Indianapolis Hoosiers, 1914

Indianapolis had one season as a major league city in the Federal League era. The Hoosiers made it count by winning the championship.

From Independent League to the Majors

The Indianapolis Hoosiers were already part of the Federal League when it operated as an independent minor league in 1913.

They won the league championship that year.

Then the Federal League declared itself a major league for 1914 and began challenging the established American and National Leagues for players, fans and attention.

Indianapolis was ready.

A New Major League Ballpark

A new Federal League Park was built for the Hoosiers near Kentucky Avenue and West Street in Indianapolis.

The park held roughly 23,000 spectators and sat surprisingly close to where major sporting events are still held in Indianapolis today.

The site was only blocks from the locations of today's Victory Field and Lucas Oil Stadium.

Benny Kauff Takes Over

The biggest offensive star in Indianapolis was outfielder Benny Kauff.

In 1914, Kauff hit .370, scored 120 runs and stole 75 bases, leading the Federal League in all three categories.

He became one of the biggest stars the new league produced.

Indianapolis also featured future Hall of Famers Edd Roush and Bill McKechnie.

Federal League Champions

The Hoosiers finished the 1914 season 88–65.

That put Indianapolis 1½ games ahead of the Chicago Federals and gave the Hoosiers the first championship of the Federal League's major league era.

Pitcher Cy Falkenberg played a huge part in the title run, winning 25 games and leading the league with 236 strikeouts.

A Champion Without a Home

Winning the championship was not enough to keep the franchise in Indianapolis.

Federal League leaders wanted a stronger presence in the New York market.

After the season, owner Harry Sinclair acquired the remaining interests in the club and moved the franchise east.

In 1915, the Indianapolis Hoosiers became the Newark Peppers.

Indianapolis had won a major league championship and lost its team in the span of a single season.