The San Jose Bees, based in San Jose, California, played in the state's own professional circuit from 1962 through 1976 and again from 1983 through 1987, two eras that could hardly have less in common. The first Bees arrived as a Los Angeles Angels affiliate and won the pennant in their debut 1962 season, then took another title in 1967. The Angels years gave way to Kansas City Royals and Cleveland affiliations, and the most famous alumnus of the era is Hall of Famer George Brett, who played at Municipal Stadium for the 1972 Bees.
The second Bees era produced one of the strangest teams in baseball history. Operating as an independent club, the Bees signed players on loan from Japan's Seibu Lions, including future Japanese Baseball Hall of Famers Koji Akiyama and Kimiyasu Kudo. Then, in 1986, the club added five former major leaguers who had been effectively blacklisted over drug and alcohol problems, including former Rookie of the Year Steve Howe and 20-game winner Mike Norris. The resulting "Bad News Bees," a mix of banished big leaguers and Japanese prospects riding a 1956 GMC bus between Class A towns, drew coverage from Rolling Stone and The New York Times, and Howe pitched well enough (3-2, 1.47 ERA) to earn his way back to the majors.
When the San Francisco Giants affiliated with San Jose in 1988, the Bees became the San Jose Giants, the identity the city's team still carries today.
Our design is adapted from original Bees artwork found in vintage team programs and scoresheets, a genuine piece of San Jose 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 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.
