The Longview Cannibals played in various leagues throughout Texas between 1893 and 1939 and had one of the most unusual monikers in all of sports. The Cannibals nickname came from a newspaper reporter's story. The San Antonio Missions of the much bigger Texas League came to Longview in 1895 and surprisingly lost to Longview's semi-pro club, and San Antonio's reporter wrote that the Longview team had "ate up" San Antonio. That's how the name came to be, and it stuck over the years.
The Cannibals were successful on the field beyond that one game, too. They bounced between a number of leagues but over time sent more than 60 players to the majors. Their lone league title came in the East Texas League in 1926. After 1939 the team was renamed the White Sox to match Longview's major league affiliation, and the Cannibals name was no more.
For a deep dive on the Cannibals, check out Jeff Barnhart's book The Longview Cannibals: A Complete History of East Texas' Most Celebrated Baseball Club.
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.
