New partnership celebrates Indianapolis’ Black baseball heritage

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The Indianapolis Indians has partnered with GANGGANG, an agency centered around equity and culture, to honor the history of Negro Leagues and Black baseball in Indianapolis.

The partnership includes revitalized imagery for representing the original Indianapolis Clowns and
Indianapolis ABCs – two historic Negro Leagues franchises in the Circle City. They’ll focus on educational tools and community outreach opportunities through five core principles: respectful representation, cultural education, authenticity through collaboration, understanding and empathy, and empowering impact.

Redesigned on-field hats, jerseys, and merchandise honoring the original franchises of both the ABCs and
Clowns will be launched in May in conjunction with a three-part web series highlighting Negro Leagues
history, current activations and outreach, and GANGGANG’s visual creation process.

“This is an effort to not only celebrate history but also protect history and heritage. It represents a very
important part of Indianapolis history,” said Alan Bacon, co-founder of GANGGANG. “There wouldn’t be
this evolution of baseball if it weren’t for these original creators that we get to celebrate and talk about.”

During Negro Leagues Heritage Weekend on Friday, Aug. 21 and Saturday, Aug. 22, the Indians will suit
up as the ABCs, with the opportunity for fans to bid on game-worn jerseys to benefit Indianapolis Indians Charities.

Throughout the weekend, fans will have the opportunity to experience Negro Leagues educational opportunities and activations from local Black artists.

Fans are encouraged to submit their personal stories from playing baseball growing up, attending games at Bush Stadium or Victory Field, and any personal connections to the Indians, Clowns or ABCs, to baseball in Indiana here.