Pittsburg Steelers Badge History

The logo of the Pittsburgh Steelers @steelers (and, fascinatingly, Huachipato FC @Huachipato in Chile, which uses the same image) have unique connections to the steel industry. Pittsburgh's began to rise as an economic powerhouse in the 1830s. It sits at a prime location at the convergence of three rivers that spread out into the American interior – as the country was expanding into the West it was the perfect location, with nearby coal deposits too, to set up steel refineries and then sail the heavy goods down river to the growing cities of the West. In 1848 the Pennsylvania Canal and Railroad only enhanced these natural advantages. Andrew Carnegie set up shop with his US Steel 1901 and soon became one the richest men in the world – his steel mills gave the city the name ‘Steel City’.

When looking for a badge then for the American Football team to represent the city there was only one real choice – the badge of the American Iron and Steel Institute’s (AISI). It had three stars – in three colours: Each colour symbolises one of the essential materials for steel production: yellow for coal, orange for iron ore, and blue for steel scrap.

Bizarrely, and uniquely, the Steelers’ logo is placed only on one side of the helmet, a distinctive decision made by a cautious and superstitious equipment manager. When they trailed the logo, he wasn’t sure of the reception so only placed it one side of the helmet. That season the Steelers broke all their records and won the championship. Determined not to undo their good luck, they’ve stuck with the one-sided helmet badge ever since.

Across the world in Chile, Huachipato FC’s logo was also inspired by the AISI Steelmark. Formed in 1947, the club’s early supporters were steelworkers from the local Huachipato steel industry. Like the Steelers, Huachipato FC took the logo for their badge to represent their origins.

When you think about England’s football teams too, with the likes of Sheffield United (‘The Blades’) and Sheffield Wednesday, it is interesting how many teams have a connection to steel (a Google search tells me that the Japanese football team Kawasaki Frontale emerged from a steel company team and there is a junior ice hocket team in Hamilton, Canada, named the ‘Steel Hawks’ after their town’s large steel mill).