Birmingham Black Barons vs Indianapolis Clowns Negro American League (1953)

This ticket is from a Negro American League game in 1953 between the Birmingham Black Barons and Indianapolis Clowns. The game was played at Connie Mack Stadium on Wednesday, July 15 at 6:30 p.m.



The Birmingham Black Barons were founded in 1920 (Negro Southern League) and remained an active part of Negro League baseball until the Negro American League folded in 1963.The Black Barons finished second in the Negro American League with a record of 28-34 for the 1953 season. Jesse “Hoss” Walker managed the Birmingham Black Barons during this season. Key players who were on the 1953 Birmingham Black Barons team were: Otha Bailey, Thomas “Pee Wee” Butts, Doc Dennis, Wiley Griggs, Henry Kimbro, Clarence “Pijo” King and Ed Steele.

Birmingham Black Barons

The Indianapolis Clowns were owned and operated by Syd Pollock who had started the team in 1938. The Indianapolis Clowns finished in third in the Negro American League with a 31-43-1 record for the 1953 season. Albert “Buster” Haywood managed this Clowns team. Some of the Clowns key players during this season were: Frank Ensley, Gordon Hopkins, Rufus Mc Neal, Henry “Speed” Merchant, Sam “Piggy” Sands, Woody Smallwood, Toni Stone, James Tugerson and John Wyatt.

Bunny Downs  - Indianapolis clowns