Barnstorming by Madison Long

Our Hometown!

2604875 — 2025-03-17 14:59:30 UTC

We're the Indianapolis ABCs. This is our hometown. We share this city with another Negro League, the Indianapolis Clowns. We had Ben Taylor, John Taylor, and Bingo DeMoss play on our team during the 1910 season. This season, we travel to 5 other cities to play against other Negro League teams!

First up, Cleveland

2604875 — 2025-03-17 15:03:49 UTC

On June 9th, 1910, our team played the Cleveland Buckeyes in Ohio. Some members of their team were Nap Lajoie, George Stovall, Terry Turner, and Ted Easterly. Even though we faced segregation, we still are able to play against other Negro League teams. We were faced with discrimination and limited facilities. Although, we have a strong and supportive community behind us to cheer us on!

Next up, Chicago

2604875 — 2025-03-17 15:04:33 UTC

On June 14th, 1910, play the Chicago American Giants. Here we played against some amazing players such as Grant Johnson, Bruce Petway and the great shortstop, John Henry Lloyd! John Henry Lloyd was eventually inducted into the hall of fame! We faced a longer journey to this city and then were faced with poor accommodations. We even had to sleep on our busses! We also did not get much media attention playing in this city, but there was still a strong African-American croud to watch and support us!

Heading to Detroit

2604875 — 2025-03-17 15:06:37 UTC

On June 22nd, 1910, play the Detroit Stars. We played against the amazing Pete Hill, Bruce Petway, and future Hall of Famer, Turkey Stearness. After another road trip in our busses, there was a lot of discriminatory treatment at hotels and diners. There was obvious limited financial support, and players were not payed enough. Although, the Stars had an incredible roster and were extremely competitive! It was a hard game but we're heading to our final city!

Moving onto St. Louis!

2604875 — 2025-03-17 15:10:07 UTC

On June 19th, 1910, play the St. Louis Stars in St. Louis, Missouri! Here we played more incredible players like Willie Wells, Cool Papa Bell, and Mule Suttles! These men all eventually went on to become Hall of Famers! Another long road trip and subpar accommodations. There was a lot of racial segregation in public facilities. We also went unregognized again by the media, but another stong community to support us while playing!

Last stop, Pittsburgh!

2604875 — 2025-03-19 14:47:46 UTC

On June 29, 1910, we played the Pittsburgh Keystones. Here we faced players like Fred Snowden and S.L. "Shively" Robinson. Both of these men were players and managers for the team here! We faced a lot of discrimination and faced a lot of poor conditions due to segregation. We did not have the most advanced systems and resources, like facilities and equipment due to the segregation. Once again, we did not have any media coverage but still had a powerful community behind us to support us!