Relive the glory days of Pacific Northwest baseball with this exclusive Walla Walla Washington Padres (1973-1982) vintage tee!
This premium throwback shirt celebrates one of minor league baseball's most beloved teams from the Northwest League. The Walla Walla Padres were a Class A short-season team affiliated with the San Diego Padres for ten years, bringing professional baseball excitement to southeastern Washington from 1973 through 1982.
The team made an immediate impact in their inaugural 1973 season, finishing with an impressive 51-29 record while leading the league in runs scored (404) and allowing the fewest runs (268) on their way to capturing the Northwest League championship. They would claim another league title in 1976, defeating the legendary independent Portland Mavericks two games to one in an exciting championship series.
The Padres' ownership changed hands several times during their decade in Walla Walla. The original owner was Verne Russell, who sold the team to Jim Nelly in 1975. Nelly's wife Pat took over operations as General Manager, becoming a colorful figure in the team's history. After years of declining attendance, the franchise was sold following the 1982 season and moved to Richland, becoming the Tri-Cities Triplets.
What makes the Walla Walla Padres particularly special in baseball history is that two future Hall of Famers wore their uniform - shortstop Ozzie Smith (1977) and outfielder Tony Gwynn (1981). Other notable major leaguers who started their careers in Walla Walla included Eric Show, John Kruk, and Mitch Williams.
Our distressed, vintage-look design captures that authentic 70s baseball nostalgia with a perfectly weathered, cracked appearance that looks like it's been in your collection since the team's championship days.
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 Pacific Northwest baseball historians, San Diego Padres fans, or anyone who appreciates vintage minor league memorabilia from this golden era of development baseball. Own a piece of Walla Walla sports history today!