Baseball has always been part of Fort Wayne’s story—but some of its most important chapters are too often overlooked.
Black Baseball in Fort Wayne is a Black History Month campaign created in partnership with the African American Museum of Fort Wayne to highlight the players, teams, and moments that shaped the city’s baseball history. From Negro League teams that played in Fort Wayne to the local Black athletes who carried the game forward, this project honors a legacy built on talent, resilience, and community.
FORT WAYNE COLORED GIANTS COLLECTION
Celebrating the legacy of Fort Wayne's legendary black baseball club. During the month of February, a portion of proceeds from the sale of Colored Giants items will go to the African-African American Historical Society Museum.
Barnstorming Through the Summit City
Touring Negro League teams regularly brought elite Black baseball to Fort Wayne, turning the city into a stop on the barnstorming circuit and a stage for some of the game’s greatest talent.
NEGRO LEAGUE STARS CALL FORT WAYNE HOME
A number of Negro League players suited up for Fort Wayne semi-pro teams, connecting the city’s local game to the broader Negro League legacy.
LESTER LOCKETT
4x Negro League All Star
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1948 Negro National League Batting Champion
GE VOLTMEN
PAT SCANTLEBURY
PAT SCANTLEBURY
CAPEHARTS / NA vAN LINES
3x Negro League All Star
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1947 Negro World Series Champion (NY Cubans)
JIM LAMARQUE
CAPEHARTS / ALLEN DAIRY
1942 Negro World Series Champion (Kansas City Monarchs)
WILMER FIELDS
ALLEN DAIRY
1948 Negro League All Star
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1948 Negro World Series Champion (Homestead Grays)
BILL RICKS
GE VOLTMEN
1944 Negro National League Strikeout and Wins Leader
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1948 Negro National League ERA Leader
ABOUT THE
AFRICAN-AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM
The AAAHSM (“AWESOME”) exhibits the histories of people of African descent in Allen County since 1809, and African history from earliest times to today. An Arts United affiliate, the museum houses the city’s largest public collection of African Art. Open by appointment only (260) 348-4465
