The Red Sox’ hats might look a little different when they’re standing around the batting cages this year.
No, the classic "B" on the front of the cap isn’t going anywhere. Instead, the Sox’ spring training and warmup caps will now feature piping along the front and brim and moved last year’s trademark "swoosh gusset" from over the ears to the rear.
What exactly is a gusset? Well, in sewing and metallurgy terms, it can get quite complicated. But as far as baseball fans are concerned, it’s the small, occasionally different-colored piece of fabric above the ear on last year’s batting practice caps. It helps to reduce stress caused by putting Kevin Mench-sized noggins into the stretchable caps.
The moving of the gusset also highlights the MLB logo, according to Gerry Maton, senior vice president of marketing for New Era, the company making the new hats.
The batting practice hat has been one of the MLB shop’s biggest sellers since New Era released its first line back in 2007. You can get your new Red Sox BP cap for $26.99.
