1897 Boston Beaneaters Logo

[Huysmans]

Hey Chris, I love your website.

I just wanted to mention that the possibility exists that the sweater was produced for hockey. Being that Wright & Ditson was prominent in the sport, and one of the earliest American stick retailers, the chance does exist. That, along with the fact that these early wool sweaters with high neck collars, simple felt emblems and no verso numbers were literally interchangeable between the sports, its something to consider.

I attached a link showing the 1907 Stanley Cup champion Kenora Thistles, and you'll notice how similar the styles are.
Maybe this information will help in your research.

Brent

https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/...d-stanley-cup/

[antiquefootball]

Thanks Brent!

I did take note that these sweaters were worn by other athletes, and were really more of a letter sweater and warm up than specific to any one sport. In fact, there’s a Bowdoin baseball team photo from the early 1900’s where a couple of players are wearing these.

[Dto7]

1896 and 1899 Wright & Ditson baseball uniform team list.

[antiquefootball]

Great info. Thanks so much Don!

[Dto7]

You're welcome, Chris. I doubt that any team supplied any material to the making of a baseball uniform to the uniform company. I've never ran into it on any of my 1500 pre 1910 baseball uniform searches.

Some local teams with not much money might have had players make their own uniforms and you would see a lot of variations of the uniforms and lettering.

[BeanTown]

.