Are You Allowed to Wear Your Hat Backwards in MLB?
Baseball is one of the most popular sports in the world and Major League Baseball (MLB) is the highest level of professional baseball. Players in the MLB have a specific dress code and some of the rules are a bit unclear. As such, many players and fans often question whether wearing hats backwards is allowed in the MLB.
MLB Dress Code
The MLB dress code requires players to be dressed in a professional manner both on and off the field. Players must wear the MLB issued uniforms and an MLB logoed hat. The dress code also states that hats must be worn with the logo facing forward, but does not explicitly state that hats cannot be worn backwards.
Historical Perspective
The trend of wearing hats backwards has been around for decades and was popularized by celebrities, such as Will Smith, who often wore his hat backwards in the TV show, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. While wearing hats backwards became popularized in the 80s and 90s, it was not widely accepted by the MLB until the early 2000s.
MLB’s Current View on Backward Hats
Today, the MLB has a more relaxed attitude towards backwards hats and has even embraced the trend by selling hats with a hook and loop closure on the back, that allows players to wear it either forwards or backwards. The MLB also permits players to wear caps that have been designed to be worn backwards, such as the New Era 59Fifty.
Players Who Wear Hats Backwards
Many current MLB players choose to wear their hats backwards, including:
- Mike Trout – Los Angeles Angels
- Clayton Kershaw – Los Angeles Dodgers
- Bryce Harper – Philadelphia Phillies
- Nolan Arenado – Colorado Rockies
- Manny Machado – San Diego Padres
Reasons Players Wear Hats Backwards
Players wear hats backwards for a variety of reasons, including comfort, style, and superstition. Wearing a hat backwards can be more comfortable than wearing it forwards due to the hat being lighter and having more air circulation. Additionally, wearing a hat backwards has become trendy in the MLB and often allows players to express their own personal style. Lastly, some players also believe that wearing a hat backwards can bring them luck.
Potential Risks of Wearing Hats Backwards
While wearing hats backwards is generally accepted by the MLB, there are some potential risks associated with it. Wearing a hat backwards can obstruct the field of vision, which can make it difficult for players to see the ball. Additionally, wearing hats backwards can increase the risk of neck strain and headaches due to the extra weight on the back of the head.
Tips for Wearing Hats Backwards
If you’re planning on wearing your hat backwards, there are a few tips you should follow to ensure you’re wearing it correctly:
- Choose a hat that is designed to be worn backwards, such as the New Era 59Fifty.
- Adjust the hat so that it fits snugly on your head.
- Ensure that the brim of the hat is not obstructing your vision.
- Avoid wearing your hat backwards for extended periods of time.
Conclusion
In conclusion, wearing hats backwards is generally accepted in the MLB. However, players should be aware of the potential risks associated with wearing hats backwards and should follow the tips mentioned above to ensure they are wearing the hat correctly.