# American Flags on Baseball Helmets **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [September 19, 2001, 1:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-flags-on-baseball-helmets/82575 "2001-09-19T13:34:26Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 17\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/9de053/32.png) [@Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackknifed_Juggernaut)\ **Post date:** [September 19, 2001, 1:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-flags-on-baseball-helmets/82575/1 "2001-09-19T13:34:26Z")
This is about as trivial of a question as you can get, but here it goes: If you’ve watched the Major League Baseball games over the past couple of night, you’ve noticed that US flags have been stitched onto the uniforms. The flags have also been added to caps. Presumably everyone is wearing a new cap (as opposed to having the flags stitched onto their old ones). But I’m not sure what’s going on with the batting helmets. All of the hitters had flags on their helmets in yesterday’s Yankee-White Sox game. But some of them just seemed too dirty to appear brand new. So I thought that perhaps they just stuck stickers of the flag onto their old helmets. My friend insists that they HAD to be brand new. He noticed that the flags for each team were exactly in the same spot on the helmet (For the Yankees, the flag was directly above the ear-hole, while for the Sox, it was slightly behind this spot.) So, does anyone know? If so, do you have a link that proves this so that our very important question is answered? Thanks in advance. ---
**Author:** ![stolichnaya](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/bcef8e/32.png) [@stolichnaya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stolichnaya)\ **Post date:** [September 19, 2001, 1:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-flags-on-baseball-helmets/82575/2 "2001-09-19T13:55:34Z")
I can tell you that even if they were new, many players like their helmets to be dirty or scuffed (baseball players are the most superstitious creatures in the universe) so they go ahead and dirty up their brand new helmets before the game. I’m not sure if all helmets were brand new or not, but the dirt wouldn’t necessarily preclude it. ---
**Author:** ![Sublight](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/439d5e/32.png) [@Sublight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sublight)\ **Post date:** [September 19, 2001, 2:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-flags-on-baseball-helmets/82575/3 "2001-09-19T14:44:53Z")
I saw a clip on the news yesterday of Ichiro and his teammates all putting flag stickers on their batting helmets. They seemed to be taking care to put them in the same spot. ---
**Author:** ![lieu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/c2a13f/32.png) [@lieu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lieu)\ **Post date:** [September 19, 2001, 3:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-flags-on-baseball-helmets/82575/4 "2001-09-19T15:01:12Z")
Pine tar and bag rosin make bleach look dirty. ---
**Author:** ![Skelji](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b38774/32.png) [@Skelji](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skelji)\ **Post date:** [September 19, 2001, 4:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-flags-on-baseball-helmets/82575/5 "2001-09-19T16:57:21Z")
As for the caps, the White Sox caps were not ready in time for last night’s game, so from what I heard, their caps did not have the flags on them. Any emblem that was recently placed on a batting helmet would almost immediately appear dirty. Pine tar on bat handles gets transferred to batting gloves, and when players remove the helmet, the helmet gets a fresh dose of pine tar. Perhaps Ray Durham did a little “distressing” of the helmets after his apparent double was ruled a foul ball. Talk about a blown call, and I’m a Yankees fan. While I didn’t get to see the game (I moved out of NYC a few years ago), at least WGN showed the opening ceremony. I was quite touched to see Chicago’s show of support. You guys are great. ---
**Author:** ![Alzarian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ad7895/32.png) [@Alzarian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alzarian)\ **Post date:** [September 19, 2001, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-flags-on-baseball-helmets/82575/6 "2001-09-19T18:22:11Z")
Was the putting of flags on the uniforms a decision from the MLB Commission, or an individual decision by each team? Can players opt out of not wearing the flag? And what of the Toronto Blue Jays and other Canadian teams? Can they have a Canadian flag? In any event, how long will these flags stay? Are they a show of support for the Americans who suffered such a terrifying blow last week? Or a statement that America stands united even beyond the tragedy into future conflicts? Times like these make you wonder if there couldn’t be a symbol worn that symbolizes the free world, since that is what President Bush himself said was attacked this past week. ---
**Author:** ![CookingWithGas](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cookingwithgas/32/485_2.png) [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Post date:** [September 19, 2001, 7:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-flags-on-baseball-helmets/82575/7 "2001-09-19T19:36:13Z")
Saw a pic of someone sewing a flag on a ball cap in the Washington Post. The [flag code](http://suvcw.org/flag.htm) says > [@](#): > > § 176 Respect for flag > > (j) No part of the flag should ever be used as a costume or athletic uniform. However, a flag patch may be affixed to the uniform of military personnel, firemen, policemen, and members of patriotic organizations. The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing. Therefore, the lapel flag pin being a replica, should be worn on the left lapel near the heart. Isn’t MLB violating the flag code? AAMOF, aren’t all those people who are wearing designer T-shirts with flags on the front? ---
**Author:** ![BobT](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/8e8cbc/32.png) [@BobT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BobT)\ **Post date:** [September 19, 2001, 8:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-flags-on-baseball-helmets/82575/8 "2001-09-19T20:10:16Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Alzarian \* > \*\*Was the putting of flags on the uniforms a decision from the MLB Commission, or an individual decision by each team? Can players opt out of not wearing the flag? > > And what of the Toronto Blue Jays and other Canadian teams? Can they have a Canadian flag? > > In any event, how long will these flags stay? Are they a show of support for the Americans who suffered such a terrifying blow last week? Or a statement that America stands united even beyond the tragedy into future conflicts? > > Times like these make you wonder if there couldn’t be a symbol worn that symbolizes the free world, since that is what President Bush himself said was attacked this past week. \*\* The Commissioner ordered the addition of flags to the uniforms. I suppose a player could opt not to wear one, but there would be some pretty serious repercussions from that from a PR standpoint, if not a personal safety standpoint. An American flag was chosen because the attacks were in the US. If the terrorists had decided to crash into SkyDome, I’m sure there would be Canadian flags on players uniforms. The location of the team isn’t that much of a factor when you consider the significant percentage of players who are from other countries. I believe the flags are supposed to be on the uniforms at least through the end of the season. As is the singing of “God Bless America” during the 7th inning stretch instead of “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.” ---
**Author:** ![lieu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/c2a13f/32.png) [@lieu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lieu)\ **Post date:** [September 19, 2001, 8:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-flags-on-baseball-helmets/82575/9 "2001-09-19T20:39:09Z")
I’m really glad to see them doing this. We all deal with our grief in different ways but last night when they sang the Star Spangled Banner and God Bless America I was finally able to let go with everything I’d been holding inside. Anybody got a WetVac? ---
