Sports in Fort Wayne, Indiana
Fort Wayne, Indiana, is home to three minor league sports teams. These include the Fort Wayne Komets of the ECHL, the Fort Wayne Mad Ants of the NBA G League, and the Fort Wayne TinCaps of baseball's High-A Central minor league.
Fort Wayne has also been home to three former professional sports teams. These include the NBA's Fort Wayne Pistons (now in Detroit), the Fort Wayne Daisies of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, and the Fort Wayne Kekiongas of the National Association of Professional Base Ball Players (an early predecessor to the current MLB).
Intercollegiate sports in the city include Purdue Fort Wayne in the NCAA Division I Summit League as well as NAIA schools Indiana Tech and University of Saint Francis.
History[]
Fort Wayne has been home to a few sports firsts. On June 2, 1883, Fort Wayne hosted the Quincy Professionals for one of the first lighted baseball games ever recorded.[1][2] Fort Wayne has been credited for being the birthplace of the NBA when Fort Wayne Pistons owner Fred Zollner brokered the merger of the BAA and the NBL in 1949 from his kitchen table.[1][3] Also, on March 10, 1961, Wilt Chamberlain became the first player in the NBA to reach 3,000 points in a single season while competing at Memorial Coliseum.[1]
Fort Wayne hosted two NBA Finals Games in 1955 and 1956, as well as the third city to host the NBA All-Star Game in 1953.[4] The Allen County War Memorial Coliseum was also venue to the 2000 NCAA Men's Division I Volleyball Championship matches, in addition to hosting the 2000, 2001, and 2002 Mid-Continent Conference Men's Basketball Tournaments. Fort Wayne also annually hosts the U.S.S.S.A. National and Boys State Championships, held at Spiece Fieldhouse.[5]
On November 22, 1950, the Fort Wayne Pistons defeated the Minneapolis Lakers with a final score of 19 to 18 in the lowest scoring game in NBA history.[6]
Fort Wayne hosted another major league team in a Big Four sport, the Fort Wayne Kekiongas of the National Association. The National Association was the first professional baseball league and the forerunner of the National League; it is sometimes considered to have been a major league, and sometimes not. The Kekiongas were a founding member of the national association (in 1871), and played and won the first National Association game, but disbanded partway through the 1871 season.
Wildcat Baseball League was a baseball league in Fort Wayne formed by Dale McMillen in April 1960 as an alternative to Little League Baseball.[7][8][9] Fort Wayne was rated the "Best Place in the Country for Minor League Sports" in a 2007 issue of Street & Smith's Sports Business Journal.[10]
Current sports teams[]
| Team | Sport | Current League | Established | Venue | Championships |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Wayne Derby Girls | Roller derby | WFTDA | 2005 | Memorial Coliseum | 0 |
| Fort Wayne Komets | Ice hockey | ECHL | 1952 | Memorial Coliseum | 10[a] |
| Fort Wayne Mad Ants | Basketball | NBA G League | 2007 | Memorial Coliseum | 1 |
| Fort Wayne TinCaps | Baseball | Midwest League | 1993 | Parkview Field | 1 |
| Fort Wayne FC | Soccer | NPSL | 2019 | Bishop Dwenger Field | 0 |
Former sports teams[]
| Team | Sport | League | Existence | Venue | Championships |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Wayne Caseys | Basketball | American Basketball League | 1925–1926 | 0 | |
| Fort Wayne Daisies | Baseball | All-American Girls Professional Baseball League | 1943–1954 | North Side High School Memorial Park |
0 |
| Fort Wayne Fever | Soccer | Premier Development League | 2003–2009 | Hefner Stadium | 0 |
| Fort Wayne Fever | Women's Soccer | W-League | 2004–2009 | Hefner Stadium | 0 |
| Fort Wayne FireHawks | Indoor football | Continental Indoor Football League | 2010 | Allen County War Memorial Coliseum | 0 |
