Nebraska in Fort Wayne in Allen County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Kekionga Ball Grounds

1869 – 1871

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 1, 2025

1. Kekionga Ball Grounds Marker

Inscription. The 1st major league baseball game, now called the 1st game in a professional league, was played here May 4, 1871. Kekionga whitewashed Cleveland 2-0 in what was then acclaimed the greatest game ever played. It remained the lowest score in the 5-year history of the National Association. The grounds were located between Elm, Mechanics, Fair and Bluff Streets. Kekionga moved here in 1869 from its former grounds east of Calhoun between present-day Wallace and Williams Streets. In May 1870, the team improved the grounds with a fence and grandstands. The central grandstand, the Grand Duchess, was modeled after its namesake in Cincinnati. On November 5, 1871, all structures were destroyed by fire and never rebuilt.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Parks & Recreational Areas • Sports. A significant historical date for this entry is May 4, 1871.

Location. 41° 4.591′ N, 85° 9.483′ W. Marker is in Fort Wayne, Indiana, in Allen County. It is in Nebraska. It is at the intersection of Huron Street and Center Street, on the right when traveling east on Huron Street. Touch for map. Marker is at

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or near this postal address: 1200 Huron St, Fort Wayne IN 46808, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Northern Indiana.

It is also in the American Midwest

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Camp Allen 1861-64 (here, next to this marker); Site of the Fort Wayne College (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Thomas Swinney House (approx. 0.2 miles away); "Johnny Appleseed" (approx. ¼ mile away); Carole Lombard (approx. ¼ mile away); Old Aqueduct Club Memorial (approx. ¼ mile away); WOWO Time Capsule (approx. 0.3 miles away); John Claus Peters House (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Wayne.

Also see . . . Kekionga Ball Grounds (Fort Wayne, IN). The Grounds did enjoy the distinction of hosting the National

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 1, 2025

2. Kekionga Ball Grounds Marker

Association’s inaugural contest, with Fort Wayne playing the Forest City Base Ball Club of Cleveland on Thursday, May 4, 1871. This initial professional league game was a 2-0 shutout pitched by the Kekiongas’ Bobby Mathews. (Bill Griggs and Jim Nitz, Society for American Baseball Research) (Submitted on December 3, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Credits. This page was last revised on December 3, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 24, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 104 times since then and 47 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 24, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

Editor’s want-list for this marker. Closeup photograph of box score on the back of the marker. • Can you help?