Marion Indians

The Marion Indians were a minor league baseball team located in Marion, Illinois. The Indians were charter members of the Class D Illinois State League in 1947-1948.

History

In 1947, the Marion Indians joined the Belleville Stags, Centralia Cubs, Mattoon Indians, Mount Vernon Blues, and West Frankfort Cardinals as new franchises and charter members of the Illinois State League.^[1] The franchise was originally given to Murphysboro, Illinois, but shifted to Marion before play began.^[2] After two seasons in the league, the franchise relocated to Paducah, Kentucky and became the Paducah Chiefs in 1949. After the Marion relocation into the State of Kentucky, the league changed its name to the Mississippi-Ohio Valley League.^[3]

The Indians had records of 55-56 (3rd) in 1947 and 53- 56 (3rd) in 1948.^[4][5]

In 2007, the Southern Illinois Miners of the Frontier League became the first professional team in Marion since the Indians relocated in 1948, a span of 59 seasons.^[6]

The ballpark

The Marion Indians played at Marion City Park located at 500 East Deyoung Street.^[7][8] Today, the park is known as Ray Fosse Park, named after Marion native and All-Star Catcher Ray Fosse. The site has ball fields, golf and a pool.^[9][10]

References