| Fort Wayne Flames | Soccer | American Indoor Soccer Association | 1986–1989 | Allen County War Memorial Coliseum | 0 |
| Fort Wayne Flash | Women's Football | Women's Football Alliance | 2007–2011 | Woodlan Junior / Senior High School | 0 |
| Fort Wayne Freedom | Indoor football | Continental Indoor Football League | 2003–2006, 2008–2009 | Allen County War Memorial Coliseum | 0 |
| Fort Wayne Friars | Football | Independent | 1909–1917, 1920–1921 | League Park | |
| Fort Wayne Fury | Basketball | Continental Basketball Association | 1991–2001 | Allen County War Memorial Coliseum | 0 |
| Fort Wayne Fusion | Arena football | af2 | 2007 | Allen County War Memorial Coliseum | 0 |
| Fort Wayne General Electrics | Basketball | National Basketball League | 1937–1938 | North Side High School Gym | 0 |
| Fort Wayne Hoosiers | Basketball | American Basketball League | 1926–1931 | 0 | |
| Fort Wayne Kekiongas | Baseball | National Association of Professional Base Ball Players | 1871 | Kekionga Ball Grounds | 0 |
| Fort Wayne Pistons | Basketball | National Basketball League National Basketball Association |
1941–1948 1949–1957 |
North Side High School Gym Allen County War Memorial Coliseum |
2 (NBL) 0 (NBA) |
| Fort Wayne River City Rhinos | Football | Mid Continental Football League | 1998–2001 | Zollner Stadium | 0 |
| Fort Wayne Safari | Football | Indoor Professional Football League | 2000–2002 | Allen County War Memorial Coliseum | (never played) |
| Fort Wayne Scouts | Hockey | Continental Hockey League | 1978–1979 | 0 | |
| Indiana Kick | Soccer | American Indoor Soccer Association | 1989–1990 | Allen County War Memorial Coliseum | 0 |
| Fort Wayne Warriors | Football | Continental Football League | 1965 | Zollner Stadium | 0 |
Notable natives and former residents[]
Athletes[]
Professional baseball[]
- Rob Bowen, MLB (2003–2008)[11] Minnesota Twins, San Diego Padres, Chicago Cubs, Oakland Athletics
- Dottie Collins, AAGPBL (1944–1950)[12] Minneapolis Millerettes, Fort Wayne Daisies
- David Doster, MLB (1996, 1999)[11] Philadelphia Phillies
- Bill Everitt, MLB (1895–1901)[11] Chicago Colts/Orphans, Washington Senators
- Louie Heilbroner, manager, MLB (1900) St. Louis Cardinals
- Butch Henline, MLB (1921–1931)[11] New York Giants, Philadelphia Phillies, Brooklyn Robins, Chicago White Sox
- Ralph Miller, MLB (1920–1924)[11] Philadelphia Phillies, Washington Senators
- Eric Wedge, player, MLB (1991–1994)[11] Boston Red Sox, Colorado Rockies; manager, MLB (2003–2009)[11] Cleveland Indians and Seattle Mariners
- Kevin Kiermaier, MLB (2013-present day)[11] Tampa Bay Rays
- Jarrod Parker, MLB (2011-present day)[11] Arizona Diamondbacks, Oakland Athletics
Professional basketball[]
- Paul "Curly" Armstrong, NBA (1948/49-1950/51)[13] Fort Wayne Pistons
- Dan Godfread, NBA (1990/91-1991/92)[13] Minnesota Timberwolves, Houston Rockets
- Ralph Albert "Ham" Hamilton, NBA (1948/49)[13] Fort Wayne Pistons
- Henry James, NBA (1990/91-1997/98)[13] Cleveland Cavaliers, Utah Jazz, Sacramento Kings, Los Angeles Clippers, Houston Rockets, Atlanta Hawks
- Bobby Milton, player and manager of Harlem Globetrotters
- Brad Miller, NBA (1998/99-present)[13] Charlotte Hornets, Chicago Bulls, Indiana Pacers, Sacramento Kings
- Bill Roberts, NBA (1948/49-1949/50)[13] Chicago Stags, Boston Celtics, St. Louis Bombers
- George Yardley, NBA (1953/54-1959/60)[13] Fort Wayne Pistons/Detroit Pistons
- Tiffany Gooden, ABL (1998), Colorado Xplosion
- Caleb Swanigan, NBA (2017/18-present)[13] Portland Trail Blazers
Professional BMX[]
- Barry McManus, BMX racer in 1980-'90s
- Scott Yoquelet, BMX racer in 1990–2000s
- Joey Marks, BMX dirt freestyle 1998–2010
- Brian Doty, BMX racer 1980-'90s
Professional football[]
- Mike Augustyniak, NFL (1981–1983)[14] New York Jets
