{"title":"Waco Pirates","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Waco Pirates, based in Waco, Texas, gave the Big State League its most dramatic story across nine seasons from 1947 through 1956. The franchise opened under the Dons name in that inaugural 1947 season before affiliating with the Pittsburgh Pirates, then under the direction of the legendary Branch Rickey, and adopting the Pirates name in 1948.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe low point came in 1952, when the Pirates finished with a 29-118 record, 56 games behind the first-place Temple Eagles. It stands as one of the worst single-season records in the history of professional baseball at any level. Then came 1953, and a different kind of disaster. On May 11 of that year, an F5 tornado tore through downtown Waco, killing 114 people and destroying much of the commercial core, including Katy Park, the Pirates' home field. The team shifted home games to the road and eventually relocated to Longview for the remainder of the season, playing in the ballpark vacated by the Longview Cherokees, who had folded the year before. Despite the upheaval, the Pirates finished 77-68 and qualified for the postseason playoffs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat followed in 1954 was one of the finest seasons any minor league team has ever produced. Waco went 105-42, finishing 13 games ahead of the second-place Tyler Tigers, then won the Big State League championship in the playoffs over the Corpus Christi Clippers. Baseball historians Bill Weiss and Marshall Wright, compiling their ranking of the 100 greatest minor league teams of all time for the 2001 centennial of the National Association, placed the 1954 Waco Pirates 25th on the list. The engine of that season was outfielder Roman Mejias, who began a 55-game hitting streak on June 6 at Galveston, the third longest in minor league history, and carried it through August 2 at Austin. Mejias was promoted to the major league Pirates the following year, and on April 10, 1962, hit two home runs for the Houston Colt .45s in the first major league game ever played in Texas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA piece of history connected to the 1947 Dons season also deserves mention. Monty Stratton, the Chicago White Sox pitcher whose career was cut short when he lost his leg in a hunting accident in 1938, played for the Waco Dons that inaugural season as part of his return to professional baseball on an artificial leg, a comeback that inspired the 1949 Jimmy Stewart film \"The Stratton Story.\" The site of Katy Park, where the Pirates played most of their home games, is now Magnolia Market at the Silos, the Waco landmark developed by Chip and Joanna Gaines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Big State League was a Class B circuit that ran from 1947 through 1957, fielding teams exclusively from across Texas. Named for the state's reputation as the nation's largest, the league stretched from the Gulf Coast to the plains of West Texas, bringing professional baseball to cities the higher-classification Texas League had never reached.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"waco-pirates-crewneck-sweatshirt-vintage-defunct-baseball-teams-texas","title":"Waco Pirates Crewneck Sweatshirt - Vintage Defunct Baseball Teams - Texas","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Waco Pirates, based in Waco, Texas, gave the Big State League its most dramatic story across nine seasons from 1947 through 1956. The franchise opened under the Dons name in 1947, when Monty Stratton, the Chicago White Sox pitcher who lost his leg in a hunting accident in 1938, played for the club as part of his return to baseball on an artificial leg, a comeback that inspired the 1949 Jimmy Stewart film \"The Stratton Story.\" The franchise affiliated with the Pittsburgh Pirates under Branch Rickey and adopted the Pirates name in 1948.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe low point came in 1952, a 29-118 record standing as one of the worst in professional baseball history. The 1953 season brought the May 11 F5 tornado that destroyed Katy Park and forced the team to finish the season in Longview. What followed in 1954 was one of the finest seasons in minor league history: 105-42, the Big State League championship, and a 55-game hitting streak by outfielder Roman Mejias, the third longest in minor league history. Baseball historians later ranked those 1954 Pirates 25th among the 100 greatest minor league teams of all time. The site of Katy Park is now Magnolia Market at the Silos.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Big State League was a Class B circuit that ran from 1947 through 1957, fielding teams exclusively from across Texas. Named for the state's reputation as the nation's largest, the league stretched from the Gulf Coast to the plains of West Texas, bringing professional baseball to cities the higher-classification Texas League had never reached.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n    \u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRetro 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOur crewneck sweatshirts are classics that anyone is sure to recognize. They are thick, durable Gildan brand crews. They are a cotton\/poly blend that stands the test of time.