#Shortstops: ABCs vs. All-Stars
During the fall of 1915, a memorable series of exhibition games were played in Indianapolis, Ind., between white all-star teams and the local Black team: the Indianapolis ABCs.
The ABCs met their match with this all-star team, losing 5-2 on Oct. 10. They rebounded in the Oct. 17 game, as Ben Taylor recorded the game-winning hit in the 11th inning to win 3-2.
In the third and final game of the series on Oct. 24, the All-Stars were leading 1-0 in the fifth inning, when Bush attempted to steal second base. The catcher’s throw to DeMoss at second beat Bush to the bag, but he was called safe by the umpire, who was white. Enraged by the call, DeMoss pushed the umpire and swung his fists at him. Charleston then ran in from center field and punched the umpire in the face, knocking him to the ground. Both teams and fans then came onto the field to join in what the Indianapolis Star called a near “race riot” before the police restored order. The All-Stars would go on to win the game 5-1.
The 1915 Indianapolis ABCs went 3-2-1 against the white all-star teams, proving that their talent on the diamond was equal to their white counterparts.
Matthew Carter was the 2019 curatorial intern in the Hall of Fame’s Frank and Peggy Steele Internship Program for Youth Leadership Development
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