This is an interesting hat. We have studied the SOX logo and find that the wide and squat "O" does not appear until 1956. In addition, this hat has a vintage faded number 9 under the bill and sports a brown leather head liner and was made by Spalding as evidenced by the small black and white cloth label on the rear of the headband. We also know that this style of hat was worn by the White Sox through at least the end of 1962-63. In looking at color photographs from each season of the White Sox working our way back from 1963, in each year, you can see in at least one photograph the white edge of a white head liner showing. We found this white liner in pictures from 1958-63. In looking at pictures from 1956-57, the liner area that shows is dark and not white. Given Minnie wore number 9 with the White Sox in 1956-57 and then again in 1960-61 (with white liner), we surmise that this hat was worn by Minnie in 1956-57 while with the White Sox and that, due to the dark leather head liner, it was not worn by other players who wore number 9 in 1958-59 or in 1962-63. In addition, the dated 1959 Jim Rivera cap was a Wilson. We realize that it is possible for a team to wear hats from two makers the same season but this just further strengthens the conclusion on this cap.
Title: 1956-57 Chicago White Sox Game Worn Cap attributed to Minnie Minosa
Date Examined: 2-11-11
Style date/era: 1956-63
Hologram Number:
Logo Design (describe patch, sewn, or embroidered): red and white intertwined SOX, directly sewn
Material of cap: cotton/wool
Manufacturer: Spalding
Describe manufacturer tag: small white tag with black letters
Number of panels: 6
Bill Thread Count: 7
Color Description Body: nave
Color Description Brim: navy
Color Description Button: navy
Band: brown leather
Players Size (indicate): 7 1/8
Size applied (note embroidered, stamped, flag tag): stamped in band
Player Uniform number (indicate if present): 9
Uniform number applied: (ink/marker or embroidered) vintage marker
Players Name: na
Player Name: ( describe - ink/marker, embroidered) na
Description of wear outside body: moderate wear with some sweat stains
Description of wear inside body: moderate
Description of wear outside bill: moderate with some minor soiling
Description of wear inside bill: stained- hard bill with one break inside liner
Head band wear: moderate
Autographed: no
Provenance: no
Final Grade: authentic
(MEARS Auction LOA)