The Fieldale Towelers played three seasons in the Bi-State League, from 1934 (as the Fieldale Virginians) through 1936. Fieldale was a company village carved out of Henry County, Virginia, by the Fieldcrest textile concern to house workers at its towel-producing mills. The town existed because of one industry; the team's nickname made that explicit.
Despite three losing seasons on the field, the 1936 Towelers produced one of the most remarkable individual performances in the league's history. Ken Keltner, a 19-year-old third baseman, led the league with 120 runs scored, 175 hits, and 335 total bases in 118 games, adding 37 doubles, 12 triples, 33 home runs, and 116 runs batted in. He had been a truck driver discovered playing softball before the Milwaukee Brewers signed him. The Towelers finished seventh of eight teams in spite of it. Keltner moved up to the Brewers' top club the following season, made his major league debut with the Cleveland Indians in 1937, and became one of the American League's premier defensive third basemen over a 13-year career that earned him seven All-Star selections. On July 17, 1941, playing third base for Cleveland against the Yankees, Keltner made two backhanded plays against Joe DiMaggio that brought DiMaggio's 56-game hitting streak to an end.
The Bi-State League was a Class D circuit that ran from 1934 through 1942, fielding teams from the tobacco and textile country straddling the Virginia-North Carolina border. The league did not resume after World War II.
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.