**Author:** ![Moirai](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/96bed5/32.png) [@Moirai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moirai)\ **Post date:** [September 19, 2001, 10:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-flags-on-baseball-helmets/82575/10 "2001-09-19T22:01:11Z")
Hey, how about an answer to that flag code question? I have to admit, I never knew about that provision relating to our flag, although it makes sense. How the hell did the commish get this done, in light of that? Any knowledgable Dopers have the answer? PS- You can still wear it on a t-shirt or whatever as a private citizen, because your clothing would not ordinarily be defined as a costume or athletic uniform. ---
**Author:** ![BobT](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/8e8cbc/32.png) [@BobT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BobT)\ **Post date:** [September 19, 2001, 10:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-flags-on-baseball-helmets/82575/11 "2001-09-19T22:41:19Z")
The Flag Code, while part of the U.S. Code, has no enforcement provisions, no criminal penalties, and is mostly a set of suggestions that some people got added to the U.S. Code. If you “violated” a portion of it, there is nothing the government can do to you. ---
**Author:** ![Man\_from\_Mars](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c5a1d2/32.png) [@Man\_from\_Mars](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Man_from_Mars)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2001, 1:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-flags-on-baseball-helmets/82575/12 "2001-09-20T01:44:10Z")
Hey Alzarian. What’s up, dude? You seem to be one of those people who are all for free speech in the shape of burning Old Glory but against those like John Rocker earning his bread after saying nitwity things. You got a prob with the American flag flying, stuck on batting helmets?, then shuffle off to Afghanistan. And what’s so adverse to Canadians wearing the American banner? I’d be proud to wear the flag of my northern friends (or any country) under any such circumstance. I doubt I’d develop a deadly rash or anything like that. ---
**Author:** ![Beruang](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/77aa72/32.png) [@Beruang](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beruang)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2001, 2:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-flags-on-baseball-helmets/82575/13 "2001-09-20T02:47:13Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Alzarian \* > \*\*Times like these make you wonder if there couldn’t be a symbol worn that symbolizes the free world, since that is what President Bush himself said was attacked this past week. \*\* The U.N flag? And Tony? The Pit is another 5 forums south. Thank you. – Beruang ---
**Author:** ![waterj2](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/858c86/32.png) [@waterj2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/waterj2)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2001, 3:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-flags-on-baseball-helmets/82575/14 "2001-09-20T03:25:12Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by BobT \* > The Flag Code, while part of the U.S. Code, has no enforcement provisions, no criminal penalties, and is mostly a set of suggestions that some people got added to the U.S. Code. I believe it technically dictates how the federal government displays _its own_ flags. I can fly my own flag any damn way I please, even upside down, and could even burn it in protest. Not that I would, but I could. Then again, I pity whatever poor fool gets seen burning a US flag right now. Not enough to visit him in the hospital afterwards, though. ---
**Author:** ![jmonster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/dbc845/32.png) [@jmonster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jmonster)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2001, 3:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-flags-on-baseball-helmets/82575/15 "2001-09-20T03:39:42Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by waterj2 \* > Then again, I pity whatever poor fool gets seen burning a US flag right now. Not enough to visit him in the hospital afterwards, though. [This article](http://www.salon.com/mwt/feature/2001/09/18/flag/index.html) does a very good job explaining how I feel about the flag. ---
**Author:** ![AWB](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/bb73d2/32.png) [@AWB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AWB)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2001, 3:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-flags-on-baseball-helmets/82575/16 "2001-09-20T03:48:45Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by jseigle \* > \*\*Saw a pic of someone sewing a flag on a ball cap in the Washington Post. > > The [flag code](http://suvcw.org/flag.htm) says > > > [@](#): > > > > § 176 Respect for flag > > > > (j) No part of the flag should ever be used as a costume or athletic uniform. However, a flag patch may be affixed to the uniform of military personnel, firemen, policemen, and members of patriotic organizations. The flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing. Therefore, the lapel flag pin being a replica, should be worn on the left lapel near the heart. > > Isn’t MLB violating the flag code? AAMOF, aren’t all those people who are wearing designer T-shirts with flags on the front? \*\* Tough call, IMO. MLB could be considered a “patriotic organization”; not an organization designed to promote patriotism (as the code probably meant), but an organization who is filled with patriots. ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2001, 6:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-flags-on-baseball-helmets/82575/17 "2001-09-20T06:05:59Z")
[QUOTE] \*Originally posted by BobT \* \*\* > [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Alzarian \* > I believe the flags are supposed to be on the uniforms at least through the end of the season. As is the singing of “God Bless America” during the 7th inning stretch instead of “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.” \*\* I watched the Giants/Astros game on TV tonight and they sang _God Bless America_ followed by _Take Me Out to the Ballgame_. I heard that televised games through the end of the season will also broadcast the National Anthem. Haj