The Springfield Reapers, based in Springfield, Ohio, take their name from the city's status as a major 19th-century reaper and mower manufacturing hub. Springfield native William Whiteley invented the Champion reaper there in 1856, and the resulting Champion Machine Company grew so large that the city became known as "The Champion City." The Reapers picked up where the Springfield Babes left off; that earlier club's three-season Central League run ended in 1908 when the Wheeling Stogies took its spot in the league. The Reapers spent the next few years in the Class D Ohio State League instead, winning that league's championship in 1911.
Despite the title, Springfield moved up a level for 1912, joining the Class B Central League as it expanded to twelve teams alongside several other clubs in this collection, including the Akron Rubbermen, Erie Sailors, Fort Wayne Railroaders, South Bend Benders, Terre Haute Terre-iers, Wheeling Stogies, Youngstown Steelmen, and Zanesville Potters. The Reapers finished fourth at 72-54 under returning manager Charley O'Day, 3.5 games behind the first-place Fort Wayne Railroaders.
That season, Springfield picked up pitcher Charlie Wheatley off waivers. He pitched well enough to get noticed by Detroit Tigers scout Bobby Lowe, and the Tigers purchased him from the Reapers for $3,500; Wheatley made his major league debut on September 6, 1912.
The Reapers continued in the Central League through 1914, then returned for 1916 and 1917 under new player-manager Joe Dunn, a Springfield native and former major league catcher for the Brooklyn Dodgers. Dunn helped develop a young pitching staff that included future Hall of Famer Jesse Haines. In 1916, Springfield finished third overall at 74-58 but won the second-half pennant in the league's split-season format, advancing to the finals after the Dayton Veterans took the first half.
The Central League itself was a Class B circuit that ran, often sporadically, from 1903 into the 1930s (with a later 1948-51 revival), fielding teams mostly from Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.
Retro Baseball Revival celebrates historic baseball teams with unique apparel, honoring their legacy and bringing history to one-of-a-kind clothing with our old school retro baseball tees from defunct Minor League Baseball teams. All of our high quality apparel is designed, printed, and shipped within the USA. This collection features 100% original designs based on the history and nicknames of historic minor league teams.
Our premium lightweight shirts are the hugely popular Bella+Canvas brand 3001 tees. They are much lighter and thinner feeling than a traditional heavyweight tee. They also are more form fitting and feel more snug. These are generally 90% to 100% cotton, although please note that heather colors in this item are 52% cotton.
Size Guide: Fit is true to size or a little snug. Considering ordering one size up if you are normally between sizes.
Brand: Bella Canvas | Product ID: 3001
- Made with 100% Airlume combed and ring-spun cotton, a lightweight fabric (4.2 oz/yd² (142 g/m²)) that is easy to layer, breathable. Perfect for active and leisure wear.
- The retail fit that is perfect for casual and semi-formal settings. The crew neckline adds a classic, neat style that's perfect for accessorizing.
- Bella+Canvas manufactures all its products in the US and internationally in humane, no-sweat-shop, sustainable way and is part of the Fair Labor Association as well as Platinum WRAP certified.
- The tear-away label minimizes skin irritations.
- Fabric blends: Ash and Heather Prism colors - 99% cotton, 1% polyester; Heather and Solid Blend colors - 52% cotton, 48% polyester; Athletic Heather and Black Heather - 90% cotton, 10% polyester.
