Michael Fahey and Mike Coward, the Baggy Green

Reviews 1 1 1 Michael Fahey and Mike Coward, The Baggy Green: The Pride, Passion and History of Australia’s Sporting Icon, The Cricket Publishing Company, West Pennant Hills, 2008, pp. xii + 131, hb, $38.50. A little while ago, I mentioned to a friend who has little interest in cricket or any other sport for that matter, that I was reviewing a book on Australian cricket’s baggy green cap. He replied, ‘Why on earth would anybody go to the trouble to write a book on a cap?’. This short review is the answer to his retort. Thankfully, for the cricket loving public, one of Australia’s leading cricket journalists, Mike Coward, and one of this country’s leading sports memorabilia experts, Michael Fahey, have teamed up to write this beautifully produced book on the iconic Australian cricket cap. Yet, to be frank, this particular item of headwear isjust one of the many accessories of the modern Australian cricketer. The authors have produced an easily readable and accessible account of the transformation that has occurred to the Australian cricket cap over many decades. Issues that are addressed include past and present players’ views of the baggy green, its development, the modern importance of the cap under recent captains Mark Taylor and Steve Waugh, collectors of caps, the value of caps and the controversies that arise when caps come up for auction. The authors have undertaken extraordinary research when addressing these issues, and this is one of the strengths of the book. For this reviewer, however, one of the most enlightening aspects within this account is the insights that Australian Test players, both past and present, have given the authors, particularly since their views succinctly illustrate the change in players’ attitudes towards this accessory over time. For instance, the late Bill Brown notes: ‘In my day they were just cricket caps and flung into our bags ... They were just part of the attire and not regarded much higher than your boots and treated much the same’ (p. 11). In this vein Richie Benaud adds: ‘I say this not in a derogatory' way but it has only been in recent times there has been this kerfuffle about the baggy green’ (p. 18), while Ian Chappell claims ‘A lot of what goes on with the baggy green is for commercial reasons and I have major problems with that’ (p. 19). The authors have contrasted these attitudes with the almost spiritual renewal of the baggy green under the recent leadership of Mark Taylor and Steve Waugh. Under their watch, the Australian cap has almost been inculcated with something of a mystical quality. While the insights of players on the baggy green is a key strength of the book, it is by no means the only one. The research undertaken in illustrating the early development of the cap is important in that it helps the reader place 1 12 SpOTtingTRADITIONS VOLUME 28 n o 2 NOVEMBER 2011 the later development in a historical context, while at the same time allowing an understanding as to why this has occurred. The recent escalation in the financial value of these caps is also covered, although it must be said that some readers may find it distasteful to read about the circus that surrounded an auction of a Don Bradman cap in 2003. Nevertheless, the authors have provided readers with a service in illustrating at times how these events finally play out. It is part of the story. The brief chapter on collectors is significant in providing insights into the type of people who collect sporting memorabilia, in this case the baggy green cap. .An account such as this is very relevant in oudining to the non-collector why people do become immersed in such an expensive pastime. The colour photographs of different baggy green caps which appear at the rear of the book are also very useful in visually outlining the development of these caps over a long period. However, due to their scarcity there are some big gaps in the photographic chronology, which is a pity, as the reader is left wishing for more of this material. You do not have to be a cricket tragic to enjoy this book. It is an easy read and gives both the specialist and general reader many valuable insights into the development of an Australia sporting icon. Both authors are to be congratulated in making such a major contribution to Australian cricket and to Australia’s rich sporting literature. Addendum: At time of writing, this book is available for purchasing from Michael Fahey’s sports memorabilia website at http://sportsmem.com.au. Michael Christie, Independent scholar, Sydney, NSW.

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