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 State League collection features 100% original designs based on the history and nicknames of the league's historic 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.
