A Hat with Distinction

Picture Geoffrey Boycott and no doubt the image that springs to mind is of him wearing a natty, broad brimmed hat. It's become something of a trademark. Whilst it undoubtedly has style, the real purpose, as you would expect with an individual as exacting as Mr Boycott, is practical.

In 1990, Geoffrey was preparing to give his first TV commentary of West Indies vs England - it also happened to be the first cricket match broadcast live by satellite TV. Geoffrey was working alongside Tony Greig, Tony Lewis, Michael Holding and Tony Crozier. It was agreed that Geoffrey should do the pitch report, something that involved standing outside in the burning Caribbean sun while waiting for the camera crew to set up. He recalls:

"As I prepared to go down to the pitch, Tony Greig warned me that I'd need a hat to prevent sunburn. They were wise words indeed as the conditions on the pitch were like an oven. So, I grabbed a hat and that's where it started. I've been wearing one ever since.

"It is even more important to me now. After my tongue cancer, the radiation treatment that was necessary on my cheeks and neck has left my skin needing protection from any direct sunlight - even in England."

Geoffrey's trademark hats are now available to all cricket fans who like to enjoy the game whatever the weather.

The Geoffrey Boycott hat is available in natural straw colour with signed hat band in three different colours (light blue, navy blue and milk chocolate). Priced at £30 (plus £4.00 P&P in the UK).