Mitchell & Ness Merchandise 0 Items

Mitchell & Ness Merchandise

In 1904, former tennis and wrestling champ, Frank P. Mitchell partners with Scottish golfer Charles M. Ness to form a sporting goods store specialized in handcrafted tennis rackets, golf clubs, and other equipment. By 1925, the Philadelphia-based company Mitchell & Ness begins designing and manufacturing uniforms for high school, college, and semi-pro sports teams in Philadelphia and the surrounding areas. In 1933, the company goes pro when the newly formed Philadelphia Eagles employ Mitchell & Ness as their official on-field outfitter. Mitchell & Ness’ success and reputation grows as the business expands to include two local Major League Baseball clubs, the Philadelphia Athletics and Philadelphia Phillies. At the same time, the Eagles begin to sport Mitchell & Ness apparel both on-field and off-field in new sweaters and jackets. In 1983, a man walks into Mitchell & Ness to have two game-worn baseball jerseys repaired. In attempting to do so, the shop owner’s son Peter Capolino discovers thousands of yards of discarded wool flannel, which inspires him to recreate vintage jerseys. In 1988, Major League Baseball creates the Authentic Cooperstown Collection license, giving Mitchell & Ness exclusive permission to make player number jerseys. After the widespread success of the throwback collection, the NBA, NFL, and NHL grant Mitchell & Ness licenses. The jerseys become increasingly popular among entertainers and athletes, making frequent appearances in music videos and magazines. While trends come and go, Mitchell & Ness jerseys remain popular among sports’ greatest enthusiast: the true fan.