A baseball cap is a soft, rounded hat with a stiff brim in the front. It was originally made for baseball players to help block the sun from their eyes during games.
The first version of the baseball cap appeared in 1849, when the New York Knickerbockers wore simple straw hats while playing.
Then, in 1860, the Brooklyn Excelsiors introduced a new look—a cap with a rounded crown and a longer visor. That design became the starting point for the modern baseball cap we see today.
But that was just the beginning. The history of baseball caps has a lot more twists than you might expect.
1800s: The Origin of Baseball Hats
Back in the 1800s, baseball was starting to grow, but players didn’t have special hats made just for the game. They either wore hats they already owned or didn’t wear one at all.
Soon enough, players realized it was tough to catch a ball when the sun was in their eyes. So, wearing a hat just made sense!
From the 1840s to the 1870s, baseball players wore all kinds of hats, including boating caps, jockey caps, and even bicycle hats. There was no official style yet, so players just chose whatever worked best. This detail was shared by William Arlt, president of the Cooperstown Ball Cap Co., in a 1999 article by the Christian Science Monitor.
According to Major League Baseball (MLB), the New York Knickerbockers were the first team to wear straw hats on the field in 1849. These hats didn’t look like modern baseball caps, but they helped protect players from the sun. There were no team colors or logos. The hats were plain, but they did the job.
Early photo of the New York Knickerbockers, one of the first organized baseball teams (1858), seen wearing straw hats. Image source: 19cbaseball.com
This moment is often seen as the origin of baseball hats, and it marked the first step toward the classic cap we know today.
1860: The Brooklyn Excelsiors Introduce a New Cap Style
Wikipedia notes that the Brooklyn Excelsiors wore a new type of cap in 1860 that resembled the modern baseball cap. This version had a rounded crown and a longer, sturdier brim.
It gave players better sun protection and stayed on more securely during games. Other teams liked the look and started copying it. Over time, this new design evolved into the classic baseball cap we recognize now.
This was a key step in the history of baseball caps and helped shape what would become standard gear in the sport.
Late 1800s: The Rise of the Pillbox Cap
A Christian Science Monitor article also noted that in the 1870s, baseball players started wearing a new style of hat called the pillbox cap. It had a flat top and straight sides, which made it look quite different from the baseball caps we see today.
This look really caught on in the 1880s, and several teams began wearing them. The pillbox cap stayed around for years. In fact, it even made a comeback in 1976 when five teams wore them to mark America’s 200th birthday.
Though no longer in use today, the pillbox cap remains an important part of the history of wearing hats in baseball, showing how styles have changed with each era.
1920: The New Era Cap Company Is Born
A major moment in the history of baseball caps happened in 1920 when Ehrhardt Koch, a 37-year-old with years of hat-making experience, started the New Era Cap company in Buffalo, New York.
He wanted to create better-quality caps, so he borrowed money from his sister and got to work. According to New Era’s official history, the company made about 60,000 Gatsby-style caps in its first year.
That small start grew into one of the most well-known cap brands in the world. This moment is also part of the larger history of hats, where skilled craftsmanship led to hats becoming not just functional but also stylish.
1934: The New Era Made Its First Official Team Cap
In 1934, New Era created its first official Major League Baseball team cap for the Cleveland Indians. This cap had a structured front and a green-tinted underside on the brim.
Early 1930s New Era collage featuring a Reds-style baseball cap and the original workshop where the company began making official MLB team hats. Image courtesy of New Era Cap Company.
By 1950, New Era had become the only independent company making caps for MLB teams. They supplied hats to teams like the Brooklyn Dodgers, Detroit Tigers, Cincinnati Reds, and Cleveland Indians—helping New Era become the go-to name for baseball caps.
1954: The Famous 59FIFTY Cap Debuts
In 1954, New Era introduced the 59FIFTY fitted cap. This cap didn’t have an adjustable strap.
