I Need Some Help from a Late 70s/Early 80s Oakland A's Expert Please

[Insomniac186]

I recently purchased a "Kelley Green" Oakland A's cap made by Roman Pro. I already owned a nearly identical "Cooperstown Collection" version made in the late 80s, and I assumed that this one was (I was buying one to actually wear). However, once I looked inside, I realized that this one was much older. The guy that sold it to me said that he purchased it directly from the A's "around 1987", and was told it was made the late 1970s. He did not say if it was game-used or team-issued. The cap features the tagging that I had only seen on game-used/team-issued Roman Pro caps from that time period. The leather was different from the "Cooperstown" versions, and the overall construction of the cap was more identical to a KM Pro cap (minus the "zig-zag" backing) rather than the later Roman Pro construction. So what I'm trying to figure out is if the A's ever used Roman Pro caps on the field. I'm sure mine isn't game-used, but if it was purchased directly from the A's organization I'm hoping that maybe it was at least team-issued, so I could use some help here. Anyone out there own any game-used Roman Pro A's caps? Or perhaps someone knows a place with good photos so I can photo match?

For those that aren't aware, I'll share what I know about Roman Pro's early history. The Roman Art Embroidery, Inc. provided the embroidery for McAuliffe, Leslie, KM Pro, and Wilson caps and jerseys. After the 1976 season KM Pro shut down, and since Roman Art lost their number one customer, they began the "Roman Pro Cap Company" division. Roman Pro competed with New Era in the on-field cap market until the mid-80s, acquiring several of KM Pro's faithful customers such as the Red Sox, Expos, Dodgers, and Brewers (I have seen game-used Roman Pro caps from those teams, my A's cap has the same tagging). In the late 80s and after, Roman Pro only made the old time/throwback caps that they became known for.

I have attached several pictures to help. Four detail photos of the Roman Pro Cap, and three photos of comparisons between the New Era version and Roman Pro version.

Thanks for looking!

[Insomniac186]

Re: I Need Some Help from a Late 70s/Early 80s Oakland A's Expert Please

Forgot one photo!

[RJB44]

Re: I Need Some Help from a Late 70s/Early 80s Oakland A's Expert Please

I have both a Roman Pro A's cap that was made in the early 1990's (I believe) and an older New Era A's cap. I can honestly say that the New Era cap, although in terrific condition, is certainly vintage, due to the fact the bill was crack in several places. Matter of fact, on the day I got it I thoughtlessly bent the bill slightly and it cracked like a saltine. I had it professionally repaired (new bill) while still retaining the original tagging and leather sweat band.

The Roman Cap is a slightly lighter color green then the New Era and has more of a yellow bill. The New Era's colors are right on the mark.

[Insomniac186]

Re: I Need Some Help from a Late 70s/Early 80s Oakland A's Expert Please

Yes the later Roman Pro versions are way off in color. The early Roman pro has the correct colors, whereas the later "Cooperstown Collection" version has darker green and brighter yellow (at least the one I have). See the picture below. The early Roman is on the the left, later on the right.

[towne63]

Re: I Need Some Help from a Late 70s/Early 80s Oakland A's Expert Please

I have both a Roman Pro A's cap that was made in the early 1990's (I believe) and an older New Era A's cap. I can honestly say that the New Era cap, although in terrific condition, is certainly vintage, due to the fact the bill was crack in several places. Matter of fact, on the day I got it I thoughtlessly bent the bill slightly and it cracked like a saltine. I had it professionally repaired (new bill) while still retaining the original tagging and leather sweat band.

The Roman Cap is a slightly lighter color green then the New Era and has more of a yellow bill. The New Era's colors are right on the mark.

Can you tell me where you had the bill repaired? I have a 1978 NY Yankees New Era that's bill has pretty much disintergrated....any help would be appreciated

[Insomniac186]

Re: I Need Some Help from a Late 70s/Early 80s Oakland A's Expert Please

New Era did the repair. Although not advertised, New Era used to repair caps free of charge and regardless of age up until a few months ago since there is only one US plant left and it's too much of a hassle to take someone off the production line to do something for free.

I have contacted every single cap company I can think of and NO ONE will repair caps because it's a hassle. One owner of a company told me he tried it once and ruined the cap, and the owner of it tried to sue him. There is a private individual who told me he will try and figure out how to repair broken visors (bills/brims) on his own. I will contact you if I ever hear back.

[RJB44]

Re: I Need Some Help from a Late 70s/Early 80s Oakland A's Expert Please

Yep, it was New Era.