Take A Historic Baseball Road Trip Through Indiana

Indiana is undoubtedly known for its sports. It’s mostly famously known for basketball, but it’s more than that, too – it’s a state where historic baseball has deep roots and a proud heritage. From small-town diamonds to historic fields, the Indiana Baseball Trail takes fans on a journey through the stories, legends, and communities that have made Hoosier baseball so special.

Baseball in Indiana has produced incredible talent, legendary teams, and countless memorable moments, all deeply rooted in the local communities. The Indiana Baseball Trail celebrates this heritage, preserving the history and spirit of the game for future generations.

What You’ll Discover Along the Trail

Traveling the Indiana Baseball Trail offers fans and travelers a unique experience:

• Historic Fields and Ballparks: Visit iconic stadiums and local diamonds that have hosted generations of players – including some well-known names.
• Memorabilia and Museums: Explore collections of jerseys, bats, balls, and photographs that tell the story of Indiana baseball.
• Local Legends and Stories: Learn about the athletes and coaches who have shaped the game both locally and nationally.
• Community Spirit: Experience the events, leagues, and festivals that keep baseball alive in Hoosier towns.

Historic Indiana Ballparks That You Can Visit

Bosse Field, Evansville

A classic local ballpark with ties to early 20th-century baseball. Bosse Field is America’s third-oldest stadium still in use, after Wrigley Field and Fenway Park. The Evansville stadium served as one of the filming locations for A League of Their Own. Fans will recognize the field and the iconic grandstand from the movie.

The Evansville Otters host their games at historic Bosse Field, providing a fun experience. At the games, you’ll see the Otterbelles—the Otters’ dance team in classic baseball skirt uniforms—and enjoy specials like $2 Tuesdays and Fan Appreciation Days. The ballpark has kept much of its original architecture, including brickwork and vintage-style grandstands, offering a nostalgic baseball experience from May through August.

While in Evansville, purchase a Multi-Attraction Pass to get SUPER reduced admission into several museums and attractions (worth it!).

League Stadium, Huntingburg

Built in 1894 and renovated in the early 1990s, this historic stadium served as the home field for the Rockford Peaches in the filming of the hit movie A League of Their Own. League Stadium was built in 1894 in Huntingburg and is the home of the Dubois County Bombers, a collegiate summer league team. However, it is better known as the home of the Rockford Peaches in A League of Their Own. The stadium has a rich history and hosted, among others, Hall of Famer Satchel Paige in the early 1960s.

I had the chance to take a tour of the ballpark, learn firsthand about the filming location, and hear stories from one of the employees who worked there during that time.

Gil Hodges Field, Princeton

Located next to Lafayette Park and part of the Historic Baseball Trail, this baseball field was named after Princeton native and former Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Gil Hodges. Hodges also managed the 1969 World Series-winning New York Miracle Mets. It’s simply a ball field – but with a history!

Baseball Museums and Heritage Sites

Indiana Baseball Hall of Fame, Jasper

Honoring the players, coaches, and contributors who have shaped Hoosier baseball, this museum offers exhibits and memorabilia that celebrate Indiana’s rich baseball history. The museum itself is not very large; it is situated inside the Ruxer Student Center on Vincennes University’s Jasper campus, but features some of the greats.

Gil Hodges’ Mural and Bust, Petersburg

A tribute to one of Indiana’s most beloved baseball figures, this mural honors the life and career of Gil Hodges. This is a great drive-by mural.  Artist Randall Heddon, a graduate of Petersburg High School, created it. In the Pike County Courthouse, a bronze bust of Gil Hodges is located in the rotunda, created by sculptor Don Ingle and dedicated on June 14, 1997. 

Headwaters Park, Fort Wayne

Over 140 years ago, League Park, now known as Headwaters Park, hosted the first professional evening baseball game under major league lights. Today, the former baseball park is a 30-acre park in downtown Fort Wayne. In 1927, League Park’s grandstand was filled with more than 3,000 fans who witnessed greats like Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, and the other Yankee legends. You can visit the park to stand in awe of its glory; however, there is no longer a baseball field here. 

Baseball Heritage Experiences

There are teams throughout Indiana that play vintage baseball games. I usually only write about things I have personally experienced, but I want to mention that I haven’t been to any of these games – it’s on my bucket list!

Deep River Grinders Baseball, Northwest Indiana

The Deep River Grinders vintage baseball team competes across the Midwest, including Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, and Indiana, giving fans a chance to experience the game as it was played in the 19th century. They follow the original rules of 1858, using leather-covered, hand-sewn hard balls, hand-turned bats, and homemade bases. Home games are held on Grinder Field at 2 p.m., across the river from Wood’s Mill at Deep River County Park. Admission is free, and the games are suitable for the entire family.

Indianapolis Blues Vintage Base Ball Club

In 1878, the Indianapolis Blues were members of the National Baseball League but folded within a year due to financial issues. The Indianapolis Blues joined the Vintage Base Ball Association in the 2002 season and play by the rules of baseball as accepted in 1863, when pitching changed from underhand to overhand, umpires called balls and strikes, base stealing was permitted, and players began using gloves on the field. There isn’t much information available online about the Blues, but they do post their schedule on their Facebook page.

Elkhart County Railroaders

Initially, the Elkhart County Railroaders were known as the Bonneyville Millers. The team was formed over 20 years ago and was affiliated with Elkhart County Parks. The team changed its name to the Railroaders in 2011, becoming a vintage baseball club. The current Railroaders team consists of 25 players total. They try to get as many players as possible to travel and play the game of “base ball.” They play between 10-20 games per year, usually in cities no more than 2.5 hours away from Elkhart County.

Tip: If you’re in southern Indiana, the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory in Louisville, Kentucky, is worth visiting for baseball fans—just across the Indiana border!

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