It came in specific sizes and fit snugly on the head. It had a structured, 6-panel design and a flat brim, giving it a clean and professional look.
Players and fans loved it, and the 59FIFTY quickly became a classic. Even today, it’s one of the most popular caps in the world and a standout in the history of baseball hats.
1980s-1990s: Baseball Caps Become a Trend
In the 1980s, New Era began making caps for college teams, minor leagues, and even international baseball teams. They also started selling caps directly to fans, which helped turn the baseball cap into a fashion staple.
Around this time, the 5-panel cap gained popularity, especially among skateboarders and streetwear fans. In 1993, New Era became the exclusive on-field cap supplier for Major League Baseball, according to the company’s official website..
In 1996, filmmaker Spike Lee asked for a custom red New York Yankees cap. That request brought baseball caps into fashion and started a new chapter in the evolution of hats in pop culture.
Baseball Caps in the 21st Century
Ever wonder why baseball caps became so popular?
In the 2000s and beyond, caps moved far beyond the ballfield. They became a regular part of streetwear, casual outfits, and even high fashion.
People wear them not just for sports but to show off their personal style, support a team, hide a bad hair day, or just feel comfortable. Caps started showing up in music videos, fashion shows, and celebrity outfits.
Big brands like New Era began teaming up with artists and designers to create limited-edition styles that people lined up to buy.
Today, the baseball cap is one of the most common and recognizable pieces of hats you’ll see around the world.
Popular Types of Baseball Caps Today
Baseball hats come in several popular styles. Here’s a quick rundown of the most common ones:
1. Snapback Caps
These feature a flat bill and a plastic strap on the back that snaps into place, allowing you to adjust the fit. The front is stiff, which gives the hat a straight, defined look. People often wear them with casual outfits and urban fashion.
2. Fitted Caps
Fitted caps come in specific sizes and do not have an adjustable strap. They give a clean, seamless look that many athletes and fans prefer. Pick the right size, and the fit is snug and professional.
3. Dad Hats
These have a soft, unstructured crown and a gently curved brim. They are usually made of cotton and have a relaxed, worn-in look. A cloth strap with a small buckle or slide lets you adjust the size.
4. Trucker Caps
Trucker caps feature a foam front panel and a mesh back for airflow. They usually have a snap closure and are great for hot weather. They have a retro, outdoorsy style that stays popular.
5. Flexfit Caps
Flexfit caps have an elastic band inside so the hat stretches to fit various head sizes. They look like fitted caps but offer more give and comfort. Athletes and active users like them for a snug, flexible fit.
These styles show how baseball caps have become one of the most versatile types of hats in modern fashion.
Final Thoughts on the History of Baseball Caps
Baseball caps have quietly become a part of everyday life. In the U.S. alone, around 400 million baseball caps are sold each year. That’s nearly 80 percent of the global hat market, according to Cognitive Market Research.
What started as a way to block the sun during a baseball game has become a symbol of style, identity, and comfort. Whether you’re into snapbacks, fitted caps, dad hats, or truckers, there’s a baseball cap out there for everyone.
It’s no longer just a sports accessory—it’s part of the bigger history of hats and a timeless fashion piece.
FAQs About Baseball Caps
Who invented the baseball cap?
The baseball cap doesn’t have one inventor. It first appeared in 1849 when the New York Knickerbockers wore straw hats during games.
The design later evolved, especially in 1860 when the Brooklyn Excelsiors introduced a style closer to the modern cap.
Why was the baseball cap invented?
The baseball cap was invented to help players block the sun from their eyes during games. It started as a practical part of the uniform to improve visibility and focus on the field.
What kind of caps do MLB players wear today?
MLB players wear fitted 59FIFTY caps made by New Era, the league’s official cap supplier.
What does a baseball cap symbolize?
A baseball cap often symbolizes team support, personal style, and even cultural trends. People wear it for comfort, self-expression, and a sense of identity.
