Kelly Richardson to be inducted into Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame

The Class of 2027 of the Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame features a pair of inductees whose impact on baseball has continued well after their highly competitive playing days ended.

Kurt Ainsworth (Marucci Sports) and Kelly Richardson (Richardson) will join 192 retailers, team dealers, manufacturers and industry influencers who have been honored with induction into the Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame since it was established by the National Sporting Goods Association in 1955. The selections of Ainsworth and Richardson for the Class of 2027 were made by the Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame Committee at its annual meeting in May.

“The Class of 2027 has made a significant impact on our industry and the world of sports and they are very deserving of this highest honor. Welcoming Kurt and Kelly to the Hall of Fame is a big thrill and it’s fantastic to see them recognized for their career achievements.”

– Gordon Geiger, Chairman, NSGA Board of Directors

Kelly Richardson
Kelly Richardson had a plan in the late 1970s of using the University of Oregon as a stepping-stone to a professional baseball career as a pitcher.

Richardson realized that dream wasn’t going to happen so he changed his game plan. He joined the burgeoning family business of Richardson Sports that was owned by his father Neil, who had a brief minor league pitching stint, and included Kelly’s mom and older brother on a staff of six.

Richardson has grown to more than 450 employees, and evolved under Kelly Richardson’s leadership since he took over as President and CEO in 1995, to become one of the top cap companies in the sporting goods industry.

Athletic equipment was the core business for Richardson from 1970 until 1999, when Kelly and the company decided to focus exclusively on its new headwear line. That decision helped establish Richardson as a trusted and authentic on-field brand.

Richardson focused on improving the quality, fit and shape of its baseball caps and introduced the Performance Team Series line specifically for players. But Richardson also saw the baseball-style cap’s popularity making it something for everyone and not just players. It aligned perfectly with Kelly Richardson’s objective to become a premium headwear brand that would be a special product for anyone passionate about headwear.

Richardson also has a commitment to giving back to the community and supporting organizations that are helping underserved and at-risk kids. He is also a half-owner of the Springfield Drifters summer collegiate wood-bat baseball team in Springfield, Oregon.

About Richardson
Still family owned and operated, Richardson is a vertically integrated designer and manufacturer of premium headwear, uniforms, apparel, and accessories. They are also the leading custom made-to-order headwear brand, serving everything from baseball and softball teams to world-renowned consumer brands, businesses large and small, and even your neighborhood brewery.

For over 50 years, Richardson’s commitment to excellence has shaped every stitch, delivering quality and authenticity to customers and fans. They celebrate moments of triumph and champion self-expression, igniting the spirit of competition and adventure for all who proudly wear the R.

About the National Sporting Goods Association
Since 1929, the National Sporting Goods Association (NSGA) has been the leading voice and go-to resource for the sporting goods industry. NSGA helps the industry grow its businesses through research, advocacy and networking. For more information about membership or NSGA’s products and services, please visit the NSGA website.

About the Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame
NSGA created the Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame in 1955 to honor sporting goods pioneers, innovators and leaders, while recognizing and encouraging continued excellence in the industry. Since the first induction in 1956, 192 men and women have been inducted. Nominations are now being accepted for the 2028 induction class.