Major change in BP caps in 2018
Today, MLB presented the new batting practice/spring training caps for all 30 MLB teams for the 2018 season. The new New Era caps, which will be known as the “PROLIGHT 59FIFTY” are replacing the Diamond Era caps worn for five seasons from 2013 to 2017.
As a cap nerd, this is totally my thing. In general there are not many changes but still there are a few exciting novelties.
The new BP caps are no longer mesh caps. They are made of a new featherweight polyester, 26% lighter than the 59Fifty on-field cap material.
Another novelty are the logos, which are no longer embroidered. Take the Orioles cap below for example. As you can see the logo is stamped rubber badge. Also the MLB logo and the New Era logo will be no longer embroidered. Clearly, the non-embroidered spring training logos on the right side of the 2017 caps was an omen of what was about to come.
Four of the 30 teams will sport a completely new logo, while the remaining 26 will continue with previous logos and designs. The Orioles (shown above), the Athletics, the Phillies and the Reds all come with new logos on the front of the cap, although it must be said that the logo on the A’s cap looks similar to the one they had during their days in Philadelphia. The Phillies will sport the Freedom Bell as the logo on the front of their cap.
The Cincinnati Reds will sport two kinds of caps. One red with a black crown and one black with a red crown. Both will carry an old English C as a logo.
The Rockies add a touch of the Colorado Flag to the logo as you can see.
Photos: courtesy of Sportslogosnet