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSize Guide: True to size\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cul class=\"listMCE\"\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eMade with a medium-heavy fabric blend of 50% cotton and 50% polyester (8.0 oz\/yd² (271.25 g\/m²)), this sweatshirt feels cozy and is the perfect choice for those colder months.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eThe classic fit along with the crew neckline deliver a comfy wearing experience with a clean-cut style. Meanwhile, the double-needle stitching at the shoulder, armhole, neck, waistband, and cuff seams add top-tier durability.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eSay goodbye to itchiness thanks to the gray, pearlized tear-away label.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eMade 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 shirt's dyes are OEKO-TEX-certified dyes with low environmental impact.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMachine wash: cold (max 30C or 90F); Non-chlorine: bleach as needed; Tumble dry: low heat; Do not iron; Do not dryclean.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003c\/ul\u003e\n    ","brand":"Retro Baseball Revival","offers":[{"title":"S \/ Black","offer_id":48408425332958,"sku":"28071922845020428290","price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"M \/ Black","offer_id":48408425365726,"sku":"52427946237765782069","price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"L \/ Black","offer_id":48408425398494,"sku":"31445735964041024339","price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"XL \/ Black","offer_id":48408425431262,"sku":"33057784355359813275","price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"2XL \/ Black","offer_id":48408425464030,"sku":"13508229016717090555","price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"3XL \/ Black","offer_id":48408425496798,"sku":"47394021433839045199","price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"4XL \/ Black","offer_id":48408425529566,"sku":"24968226153734984308","price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"5XL \/ Black","offer_id":48408425562334,"sku":"16678522855155778157","price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0279\/1545\/2468\/files\/15582076668712094840_2048.jpg?v=1783135739"},{"product_id":"waco-pirates-hoodie-vintage-defunct-baseball-teams-texas","title":"Waco Pirates Hoodie - Vintage Defunct Baseball Teams - Texas","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Waco Pirates, based in Waco, Texas, gave the Big State League its most dramatic story across nine seasons from 1947 through 1956. The franchise opened under the Dons name in 1947, when Monty Stratton, the Chicago White Sox pitcher who lost his leg in a hunting accident in 1938, played for the club as part of his return to baseball on an artificial leg, a comeback that inspired the 1949 Jimmy Stewart film \"The Stratton Story.\" The franchise affiliated with the Pittsburgh Pirates under Branch Rickey and adopted the Pirates name in 1948.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe low point came in 1952, a 29-118 record standing as one of the worst in professional baseball history. The 1953 season brought the May 11 F5 tornado that destroyed Katy Park and forced the team to finish the season in Longview. What followed in 1954 was one of the finest seasons in minor league history: 105-42, the Big State League championship, and a 55-game hitting streak by outfielder Roman Mejias, the third longest in minor league history. Baseball historians later ranked those 1954 Pirates 25th among the 100 greatest minor league teams of all time. The site of Katy Park is now Magnolia Market at the Silos.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Big State League was a Class B circuit that ran from 1947 through 1957, fielding teams exclusively from across Texas. Named for the state's reputation as the nation's largest, the league stretched from the Gulf Coast to the plains of West Texas, bringing professional baseball to cities the higher-classification Texas League had never reached.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n    \u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRetro 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOur 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSize Guide: True to size, roomy\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cul class=\"listMCE\"\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eBrand: Gildan | Product ID: G18500\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eMade 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eThe classic fit along with the pouch pocket and the tear-away label make for a highly comfortable, scratch-free wearing experience.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eThe color-matched drawcord and the double-lined hood add a stylish flair and durability that tie everything together.