The New York Knickerbockers (now the moniker of Manhattan's NBA basketball team, the 'Knicks') were the first baseball team to don baseball caps, in 1849. Since then the world is crazy for this invasive style, supplanting almost all others including the historic designs of most of the world's military, police and even overgrowing the US Navy's white cotton Gob caps.
For any group that wants to convey a team or military "all for one and one for all" motif, baseball caps are rigueur.
You can buy online for bupkis but you must select from tiny images that tell you nothing about the feel of fabric, fit or true color.
Or, you can stroll 125th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues, in Harlem, until you reach Diallo where you can hold, feel and actually try on caps from among many hundreds of examples. Maybe thousands.
I remember the way hats used to be --- 6 panel wool, sewn crown eyelets, leather or pure cotton sweat bands, and a felt logo stitched on.
Now, they come with a big gold sticker on the top side of the peak proclaiming something or other and a square tag dangling from somewhere around the backside.
Do not remove these labels --- they are part of the style.
What to do when you really need a St Louis Cardinal bright red wool cap and this is your last trip to the USA? Go the land of a thousand caps up on 125th Street.
It is not a chain.
West 125th Street 18
Standard cap:
US$
25
+1
2122227942
Find your way with 308 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
The menu is simple: hamburgers, French fries & toppings. No over-the-top ingredients, no superfluous adjectives, and high-value food at rock-bottom prices.
by
"Elizabeth Street Garden" New York: formerly the site of a large, important school house, it was reclaimed in the '90s and turned into a sculpture garden.
by
One block away from a 21st century LinkNYC WiFi tower on Broadway sits one of three West End Avenue working telephone 'booths', the last in NYC...
by
After, "Anthony & Son" Panini Shoppe's Italian-style super-sandwiches, no regular New York sandwich will ever taste as good again...
by
"Dutch Kills" in New York isn't hiding it's one of the best bars in the city, but it isn't publicizing the fact, either. No password to enter, however!
by
"Bund on Broadway" is one of the most popular restaurants on Astoria's restaurant row in New York. I always go straight fo the famous pork soup dumplings.
by
The "Conference House" in New York is a perfect place to escape modern life if you're interested in what life was like in the 1600s...
by
"Vite Vinosteria" in New York is the Italian restaurant where, ever since I moved to Astoria, I've celebreated nearly every birthday & anniversary...
by
"Hunter's Point Library" in New York, on Long Island City's waterfront, is definitely for you if you're a fan of books, architecture and skyline views!
by
"House of Yes" is a colorful, eclectic space in New York that houses everything from roller skating to trapeze artists. Free entry on Fridays before 11pm!
by
"Jajaja Plantas Mexicana" in New York is a creative joint that has vegan versions of traditional Mexican food. It's delicious, affordable & healthy!
by
308 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 308 Insider Tips