Negro Leagues: Indianapolis Black Baseball Legacy
Negro Leagues Night
Presented by Indiana Civil Rights Commission
Each season, the Indianapolis Indians honor the rich legacy of the Negro Leagues in Indianapolis, celebrating the history of the Indianapolis ABCs and Indianapolis Clowns. In collaboration with the Indians, GANGGANG, an Indianapolis-based creative advocacy agency that uses art and culture to foster more connected and equitable communities, is helping uncover and share this history through thoughtful storytelling that strengthens the bond between the team, the city, and our fans. Anchored by the redesign of the ABCs and Clowns in-game jerseys and hats, this year-long cultural campaign reflects the Indians’ commitment to honoring the past while shaping an inclusive future and culminates in the launch of the Indianapolis Indians Negro League Heritage Collection and our annual Negro Leagues games on August 21-22, 2026.
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Friday, July 11 at 7:05 PM
vs. Gwinnett Stripers
About Negro Leagues Night 2025
Pregame Ceremonies
Ahead of Negro Leagues Night, the Indianapolis Indians staff took part in two Black history walk-and-talk tours led by Sampson Levingston of Through2Eyes. These guided experiences highlighted significant locations in Indianapolis’ Black history, with a particular focus on sports. Sampson also threw a ceremonial first pitch and spoke with Indians players before the game, sharing the rich legacy of Black baseball in Indianapolis.
Oscar Charleston Proclamation
Prior to the game, Deputy Mayor Judith Thomas read an official proclamation stating that each June 22 would now be recognized as "Oscar Charleston Day" in Indianapolis. Charleston's baseball career began when he worked as a bat boy for the Indianapolis ABC's before enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1912 at 16 years old, where he gained experience on the field by joining the 24th Infantry Division's regimental baseball team. After being honorably discharged in 1915, Charleston returned to Indianapolis and signed with his hometown team again - but this time, as a player. Charleston would go on to spend the next 39 years of his life around the baseball diamonds of 14 United States teams and more in Cuba through both playing and managing. The Indy native ended his career while managing the Indianapolis Clowns. Charleston is regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, earning him an induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1976.
Education
In collaboration with the Indians' marketing team, Levingston also created a virtual Black Baseball History of Indianapolis Walk & Talk, which debuted during the game on July 11, 2025.
The virtual walk features the following historically significant sites:
- Oscar Charleston Park – 2800 E 30th St, Indianapolis, IN 46218
- Douglass Park Baseball Diamonds – 1616 E 25th St, Indianapolis, IN 46218
- Children's Museum Legends Statues – 3000 N Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46208
- Old Victory Field / Bush Stadium – 1510 Stadium Way, Indianapolis, IN 46202
- Old Washington Park – 1200 W Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46222
- The Talking Wall (IU Indy Campus) – 550 N Blackford St, Indianapolis, IN 46202
This initiative is part of the Indians' ongoing efforts to honor and celebrate the contributions of Black athletes and communities to the city's baseball history.
ABCs Jerseys
Each Indians player took the field in honor of a Negro Leagues player, wearing specialty jerseys inspired by the historic Indianapolis ABCs. Fans had the opportunity to bid on the game-worn jerseys, with proceeds benefiting Indianapolis Indians Charities and Indy RBI, which is dedicated to revitalizing youth baseball in the inner city.
Partnership with GANGGANG
The Indians are proud to partner with GANGGANG, an artist-led cultural agency for equitable cities based in Indianapolis, for Negro Leagues Night 2025.
GANGGANG and a collective of volunteers present BLACK: A Festival of Joy as it returns for its fourth year, rescheduled for Saturday, September 13 at Taggart Memorial Amphitheater in Riverside Park from 3-9 PM. This free outdoor event is a vibrant celebration of Black culture, creativity and joy and will feature a full lineup of live performances, Black-owned food and retail vendors, wellness activations and more. To learn more about the event, visit the event website at the link below.
"In Honor Of" Lineups