Another cool promo to note: The Peoria Chiefs (Low A; Midwest League) will be playing this Thursday as the Peoria Distillers, a throwback to the team’s identity in the early 1900s.
The Distillers played in various minor leagues (Western Association, Central League, Western League, Three-I League) between 1894 through 1917. Pants Rowland, who ended up managing the Chicago White Sox, managed the Distillers in 1913. The Three-I (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa) League operated until 1961, Several Three-I League teams (Appleton, Burlington, Cedar Rapids) ended up joining the Midwest League.
Why the Distillers? Because Peoria was a distillery town by the end of the 19th Century, led by a large Hiram Walker facility.
The jerseys will be auctioned off during the game, and the caps will be sold at the team store.
Image courtesy Peoria Chiefs.