Philadelphia Athletics Elephant Adjustable Royal Blue Cap

$34.00

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This officially-licensed Philadelphia A's adjustable hat is exclusively made for Shibe Vintage Sports.  The dark royal blue cap features the A's famous white elephant logo adopted back in 1902. A "clean up" style hat by '47 Brand, it features a curved brim, relaxed crown and a fabric strap closure.

In case you're unfamiliar with the legend of how the White Elephant mascot came to be, here is the story:

When the A’s joined the American League in its first year of existence in 1901, team owner Benjamin Shibe wasted little time in offering exorbitant contracts to star National Leaguers, in effect raiding them of their talent. John McGraw, who managed the Giants of the National League, was disgusted by Shibe’s actions, but thought that spending so much money was going to tank the team.

While speaking to a reporter in 1902, McGraw stated that Shibe had a “big white elephant” on his hands. The term, popular back then, described something that looked nice but whose upkeep made it impossible to take care of. Connie Mack heard what McGraw had said and showing that he had an outstanding sense of humor, ordered all Athletic's gear to carry a white elephant on it.  

By the time the 1905 World Series came around, it was obvious that the A’s were a profitable franchise. And so, in playing a practical joke on McGraw, before Game 1 of the Series, McGraw was given a statue of a white elephant (see photo) at Columbia Park in Philadelphia.

Customer Reviews

Based on 23 reviews
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K
Ken Donnelly
Beautiful, Comfortable Philly A's Hat

What a great Philadelphia Athletics hat ! Comfortable, adjustable great fitting hat !
Fantastic White Elephant to educate fans of the Athletics historical roots, "they're just a White Elephant" as called them by John McGraw the manager of the baseball NY Giants.

C
C.F.
Great hat

Love the old retro logo and the hat fits perfectly

R
Ray
Great Dad Hat

The relaxed fit of this vintage cap makes it one of my favorites. It is well made and adjusts to fit perfectly.

P
Paul Angioletti
GREAT HAT

Very nice hat with old time elephant logo. Never seen this cap available anywhere else

N
Nathaniel Weber
Great looking hat

47 Brand makes top notch merch!