Spring is really here. On Thursday, April 9th, our Indianapolis Indians launch the 2015 professional baseball season at Victory Field against the Columbus Clippers. Everything is back; fastballs strikes, home runs, curve balls, double plays, blind umps, hot dogs, cold beer, seventh inning stretch, bunts, stealing second base — it’s all back. Our Indians are the second oldest minor league in the whole U.S. of A. In 1902, the Indians, led by Hall of Famer Nap Lajoie, were charter members of the American Association. They won 95 games that year and the first of 21 pennants. The Indians have been an important part of Indianapolis sports history ever since that time. It must be noted that there has been professional baseball in Indianapolis since 1887. The Indians are starting their 19th season at Victory Field. That seems really hard to believe.
I got to talk with Indians General Manger Randy Lewandowski just before he left to go to the Pittsburgh Pirates training camp at McKechnie Field in Bradenton, Florida. He shared some insights about the upcoming season and talked about some special things we fans can look forward to. The Tribe starts its 11th season as an affiliate of the Pirates and they have sent some top-notch players to the Vic. Manager Dean Treanor starts his 5th season with the Tribe. Randy calls being a Triple A manager the “toughest job in sports.” Dean is 67 years old, and his 11 year record as a manager is 799-771 (.509). Hitting coach Butch Wyneger and pitching coach Stan Kyles, who were so effective last year, are back for 2015. Trainer Bryan Housand and strength and conditioning coach Ricky White are returning as well.
The Pirates are sending seven of last year’s nine starters back. The Pirates are “pitching fixers” and this season is no exception. Young right-hander Nick Kingham, who was impressive last summer, is returning. Young right-hander Jameson Taillon (who is hard to miss at 6 feet 7 inches tall) is joining the Tribe’s pitching staff after undergoing Tommy John surgery on his right elbow and missing the entire 2014 season. When healthy, Taillon can rocket just about any pitch, including his 99 mph fastball. These guys want to go to the big leagues and that keeps them focused.
Possibly the biggest new innovation will be the new “Pace of Game” clocks that the Indians and all the other Triple Teams have installed. Randy said the length of an average ball game has increased by 20 minutes in the last few years, leading to fans complaining about the longer games and slower action. Clocks will be installed behind home plate and in the outfield. There will be a time limit of 2 minutes and 25 seconds between innings. The manager can come to the pitchers only three times per inning. A batter must be in the box and ready at least five seconds before coming to the plate to hit or he will be charged with a strike. A pitcher must start his windup and come to set position within 20 seconds or the batter will be awarded a ball. There are other new timing rules and they will start being enforced on May 1st. The purpose of all this is to speed the game up.
Randy pointed out that an Indians game at Victory is still one of the best values for families. They will continue their popular special promotions during the 2015 season like Dollar Menu night on Mondays (hot dogs, Cape Cod Chips, Cracker Jack, peanuts and popcorn for just a buck each), and 2 for 1 Tuesdays. Go to Allister’s Deli and pick up a voucher good for two tickets for the price of one on any Tuesday Night Home game. Signature Saturdays when legends such as Wade Boggs on May 2nd, Joe Morgan on May 30th and Carl Erskine on June 13th will be available to meet and sign autographs. Other Saturdays will feature Indian players and special guest appearances by the Famous Chicken and Batman. Kids Eat Free Sundays will be back where fans under 14 can enjoy a free hot dog, chips, and cold bottle of water. And there will be fireworks at every Friday home game.
The Indians are considered to be one of the best run professional baseball teams in America. In 2014, the Indians broke the single season Victory Field attendance record set in 1998 when 660,250 fans watched baseball at the Vic. The President and CEO of the club is the legendary Max B. Schumacher, now in his 55th season with the Tribe. Mr. Schumacher has been honored with just about every honor and award a sports executive can achieve. He is the guiding force behind the team’s success. Carl Burleson is the Vice President of Baseball and Administrative Affairs and is in his 41st year with the Indians. Mr. Burleson handles the daily operations of the Club and because of his leadership, the Indians’ front office was named one of the ten best places to work in Indiana. He has twice been voted the International Leagues Executive of the Year. Bruce is the Vice President of Corporate Affairs and is in his 32 year with the team. Randy Lewandowski has been with the Indians for 22 years. A graduate of Anderson University (he played college baseball with the Anderson Ravens team), Mr. Lewandowski has served as assistant ticket sales manager, director of operations, assistant general manager, and as of the 2015 season, General Manager of the Tribe. Randy Lewandowski is active in community affairs and will continue to guide the Club to future success.
So now it’s time for all of us fans to head downtown to Victory Field and root for our Indianapolis Indians as they begin the march toward the 2015 International Pennant. Special thanks to Indians Media Relations Coordinator Chris Robinson for all his help in getting this article together. Okay, it’s time to PLAY BALL!