Near Westside in Indianapolis in Marion County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Washington Park Baseball
Photographed By Paul Fehrenbach, June 7, 2017
1. Washington Park Baseball Marker
Side A
Side A
Here, May 2, 1920, in the first game of the new Negro National League, the Indianapolis A.B.C.s defeated the Chicago Giants. Indianapolis native Oscar Charleston began his career with the A.B.C.s in 1915. Segregation in professional baseball (1887-1947) kept him from playing in the major leagues; he was indicted in the the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1976.
Side B
Baseball became popular in Indianapolis after the Civil War. In 1902, W.H. Watkins organized the Indianapolis Indians in the new professional American Association league. The Indians dedicated Washington Park on April 19, 1905 and won 3 league pennants here. The city’s first night game was played here in 1930, and the park closed at the end of 1931 season.
Erected 2011 by Indiana Historical Bureau and Society for American Baseball Research, Negro Leagues Research Committee. (Marker Number 49.2011.2.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Civil Rights • Sports. In addition, it is included in the Indiana Historical Bureau Markers series list.
Location. 39° 45.958′ N, 86° 10.921′ W. Marker is in Indianapolis, Indiana, in Marion County. It
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Federal Field (approx. half a mile away); Manufacturing for Transportation (approx. half a mile away); Greenlawn Cemetery (approx. half a mile away); McCormick Cabin Site (approx. half a mile away); International House (approx. half a mile away); Normal College of the American Gymnastics Union (approx. half a mile away); Hardrick House (approx. half a mile away); Walker House (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Indianapolis.
Additional keywords. Negro Baseball Leagues
Photographed By Paul Fehrenbach, June 7, 2017
2. Washington Park Baseball Marker
Side B
Photographed By Paul Fehrenbach, June 7, 2017
3. Washington Park Baseball Marker
looking east along Washington Avenue
Photographed By Paul Fehrenbach, June 7, 2017
4. Washington Park Baseball Marker
looking west along Washington Avenue
Credits. This page was last revised on February 4, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 2, 2017, by Paul Fehrenbach of Germantown, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 324 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 2, 2017, by Paul Fehrenbach of Germantown, Wisconsin. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
