In the lead-up to last night's NBA draft on ESPN, much was made of the history of the hats presented to the draftees once their names have been called and their lives forever changed.
Today felt like a good day to look back on the script caps which kicked off this tradition, formerly manufactured by a family-owned brand, Sports Specialties, and determine why these simple two- and three-toned caps, featuring a bold script and a sans serif modifier at top (and occasionally at bottom) have had such staying power.
The Price was Right
Even as a pre-teen kid, I was price-conscious, choosing to spend my money at Crestwood Mall on Steak Escape's seasoned fries and a suicide soda then cruising through the arcade, Exhilarama, choosing to forego a round of NBA Jam (why waste quarters when you could play it at home for free), to square off with my sandlot pals in a game of pop-a-shot.
Adjacent to the arcade was a sports apparel store called Superstars. For a sports-obsessed clothes horse, it was a utopian escape from the inanities of my childhood insecurities. In Superstars and stores like it, I found my voice, my confidence and most importantly, my style. In the years since, as I've reflected on the Sports Specialties script hat, while my younger brother was as much, if not more so, an afficionado (I was partial to the white The Game hats), I cannot recall a hat we wanted that we did not buy or trade for with friends.
Where did they come from? Where did they go?
The Birth of an Icon
Sports Specialties began its journey in 1928 manufacturing felt pennants. Over the decades, the company evolved, eventually creating one of the most recognizable cap styles in history. By the 1980s, their offerings included hats that perfectly captured the spirit of sports teams and their devoted followers.
The Rise of the Script
In the 1980s, a decade brimming with bold fashion and vibrant culture, the script snapback emerged. These caps, featuring team names in a distinctive, flowing script, broke away from the traditional block lettering. The design exuded movement and flair, quickly resonating with fans and becoming a staple of street fashion. Appropriately, one of the most well-dressed men in late night, Inside the NBA's Kenny Smith became the first-ever drafted NBA player to don a hat onstage.
A Symbol of Fandom
Wearing a Sports Specialties script snapback was more than a fashion statement; it was a badge of pride. Fans wore these caps to games, rallies, and everyday outings, showcasing their loyalty. The hats transcended the sports world, becoming integral to hip-hop culture and street fashion, and cementing their status as cultural icons. Musicians and celebrities like George Michael, Chevy Chase and Bill Swerski's Superfans on SNL were also seen donning these caps, further embedding them into the fabric of popular culture.
A Collector's Dream
Fast forward to today, and the script snapback continues to be a highly sought-after item. Recently, eBay sales have skyrocketed to upwards of $600 per hat. These treasures from our youth, once unearthed from childhood bedroom closets, overflowing storage facilities and dollar bins at garage sales, are now being viewed for what they truly are: well-made, simply designed classics.
Enduring Legacy
Despite changes in ownership and shifting fashion trends, the Sports Specialties script snapback has endured. Its timeless design remains a favorite among collectors and new generations of fans. The cap's legacy speaks to the power of a well-crafted piece of sportswear, telling a story of passion, loyalty, and style.
Max Nelson, a lifelong collector and founder of Hood, a company making custom caps reminiscent of the Sports Specialties design, eloquently captured their appeal for Inside Hook: "The Sports Specialties caps’ script represents a special moment in time, when there was this confluence of music, fashion, art, and sports." This moment, he believes, propelled streetwear culture into the mainstream.
In the ever-evolving landscape of sports apparel, the script snapback remains a cherished artifact, a nod to the past while maintaining its relevance today. It’s a piece of history that sits proudly atop the heads of those who understand that sometimes, a hat is more than just a hat—it’s a statement.
A Timeless Appeal
The enduring popularity of Sports Specialties hats highlights the difficulty in replicating their magic. The brand, the first to receive a pro sports merchandising license, was run by the founding family until Nike acquired it in 1992. Post-acquisition, the quality waned, and the hats faded from the market by 1995. Today, obtaining an apparel license is a costly endeavor, making these vintage hats even more precious.
What remains of the Sports Specialties collection of my youth.
As I reflect on the legacy of Sports Specialties and their script snapbacks, I'm reminded of a time when the confluence of sports, fashion, music and my adolescence was perfectly captured in a hat I could buy at the mall for the cost of mowing one neighbor's lawn. More than just accessories; these hats have become artifacts of a bygone era, each a testament to the enduring spirit of sports fandom.