The Cleveland Buckeyes stand as one of the most accomplished and respected franchises in Negro Leagues baseball, representing a critical chapter in Cleveland’s rich sports history. Active primarily during the 1940s, the Buckeyes quickly emerged as a championship-caliber team known for disciplined play, elite pitching, high baseball IQ, and a roster filled with exceptional talent. Though their run was relatively brief, the Buckeyes left behind a legacy of excellence that shaped Cleveland baseball for generations.

Founded in 1942, the Buckeyes competed in the Negro American League and built a reputation as one of the most fundamentally sound and strategically advanced teams of the era. Their greatest triumph came in 1945, when the Buckeyes swept the Homestead Grays in a stunning four-game victory to win the Negro World Series. This championship established Cleveland as one of the powerhouses of mid-century Black baseball.

The Buckeyes were led by several standout players, including pitcher Sam Jethroe, who became one of the fastest and most dynamic athletes of his generation. Jethroe would later break the color barrier for the Boston Braves and earn National League Rookie of the Year honors in 1950. Other Buckeyes stars included Eugene Bremer, a dominant pitcher and reliable all-around contributor; Quincy Trouppe, one of the most skilled and versatile catchers in Negro Leagues history; Archie Ware, Hank Ruszkowski, and Avelino Canizares, each adding depth to a roster known for consistency and execution.

Playing home games at League Park and later Cleveland Stadium, the Buckeyes became a key part of the city’s vibrant baseball culture during the 1940s. Their clean and timeless visual identity—classic block lettering, crisp uniforms, navy and red color palettes, and mid-century typography—has become a favorite among historians, collectors, and fans of defunct baseball teams. The Buckeyes’ look reflects an era defined by precision, simplicity, and pride.

The Royal Retros Cleveland Buckeyes Collection honors this championship franchise with a complete lineup of heritage-inspired apparel. Fans can explore performance baseball jerseys, premium tackle-twill throwback designs, vintage-style T-shirts, fleece hoodies and crewnecks, embroidered snapbacks, trucker hats, dad hats, wool caps, and classic jackets inspired by the Buckeyes’ 1940s aesthetic. Each product blends modern comfort with historically influenced design, capturing the details that made the Buckeyes one of the standout teams of Negro Leagues baseball.

Whether you are celebrating Cleveland’s 1945 championship season, the brilliance of Sam Jethroe, the leadership of Quincy Trouppe, or the broader story of Negro Leagues baseball in Ohio, this collection keeps the Buckeyes’ legacy alive. The Cleveland Buckeyes represent excellence, resilience, and a significant chapter of America’s baseball history. This collection preserves their impact through premium apparel designed for modern fans, historians, and collectors who appreciate the deeper heritage of the sport.