Clowns fall to Cubs 3-2 in Negro Leagues Night celebration

Vanessa Ivy Rose comes to Victory Field for Negro Leagues Night The Indianapolis Indians honored the history of the Negro Leagues in a special event on June 22 at Victory Field downtown. Wearing the uniforms of the Indianapolis Clowns, a legendary Negro Leagues squad, the Indians paid homage to work of Black athletes in baseball during a time of segregation. The night commenced with Vanessa Ivy Rose, granddaughter of Baseball Hall of Famer Norman “Turkey” Stearnes, tossing the ceremonial first pitch. Rose, a passionate advocate for conserving Negro Leagues history, conveyed her sentiments about the event. INDIANAPOLIS, IN – JUNE 22 Vanessa Ivy Rose, granddaughter of Negro Leagues star Turkey Stearnes prepares to throw out the first pitch during a Milb baseball game between the Iowa Cubs and the Indianapolis Indians on June 22, 2024 at Victory Field in Indianapolis, IN.(Photo/Jeff Brown) “It’s important to pay homage to all those before me,” Rose expressed. “I grew up in a baseball family, so just knowing the history, the blood, sweat and tears, the sacrifice … It’s important to recognize that.” Rose, who hosts a podcast dedicated to Negro Leagues stories titled “Reclaimed: The Forgotten League” and has authored the book “Hall...