PENNANT FACTORY
Homemade pennants inspired by designs of the past
The conceptAt the turn of the last century felt novelty makers once offered a product known as a "trophy banner," a.k.a., a "spite banner/pennant" or even "victory flag." The concept was simple: rather than celebrating a particular championship bestowed upon your team, the trophy banner commemorated the team's defeat of its opponent in a specific game. More often than not, this opponent was that team's biggest rival. How did the trophy banner achieve this? By posting the score from the game itself. In that way, everyone that saw it was forever reminded as to which team came out on top. If we're being completely honest here, trophy banners were a bit mean spirited. It's one thing thing to commemorate your team's own accomplishments--nothing at all wrong with that; but, celebrating the defeat of another team? That's a bit different. In my view, the trophy banner was really about stick'n it to your rival, plain and simple. Here's some good examples of trophy pennants produced in the previous century: As with trophy banners, manufacturers often made their trophy pennants from two pieces of felt--ostensibly, to represent the primary colors of each team to have participated in the contest. Additionally, these products often included a date; something that makes them especially collectible among collectors today. If you want a vintage trophy banner or pennant from yesteryear, expect to cough up some big bucks. Especially if the item is really old and/or featured two prominent teams. For the right team/game, I might be willing to spend the money; but, unfortunately, I'm unaware of any cool trophy banners/pennants made for any of my teams--well, none that my team came out on top of, that is! And as cool as I think these products are, I'm not about to drop a boat load of cash on a banner celebrating a game I couldn't care less about. So, I decided to make my own trophy banner commemorating a contemporary rivalry game I was emotionally invested in. The designIf you've looked back at any of my past projects here on Pennant Factory, you know who my teams are. Unfortunately for me, this year, I won't be making a 2021 World Champion Los Angeles Dodgers pennant ... or banner; or burgee. And, thanks to our division rivals, I can't even make a 2021 Western Division Champs pennant! But, as fate would have it, the 106 win Dodgers would settle for the Wild Card; which put them in the first ever head-to-head playoff contest versus the 107 win San Francisco Giants in the National League Division Series. With two heavyweights squaring off, it was clear to both fan bases: bragging rights were on the line. Look, although I appreciate the rivalry, I'm not really in to the shit talking that typically takes place when Dodger and Giant fans meet up. But, when I think about trophy banners or spite banners, I can't help but think about the decades of smack talking Dodger fans have endured as a result of one, crushing defeat known today as the "shot heard 'round the world." You know the story. The year was 1951. The Brooklyn Dodgers and New York Giants ended the regular season tied for first place. That forced a best of three "play-in" series for the National League Pennant. They split the first two games, the first of which was played at Ebbets Field. The season came down to one fateful game #3 to be played at the Polo Grounds. The Dodgers entered the bottom of the 9th inning up, 4-1. The Giants scored a second run; then put two runners on. Ralph Branca was brought in to pitch to Bobby Thomson. Thomson launched an 0-1 fastball into the left field bleachers, and just like that, "THE GIANTS WIN THE PENNANT!" exclaimed broadcaster Russ Hodges. That's the version Giant fans like to share. And for several decades, that story was accepted by just about everyone--even Dodger fans.
Unfortunately, this wouldn't be the last time the Dodgers would fall victim to unscrupulous play during the post season. Replace the telescope in center with a video camera, and essentially the same scheme was executed by the Houston Astros during their postseason run of 2017. Sadly, at least in my experience, fans of both the Giants and the '17 Houston Astros have had a hard time acknowledging the truth. Not only have the Giants failed to come to grips with their past, they still celebrate Thomson's homer every time the Dodgers and Giants play. And for those home games when the Dodgers aren't in town, there's a sign in their ballpark, commemorating the moment ... as if the guy really hit a legit homer that day! I mean, nevermind the Giants went on to lose to the Yankees in the ensuing World Series, right? But, since the Giants couldn't honor the '51 team as World Champs, they had to settle for a lame "Remember '51" sign, I suppose.... Everytime--and I do mean everytime--I see that stupid sign, it pisses me off. It is essentially a "spite sign," intended to stick it to Dodger fans. The only thing it's missing is the final score! But, what goes around, comes around. In 2021, it was the Dodgers sticking it to the Giants. And, not unlike the 1951 contest, the 2021 NLDS ended with a little controversy of its own, thanks to a favorable call on what appeared to be a checked swing. For Dodger fans, it was the perfect way to eliminate their rivals. Final score: Dodgers 2, Giants 1. The Dodgers had taken the series. And while the Dodgers weren't able to repeat as world champions, we'll always "Remember '21." And thanks to my trophy banner, we'll never forget which team came out on top! Above: The '21 Dodgers pose for a victory photo on the pitching mound at Oracle Park. |
AuthorIn 2018 I started a separate website called Pennant Fever dedicated to 20th century felt novelty manufacturers. It focuses on these companies' history, products, etc. Eventually, my interest in these businesses inspired me to start making my own pennants. THIS site you're currently viewing, Pennant Factory, is where I'll showcase some of the felt projects I've taken on. Most are reproductions of real pennants once for sale to the public. I've done my best to re-create the originals as authentically as possible based upon surviving photos, known dimensions, etc. Others are my original work, intended to look like the styles of yesteryear. Some turned out better than others. See for yourself. Enjoy! -KRB Projects:
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