The Rayne Rice Birds, based in Rayne, Louisiana, carried one of the most distinctive nicknames the Evangeline League ever produced. The name refers to the bobolink, a migratory songbird that descended on Louisiana's rice fields each autumn in enormous flocks, devastating crops. Rayne farmers and locals had called the bird the "rice bird" for generations, and Rayne itself sat deep in Acadia Parish rice country, making the name an entirely natural choice.
The Rice Birds were competitive throughout their run. In 1936 they went 83-55 under manager Liz Funk. In 1937 they tied Lafayette for first before losing a one-game playoff, then fell in the postseason semifinals. Their fans were also among the circuit's most volatile: in July 1939, a disputed loss to the visiting Jeanerette Blues left two umpires assaulted, one struck by a pop bottle thrown from the stands, the other hit from behind with a baseball bat. The Rice Birds disbanded mid-season on July 23, 1941, and Rayne did not field a team when the league's final 1942 season collapsed in May.
The Evangeline League was a Class D minor league (Class C from 1949) that operated primarily in southern and central Louisiana from 1934 through 1957, with a wartime pause from 1943 through 1945. Named for the Acadian folk heroine of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's 1847 epic poem, the league was nicknamed the "Pepper Sauce League" or the "Tabasco Circuit" by fans and sportswriters, a nod to the Cajun country setting and the volatile brand of baseball played there.
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 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.
Size Guide: True to size
- Made 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.
- The 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.
- Say goodbye to itchiness thanks to the gray, pearlized tear-away label.
- Made 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.
- Machine wash: cold (max 30C or 90F); Non-chlorine: bleach as needed; Tumble dry: low heat; Do not iron; Do not dryclean.
