Come see them play at Victory Field on June 4th! Indianapolis Indians Tickets still available!
There is nowhere to go but up for Indianapolis Indians fans this season. After posting a disappointing 68-76 record last season (International League West Division last place), the Indians look to improve this season. Fans in Indianapolis are used to winning championships and the Tribe hasn’t delivered since 2000.
Opening day for the Indians comes on April 9th against the Toledo Mudhens. The two square off in a four game home stand that should serve as an early test for the Tribe against a division rival. The club will once again offer its “weather guarantee” for opening day. A unique promotion for the past three season, the Indians guarantee a 60 degree temperature for the first pitch or fans receive a free ticket to another game this season.
Part of the rebuilding includes new leadership in the dugout. First year manager Frank Kremblas will skipper the Indians after a successful stint as manager of the Nashville Sounds. Despite a sub par showing last season, Kremblas lead Nashville to three straight division titles and the 2005 Pacific Coast League title. Indians fans will remember Kremblas from his playing days in Indianapolis. He played for the Tribe from 1993-1996 and was part of the Indians 1994 league championship team.
It looks like Indianapolis Indians fans will be treated to at least a few more months of Andrew McCutchen at Victory Field. Late indications show the Pirates front office is content to send the twenty-two year-old outfielder back to AAA for the start of the season. Although McCutchen is disappointed to not be with Pittsburgh for the opener against St. Louis, it’s unlikely that he will be in Indy for long.
In the meantime, the Pirates want McCutchen to work on driving the ball more consistently, improve his ability to bunt, and use his incredible speed more effectively on the base paths. Indianapolis fans will be well advised to head to the ballpark early this season as McCutchen could be called up any time. One of the great benefits of minor league baseball for fans is the ability to see future stars in a more intimate setting before they make headlines in the major leagues.
Indianapolis fans have been treated to more than their fair share of big league talent. Current Pirates Zach Duke and 2008 All Star Nate McLouth played for the Indians. They are joined by baseball greats like Randy Johnson, Andres Gallaraga, Moises Alou, Ben Sheets, Harmon Killebrew, Nap Lajoie, and Luke Appling as Indians alums.
Much of the Indians’ success has to do with how their big league counterparts fair. Much of the Tribe’s losing of late can be attributed to a lack of quality personnel provided by the Pirates organization coupled with the need for moving talented players up to fill the roster in Pittsburgh. With the Pirates being mired in last place, any player who shows a glimmer of talent gets called up immediately. This has left the cupboard bare in Indianapolis.
This trend could be coming to a close, as the Pirates look to climb out of the division cellar this season. That coupled with new leadership in Indianapolis, could mean a return to championship baseball for the Indianapolis Indians.