New York Mets vs LA Dodgers: Coast-to-Coast Clash & History
Two coasts with two very different attitudes, and a small segment of shared history that shaped how we wear baseball caps in the modern day - particularly team logo embossed ones.
When it comes to the New York Mets vs LA Dodgers, you’re not watching two big-budget MLB teams go at it. You’re watching the direct clash between East Coast hustle and West Coast chill. If we are being honest, most people wearing an LA Dodgers cap or a Mets cap couldn't tell you who's starting on the mound tonight; a lot of people wear them because of what the logos mean off the field.
Dive into how the history connects, how the two caps stack up, and how to wear them properly.
The Shared Lineage
To truly understand the depth and history between these two teams, you have to look at 1950s Brooklyn. Before Chavez Ravine was even a thought, the Dodgers were a New York institution playing out of Ebbets Field.
But in 1958, management packed up and moved the franchise out to California It left a massive dent in New York sports culture. Four years later, the Mets were created to fix it.
Why the Mets Wear Brooklyn Dodger Blue
The Mets didn't pick their kit colors out of thin air. They essentially designed their identity to heal old wounds, borrowing directly from the two teams that left the city:
- Royal Blue: Straight from the former Brooklyn Dodgers.
- Orange: Lifted from the San Francisco (formerly New York) Giants.
That shared blue thread means Queens and LA are forever tied together. Each time a Mets fan pulls on their cap, they’re carrying a small reminder and a piece of the history that created the modern Dodgers.
The Cap Breakdown: LA Dodgers Classic vs. NY Mets Bold
| Cap Model | ||
|---|---|---|
| Front Logo Detail | Crisp white on Dodger Blue | Interlocked "NY" in Orange |
| Overall Aesthetic | Clean, low-key, goes with anything | High-contrast Royal Blue base |
| Vibe / Identity | Laid-back West Coast staple | Loud, raw East Coast energy |
The Global Impact of the LA Monogram
The Dodgers 59FIFTY fitted cap is a staple in global streetwear. White embroidery on a deep blue crown, simple but effective. But that interlocking "LA" crossed over from baseball decades ago. You’ll see it on skaters in Venice, rappers in London, and people who have never watched a single inning of baseball in their life; it oozes style, just as much as it does history.
Queens Streetwear: Royal Blue & Orange in NYC
The New York Mets fitted 59FIFTY cap goes the opposite route. It’s loud. The bright orange "NY" stitched against that rich blue base isn't subtle, and that’s the aim. It’s the cap for the underdogs, the die-hards, and anyone in NYC who wants to make some noise through their fashion.
Styling Your Cap
Throwing one of these into your outfit comes down to overall desired vibe.
Styling a Dodgers Cap
Keep things effortless. The blue is classic enough that it speaks for itself:
- Top: Oversized plain tee or a washed-out grey hoodie.
- Bottoms: Relaxed carpenter trousers, loose shorts, or light denim.
- Footwear: White low-top canvas shoes or clean retro basketball-style shoes.
Styling the Mets Cap
The orange stitch needs some weight around it so it doesn't look out of place:
- Top: Heavier layers - a thick fleece under an unbuttoned canvas work jacket.
- Bottoms: Dark selvedge jeans or wide trousers.
- Footwear: Sturdy boots or retro runners with small orange hits to complement the cap logo.
59FIFTY vs. 9FIFTY: Which Fit Is Best For You?
If you're new to caps, it’s important to make sure you pick the right crown setup:
- 59FIFTY Fitted: The OG cap silhouette. Structured high crown, flat brim you can curve yourself, and a solid closed back. Ideally, you should know your exact head size for this one. Read our 59FIFTY size guide here.
- Low Profile 59FIFTY: Same tailored fit as the original, but the crown sits lower on your head, and the brim comes pre-curved.
- 9FIFTY Snapback: Provides that traditional structured look up front, but uses an adjustable plastic snap strap at the back. Easier if you aren't sure on sizing.
FAQ
Why are the Mets colors blue and orange?
They took blue from the Brooklyn Dodgers and orange from the New York Giants when the team was founded in 1962, honoring the two clubs that left NYC for California.
Are New Era 59FIFTY caps true to size?
Yeah, they’re measured down to the eighth of an inch. Wrap a soft measuring tape around your head just above your ears to get your standard size.
What is the main difference between a 59FIFTY and a 9FIFTY?
The 59FIFTY is fitted with a closed back (sized specifically to your head). The 9FIFTY is a snapback with an open, adjustable back.