They actually are alive and well with football and basketball players in the high schools around here. My son was a football player and earned his jacket and his letter in football along with an All-State football tag. His position was also indicated on his shoulder. I think I had to pay $90.00 for the jacket. While baseball players do earn letters, they had no jacket to put them on. My son was elected as his high schools most outstanding something or other and his picture was made in his high school letter jacket for the high school album.
At his college they do earn letter jackets (given to them)and they are a prized possession although players tend to be very discreet about where they wear them. Depending on the situation it can be very cool to wear them or it can be very un-cool too. I think letter sweaters went out with Pat Boone, The Brothers Four, and the shoes we called white and "dirty bucks".
Fungo
