top step of the Cubs dugout. Before Ruth stepped in to face Charlie Root, he made a gesture which silenced the crowd and left an indelible footnote within the history of the game and its unique folk lore. Ruth firmly raised his hand, pointing toward centerfield. His gesture was bold, for he was marking the spot in which he would hit the next pitch. Ruth took Charlie Roots next pitch to that exact location, giving the Yankees the lead. The crowed remained silent and the Yankees went on to sweep the series. History has noted this chapter as “the called shot.”
This beautiful, six panel navy wool crafted hat was featured by Robert Edward Auctions in 2009. The front two panels feature the timeless interlocking NY logo. This historic logo was adopted by the Yankees in 1909. Its origins trace back from a medal, which displayed the logo, presented to the first New York City police officer injured in the line of duty. The logo is embroidered in white thread and shows significant wear. The panels are locked together through a white thread, single needle stitch pattern. The eyelets are covered in a toned brown thread, while the top metal button is not present on the top of the crown. The brim of the cap uses a thick cardstock like substance. It is wrapped in blue wool and shows tremendous cracking and wear. The under brim is lined in a soft green cloth while leather wraps the lower inner surface of the hat. The leather is worn and cracked but posses an ageless quality that is significant in the historical makeup of headwear. The most distinctive piece of this hat is situated on the inner rear of the hat. A hand cut, tonal piece of canvas is stitched into the back of the hat. On the canvas is a faded, black stamping noting the bearer of the piece, B. RUTH. This cap has been tipped several times by the hands of Babe Ruth, saluting his faithful supporters after blasting one of his many home runs.
Ruth succumbed to complications caused by cancer on August 16, 1948. The indelible legacy, in which he so gracefully left upon the game, has been passed on from generation to generation. George Herman Ruth, the Babe, the Sultan of Swat, will forever remain the most notable figure in the history of baseball.

Images: Robert Edward Auctions  /   Text: J.Wheeler

Inside Label: Tim McAuliffe, Sandy Koufax Brooklyn Dodgers Unique Mesh Fitted Cap

On October 4, 1955, the Brooklyn Dodgers defeated the New York Yankees in the seventh game of the World Series. It would be the first and only World Series title seen by the Dodger faithful within the Brooklyn borrows. The memorable season penned by the Brooklyn Dodgers overshadowed the importance of the youthful potential of Sandy Koufax, the Dodgers left handed throwing bonus baby. A Brooklyn native and a college student, Sandy Koufax inked his first professional contract at the age of eighteen. Koufax would win two games for the 1955 Dodgers but his dominance within the game would begin during his years in Los Angeles.

The Dodgers moved to Los Angeles after the 1957 season. Koufax would help the Dodgers win the 1959 World Series as they played their home games at the Los Angeles Coliseum. As baseball moved through the expansion decade, Koufax dominated the National League by throwing four perfect games in the span of four seasons. The last of his no-hitters was a perfect game.

Koufax’s presence within the game of baseball also served as an influence within the social binds of America. Koufax, who is of the Jewish faith, elected not to pitch the first game of the 1965 World Series due to it falling on Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the year for those of the Jewish belief. Despite his absence in game one, Koufax pitched a three hit shutout in game seven on just two days rest. His gutsy performance helped the Dodgers win the World Series. It would be the fourth and final World Series title won by Koufax.

In 1966, Koufax won 27 games and helped the Dodgers win the pennant. However, it would be the constant pain in his arm that would cause him to retire after the 1966 season at the age of 30. Five years later Koufax would be enshrined into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

This uniquely styled royal mesh fitted hat was worn by Sandy Koufax at the beginning of his career with the Brooklyn Dodgers. The hat was constructed by Boston's Tim McAuliffe Cap Company, whose tag is stitched into the headband. The stylized Brooklyn B crosses the front two panels of the hat. The white threaded B is directly embroidered onto the mesh material. The under-visor is lined in green cloth. Koufax’s retired number 32 is etched in black ink atop the green cloth. A royal covered metal button rests at the top of the crown. This rare, historical piece is currently being auctioned off by Robert Edwards Auctions.

Images: Robert Edwards Auctions
Text: J.Wheeler

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.