The Indianapolis Indians began their life in the American Association back in 1902.
They played in the original Washington Park I until 1905 when they moved to
Riverside Park (aka Washington Park II). There they made a strong name for themselves in Indianapolis
as one of the higher ranking teams in Minor League Baseball. At Washington Park II, the Indians won 3 A.A. Championships in their unique looking and rather large wooden
ballpark. In 1931, the Indians would leave their old home of 25 years and
move here to Bush Stadium. Bush Stadium began it's life as Perry Stadium after
James Perry, the Indians' owner's brother who was killed in a plane crash. Unlike
Washington Park II which had tremendous upkeep (due to it's wooden construction), Bush Stadium was
made of concrete and steel and was designed to last (which it did until 2012 when
it was demolished and turned into an apartment complex). The Indians would utilize
this stadium for over 60 years, and this stadium would be one of the most
historic in America, promoting dozens of future All-Stars and even a Hall of
Famer or two. When this stadium first opened, it was also home to a Negro League
team called the Indianapolis ABC's. The ABC's had played for 7 years at old Washington Park II, but disbanded in 1926. They made a comeback, if only for a short time, and played
here at Bush Stadium. |