Line Of Ball Caps, Jerseys Commemorate Jackie Robinson And Negro Leagues

A growing trend is developing in the apparel industry companies promoting historical and social awareness in addition to offering quality merchandise. Retro-styled baseball caps and jerseys are natural vehicles for this new attitude among manufacturers.

The year was 1947. For two years Branch Rickey, manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers, had been quietly moving forward with his plan to integrate baseball.

The man chosen would have to be an excellent baseball player but more importantly, he would have to be a man of integrity. He would no doubt suffer great indignities because of a game.

Jack Roosevelt Robinson was such a man.

The first person to letter in four different sports at UCLA and an officer in the United States Army, Jackie Robinson had played professional baseball for the Kansas City Monarchs in the Negro Leagues since 1944, when Rickey first approached him with the notion of becoming the man to break the race barrier.

Robinson was officially signed to play with the Brooklyn Dodgers on April 9, 1947, and Opening Day, April 15, marked the beginning of the end of segregated professional baseball in the United States.

The Blue Marlin and Pro Line Cap companies seek to honor Jackie Robinson and all the players of the Negro Leagues through the sale of hats and jerseys reminiscent of baseball’s early days.

Wool and cotton twill hats are designed and custom dyed to replicate the look and feel of those worn by players more than half a century ago. Prices for the hats start at $19.99 for Pro Line, and $30 for Blue Marlin. Jerseys from Blue Marlin start at $55.

Both companies support a number of causes including the Jackie Robinson Foundation, the Satchel Paige Foundation and other charities associated with the Negro Leagues. They also offer financial assistance to nine surviving players from the Negro Leagues who are living at or near the poverty level.

Blue Marlin will donate 15 percent of all net profits from the sale of its merchandise. Pro Line donates all royalties from the sale of officially licensed MLB Negro Leagues merchandise.

Blue Marlin merchandise is available by calling the company directly at (415) 512-0208. Pro Line merchandise is available by calling 1-800-PRO-TEAM, or through their Web site at http://www.majorleaguebaseball.com/