Celebrate a legendary chapter in Vermont baseball history with this vintage-inspired Mariners t-shirt. The iconic logo features a distressed, cracked finish that honors the team's brief but impactful legacy from 1988.
The Vermont Mariners emerged as a Double-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners in the Eastern League in 1988, playing their home games at Centennial Field in Burlington, Vermont. The team came into existence through an unusual franchise shuffle, as the Cincinnati Reds and Seattle Mariners swapped Double-A farm clubs at the end of the 1987 season, transforming the previously successful Vermont Reds (who had won three consecutive Eastern League championships from 1984-1986) into the Mariners. Despite Seattle's reluctance about the arrangement – with Mariners Vice President of Baseball Operations Dick Balderson noting "It's not a real good deal for the Seattle Mariners" – the team went on to have a remarkable season.
The 1988 Vermont Mariners were a powerhouse in the Eastern League, finishing with an impressive 79-60 record and making it all the way to the championship finals. The team featured several notable future MLB stars, including 18-year-old Ken Griffey Jr., who joined the team midseason though was limited by a back injury, and 21-year-old Omar Vizquel, who would go on to become one of the greatest defensive shortstops in Major League history. Despite their success, the Mariners' tenure in Vermont was short-lived. On September 1, 1988, as the team competed in the playoffs, franchise owner Mike Agganis confirmed he would relocate the club to Canton, Ohio for the 1989 season, where a new ballpark was under construction, bringing an end to this brief but memorable chapter in Vermont baseball history.
Product Details:
- Premium Gildan 5000 t-shirt
- 5.3 oz, 100% preshrunk cotton for superior comfort
- Tear-away label for maximum comfort
- Classic unisex fit that works for everyone
- Available in sizes S-5XL
- Multiple color options available
- Front logo only (back is blank)
- Crafted using cutting-edge direct-to-garment printing technology for exceptional durability and detail
Perfect for baseball enthusiasts or anyone looking to own a piece of Vermont sporting history. This shirt doesn't just celebrate a team—it commemorates a brief but memorable chapter in minor league baseball's rich tapestry.