The Patriots joined the Carolina League at its founding in 1945
reaching the playoff semifinals in 1941 before falling to the Alexandria Aces four games to one
The team adopted the name “Essex” after receiving a sponsorship from the local Ragan-Gay Motor Company
the city led the entire Evangeline League with 105
678 fans to the Duncan Bowl
Natchez Pilgrims T-Shirt (Heavyweight) - Vintage Defunct Baseball Teams - Mississippi Size:2XL The Patriots joined the CarolinaThe Natchez Pilgrims, based in Natchez, Mississippi, were one of the few franchises in the predominantly Louisiana circuit to represent another state, and they came to Natchez by an unusual route. The 1940 franchise began the season in Houma, Louisiana, as the Houma Buccaneers, before that team's poor attendance prompted owner Carlos Moore to relocate the club on June 27, finishing the year across the state line as the Pilgrims. Natchez returned with