Souvenir Helmets

In the 1960s, several companies, including Bobbie and Sports Corp., began producing souvenir plastic helmets for fans, which were sold at stadiums or given away at "helmet days." This display includes helmets representing the Indians, White Sox, Reds, Cardinals, Cubs, Pirates, Phillies, Mets, Tigers, Orioles and Yankees — along with two representing the Rochester Red Wings of the International League. Unlike the Laich helmets that were mass produced starting in 1969, which featured a plastic "adjust-a-strap," the ones

made pre-1969 had foam blocks glued to the sides of the inside of the helmet. Clearly the foam didn't stay attached forever — it's missing from many today. While there is a vast inventory of Laich helmets listed on eBay, it's hard to find a single listing for a pre-adjust-a-strap helmet, showing how rare these colorful keepsakes are today.