You can tell a lot about a ballplayer by the way he wears a cap. Is he a traditionalist? A trend-setter? A slob?
To many of us, a cap is just a way to keep the sun off. To a ballplayer, it's a signature piece -- a calling card, a prop, a lucky charm. It's also a very good thing to throw in the air to celebrate a huge win.
Almost every Little Leaguer has stood in front of a mirror, trying to get the brim of a cap just right. Same with major leaguers.
As we head into the most blistering part of the season, here's a tip of the hat to today's styles, which seem more varied than ever:
The Hip-Hoppers
Juan Pierre, Dontrelle Willis
The look: A little loopy, but lots of street cred. Note the crooked angle, as if he just got bonked on the head. These caps tend to be oversized and worn low to the ears. In Pierre's case, he wears the hip-hopper cap with the traditionalist knee-high pants, making for an interesting old school-new school conflict. As always, Pierre is a bit of an enigma -- the total team player but still his own man. Baseball's Bella Abzug.
Be prepared to discuss: Where you get those fly kicks? (Translation: Where you get those nice shoes?)
The Flat Tops
Matt Kemp, Clayton Kershaw, Jerry Ferrara
The look: Flatter than first base, this cap is favored by many twentysomething players and the chubby dude who plays Turtle on "Entourage" (Ferrara). Also known as the "Oops, I sat on my cap" look. It's not as hip, or as cockeyed, as the hip-hop cap, but still has a certain edge. Bro, if you like to wear your pants like pajamas -- or frequently pass out in your clothes -- this is probably the look for you.
Be prepared to discuss: Video games and the UFC.
The Sweeping Curve
Chad Billingsley, Ray Liotta
The look: Many of us grew up with the style, including occasional Dodgers spectator Liotta (not surprisingly, Shoeless Joe favors a honking curve). This is the look you spend all season trying to perfect. To get it, flip your cap upside down with the brim facing toward you. Curve it in your hands till the edges touch. Repeat. The thin sheet of PVC inside most caps will begin to hold shape. Some followers also use rubber bands to tame their visors overnight.
Be prepared to discuss: "Field of Dreams," the NFL, deep-sea fishing.
The Good Ol' Boys
Joe Torre, Mike Scioscia,
Michael Moore
