Former Cleveland Indians' Les Fleming was brought in to help put this team in the
forefront of the American Association and he would set all new power records batting
.323 with 28 2B and a record breaking 26 HR and 143 RBI, breaking the records
formerly held by Len Koenecke. On the mound another former Cleveland Indian…
two time MLB All-Star Jim Bagby (16-9, 4.64) joined 22 year old Cal McLish
(12-9, 4.13)… the 8th future MLB All-Star to be "produced" by Bush Stadium and
former Cincinnati Reds' pitcher Bob Malloy who put up a 21-7, 4.17 record
to give the Indians their best season ever as for the only time in Indianapolis'
151 year professional history, the Indians won 100 games, going 100-54 on the
season and easily capturing 1st place. Indianapolis was looking forward to bringing
the 1st ever championship home to Bush Stadium and the Indians easily walked
through the 1st round to the finals, where they would lose yet again … this
time to the St. Paul Saints. It was an anti-climactic end to this team's best
season ever. Minor League superstar Mel Queen was brought in to keep the Indians
on top and Queen would put up a 22-9, 2.57 record while Royce Lint went 14-3,
3.41 and Junior Walsh (15-4, 3.88) combined for a serious starting staff. Nanny
Fernandez meanwhile knocked in 35 2B, 21 HR, 128 RBI and 13 SB while batting
.321 to lead the Indians to a 92 win season. With HOF Al Lopez still at the helm,
the Indians again took on the St. Paul Saints seeking revenge for the previous
year's let down. This time… the Indians would have what it took to go all the
way and finally… finally… won their 1st American Association Championship for
Bush Stadium. With the league joining the other Triple-A organizations for a
"Junior World Series", the Indians continued to play in the additional post-season
and they would take home the Jr. World Series trophy as well. Al Lopez and
Donie Bush had finally built an award winning franchise. |