The Yakima Packers of Yakima, Washington, lasted one season, and it was a hard one: 52-109 in 1948, last of eight teams in the Class B Western International League and 47.5 games behind first-place Spokane. The league that year stretched from Salem, Oregon, to Victoria, British Columbia.
Yakima had been in the league since 1937 as the Pippins and returned after World War II as the Stars, who went 71-69 in 1946 and 59-95 in 1947. The club took the Packers name for 1948 and became the Bears in 1949. The reason for the Packers name is not documented in the sources checked; it likely refers to the Yakima Valley's fruit-packing industry, but that has not been confirmed.
Vernon Johnson started the season as manager, and Hub Kittle replaced him on July 2. Kittle also pitched, going 7-18 with a 4.76 ERA. He went on to a long Yakima connection, winning the 1956 pennant as manager of the Bears, and was pitching coach of the 1982 World Series champion St. Louis Cardinals. In 1980, at age 63, he took the mound for Triple-A Springfield and became the only man to pitch professionally in six decades.
The roster included Spencer Harris, who had managed the 1946 Stars and returned in 1948 as a 47-year-old outfielder. He hit .330 in 34 games in his final season. Harris played for the Chicago White Sox, Washington Senators and Philadelphia Athletics between 1925 and 1930, and he still holds minor league career records for hits (3,617), runs (2,287) and doubles (743). Gene Thompson led the club with a .319 average and 41 doubles.
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 standard tees are classic, heavyweight t-shirts that are durable and thick. They are looser fitting and run true to size.
Size Guide: True to size
- Brand: Gildan | Product ID: 5000
- Made with medium fabric (5.3 oz/yd² (180 g/m²)) consisting of 100% cotton for year-round comfort that is sustainable and highly durable.
- The classic fit of this shirt ensures a comfy, relaxed wear while the crew neckline adds that neat, timeless look that can blend into any occasion, casual or semi-formal.
- The tear-away label means a scratch-free experience with no irritation or discomfort whatsoever.
- Made using 100% US cotton that is ethically grown and harvested. Gildan is also a proud member of the US Cotton Trust Protocol ensuring ethical and sustainable means of production. This blank tee is certified by Oeko-Tex for safety and quality assurance.
- Non-chlorine: bleach as needed; Do not iron; Do not dryclean; Machine wash: cold (max 30C or 90F); Tumble dry: low heat.
