Discover Greatness II: Negro Leagues Baseball Commemorative Short Sleeve T-Shirt
Celebrate the rich history and enduring legacy of Negro League Baseball with our “Discover Greatness: Negro League Commemorative Short Sleeve T-Shirt.” This stylish black tee, adorned with brown, black, and white decorative elements, is more than just clothing—it’s a tribute to American legends who played for the love of the game.
Crafted from 100% cotton, this t-shirt offers exceptional comfort and durability, making it perfect for everyday wear. The front design features a vintage baseball player, the year 1920, and the inspiring phrase “Discover Greatness,” evoking pride and nostalgia. The back of the shirt proudly displays the emblems of 26 Negro League teams along with the powerful words “American Legends” and “They Played for the Love of the Game.”
The year 1920 is pivotal as it marks the establishment of the Negro National League, the first successful, organized, professional league for African American baseball players. This monumental step in history symbolizes the excellence and resilience of these players who defied societal challenges. By wearing this t-shirt, you celebrate these athletes and acknowledge their significant contributions to sports and culture.
Negro League Baseball was more than just a sports organization; it was a beacon of hope and a movement that showcased the talents of African American athletes during a time of segregation and discrimination. The leagues provided a platform for some of the greatest baseball players in history, including Satchel Paige, Josh Gibson, and Cool Papa Bell. The slogan “Discover Greatness” resonates deeply, encapsulating these players’ spirit and incredible achievements.
This product is officially licensed merchandise from the Negro League Baseball Museum, an institution dedicated to preserving and celebrating the history of African American baseball. Every purchase supports this vital organization, ensuring that the stories and achievements of these legendary athletes continue to inspire future generations. Wearing this t-shirt means you are directly contributing to preserving African American history and culture.
The patches on the back of the jersey represent the following teams:
New York Black Yankees: Operated in New York City, Paterson, New Jersey, and Rochester, New York, from 1931 to 1948. Founded by Bill “Bojangles” Robinson. Famous players include Satchel Paige and James “Red” Moore. Remembered for their distinctive black and gray pinstriped uniforms.
Detroit Stars:Â Operated in Detroit, Michigan. Primarily operated from 1919 to 1937. Founded by Tenny Blount. Notable players include Pete Hill and Turkey Stearnes. Remembered for winning the first half of the 1920 Negro National League season.
Homestead Grays: Operated in Homestead, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C. Their years of operation spanned from 1912 to 1950. The most celebrated owner was Cum Posey. Famous players include Josh Gibson and Buck Leonard. Remembered for their dominance in the Negro Leagues and winning multiple championships.
Atlanta Black Crackers:Â Operated in Atlanta, Georgia. Primarily operated from 1919 to 1952. Founded by H.P. Kennedy. Notable players include Bill Pierce and George Giles. Remembered for their resilience in the face of racial discrimination and financial challenges.
Cleveland Buckeyes:Â Operated in Cleveland, Ohio. Operated from 1942 to 1950. Founded by Ernest Wright. Famous players include Quincy Trouppe and Sam Jethroe. Remembered for winning the Negro American League pennant in 1945.
Baltimore Black Sox:Â Operated in Baltimore, Maryland. Operated from 1916 to the 1930s. Founded by John Connors and Henry Bridgewater. Notable players include John Beckwith and Jud Wilson. Remembered for being a powerhouse team in the east and their rivalry with the Homestead Grays.
Philadelphia Stars:Â Operated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Operated from 1933 to 1952. Founded by Ed Bolden. Famous players include Biz Mackey and Dick “Cannonball” Redding. Remembered for their competitive spirit and strong fan base.
Pittsburgh Crawfords:Â Operated in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Primarily operated from 1929 to 1938. Founded by Gus Greenlee. Notable players include Satchel Paige and Josh Gibson. Remembered for their star-studded lineup and impressive win record.
Brooklyn Royal Giants:Â Operated in Brooklyn, New York. Operated from 1905 to 1942. Founded by Nat Strong. Famous players include Chino Smith and Bill Pettus. Remembered for their role in advancing the integration of baseball.
New York Cubans: Operated in New York City. Operated from 1935 to 1950. Founded by Alex Pompez. Notable players include MartÃn Dihigo and Minnie Miñoso. Remembered for their international talent and contributions to Latin American baseball.
Baltimore Elite Giants:Â Operated in Baltimore, Maryland. Primarily operated from 1938 to 1950. Founded by Tom Wilson and Bill Wright. Famous players include Roy Campanella and Joe Black. Remembered for their aggressive style of play and remarkable pitching staff.
