In my digging around on the story of alleged discrimination and union busting by New Era Cap in Mobile, Alabama I noticed that New Era is the exclusive supplier of caps for Major League Baseball and that they have 4 plants in China. I found out another neat thing: MLB still cares just enough about American workers to require that the caps and uniforms actually worn by MLB players have to be made in the USA.
Cross-posted from Left in Alabama.
So, why doesn't the organization that most represents "America's favorite pastime" go that extra mile and require all products that bear their name and logos actually be made in America? Not possible, you say? Too expensive? Not enough manufacturing capacity left? Let's look at those excuses.
Manufacturing capacity:
There are still cap and shirt manufacturers in the USA. I can say that with confidence because every political campaign I have ever seen stipulates that caps, shirts, etc. be made in the USA. Realistically, MLB wouldn't have to make the switch overnight and since they license a LOT of merchandise, the manufacturing capacity will follow the money.
Let's look at the cost differential:
This John Edwards union made, union embroidered cap (with leather strap) is priced at $ 17.95; this "union made in the USA" Obama hat is priced at $15; these Hillary hats (no info on origin) are priced at $20.08. Arizona Cap Co. sells union made in the USA caps, embroidered, in quantity for $17 each or less and this hat from Justice Clothing (no embroidery) is $12.50. Made in the USA shirt prices are very similar to the cap prices.
At the Major League Baseball webstore, this official, on-field style, made in the USA cap is $31.99; this 39THIRTY cap made in Bangladesh is $27.99; other caps priced at $17.99 to $27.99 are made in China or Bangladesh. MLB shirts in the $20 range are likely to be made in China or Honduras.
The price differential is not that much -- not as much as I expected -- and most people who would pay $18 for a fancy baseball cap would also pay $21 or $22 for a made in the USA one, and those who would pay $28 would pay $32 for one made here. I think it's worthwhile to contact Major League Baseball and request they only sell made in the USA caps and clothing bearing their name and logos. Let them know we're paying attention.
Here are some good people to start with:
Tim Brosnan | Executive Vice President, Business |
Rob Manfred | Executive Vice President, Labor Relations & Human Resources |
Here is the Commissioner's contact info:
The Office of the Commissioner of Baseball
Allan H. (Bud) Selig, Commissioner
245 Park Avenue, 31st Floor
New York, NY 10167
Phone: (212) 931-7800
Contact information for individual teams is at this link.
Good jobs for Americans make us all stronger!