Jim Lilliefors has put together a nice piece of baseball-related bubblegum for pop historians this off season.  His new book, Ball Cap Nation, covers a wide variety of angles on the American obsession with the baseball cap.  Everything from touring the New Era factory, where MLB official (and licensed) caps are made, to visiting with Lizzie Post, granddaughter of the more famous Emily Post on ball cap etiquette (Tip: a ball cap is NOT appropriate at church!), even a brief interview with David Wells about wearing one of Babe Ruth’s caps in a game (and driving Joe Torre insane at the same time).  Lilliefors visits with some of the top cap collectors across the country, relates the histories of Lids and Hat World as top cap retailers, and even offers practical advice on the care of your ball caps.

As with any book that ends with a quiz, readers will not be surprised that the tone is light throughout, with lots of great pictures and large fonts starting each chapter.  An academic work, this is not.  But for someone looking for an easy read on a unique part of the baseball uniform, it’s highly recommended.