Mountain States League (KY, OH, TN, WV, VA)

The Mountain States League was a Class D minor baseball league that consisted of teams from around Appalachia. There were two iterations of the league, the first in 1911-12 with teams from Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia. This league didn't last long and folded in the middle of the 1912 season, but featured the Ironton Nailers and the long-running Charleston Senators. 

After WWII the league was reborn and part of a renaissance of minor league baseball in America, as teams were started up in cities and towns all over the county. This version of the league ran from 1948-1954 and stretched as far south as Tennessee, with a number of teams in the Knoxville region. The league featured teams from Kentucky such as the Harlan Smokies (KY), and the Hazard Bombers (KY) who had some of the best single seasons in minor baseball history. The Tennessee contingent featured the Kingsport Cherokees, Maryville-Alcoa Twins, and the Newport Canners. And while the league did briefly have an Oak Ridge Bombers franchise, our collection pays tribute to the African American Oak Ridge Bombers who had much more of an impact on the city. Finally, the league dipped into some very small mining towns in Western Virginia including Pennington Gap and Big Stone Gap. 

Today, fans of baseball history can celebrate this unique league with a collection of original designs that honor these vintage defunct baseball teams. Each team has been reimagined through stylized, retro baseball tees that capture the spirit of the old time baseball and the team's unique monikers. These baseball t-shirts are printed on high-quality shirts in the USA, making them perfect for gifts or anyone looking for unique baseball shirts that stand out. Whether you're revisiting Kentucky, Tennessee, or Virginia baseball history or looking for standout retro gear, the Mountain State League collection offers a unique tribute to America’s pastime.