Birmingham Black Barons: Operated in Birmingham, Alabama. Operated from 1920 to 1960. Founded by R.T. Jackson. Notable players include Willie Mays and Bill Greason. Remembered for their resilience in the face of segregation and for producing legendary players.
Hilldale Giants: Operated in Darby, Pennsylvania, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Operated from 1910 to 1932. Founded by Ed Bolden. Famous players include Judy Johnson and Biz Mackey. Remembered for their consistent competitiveness and strong leadership.
Newark Eagles:Â Operated in Newark, New Jersey. Operated from 1936 to 1948. Founded by Effa Manley and Abe Manley. Notable players include Monte Irvin and Leon Day. Remembered for their 1946 Negro League World Series victory and the pioneering ownership of Effa Manley.
Indianapolis Clowns:Â Operated in Indianapolis, Indiana. Operated from 1930 to 1989. Founded by Syd Pollock and Dewey “Pigmeat” Markham. Famous players include Toni Stone and Hank Aaron. Remembered for integrating women into their roster and providing entertainment alongside the competition.
KC Monarchs: Operated in Kansas City, Missouri. Operated from 1920 to 1965. Founded by J.L. Wilkinson. Notable players include Bullet Rogan and Willard Brown. Remembered for their success on the field and their significant role in integrating Major League Baseball.
Chicago American Giants: Operated in Chicago, Illinois, from 1910 to 1956. Founded and managed by Andrew “Rube” Foster. Notable players include Oscar Charleston and Willie Foster. Remembered for being one of the most dominant teams in the Negro Leagues during the early to mid-1900s.
Memphis Red Sox:Â Operated in Memphis, Tennessee. Primarily operated from 1923 to 1950. Founded by J.B. Martin. Famous players include Turkey Stearnes and Double Duty Radcliffe. Remembered for their resilience and strong presence in the Negro leagues.
Detroit Wolves:Â Operated in Detroit, Michigan. Operated in the late 1920s to early 1930s. Founded by Ted Rasberry. Notable players include Andy Cooper and Frank Wickware. Remembered for their brief but impactful presence in the Negro leagues.
Jacksonville Red Caps:Â Operated in Jacksonville, Florida. Operated from 1938 to 1942. Founded by Abraham Lincoln “Abe” Saperstein. Famous players include Sam Bankhead and Pat Patterson. Remembered for their role in providing opportunities for African American baseball players during a challenging era.
St. Louis Stars: Operated in St. Louis, Missouri. Operated from 1922 to 1931. Founded by John Simpson. Notable players include Mule Suttles and Cool Papa Bell. Remembered for their competitive spirit and contribution to the rich baseball history in St. Louis.
Washington D.C. Pilots:Â Operated in Washington, D.C. Operated in the late 1920s. Founded by Nelson Rickert. Famous players include Jud Wilson and Eddie Ainsmith. Remembered for their brief but notable presence in the Negro leagues.
Washington DC Black Senators: Operated in Washington, D.C. from 1919 to 1927. Founded by Tom Wilson. Notable players include Judy Johnson and George Carr. Remembered for their pioneering role in the early years of the Negro Leagues.
Louisville Black Caps:Â Operated in Louisville, Kentucky. Operated in the late 1920s. Founded by Ballard “Baby” Johnson. Famous players include Chino Smith and Dicta Johnson. Remembered for their contributions to the local baseball scene and the Negro leagues.
New Orleans Black Pelicans: Operated in New Orleans, Louisiana. Operated in the early 1900s. Founded by Louis Santa Cruz. Notable players include Pete Hill and Oliver Marcelle. Remembered for their impact on the local baseball community and African American baseball talent development in New Orleans.
Cuban X-Giants: Operated in Havana, Cuba, and New York City. Operated in the late 1800s to early 1900s. Founded by Nat Strong. Famous players include Sol White and Grant “Home Run” Johnson. Remembered for their pioneering efforts in integrating Cuban and American baseball and their role in the early development of the Negro leagues.
Honor the heroes of the past and wear your pride with the Discover Greatness: Negro League Commemorative Short Sleeve T-Shirt—a timeless piece of history and heritage that stands the test of time.
For best care, machine wash cold, wash dark colors separately, use non-chlorine bleach if needed, tumble dry low, and avoid ironing or dry cleaning the decorated areas.
Secure your piece of history today, and let the legacy live on through you.
