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May 2016 Indianapolis Indians Employees of Month

June 3, 2016 by Brian Groce

The May 2016 Indianapolis Indians Employees of Month receive awards on June 2, 2016.

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Victory Field to Surpass 12 Million Fans Tonight

May 20, 2016 by Naptown Buzz

Continuing with the celebration in 2016 of Victory Field’s 20th season, the Indianapolis Indians are excited to announce the 12 millionth fan will visit the ballpark on Friday, May 20 when the Tribe hosts the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Railriders at 7:15 p.m.

The milestone continues to cement Indianapolis’ place within Minor League Baseball as one of the hotbeds for tradition and fan loyalty. Among 160 minor league teams, only one has had higher attendance than Victory Field since the ballpark opened on July 11, 1996 (Buffalo Bisons).

“Victory Field’s opening 20 years ago was a dream come true, and I believe that two decades later we can say with conviction that it has been a total winning accomplishment for all interested parties – the State of Indiana, City of Indianapolis, hundreds of players who have enjoyed competing in our premier facility, legions of baseball fans and Indians shareholders,” said Max Schumacher, Indianapolis Indians President and Chairman of the Board. This year marks his 60th season with the organization.

Prior to Victory Field, the Indians played at Bush Stadium (1931-1996), located on the near West side of Indianapolis on 16th Street. The move downtown ushered in a new era of prosperity for the organization perhaps best illustrated by the jump in attendance. Indians attendance during its 65 years at Bush Stadium totaled 13.1 million. In less than a third of the time, Victory Field is approaching that figure.

The Indians set franchise records for single-season attendance in 2014 and again in 2015 which included 662,536 fans last year.

“It’s no wonder that fans love going to Indians games. Situated in the heart of downtown Indianapolis, we are undeniably home to one of the best ballparks in the country,” said Mayor Joe Hogsett. “I speak for thousands of Central Indiana residents when I say there is no better place to enjoy our national pastime and I am excited to join the Indians in celebrating this milestone.”

“As one of the best minor league ballparks in the country, Victory Field is an incredible asset to the 27.4 million visitors that travel to Indy annually,” said President & CEO of Visit Indy, Leonard Hoops. “And of those 12 million baseball fans, I’m quite certain many of them are visitors to the city looking for an affordable and enriching family friendly experience. A night cheering on the Indianapolis Indians always provides just that.”

SOURCE: Indianapolis Indians

Indianapolis Indians vs. Louisville Bats May 6-8

May 5, 2016 by Naptown Buzz

FRIDAY, MAY 6, VS. LOUISVILLE, 7:15 PM

Indianapolis Motor Speedway Night

Victory Field joins “The Greatest Spectacular in Racing” celebrates its 100th running of the Indy 500 with a commemorative baseball giveaway to the first 2,500 fans. Presented by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Friday Fireworks

Enjoy a spectacular fireworks show immediately following the game.

SATURDAY, MAY 7, VS. LOUISVILLE, 7:05 PM

Signature Saturday – Ryne Sandberg

If there was a Mount Rushmore of all-time great Chicago Cubs players, Ryne Sandberg would be on it. The first 500 fans receive a special wristband for one (1) autograph from this MLB Hall of Famer. Gates open early at 5 p.m. Click here for more info and click here for a glimpse into Sandberg’s career.

SUNDAY, MAY 8, VS. LOUISVILLE, 1:35 PM

Mother’s Day

(Baseball) diamonds are a mom’s best friend this Mother’s Day as massages, manicures, Gigi’s cupcakes and more await families at Victory Field. Moms and their loved ones need only to sit back, relax and enjoy an afternoon of special promotions, activities, offers and…baseball.

Kids Eat Free

All children 14 and under in attendance may receive a voucher good for a hot dog, bag of chips and bottle of water with price of admission. Click here for more info. Sundays are also extra special for Indianapolis Indians Knot Hole Kids Club members as they get to run the bases around Victory Field immediately after the game.

For more information please visit indyindians.com.

Indians’ Tyler Glasnow Named International League Pitcher of the Week

May 2, 2016 by Brian Groce

Indianapolis Indians starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow has been named the International League Pitcher of the Week for the period of April 25-May 1, league officials announced on Monday.

In two starts last week, Glasnow worked a combined 11.0 scoreless innings and surrendered just four hits while striking out 18 batters. He went 2-0 in that span while vaulting to the top of the Triple-A leaderboard in total strikeouts (37), currently pacing both the IL and Pacific Coast League. Glasnow also leads the IL in K/9 (12.81) and is tied for third in opponent batting average (.187).

Glasnow’s two latest starts contributed to Indianapolis’ current run of dominant starting pitching that has seen Tribe starters surrender just one run in their last 35 innings combined and make 10 consecutive starts in which they’ve allowed one run or less.

