The X Marks an Old-Time Baseball Cap

The May 22 article “The X Factor” was interesting, but unfortunately never explains the true background of the “X” hats as popularized by Spike Lee. The first “X” baseball caps were worn by the New York Cuban X Giants, a team in the old Negro Leagues in the ‘30s.

Lee, a baseball fan, saw the caps while doing research for “Mo’ Better Blues,” which depicted characters who played in the league. The caps are manufactured by Ebets Field Flannels of Seattle, a firm that also manufactures jerseys and caps from teams from the long-defunct Federal League, the old Pacific Coast League, the Texas League and other minor-league teams.

There is no question that the Cuban X Giants were the first to wear the now-popular cap. It had no political implication or association with Malcolm X at the time.

RAYMOND LUCA

Redondo Beach