The Dubuque Packers, based in Dubuque, Iowa, played in the Mississippi-Ohio Valley League from 1954 to 1955 and then in the Midwest League from 1956 through 1967, winning league championships in both 1955 and 1962. They were a Chicago White Sox affiliate for their first five seasons, then affiliated with the Pittsburgh Pirates (1959-60) and Cleveland Indians (1961-66). Dubuque had earlier baseball history in the Three-I League under the Shamrocks (1903-05), Dubs (1906-15), and Hustlers (1911) nicknames, but the Packers were a distinct later franchise built around a different era of Midwest baseball.
The most remarkable single season in Packers history came in 1956, when Grover "Deacon" Jones hit .409 over 100 games, a Midwest League record that still stands. Jones had injured his shoulder during White Sox spring training and was sent to Dubuque to keep playing through the pain. His average never fell below .400 after the team's 16th game. Pitcher Gary Peters came through Dubuque in 1957 before winning the American League Rookie of the Year award with the White Sox in 1963. Tommy John started his professional career in Dubuque in 1961, long before the elbow surgery in 1974 that made his name synonymous with ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction. Outfielder Tommie Agee also played in Dubuque in 1961 before winning the AL Rookie of the Year in 1966 and making one of the most celebrated catches in World Series history with the 1969 Mets.
The franchise played at John Petrakis Field on Fourth Street near the Mississippi River, named for the team's longtime president and GM. The Sporting News named Petrakis its top minor league executive in 1956, the same year Jones was tearing up the league. The Packers were later the subject of a 2013 documentary, "A Pitch in Time: The Story of the Dubuque Packers."
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.
