Relive the glory days of Iowa minor league baseball with this exclusive Waterloo Indians (1977-1988) vintage tee!
This premium throwback shirt celebrates one of the Midwest's most successful Class A baseball franchises. The Waterloo Indians were an Iowa-based Class A farm club of the Cleveland Indians from 1977 until 1988, playing their home games at Riverfront Stadium in Waterloo, Iowa. The Tribe arrived in October 1976, transferring their Class A operation from San Jose, California to replace the departing Kansas City Royals as Waterloo's parent club.
During their twelve-year run in Iowa, the Waterloo Indians established themselves as one of the premier teams in the Midwest League, winning championships in 1980 and 1986 while posting losing records in only two seasons. Their consistent success made them fan favorites throughout eastern Iowa and helped develop numerous future major leaguers for the Cleveland organization.
One of the most beloved figures during the Indians era was manager Harold "Gomer" Hodge, who guided the team from 1981-1984. Hodge, who had been a popular figure during his brief playing career with Cleveland, posted a solid 297-257 record as Waterloo's skipper and led the Indians to two Midwest League playoff appearances during his tenure.
Other notable managers during the Indians' years included Cal Emery, Woody Smith, Glenn Adams, Ken Bolek, and Steve Swisher (whose young son Nick, now a major league star, used to run around Municipal Stadium as a child). The Cleveland Indians informed Waterloo Professional Baseball officials on September 15, 1988 of the termination of their player development contract, and the team was rebranded as the Waterloo Diamonds for the 1989 season.
Our distressed, vintage-look design captures that authentic late-70s/early-80s baseball nostalgia with a perfectly weathered, cracked appearance that looks like it's been in your collection since the team's championship seasons.
Product Details:
- Premium Gildan 5000 heavy cotton (5.3 oz, 100% preshrunk)
- Classic unisex fit available in sizes S-5XL
- Multiple color options available
- Tear-away label for maximum comfort
- Vintage design printed on front only (back is blank)
- Produced using cutting-edge direct-to-garment printing technology
Perfect for Iowa baseball historians, Cleveland Indians/Guardians fans, or anyone who appreciates vintage minor league memorabilia from the golden era of Midwest League baseball. Own a piece of Waterloo sports history today!