Randy Johnson game used 1988 rookie Montreal Expos hat

[Scott Garner]

Here is a terrific recent pickup. This is a 1988 rookie era game used hat of The Big Unit as he was just launching his terrific HOF career.

As many of you know, Johnson ended up his 21 year HOF career with 4875 K's (second only to Nolan Ryan's standard of 5,714 K's), 2 no hitters (including a perfect game), 303 wins, 5 Cy Young's, 6 seasons of over 300 K's (tied with Ryan for the ML record), a 20 K game, 2 19 K games. It's amazing that he didn't throw his 1st pitch in the ML until he was 25 years old...

Johnson only appeared in a grand total of 11 games during 1988 and 1989 with Montreal before he was traded to the Seattle Mariners making this Expos hat extremely rare. Randy's name and uni number are penned in his own hand and the hat shows nice use for one of the best left handers to ever take the mound.

[Rob L]

Nice pickup. I was about to pick it up but hesitated on the size. However, once I researched the tagging, I was pretty convinced. Looks good!

[Scott Garner]

Thanks Rob! I recognized Randy's early handwriting and number 51 which made buying this a no-brainer for me. I'm glad to own it!
Happy holidays!

[cdn_collector]

Plain and simple: That is a super cool pickup!

Regards,

Richard.

[Scott Garner]

Thanks Richard! I'm glad you like it.

[Rob L]

Let me know when you want to part with it. It would look great next to my RJ D-Backs and Yanks hats

[BigJJ]

Awesome

[AndyG09]

Sweet pickup, Scott! I love the 'Spos hats, and to have one worn by the Unit! Awesome!

Best,

Andy

[perezfan]

Seems like a fitting place to post my recent acquisition...

A little older than the Big Unit's Lid... this one was worn by the Big Doggie, circa 1977 - 79. I have a weakness for Expos Caps, too

[thisisradioclash]

While we're on the subject of Expos caps, here's one that I have that Ryan Zimmerman of the Nats wore a couple years ago during batting practice on an Expos tribute day...

[perezfan]

Neat Zimmerman Cap! Interesting how the logo is so much thicker on the newer Cap. Looks like they used about 4 X as much thread.

[Scott Garner]

Nice pickups Nick and Mark!
Thanks to all that checked in with your appreciation.
Happy New Year!

[thisisradioclash]

Thanks for the compliments, guys! I love the the Randy Johnson cap. I was also struck by how raised the "M" logo was on my Zimm hat; it reminds me of those "fashion" New Era caps with the exaggerated logos.

[scmavl]

Scott, just one question in regards to the Johnson hat. Let me preface it with the fact that I am still a pretty new collector and know squat about game used, but here goes:

The dirt on the underside of the bill where he repositions his hat appears to have been made with ones right hand, noting the angle that the thumb would be when repositioning the hat. Wouldn't Randy have a glove on, keeping his right hand clean and making him use his left to adjust his cap?

Not trying to start up anything and I'm sure I'm wrong as can be, but it's just an observation. I LOVE the hat as Randy was one of the best. Cheers.

[Scott Garner]

Originally Posted by scmavl

Scott, just one question in regards to the Johnson hat. Let me preface it with the fact that I am still a pretty new collector and know squat about game used, but here goes:

The dirt on the underside of the bill where he repositions his hat appears to have been made with ones right hand, noting the angle that the thumb would be when repositioning the hat. Wouldn't Randy have a glove on, keeping his right hand clean and making him use his left to adjust his cap?

Not trying to start up anything and I'm sure I'm wrong as can be, but it's just an observation. I LOVE the hat as Randy was one of the best. Cheers.

Hi Jarrod,
Actually, the staining on the underside off the brim is LEFT of center, indicating that a left handed thrower tugged at the bill with his left thumb tip. Additionally, the name and uni # were both scripted by Johnson as the handwriting is identical to Johnson's handwriting early in his career. Both the name and uni number are written to the left of center on the underside of the hat as you would expect from someone that writes left handed, which Johnson does, as I have gotten his autograph IP a few times through the years.

Take one more look at the underside of the hat to confirm what I am saying.

[scmavl]

Wrong, as I thought (and hoped) I would be. It just looked like the angle was that of a right thumb to me, I didn't even pay attention the which side of the cap it was on. Again, great piece!

(If Net54 has taught me anything, it's QUESTION EVERYTHING!)

[Scott Garner]

Originally Posted by scmavl

Wrong, as I thought (and hoped) I would be. It just looked like the angle was that of a right thumb to me, I didn't even pay attention the which side of the cap it was on. Again, great piece!

(If Net54 has taught me anything, it's QUESTION EVERYTHING!)

Jarrod,
No problem with questioning everything. It's how we learn and save ourselves from getting ripped off!
BTW, equipment game use is a whole science in itself. I find it fascinating, FWIW.

[Rob L]

Here's a 2004 D-Backs ST hat:

[Rob L]

And a 2005 Yanks:

[Scott Garner]

Nice RJ hats there, Rob!

[Rob L]

Originally Posted by Scott Garner

Nice RJ hats there, Rob!

Thanks Scott! Yours would look great with mine!!