2017 On-Field Cap of the Year

It's that time again.

The Houston Astros have defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series. While MLB has given out its various awards to

rookies and managers, I'm awarding my annual "Cap of the Year".

Last year's recipients were the Pittsburgh Pirates (regular on-field) cap and the Tampa Bay Rays (Specialty cap) for their tribute to the victims of the June 12, 2017 shooting at the Pulse nightclub.

And this year's winners are:

For MLB, its New Era's 5950.




Why?

Well, because of the New Era  flag on the side for the first year ever.

This is a polarizing move, similar to that of Colin Kapernick.  Love it or hate it, this is an evolution of the on-field cap equivalent of the 2007 switch from wool to polyester.

In the MLB Specialty Category, the award goes to the 2017 Stars and Stripes Series caps.

I loved the 2008 version (First year of series and was all blue) of Stars and Stripes, but the concept has become stale since then.  This year's version was both refreshing and  patriotic.

The detail on the inside and underbrim of this year's version was exemplary.  USA made versions were very hard to find, but low crown models were readily available

Runner up in this category goes to..

 Baltimore Orioles for their "All Maryland Day" cap worn on May 20, 2017.  USA models were impossible to find, but I thought the concept was great.

As for the Minor League Regular Rotation Cap of the Year, the winner is:

Scranton/Wilkes- Barre Railriders "Baby Bombers" cap. 

Why the "Baby Bombers?"  This cap was wildly popular because of Aaron Judge, Clint Frazier, and Gary Sanchez all helping the parent club New York Yankees in the 2016 season after they spent most of the season at Triple "A" SWB.  The "Baby Bombers" was worn on every Sunday home game for the 2017 season.

As for MILB Specialty Cap Category:

The winner is the Corpus Christ Hooks.

Worn on May25-27 by the Corpus Christi Hooks to celebrate Day of the Dead.

The Mexican holiday, Dia de los Muerta, typically falls on October 31 and November 2.

I want to point out that I had no difficulty finding a USA made model of this cap.

Notice the traditional "CC" logo on the forehead?


Runners up in the MILB Specialty category:

Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs Fauxback.

I have to give a lot of credit to the IronPigs for this cap.

Based upon the 1976 Season when the Phillies won one hundred games for the first time ever, the story behind this fauxback is that the Pigs "fed" the Phillies success in 1976.

And the Harrisburg Senators for their Christmas in July promotion that included this awesome cap.

If you haven't noticed, the Senators have a Director of Merchandise (Ann Marie) who really understands the importance of putting a quality product in the hands of the customers.

Ann Marie spends a lot of time talking to the fanatics and asking for their input.  If I was awarding a merchandise director of the year, she would win hands down.

The idea and design for the "Christmas in July" cap came from Anthony Collicchio.  Great idea!