Ebbets Field Flannels…the end of an Era and a New Begining

[67Rally]

Originally Posted by ebbets58

It is hard to read all of the comments here without experiencing a host of different emotions. I chose to not respond to all the social media commentary in the last week because I know from experience that trying to set the record straight on these platforms - even with the best of intentions - sometimes only makes matters worse. But suffice it to say that there has been a lot of misinformation and distortion posted, along with many sentiments that I understand and agree with. Also, as I am still under contract with the new owners I must be somewhat careful in what I can and cannot discuss in a public forum. As to the comments in this thread: First, I appreciate the mentions of Peter Capolino and William Arlt. These were my brothers in arms. We all started at roughly the same time and went through the same experiences. We each dealt with our early successes and challenges in different ways. Sadly, William is no longer with us. He and I went through many adventures together (we were the Wool Barons of Mexico at one point) and if I ever write my promised memoir, some of those adventures will be included. Likewise with Peter, he was the older brother I never had, and I just had dinner with him two weeks ago. I also appreciate the passion for the brand Lisa Cooper and I built. It's good to know that my search for authenticity and stories even in the tiniest corner of recorded memory found resonance with so many. Now on to the tough stuff. We sold the Company in late 2021. It was time. Although we were growing and profitable, the consolidation in the industry, the need to track hundreds of state and local tax jurisdictions, post-Covid supply chain issues, labor costs, etc. all put tremendous pressure on the business and us personally. We did NOT sell to Lids - at least not directly, but after about six months were were put under the Lids organization, and have now been put under a new corporate umbrella. None of these decisions were mine, nor was I consulted on them (other than to be informed after decisions had been made). The last design concept I was personally responsible for was the cardigan sweaters mentioned elsewhere in this thread. I have tried to use what influence I have to preserve as much of the original brand ethos as possible, while being as supportive as possible of current management. I am sure how you can see how that could be a tricky position to maintain. Others can judge how successful I have been. Unfortunately I do not have the power to override decisions regarding pricing, products, etc. To those disappointed by the recent changes, please be assured that the ownership is well aware of the pushback from traditional EFF customers, and I have made my feelings known as well. But it was my decision to sell three years ago, and I have to live with the result that I no longer control the brand. I CAN say that there will come a time when my obligations to current ownership are completed and we will see if something new can arise from the ashes - something perhaps not identical to the old EFF, but more in keeping with that brand's ethos and values. To all of those who supported EFF: I endeavored at all times to treat every customer well and to offer the best possible products with the highest degree of integrity. If I did not succeed 100% of the time, I apologize. But your support and kindness have meant the world to myself and Lisa.

One of the common responses to the negative realities of the corporate world (or the underworld) is, "its just business." That refrain does apply to this situation in that the new owners have zero personal investment into the lore of baseball history nor do they share one iota of the historical baseball sentiment a people at our bottom-feeding level care about.

The bottom line is the bottom line.

Jerry, if this is truly you, I met you in your office a dozen years ago when I brought in some military flannels for you to document. I personally witnessed your dedication not only to the history (as if decades of creating some of the fantastic recreations wasn't convincing enough) with your people, manufacturing and engagement with your customers.

I have had great conversations throughout the past few years with Peter Capolino who took the time not only to share what he went through with M&N and why he ultimately decided to sell, but he provided me with perspective when you arrived at the same decision.

It is just business.

While that is the reality of our world in the aftermath of the sale of EFF (and their current trajectory), it is hardly a consolation for those of us who have been handing over our hard-earned dollars to you these many years. I first read about your story in the Seattle Times when I was serving in the military (and on a night shift). As soon as I was off shift, I drove down to your shop at 3131 Western and bought my first ballcap, which I still have. While I don't own the largest collection of EFF, my gathering of jerseys numbers near 30 and my ballcaps are at least double that. I am but one of the thousands who are quite disappointed with the way things have progressed since the sale.

For the corporate owners of the EFF brand, it is quite apparent to the loyal customers that they do not have us in mind as they change course. I remember the difficult Stall & Dean days and would prefer them to Lids/Fanatics. Dare I say that it would be better to see the doors shuttered than what we're seeing done to the brand that you, Lisa, your employees and customers built together?

It is just business, but without those of us who care, it won't be.