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eMade 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTumble dry: medium; Iron, steam or dry: low heat; Do not dryclean; Machine wash: cold (max 30C or 90F); Non-chlorine: bleach as needed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003c\/ul\u003e\n    ","brand":"Retro Baseball Revival","offers":[{"title":"Black \/ S","offer_id":48408426217694,"sku":"24742288195955752319","price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Black \/ M","offer_id":48408426250462,"sku":"27674072705950703247","price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Black \/ L","offer_id":48408426283230,"sku":"30857309948307375584","price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Black \/ XL","offer_id":48408426315998,"sku":"32833149422184825484","price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Black \/ 2XL","offer_id":48408426348766,"sku":"13644563639064118580","price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Black \/ 3XL","offer_id":48408426381534,"sku":"29408398230641398793","price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Black \/ 4XL","offer_id":48408426414302,"sku":"25713544501162497163","price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Black \/ 5XL","offer_id":48408426447070,"sku":"73467162321491750183","price":49.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0279\/1545\/2468\/files\/10014509818579013418_2048.jpg?v=1783135777"},{"product_id":"waco-pirates-t-shirt-heavyweight-vintage-defunct-baseball-teams-texas","title":"Waco Pirates T-Shirt (Heavyweight) - Vintage Defunct Baseball Teams - Texas","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Waco Pirates, based in Waco, Texas, gave the Big State League its most dramatic story across nine seasons from 1947 through 1956. The franchise opened under the Dons name in 1947, when Monty Stratton, the Chicago White Sox pitcher who lost his leg in a hunting accident in 1938, played for the club as part of his return to baseball on an artificial leg, a comeback that inspired the 1949 Jimmy Stewart film \"The Stratton Story.\" The franchise affiliated with the Pittsburgh Pirates under Branch Rickey and adopted the Pirates name in 1948.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe low point came in 1952, a 29-118 record standing as one of the worst in professional baseball history. The 1953 season brought the May 11 F5 tornado that destroyed Katy Park and forced the team to finish the season in Longview. What followed in 1954 was one of the finest seasons in minor league history: 105-42, the Big State League championship, and a 55-game hitting streak by outfielder Roman Mejias, the third longest in minor league history. Baseball historians later ranked those 1954 Pirates 25th among the 100 greatest minor league teams of all time. The site of Katy Park is now Magnolia Market at the Silos.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Big State League was a Class B circuit that ran from 1947 through 1957, fielding teams exclusively from across Texas. Named for the state's reputation as the nation's largest, the league stretched from the Gulf Coast to the plains of West Texas, bringing professional baseball to cities the higher-classification Texas League had never reached.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n    \u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRetro 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eOur standard tees are classic, heavyweight t-shirts that are durable and thick. They are looser fitting and run true to size.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSize Guide: True to size\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cul class=\"listMCE\"\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eBrand: Gildan | Product ID: 5000\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eMade with medium fabric (5.3 oz\/yd² (180 g\/m²)) consisting of 100% cotton for year-round comfort that is sustainable and highly durable.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eThe classic fit of this shirt ensures a comfy, relaxed wear while the crew neckline adds that neat, timeless look that can blend into any occasion, casual or semi-formal.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eThe tear-away label means a scratch-free experience with no irritation or discomfort whatsoever.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eMade using 100% US cotton that is ethically grown and harvested. Gildan is also a proud member of the US Cotton Trust Protocol ensuring ethical and sustainable means of production. This blank tee is certified by Oeko-Tex for safety and quality assurance.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNon-chlorine: bleach as needed; Do not iron; Do not dryclean; Machine wash: cold (max 30C or 90F); Tumble dry: low heat.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003c\/ul\u003e\n    ","brand":"Retro Baseball Revival","offers":[{"title":"Black \/ S","offer_id":48408426512606,"sku":"43502559967852759493","price":28.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Black \/ M","offer_id":48408426545374,"sku":"15540603905614203296","price":28.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Black \/ L","offer_id":48408426578142,"sku":"30370703538548828702","price":28.