The Hazard Bombers played in the Mountain States League from 1948 to 1952, a Class D circuit comparable to today’s Rookie League. The team began that first season as the Oak Ridge Bombers in Tennessee, but despite a 24-11 start, poor attendance forced owner Bob Broome to relocate the club 150 miles to Hazard, Kentucky. Nestled in the coal-rich mountains of Appalachia, Hazard welcomed professional baseball with enthusiasm, especially as the town had become more accessible by road since the railroad’s arrival in 1912.
In 1951, playing at their new Bomber Field in sharp white uniforms with blue and red accents, the Bombers exceeded expectations. Cuban pitcher Juan Torres threw a no-hitter on opening day, and by May, future Brooklyn Dodgers star Johnny Podres joined the roster, finishing the year 21-3 with a 1.67 ERA and 228 strikeouts. Fellow pitcher Dan Hayling of Costa Rica added a 21-4 record as the team cruised to a 91-33 finish, earning recognition as one of the top 100 minor league teams of all time.
The 1952 Bombers nearly matched that success with an 87-32 record, but it proved to be their swan song as the Mountain States League folded after the season. Johnny Podres would become the only Hazard player to reach the majors, while Hayling spent nine more years pitching in the Mexican League. For a brief, brilliant period, Hazard, Kentucky, was home to one of the finest teams in minor league history.
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 standard tees are classic, heavyweight t-shirts that are durable and thick. They are looser fitting and run true to size.
Size Guide: True to size
- Brand: Gildan | Product ID: 5000
- Made with medium fabric (5.3 oz/yd² (180 g/m²)) consisting of 100% cotton for year-round comfort that is sustainable and highly durable.
- The 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.
- The tear-away label means a scratch-free experience with no irritation or discomfort whatsoever.
- Made 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.
- Non-chlorine: bleach as needed; Do not iron; Do not dryclean; Machine wash: cold (max 30C or 90F); Tumble dry: low heat.
