You may have noticed the American flag backward on a baseball uniform? If so,then Wondering Why Is The American Flag Backwards On Baseball Uniforms? Stay tuned with us.
Why is the American flag backward on baseball uniforms? To know that, let’s think of a battleground where our brothers are ready to fight like old times. Now imagine yourself holding a flag pole and marching forward in the battleground but the wind is blowing the flag backward. Such a disturbing and unwanted situation right?
To stop that backward view of the flag, this Battle Flag version was introduced. Here the stars remain in the front and then the trails. It’s just another version of our National flag.
If you’re not a military person or representing a baseball team, but still want to wear the flag then stay with me. In this article, I’ll share such info, so that you’ll feel proud of your choice.
Why is the American Flag backward on Baseball uniforms?
Before going straight into the answer, don’t you feel, it’s necessary to know it from the root? Well, as a former baseball player, I’m quite excited to share some essence from that time. So, let’s dig out.
History
Everything has its history, and so does the baseball uniform. I can assure you, you’ll find it interesting. So my friend, sit tight, we’re going 100 years back, the root.
The World War I
Between 1910-1920 the major sports in America started showing the American flag on their uniforms. At first, this concept seemed quite interesting but it was the beginning.
Instead of holding the American flag in the game, the teams decided to wear red and white colors as a symbol.
The Gulf War
The American flag was shown on the baseball uniforms for the first time during the first Gulf war(1990-1991.
Any confusion in mind? That’s okay but let me finish first.
Before the Gulf War (I) there was no standard for it. Thus, it didn’t grab that much attention and clearly didn’t serve the purpose properly. But this time it did work and the world learned a new way to show patriotism.
The 9/11
09/11/2001 was a tragic day in the history of the human race.
After this horrific incident, the baseball teams added the American flag to the uniforms once again. This time it was in the memory of the lost souls and since then it is part of the regular uniform in Major League Baseball (MLB).
The reason to wear an American flag on the baseball uniform
The American flag direction on a baseball uniform is the same as the military uniforms with flag patches. More accurately, the concept came from the military services, so the rules for military personnel are recommended as a standard.
Why is it backward?
The soldiers are believed to be the defense mechanism of the country. A uniformed soldier marching forward with the flag patch on the shoulder, means the flag is charging forward in the breeze as the person advances.
For example, think of the American flag flying on a pole and you’re moving forward with it, the wind will blow it backward. Now you set the flag backward like the stars at the first part and the stripes in the trail, it will show the flag as it is meant to be.
What does it mean?
The American flag on backward means the opposite of the look. The American flag is kept like that, so that, while marching forward like in the battleground, the flag will indicate that the soldiers are arriving at the enemy’s end. In short, the American flag is facing forward, with all glories.
Is it contempt of the American flag code?
Technically, yes; as the American flag code refers, the flag can’t be worn on a sports uniform. On the other hand, it’s been happening for a long time and nobody even minds it. This way it’s not counted as a violation but always keep it in mind.
Black American flag backward, what’s the difference?
The black American flag on backward means the same meaning as the regular one. As long as you wear it on baseball uniforms or military uniforms both symbolize the same meaning.
Who else can wear the American flag backward, where?
If you’re not from the Military services or any baseball team but an American citizen, you can wear it. You can wear the American flag backward on your attire but within the rules.
What’s the rule?
The stars of the flag must lead the way and the stripes on the rest portion. So you can wear the American flag backward on your uniforms just on the right sleeve. Though some military units wear it on the left shoulder, still the right shoulder is preferred. It symbolizes the American soldiers who always move forward and never retreat.
Right shoulder or left shoulder? What’s the purpose?
The place of honor of a military person is on the right side. Based on this ethic, The American flag is worn on the right shoulders. Some military units wear on the left shoulder too. So it’s not mandatory to wear the flag patch on the right shoulder but preferred most of the time.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Why is an American flag patch worn on a uniform?
It’s a part of showing respect for the country and also distinguishing them from other soldiers.
Can I skip wearing the flag on a baseball uniform?
Technically, you can skip wearing it, although the rule states that all the team members should wear the same dress. So you better not do that.
Is it acceptable for a non-native person to wear an American flag?
The American flag patch on uniforms mainly reflects patriotism for America. If you’re from outside of the U.S.A. you won’t face any restrictions in the MLB but in high school baseball.
Why are the American flags reversed on the military uniforms?
So that the flag direction doesn’t deliver the wrong message, especially in the battleground. A soldier moving forward with it means the country is forwarding with all her glories and dignities.
Was the American Flag always backward on the uniform?
The American flag wasn’t always backward on military uniforms. When the flag patch is on the left shoulder, then it should be forward-facing.
How many types of American flag patches are authorized to use?
For Military uniforms including all the special units, 3 types of flag patches are authorized for use, they are the full-color flag, subdued flag, and infrared flag patches
Does the MLB encourage other sports to use the American flag?
Yes, they encourage it, and for that teams receive an incentive of unique caps specially designed for the team.
Helmet, Vehicle, or aircraft, on which side should an American flag go?
The stars must show the way, I mean in the forward. So you have to draw or attach the American flag on the left side of your helmet, vehicle, or even an aircraft.
Conclusion
Every country has something of its holding that symbolizes the country. It can be the national flag, the national sport, historical structure, own customs, etc. and it’s expressed and nurtured in its own way.
The baseball game has become a symbol of American unity. It has been a part of American history, and also a medium of showing respect for the country and its heroes since WW I. I have another article on The History of Baseball in case you want more.
So the American flag backward on baseball uniforms is about the impression/message, it’s like a symbol. It means the flag flying forward in the breeze and so do the American heroes in the game.
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Hello everyone. My name is Jason Butler, and I live in California, America. I was a professional AAA Minor League Baseball player. I lost my chance of playing MLB for injury issues, but I did not lose my love for baseball. I attended the coaching training program and am now working as a coach in a small school in San Diego.
I always love to share my experience and knowledge if that can help you. Play baseball, and stay fit.