Bush Stadium Indianapolis, IN
Stadium Minor League History:
American Association
1931-1962
International League 1963
Pacific Coast League 1964-1968
American Association 1969-1996
Stadium Negro League History: Negro American League 1944, 1946-1950
Current Status: Now called the 16th Street Speedway, it hosts midget auto racing
What's Good: Truly one of the greatest minor league parks ever built, Bush Stadium is also my personal favorite. There was so much to like, too -- a brick outfield wall covered in ivy (and the inspiration for the similar, but more famous outfield wall at Wrigley Field), a huge, hand-operated scoreboard in left field, old-fashioned light towers, and a full roof (click here for a nice shot of Bush at dusk). A large concourse runs under the stands with concessions and restrooms, and a nifty concrete and brick facade adorns the main entrance. Big but cozy, minor league baseball just felt right here. It'll be terribly missed as a baseball venue.
What's Not So Good: The team moved! The playing surface was ripped out (along with the scoreboard and the ivy) and a dirt racing track installed. (If you're brave, click here for a picture.)
This Photo: June
14, 1994 Indianapolis Indians vs. New Orleans Zephyrs
