A baseball cap is a soft, rounded hat with a stiff brim in the front. It was first designed for baseball players to shield their eyes from the sun while playing.
The earliest version appeared in 1849, when the New York Knickerbockers wore simple straw hats during games.
Just over a decade later, in 1860, the Brooklyn Excelsiors introduced a rounded crown with a longer visor—a style that became the foundation of the modern baseball cap.
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
In the 1800s, baseball was still new, and there were no special hats for the game. Players wore the hats they already owned, or sometimes they didn’t wear one at all.
Soon, they realized the sun made it hard to see the ball. A hat was a simple way to fix that problem.
From the 1840s to the 1870s, players used many different kinds of hats, such as boating caps, jockey caps, and even bicycle hats. There was no standard style, so players just wore what worked best. William Arlt, president of the Cooperstown Ball Cap Co., explained this in a 1999 article in the Christian Science Monitor.
Major League Baseball (MLB) notes that the New York Knickerbockers were the first team to wear straw hats on the field in 1849. These hats were plain and had no logos or team colors, but they gave players some protection from the sun.
Early photo of the New York Knickerbockers, one of the first organized baseball teams (1858), seen wearing straw hats. Image source: 19cbaseball.com
This is often seen as the starting point of baseball hats and the first step toward the classic cap we know today.
1860: The Brooklyn Excelsiors Introduce a New Cap Style
According to Wikipedia, the Brooklyn Excelsiors wore a new type of cap in 1860 that looked much closer to the modern baseball cap. It had a rounded crown and a longer, sturdier brim.
The new design gave players better protection from the sun and stayed on more securely during games. Other teams liked it and started copying the style. Over time, this design developed into the classic baseball cap we know today.
An early example of this style can be seen in a photo of Harry Wright from 1863.
Harry Wright in 1863, wearing an early version of the baseball cap. His cap shows the rounded crown and visor style that became common in the 1860s. Image: Public Domain (Wikimedia Commons)
This was a significant milestone in the history of baseball caps, helping to establish the standard for what players would wear on the field.
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 very different from the baseball caps we know today.
The style became popular in the 1880s, and many teams began wearing them. The pillbox cap stayed in use for several years and even made a comeback in 1976, when five teams wore them to celebrate America’s 200th birthday.
Although pillbox caps are no longer worn today, they remain an important part of baseball hat history. They show how hat styles have changed over time and reflect the evolution of the sport’s uniforms.
1920: The New Era Cap Company Is Born
In 1920, Ehrhardt Koch, a 37-year-old hat maker, started the New Era Cap Company in Buffalo, New York. He had years of experience making hats and wanted to create better-quality caps.
Koch borrowed some money from his sister and began his work. In its first year, the company made around 60,000 Gatsby-style caps, according to New Era’s official history.
This small beginning grew into one of the most well-known cap brands in the world. It also shows how skilled craftsmanship helped hats become not just useful, but also stylish.
1934: The New Era Made Its First Official Team Cap
In 1934, New Era made 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. This helped New Era become the most trusted name for baseball caps.
1954: The Famous 59FIFTY Cap Debuts
In 1954, New Era introduced the 59FIFTY fitted cap. Unlike adjustable caps, it came in specific sizes and fit snugly on the head.
The cap had a structured six-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 remains one of the most popular caps in the world and a key part of baseball hat history.
1980s-1990s: Baseball Caps Become a Trend
In the 1980s, New Era started making caps for college teams, minor leagues, and even international baseball teams. They also began selling caps directly to fans, which helped make the baseball cap a popular fashion item.
During this time, the 5-panel cap became popular, especially among skateboarders and streetwear fans. In 1993, New Era became the exclusive on-field cap supplier for Major League Baseball.
In 1996, filmmaker Spike Lee requested a custom red New York Yankees cap. His request helped bring baseball caps into mainstream fashion and marked a new chapter in the role of hats in pop culture.
Baseball Caps in the 21st Century
In the 2000s and beyond, baseball caps moved far beyond the baseball field. They became a regular part of streetwear, casual outfits, and even high fashion.
People wear caps for many reasons—not just for sports, but to show personal style, support a team, cover a bad hair day, or simply feel comfortable. Caps started appearing in music videos, fashion shows, and on celebrities.
By this time, even organizations outside of sports began adopting them. For example, the U.S. Navy made baseball-style command caps part of their working uniforms. This showed how deeply the cap had become part of everyday life.
U.S. Navy commander on USS Russell in 2004, wearing a baseball-style command cap. By the 21st century, caps had even become part of military uniforms.
Big brands like New Era began working with artists and designers to create limited-edition caps that fans eagerly lined up to buy. Today, the baseball cap is one of the most common and recognizable types of hats around the world.
Popular Types of Baseball Caps Today
Baseball hats come in several popular styles. Here’s a quick look at the most common ones:
1. Snapback Caps
Snapbacks have a flat bill and a plastic strap at the back that snaps into place, so you can adjust the fit. The front is stiff, giving the hat a straight, clean look. They are often worn 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 smooth, seamless look that many athletes and fans prefer. Pick the right size, and the fit is snug and professional.
3. Dad Hats
Dad hats have a soft, unstructured crown and a gently curved brim. Usually made of cotton, they have a relaxed, worn-in feel. A cloth strap with a small buckle or slide lets you adjust the size.
4. Trucker Caps
Trucker caps have a foam front panel and a mesh back for airflow. They usually feature a snap closure and are ideal for hot weather. Their retro, outdoorsy style has kept them popular over the years.
5. Flexfit Caps
Flexfit caps have an elastic band inside, so the hat stretches to fit different head sizes. They look like fitted caps but offer more comfort and flexibility. Athletes and active users often choose 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 are now a part of everyday life. In the U.S. alone, about 400 million are sold each year, making up nearly 80 percent of the global hat market, according to Cognitive Market Research.
What began as a way to block the sun during a game has grown into a symbol of style, comfort, and personal identity. From snapbacks and fitted caps to dad hats and trucker hats, there’s a cap for everyone.
Today, baseball caps are more than just sports gear—they are part of hat history and a timeless fashion piece.
FAQs About Baseball Caps
Who invented the baseball cap?
The baseball cap doesn’t have a single inventor. It first appeared in 1849 when the New York Knickerbockers wore straw hats during games.
The design evolved, especially in 1860 when the Brooklyn Excelsiors introduced a style closer to the modern cap.
Why was the baseball cap invented?
It 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 represents team support, personal style, and cultural trends. People wear it for comfort, self-expression, and a sense of identity.
