Milwaukee Bears at the Milwaukee County Historical Society

We begin our look at the artifacts from "Back Yards to Big Leagues: Milwaukee's Sports and Recreation History" exhibit at the Milwaukee County Historical Society with the Milwaukee Bears. The Bears represented Milwaukee in the Negro National League club for just one year, 1923. They have since become well-known thanks to our National League Brewers, who have made "Negro League Tribute Night" an annual event since 2006. Even if there has historically been some confusion about just what the Bears' uniforms looked like.

Here's the exhibit's look at Milwaukee's Negro League history.

A little brief, but then again so is the history.

Here's a closer look at the display:

Excellent photos, though, especially the one of our hometown team.

That's a better look at the photo we first saw earlier this year. This the photo that settled once and for all what the Brewers' throwbacks should look like.

The exhibit also a replica jersey, made by Ebbets Field Flannels.

Ebbets Field is one of our favorites, but I'm a little confused by this one. Each of the Bears throwbacks have been double-knit polyester, not this classic flannel. Was it made as a potential prototype? I've asked Ebbets, we'll see what they say.

Next up - the Milwaukee Badgers. Our very own NFL team.