Minor league baseball has been played consistently in Clinton, Iowa, since the mid-1950s, but before that there were a lot of stops and starts as various teams tried and failed to take hold in the city. The Clinton Owls were a small part of that history before World War II, starting play in the Three-I League (the Illinois-Indiana-Iowa League) in 1937. The team was a Brooklyn Dodgers affiliate and won the league in its first season with a 75-36 record.
The 1937 team was managed by Clyde Sukeforth, who was instrumental in Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier with the Dodgers. After his time in Clinton, Sukeforth was in the Dodgers organization and tasked with bringing Robinson to New York to meet with Branch Rickey. He was also the Dodgers' interim manager on April 15, 1947, and wrote Robinson's name into the starting lineup that day.
The Owls played another, less successful season in 1938 in the Three-I, then changed their name to the Clinton Giants as the big league affiliation switched to the New York Giants. They played two more seasons before the league disbanded for the war. Baseball returned to Clinton in 1947 with the Central Association's Clinton Cubs.
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.
