Cincinnati-Indianapolis Clowns

In 1944 the former Cincinnati Clowns began splitting the year between Cincinnati, OH and Indianapolis, IN. The club finished second its first year as the Cincinnati-Indianapolis Clowns, going 40-31 in the Negro American League. Roosevelt Davis (11-7, 2.65 RA, 80 K) was third in the NAl in wins, fourth in ERA and second in strikeouts while Antonio Ruiz (10-4) tied for fourth in wins. OF Leo Lugo (.327) was fourth in average and led with 9 triples, while 3B Alec Radcliff hit .400 in limited time and was tied for second with 5 homers and tied for fourth with 11 doubles.

The 1945 season brought the club a 30-39 record, fifth in the six-team NAL. Radcliff (.325) led the league with 7 homers, while Sammy Hairston (.285) was the primary catcher.

In 1946 the team became the Indianapolis Clowns.

Sources: "The Complete Book of Baseball's Negro Leagues" by John Holway, "The Biographical Encyclopedia of the Negro Baseball Leagues" by James Riley

Related Sites

• BR Franchise page