So- There’s been a lot of recent mentions of the Indianapolis ABCs and Indianapolis Clowns. Both hold significant places in the history of Indianapolis. But there histories are not necessarily intertwined. But, if you’ve been curious- here ‘s a quick thread

In 1907, the American Brewing Company formed an independent team, naming it the “ABCs”. 7 years later, Jim Taylor, an ABC player, became half owner, made himself manager, and signed a number of rising talent players, among them Oscar Charleston. Charleston, an Indy native, was

born in the area near what is now the I-65/70 split, and, once enlisted in the Army by age 16, his baseball prowess was discovered. Led by Charleston, the ABCs won the 1915 and 1916 “Western Black” league championships. After the 1916 crown, Taylor had a business squabble with

other owners, & the team was split by 1917. Taylor’s ABCs stayed as the primary franchise, and in 1920, they became a charter member of the Negro National League in 1920. They primarily played their early (up until 1916 years) at Federal Park near what is now Kentucky and West

Streets. By the 1920s, the ABCs were playing at Washington Park, in what is now the Indianapolis Zoo. Mid way through the season in 1922, Taylor died, and his wife Olivia became the 1st female owner in Negro baseball. Taylor’s brother Ben became manager, but the team faded. They

were relegated out of the league in 1924. Charleston left to join the Harrisburg Giants in 1924, and later returned to his hometown in Managerial roles. But, by the time he’d come home, the ABCs were gone. Taylor’s version folded by 1925,, while its lesser spinoffs survived in

varying leagues until 1933. In 1938, the Atlanta Black Crackers moved to Indianapolis to rejuvenate the ABCs legacy, but they were done by 1942.
With Indy now void a Negro League team, a barnstorming team of the Negro American League began calling Indianapolis home, splitting

time with Cincinnati. The “Ethiopian Clowns” had roots all the way back to Miami in the early 30s, but, by 1946 they called Indianapolis their primary home. The Clowns, who played their Indianapolis games at Perry Field (later Victory Field and Bush Stadium on 16th street), were

impacted greatly by MLBs new inclusion of black players. As a result, the Clowns increased their “barnstorming” ways, promoting themselves in ways similar to what the “Harlem Globetrotters” were doing in basketball. That’s not to say the Clowns were void of talent. In 1952, they

signed Henry Aaron to his 1st pro contract, and he spent 3 months as a Clown before signing with the Boston Braves. Due to decreased newspaper coverage of the Clowns, along with their barnstorm schedule, it is unknown whether or not Aaron played games in Indianapolis. In 1953,

the Clowns signed a woman, 2nd baseman Toni Stone, who batted .243 before joining Kansas City. Eventually, the Clowns added more women players and umpires. While the baseball was at a high level, players began to resent the increased “vaudeville” nature of the team and league.

Teams contained players known for tricks as much as skill, and interest, from both players and fans, waned. Nonetheless, by 1954, they hired Charleston- who 22 years later would become a Hall of Fame inductee as a player- as their manager. But it was not enough. The Clowns, by

1966 were the last team in the Negro Leagues, and continued as a traveling entertainment group for years after. They officially disbanded in 1989.

So- there you have it. And, with no disrespect to the Clowns, I think, IF the @indyindians decide to rename- the “ABCs” or the “Charlestons” would be proper. Oscar is arguably one of the 5 best players in baseball history. Linking to him can’t go wrong.