The Lodi Crushers, based in Lodi, California, played in the California League from 1966 through 1969, and the name returned for a final season in 1984. The nickname came from a name-the-team contest that drew 173 submissions; five different fans landed on Crushers, a deliberate double meaning nodding to hard-hitting ballplayers and to the grape-crushing wine industry at the heart of the Lodi economy.
The franchise itself was a bargain: when the league needed an eighth team for 1966, a group of Lodi locals bought the dormant Salinas franchise for all of $2,500. The Crushers spent three seasons as a Chicago Cubs affiliate and one with the newly arrived Oakland Athletics. Pitcher Jophery Brown went 18-9 in 1968, tying for the league lead in wins, and earned a September call-up to Chicago; he later became one of Hollywood's most celebrated stuntmen. The best prospect to wear the uniform was 19-year-old George Hendrick, who hit .307 for the 1969 club on his way to an 18-year big league career with four All-Star selections and two World Series rings.
Lodi's baseball roots reach back to the California State League of 1904-05, when the city fielded a team wonderfully recorded in the archives as the Lodi Melon Rollers. Professional baseball stayed in Lodi under a parade of later nicknames through 1984, all at little Lawrence Park, before the franchise moved on and eventually settled in Rancho Cucamonga.
Our design is adapted from the Crushers' original script wordmark found in the team's own game materials, a genuine piece of Lodi baseball graphics brought back to life rather than a modern invention.
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.
