1906 Cherokee Indians Baseball Club T-Shirt

The diamond and gridiron success of such collegiate teams as the Carlisle Indians, coupled with the American public's fascination with all things Indian, made touring professional Indian teams a real box office attraction during the early 20th century. Among the traveling teams of the day John Olson's Cherokee Indians Baseball Club was the cream of the crop.

The Cherokee Indians club was made up of Indians from various tribes (and a few non-Indians). Although the team was based in Michigan, it was felt that the team's authenticity was bolstered by advertising that it hailed from "Indian Territory". And, to keep patrons coming through the turnstiles the team often advertised the appearance of a great female Cherokee pitcher—Maud Nelson. No doubt she was a great hurler, but she was not Indian. She was, in fact, the team owner's wife.

The shirt is 100% cotton. Imported, but printed in the U.S.A.