Philadelphia Athletics Elephant Tee

$40.00

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This officially-licensed royal blue t-shirt features a white elephant representing the Philadelphia Athletics baseball team.

Here is the story of how the mascot came to be, as told by our friends at Philly Sports History:

When the A’s joined the American League in its first year of existence in 1901, team owner Benjamin Shibe wasted little time in offering exorbitant contracts to star National Leaguers, in effect raiding them of their talent. John McGraw, who managed the Giants of the National League, was disgusted by Shibe’s actions, but thought that spending so much money was going to tank the team. And so, while speaking to a reporter in 1902, McGraw stated that Shibe had a “big white elephant” on his hands. The term, popular back then, described something that looked nice but whose upkeep made it impossible to take care of. Connie Mack heard what McGraw had said and showing that he had an outstanding sense of humor, ordered all Athletic's gear to carry a white elephant on it.

The '47 Brand shirt is 70% cotton and 30% polyester.

Customer Reviews

Based on 16 reviews
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(14)
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T
TSY
Great shirt as always

Another super comfy shirt with a great design from Shibe. Perfect welcome to Philly gift for my Oakland A's fan friend, and after seeing him wear it around I got one for myself! Get compliments all the time.

C
Catherine Dulay
Philadelphia Athletics Elephant Tee

I absolutely love my Philadelphia Athletics Elephant T-shirt! Since I live in Huntsville, Alabama, I wear it proudly, it's so unique! Outstanding quality!

K
Keith Moyer
Awesome T-shirt

As usual, incredibly quick ship.
Shirt has perfect fit and the material is soft and comfortable.

S
S.K.
Lots of compliments!

I've had so many complements about this shirt! Baseball fans in Chicago, Boston, and Philly have all gone out of their way to say they'd never seen anything like it before. The T-shirt itself and the print are both great quality: I've worn it a dozen times over the past 4 months and the shirt is still soft and the artwork is still in tact. Great product, and cash well spent!

L
Liz Sullivan
I love it -- great quality

This t-shirt didn't disappoint. Comfortable and stylish. I love it.