Berlin All Stars 1960 Capsule Collection
The year is 1960, the world is still recuperating from its second namesake war and Germany, like many other countries, is on the mend. Occupied by the United States Army 2nd Armored Division, the Tempelhof-Berlin Airport is becoming a refreshing hub of culture and progress, and one of America’s most coveted customs is making its way in, with the help of the Berlin All Stars Little League team.
Pat Williams, Edward Cole and John Reale, young sons of stationed families are getting on in the closed space with baseball, falling in love with the sport much like their peers over in the states. More than a hobby –– baseball’s lessons were transcendent –– teaching kids how to collaborate, work hard and overcome adversity, whether or not they realized it at the time.
The Berlin All Stars became the energetic resident Little League team, gaining accolade as they traveled around Germany to compete against other bases. The boys would cross borders to win the European Championship –– even invited to play in the World Series at Little League Baseball’s birthplace: Williamsport, Pennsylvania. They lost the championship but took home an undeniably, irreplaceable, life experience.
Inspired by this group of tenacious teammates, the Berlin Braves organization formed in 2012 to keep the spirit of camaraderie alive and well in their city. Through organized amateur sports, they’re building a supportive youth culture much like the atmosphere that thrived via baseball nearly fifty years prior.
In 1947, the same decade that the Tempelhof Berlin Airport was taken over by American forces, our founders at ’47 were launching their sports memorabilia business on the streets outside of Fenway Park. Feeling encouraged by the story and like-minded devotion to sport as a lifestyle, we worked with the Berlin Braves to reunite the 1960 All Stars for a rare on-field experience, in our own neighborhood.
As Pat, Ed, John and 10 other teammates stepped onto the field of Fenway Park, they expressed overwhelming nostalgia for the influence that Berlin had on their lives –– attributing personal successes to the values adopted from time spent as the All Stars, humbled by the impact they left on the city.
Today, the Tempelhof Airport is not only closed for flights, but it has completely transformed into a recreational community area for Berlin residents, extending its legacy as a lively epicenter for youth.
To commemorate this era, ’47 also helped bring the Berlin Command All Stars 1960 jerseys and caps back to life with detailed replicas. The capsule collection is featured in the lookbook below, available today on 47brand.com.
