The Harlan Smokies were a minor league baseball team from Harlan County, Kentucky, first competing in the Mountain States League (1948–1954) and later in the Appalachian League (1961–1962). Harlan, once known as “Bloody Harlan” for the violent mine wars of the 1930s, had settled by 1948, and the Smokies became a welcome source of entertainment for a county of 70,000. Early on, they drew nearly 47,000 fans annually to Browning-Leonard Park, but declining population and interest saw attendance drop to about 10,000 by their final Mountain States League season. The first Smokies iteration produced just one major leaguer, Roger McCardell, who appeared in four MLB games in 1959.
The Smokies returned in 1961–62, affiliated with the Yankees and White Sox, wearing White Sox uniforms at home and Yankees uniforms on the road. This second stint produced notable alumni like Mel Stottlemyre, a five-time All-Star pitcher for the Yankees, and Denny McLain, who famously threw a no-hitter in his Smokies debut before winning 31 games for the 1968 Detroit Tigers. McLain’s career later imploded due to injuries and off-field scandals. In 1963, the team became the Harlan Yankees, then the Harlan Red Sox in 1964, their final season. Today, with Harlan County’s population down to about 25,000, the Smokies remain a cherished memory for locals who long for the return of pro baseball.
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. Our Mountain States League collection features 100% original designs based on the history and nicknames of the league's historic teams.
Our standard (non-premium) hoodies are classics that anyone is sure to recognize. They are thick, durable Gildan brand hoodies. They are a cotton/poly blend that stands the test of time and feature the 'kangaroo pouch' on the front with a draw string hood.
Size Guide: True to size, roomy
- Brand: Gildan | Product ID: G18500
- Made with a medium-heavy fabric (8.0 oz/yd² (271 g/m²)) that consists of 50% cotton and 50% polyester for that cozy feel and warmth you need in a hoodie.
- The classic fit along with the pouch pocket and the tear-away label make for a highly comfortable, scratch-free wearing experience.
- The color-matched drawcord and the double-lined hood add a stylish flair and durability that tie everything together.
- Made using 100% ethically grown US cotton. Gildan is also a proud member of the US Cotton Trust Protocol ensuring ethical and sustainable means of production. The blank tee's dyes are OEKO-TEX-certified dyes with low environmental impact.
- Tumble dry: medium; Iron, steam or dry: low heat; Do not dryclean; Machine wash: cold (max 30C or 90F); Non-chlorine: bleach as needed.
