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 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.
