Pennant (sports)

The ritual of hoisting of the premiership flag in Australian sporting culture dates back to 1895 and is an enduring symbol in Australian sporting culture and particularly Australian rules football. "The Flag" is figuratively still as important as "the Cup" in the VFL/AFL long after a premiership trophy was introduced in 1959. This is the premiership flag flown the Carlton Football Club in 1907 for the premiership it won in the 1906 Grand Final.

A pennant is a commemorative flag typically used to show support for a particular athletic team. Pennants have been historically used in all types of athletic levels: high school, collegiate, professional etc. Traditionally, pennants were made of felt and fashioned in the official colors of a particular team. Often graphics, usually the mascot symbol, as well as the team name were displayed on pennants. The images displayed on pennants were either stitched on with contrasting colored felt or had screen-printing. Today, vintage pennants with rare images or honoring special victories have become prized collectibles for sporting enthusiasts. While pennants are typically associated with athletic teams, pennants have also been made to honor institutions and vacation spots, often acting as souvenirs.

Pennants as trophies

In Major League Baseball, a pennant typically refers to such a flag flown specifically by the National League or American League championship team of a given season, or to such a championship itself. The last few weeks of the regular American professional baseball season are known as a pennant race. This is a holdover from the time (pre-1969) when the league championships were determined by the team with the best record at the end of the regular season.

In Australian sports, the term flag is used in the same context. The pennant is waved around in the crowd to show support to the sport team they are cheering for.

See also

• Gonfalon

References