Sometimes I get so fixated on the past that I forget to mail order from the present. A quick web check on one of my favorite contemporary brands, Cooperstown Ball Cap Co., produced this depressing news:
Regrettably, after twenty-three years of making fine historic replica ball caps, Cooperstown Ball Cap Company has discontinued operations. Commercial, financial and legal difficulties; and the complexity of sewing one-of-a-kind caps in the U.S, make this decision inevitable. We thank all our customers for whom, over the years, we have been pleased to make a true vintage ball cap.
For reference, Cooperstown Ball Cap Co. manufactured custom caps for historical teams and individuals. One could order a cap in any historical style or in any combination of styles, logos or colors. The illustrated Cooperstown catalogs featured examples of nearly every known historical baseball team including company teams, military teams and even a hat from the Eastern Washington Hospital for the Mentally Insane. All caps were handmade from 13 oz. athletic flannel, horsehide leather bands and highest grade peak stiffeners. Whenever possible, caps were sewn on original machines in Cooperstown, NY.
For reference, I’m reprinting a few pages from two of my 1990s era catalogs. At some point, the company moved to an online ordering format. But I always loved the colorful illustrations, hand scripted captions, arcane keycode system and personal notations of these early catalogs.
I share your sadness at the loss of such an encyclopedic and historic resource. It is with great anticipation that I await the relaunch of a revised Cooperstown Ball Cap Co. in a few months. From what I understand, the closure was precipitated by an unresolved licensing negotiation with Major League Baseball, which will not impact the far more interesting amateur and other obscure designs.
Great to hear that there might be an archival revival of Cooperstown Ball Cap Co. Keep me posted if you have any more relaunch news.
Yes, please! I’ll be happy to do my part and buy a few hats, for me, for friends, Whee! They look lovely. Honest.
Yes, please! I’ll be happy to do my part and buy a few hats, for me, for friends, Whee! They look lovely. Honest.
another great post. you never disappoint
Lesli,
Will and his team are still making caps (I just got notice that my six Seattle Crows caps shipped on Friday), but nothing from the major leagues as I understand it.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/pguillam/3779045447/
Last year he outfitter our whole sandlot team with 60 made to order lids, extending my collection which I started in 1991 while in Cooperstown. They make a remarkable product, and I hope they can get back to doing what they do.
Frank
So nice to find a blog that is not about shabby chic homestyling.
Your blog is different and fun.
Cinna
In the mean time, are you familiar with Ebbets Field Flannels? Not as extensive as Cooperstown, or as customizable, but a quality product nonetheless.
I just found out that there is an interim “secret” website where you can order caps – shadowcaps.info.
The buttons weren’t working when I tried to place an order, but I let Will know, hopefully it will be fixed soon.
I get nowhere with “shadow caps.”
try – shadowcap.info. The site is still under some construction. It’s a shame that MLB is such a crap organization that it can’t allow competition among the vendors.
I have a number of Cooperstown caps they were the best quality, not always accurate, but they did fix them.
The absolutely BEST caps made on the planet. I’ve bought from Cooperstown Ball Cap Co. since the early 1990s and have never been disappointed. You cannot get another ball cap like this at any price, and certainly not customized. Tremendous craftsmanship, plenty of questions wherever I wear them, and they last a lifetime.
Any update on them?
Good news! Cooperstown have now reformed as the Ideal Cap Company. Website not fully up and running yet but is in progress. Will is accepting orders which you can pay for thru paypal. Site is at http://www.idealcapco.com/ and looks very promising
My last comment is dated 27 September 2010
Do you have an e-mail for ideal cap co? I can’t get anywhere on the website.
It took me a while to search online, only your site unfold the fully details, bookmarked and thanks again.
– Kris
Wow thanks for the shadow cap site… not sure it’s working right, but at least it’s still going…
I love my 47′ Pirate cap I bought last year… wish I bought a few more….
I posted pics of it on my blog if anyone wants to see it.
Has anyone had any success ordering via shadowcap.info or idealcapco.com? I’ve visited both sites and neither seem to be functional. If they’re not functioning, can someone put me in touch with Will?
Here is my full email from Will
Email: will@ballcap.com
12/6/10
Lesli,
We are reforming as the Ideal Cap Co. (idealcapco.com) doing a much wider range of caps. Will keep most of the baseball styles of CoopBallCap with the exception of MLB styles. The process of setting up two new sewing facilities and organizing the website to contain so many different models is time-consuming. Will let you know when the launch is – probably about 3 months away. In the inerim we’re still custom making caps if you need something, only as above, no MLB.
Thanks for your interest,
Will/CoopballCap
I was in contact with Will today and am thrilled that they will continue making these fine caps. I haven’t gotten nearly my fill of them.
Above dated 4/13/11
so, major league baseball drove them out of business? at least that is what i get out of all this. boy, what a shame.
Best caps i have ever purchased. They make every other cap company look like a joke.
Have had so many positive comments on my (randomly purchased) 1905 Mets cap. So I was bummed to see it gone.
I religiously bought from Will and the CCBCC since I first saw the article in SI. My first purchase was the Philly cap he was wearing in the article. Since then, I must have bought 30 or so. Many wore out, many were given away. I still have a dozen or so, tow of which are still in mint condition: the Indianapolis ABCs and Eat Raisin Pie. I am trying to replace my 1904 PCL LA Angels cap. The one I have is still in great shape, but I’d love to get a new, or near new, 7 1/2. I also have the 1939 and 1947 caps. Can anybody help?