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 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.