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Black \/ XL","offer_id":48408426610910,"sku":"26944296661147549270","price":28.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Black \/ 2XL","offer_id":48408426643678,"sku":"18242561729419240075","price":28.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Black \/ 3XL","offer_id":48408426676446,"sku":"50376596508590556603","price":28.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Black \/ 4XL","offer_id":48408426709214,"sku":"21178867853257333250","price":28.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Black \/ 5XL","offer_id":48408426741982,"sku":"13147257401215457764","price":28.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0279\/1545\/2468\/files\/13773819734341354498_2048.jpg?v=1783135780"},{"product_id":"waco-pirates-t-shirt-premium-lightweight-vintage-defunct-baseball-teams-texas","title":"Waco Pirates T-Shirt (Premium Lightweight) - Vintage Defunct Baseball Teams - Texas","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Waco Pirates, based in Waco, Texas, gave the Big State League its most dramatic story across nine seasons from 1947 through 1956. The franchise opened under the Dons name in 1947, when Monty Stratton, the Chicago White Sox pitcher who lost his leg in a hunting accident in 1938, played for the club as part of his return to baseball on an artificial leg, a comeback that inspired the 1949 Jimmy Stewart film \"The Stratton Story.\" The franchise affiliated with the Pittsburgh Pirates under Branch Rickey and adopted the Pirates name in 1948.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe low point came in 1952, a 29-118 record standing as one of the worst in professional baseball history. The 1953 season brought the May 11 F5 tornado that destroyed Katy Park and forced the team to finish the season in Longview. What followed in 1954 was one of the finest seasons in minor league history: 105-42, the Big State League championship, and a 55-game hitting streak by outfielder Roman Mejias, the third longest in minor league history. Baseball historians later ranked those 1954 Pirates 25th among the 100 greatest minor league teams of all time. The site of Katy Park is now Magnolia Market at the Silos.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Big State League was a Class B circuit that ran from 1947 through 1957, fielding teams exclusively from across Texas. Named for the state's reputation as the nation's largest, the league stretched from the Gulf Coast to the plains of West Texas, bringing professional baseball to cities the higher-classification Texas League had never reached.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n    \u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRetro 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eOur 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSize Guide: Fit is true to size or a little snug. Considering ordering one size up if you are normally between sizes.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cp\u003eBrand: Bella Canvas | Product ID: 3001\u003c\/p\u003e\n    \u003cul\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eMade 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eThe retail fit that is perfect for casual and semi-formal settings. The crew neckline adds a classic, neat style that's perfect for accessorizing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eBella+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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eThe tear-away label minimizes skin irritations.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eFabric 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003c\/ul\u003e\n    ","brand":"Retro Baseball Revival","offers":[{"title":"Black \/ XS","offer_id":48408426840286,"sku":"13579995815494178038","price":32.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Black \/ S","offer_id":48408426873054,"sku":"10854715224728418737","price":32.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Black \/ M","offer_id":48408426905822,"sku":"14936050208445385822","price":32.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Black \/ L","offer_id":48408426938590,"sku":"21268902781485935424","price":32.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Black \/ XL","offer_id":48408426971358,"sku":"27660909178924369450","price":32.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Black \/ 2XL","offer_id":48408427004126,"sku":"13539249039138445468","price":32.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Black \/ 3XL","offer_id":48408427036894,"sku":"14270369664839922088","price":32.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Black \/ 4XL","offer_id":48408427069662,"sku":"20208217102599503680","price":32.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Black \/ 5XL","offer_id":48408427102430,"sku":"15183347932842889077","price":32.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0279\/1545\/2468\/files\/17521453299653297715_2048.jpg?v=1783135784"}],"url":"https:\/\/retrobaseballrevival.com\/collections\/waco-pirates.oembed","provider":"Retro Baseball Revival","version":"1.0","type":"link"}