In five starts this season, Glasnow has gone 2-1 while compiling a 2.08 ERA. Baseball America listed the 6’8″ hurler as the Pirates’ top prospect and placed him 14th overall on its Top 100 Prospects list. MLBPipeline.com ranked him as the second-best right-handed pitching prospect in baseball entering 2016.

Source: Indianapolis Indians ♦ Photo: Brian Groce

Indianapolis Indians vs. Norfolk & Durham (4/29-5-4)

April 28, 2016 by Naptown Buzz

FRIDAY, APRIL 29, INDIANAPOLIS INDIANS VS. NORFOLK TIDES, 7:15 PM

Peanut Allergy Awareness Night

The sale of all products with ties to peanuts — peanuts, CRACKER JACK® and others — will be suspended for one night. Peanut products are also disallowed in the Ivy Tech Lawn area of Victory Field as the Indianapolis Indians partner with Food Allergy Support Indy (FASI).

SATURDAY, APRIL 30, INDIANAPOLIS INDIANS VS. NORFOLK TIDES, 7:05 PM

MARVEL Super Hero Night – Captain America

The greatest array of comic book superstars ever to blast through the forces of evil descend into Victory Field four times this season. On April 30 meet MARVEL Comics’ Captain America and get his autograph as part of the season-long Signature Saturday program! Click here for the full Signature Saturday schedule. Presented by Indiana National Guard.

Captain America Specialty Jersey & Online Auction

In addition, the Indians players and coaches will don special Captain America jerseys and the game-worn uniforms will be up for auction during the game with proceeds to benefit the Indiana National Guard Relief Fund. Fans anywhere may register using their mobile phone and keep up with bidding. Registration information will be available on the team website (IndyIndians.com), Indians social media feeds, and inside Victory Field. Click here for more information about this year’s specialty jersey program, auctions, and how Central Indiana not-for-profits benefit.

Captain America Bobble Head Giveaway

The first 2,500 fans through the gate receive a Captain America vinyl bobble head.

SUNDAY, MAY 1, INDIANAPOLIS INDIANS VS. NORFOLK TIDES, 1:35 PM

Kids Eat Free

MONDAY, MAY 2, INDIANAPOLIS INDIANS VS. DURHAM BULLS, 7:05 PM

Monday Dollar Menu

Bring your appetite as hot dogs, peanuts, Cape Cod Potato Chips, Cracker Jack and popcorn are all available for just $1 each. Presented by Cape Cod Potato Chips, Kaplan University.

TUESDAY, MAY 3, INDIANAPOLIS INDIANS VS. DURHAM BULLS, 7:05 PM

Bark in the Park

May 3 marks the start of Victory Field’s ‘Dog Days of Summer.’ Bring yours while the Indians play fetch, and share your favorite game with man’s best friend. Don’t miss this unique and fun experience, where dogs and their owners get the chance to enjoy the game from the right field lawn. Packages must be purchased in advance by calling the Victory Field Box Office at (317) 269-2282.

2-For-1 Tuesday

Indians fans who visit any Central Indiana McAlister’s Deli location may pick up a voucher good for two-for-one admission to any Tuesday home game. Presented by McAlister’s Deli.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, INDIANAPOLIS INDIANS VS. DURHAM BULLS, 11:05 AM

Baseball In Education

Four times this season Victory Field transforms into the largest classroom in Central Indiana when Baseball In Education takes over the ballpark. As students enter the stadium, the Indians provide an in-game educational workbook to fill out as answers are given throughout the course of the game. This special field trip engages students and helps them learn English, Math, Science and History in exciting new ways. Presented by Citizens Energy Group, IUPUI, and U.S. Army Recruiting.

Wednesday Day Game

Enjoy lunch at the ballpark during this matinee contest. Because parking at normal area lots and garages are commonly filled with downtown employees, parking and shuttle service will be available from Lucas Oil Stadium. The shuttle is free and parking is $5.

Mike Pence Booed. And Cheered.

April 16, 2016 by Brian Groce

Mike Pence (R) & Joe Hogsett (D) threw out pitches at the Indianapolis Indians 2016 Home Opener on Thursday, April 14, 2016 at Victory Field. This is not unusual for sitting Indiana Governors & Indianapolis Mayors to do.

However, this time Indiana Governor Mike Pence was greeted to both cheers & jeers. The major local Indianapolis media outlets, being a bit slanted towards one political side, got a hold of a video clip from the stands where it sounds like nothing but the governor being booed, which was not the case. Yes, Mike Pence was booed, but he also had his supporters there as well. For the record, the Mayor seemed pretty well received in his first appearance.

Typically we don’t get political on Naptown Buzz, because frankly the only thing we care about is that you do vote. But in this case we felt the need to present you with a different perspective directly from the field. When listening to the audio, note that the very loud clapping you’ll hear for both the Mayor and the Governor is First Lady, Karen Pence. The rest of the cheers, jeers & boos are from the audience in the stands.