Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame

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.