The Memphis Turtles, based in Memphis, Tennessee, played three seasons in the Southern Association from 1909 through 1911, going 62-76 in 1910 under manager Charlie Babb and 62-71 in 1911. The 1909 club lost 88 games, the most in franchise history.
The Turtles years sat between two better ones. The same franchise had entered the league in 1901 as the Memphis Egyptians, a nod to the city's namesake on the Nile, and won pennants in 1903 and 1904. After 1911 the club became the Chickasaws, shortened almost immediately to the Chicks, and kept that name until 1960. Across all three identities it played at Russwood Park, which stood from 1901 until it burned down in 1960.
Where the Turtles name came from is not documented. It appears in the league records for those three seasons and then vanishes, replaced without explanation, one of a handful of short-lived nicknames the Memphis club cycled through before settling.
The Southern Association ran from 1901 through 1961 and was the most stable minor league in the South. In the 1800s and first half of the 1900s, teams existed in thousands of small towns across the United States, as Americans looked for recreational activities and entertainment in the era before TV.
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.
