Here’s a little-known local sports fact: Did you know that Indianapolis almost got its own Major League Baseball team in the 1980s?
As we get into the swing of baseball season with our beloved Indians, here’s a brief history + glimpse of what could have been with the Indianapolis Arrows. For a deeper dive, we recommend this article.
The base hit
In July 1982, Indianapolis Mayor William Hudnut established the Indiana Major League Baseball Committee and tasked them with attracting a major league baseball team. The city was in the process of constructing the Hoosier Dome, which would soon bring the former Baltimore Colts to Indy — but the group hoped to retrofit the stadium for baseball purposes as well.
Stealing second
On February 12, 1985, Hudnut and committee members announced at a press conference on Monument Circle that the proposed MLB team had an official name: The Indianapolis Arrows. They also revealed the logo and announced a broadcast partnership with WTTV-4.
Sliding into third
Even though they had yet to confirm a home field for the Arrows, Hudnut and his committee moved full speed ahead with season ticket presales and merch. About 7,500 ticket packages were sold (at local Waffle Houses, of course).
Annnnnd you’re out
Ultimately, it seems that indecision led to the disappearance of the Arrows’ future in Indianapolis before it even began. Disagreements on the suitability of the Hoosier Dome for a MLB team and alternative options — such a new stadium in Plainfield or an upgraded Bush Stadium — dominated conversations, while other discussions about courting existing MLB teams instead of creating a new one pulled focus away from the Arrows.
After dozens of meetings, cryptic public comments, and internal committee friction, refunds were sent to all Arrows season ticket holders on Dec. 31, 1985. The accompanying letter stated “We are hopeful that the Arrows will take the field in Indianapolis before the decade is out.”
That dream never came to fruition — but the Arrows live on through (pricey) vintage merch, a fan Facebook page, and occasional mentions in local media.
Know anything cool about the Arrows that we omitted? Sometimes we swing and miss — let us know.