- Jason Baker, NFL (2001–2012)[14] San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles, Kansas City Chiefs, Indianapolis Colts, Denver Broncos, Carolina Panthers
- Roosevelt Barnes, NFL (1982–1985)[14] Detroit Lions
- Bill Boedeker, NFL (1946–1950)[14] Chicago Rockets, Cleveland Browns, Philadelphia Eagles, Green Bay Packers
- Johnny Bright, CFL (1952–1964)[15] Calgary Stampeders, Edmonton Eskimos, subject of the "Johnny Bright Incident"
- Bob Cowan, NFL (1947–1949)[14] Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Colts
- John Diettrich, NFL (1987)[14]Houston Oilers
- Vaughn Dunbar, NFL (1992–1995)[14] New Orleans Saints, Jacksonville Jaguars
- Tyler Eifert, NFL (2013–present)[14] Cincinnati Bengals
- Eric England, NFL (1994–1996)[14] Arizona Cardinals
- Trai Essex, NFL (2005–2012)[14] Pittsburgh Steelers, Super Bowl XL champion, Indianapolis Colts
- Jason Fabini, NFL (1998–2008)[14] New York Jets, Dallas Cowboys, Washington Redskins
- James Hardy, NFL (2008–2011)[14] Buffalo Bills, Baltimore Ravens
- Selwyn Lymon, NFL (no professional games played) Miami Dolphins
- Le'Ron McClain, NFL (2007–2013)[14] Baltimore Ravens, Kansas City Chiefs, San Diego Chargers
- Bernard Pollard, NFL (2006–2014)[14] Kansas City Chiefs, Houston Texans, Baltimore Ravens, Tennessee Titans
- Emil Sitko, NFL (1950–1952)[14] San Francisco 49ers, Chicago Cardinals
- Lamar Smith, NFL (1994–2003)[14] Seattle Seahawks, New Orleans Saints, Miami Dolphins, Carolina Panthers
- Anthony Spencer, NFL (2007–2015)[14] Dallas Cowboys, New Orleans Saints
- Rod Woodson, NFL (1987–2003)[14] Pittsburgh Steelers, San Francisco 49ers, Baltimore Ravens, Oakland Raiders, Pro Football Hall of Famer
- Rod Smith, NFL (2015-present)[14] Seattle Seahawks, Dallas Cowboys
- Jaylon Smith, NFL (2016-present)[14] Dallas Cowboys
Professional golf[]
- Amanda Blumenherst[16]
- Billy Kratzert, golfer and sportcaster
- Cathy Kratzert Gerring
Professional hockey[]
- Dale Purinton, NHL (1999/2000–2003/04)[17] New York Rangers
Martial arts[]
- Adam Bobay, UFC
- Jon Fitch, UFC
- Dave Herman, MMA fighter with EliteXC (Elite Xtreme Combat)
Professional soccer[]
- DaMarcus Beasley, Rangers F.C. of the Scottish Premier League, U.S. national team, MLS Chicago Fire
- Jamar Beasley, MLS New England Revolution, Chicago Fire
- Bronn Pfeiffer, Fort Wayne Flames, Indiana Kicks, Chicago Power, and Detroit Rockers in the National Professional Soccer League.
- Mike Harper, Baton Rouge Bombers of the Eastern Indoor Soccer League.
Olympic swimming and diving[]
- Mark Virts, diver, participated in boycott of the 1980 Summer Olympics led by President Jimmy Carter
- Matt Vogel, swimmer, two-time Olympic gold medalist, 1976 Summer Olympics
- Sharon Wichman, swimmer, Olympic gold medalist, 1968 Summer Olympics
- Dan Zehr, swimmer, 1932 Summer Olympics
Olympic track and field[]
- LeShundra "DeDee" Nathan, 2000 Summer Olympics
Professional volleyball[]
- Angie Akers, professional beach volleyball player
- Lloy Ball, Olympic gold medalist, 2008 Summer Olympics
Other notable individuals[]
- Eugene E. Parker, sports agent, 45th in "Sports Illustrated"'s 101 most influential minorities in sports[18][19]
- Art Smith, aviator, invented "loop the loop"
- , US National Rugby Union Team, 1978[20]
Northeast Indiana's Top 50 Athletes[]
The News-Sentinel's Northeast Indiana's Top 50 Athletes of the 20th century are:[21]
- Rod Woodson
- Johnny Bright
- George Yardley
- Everett Scott
- Len Thornson
- Bobby McDermott
- Don Lash
- DeDee Nathan
- Lloy Ball
- Cathy Gerring
- Bill Kratzert
- Matt Vogel
- Sharon (Wichman) Jones
- Emil Sitko
- Eugene "Bubbles" Hargrave
- Dottie Wiltse Collins
- Willie Long
- Eddie Long
- Paul "Curly" Armstrong
- Bill Wambsganss
- MaChelle Joseph
- Steve Hargan
- Henry James
- Gene Hartley
- Bill West
- Bernie Kampschmidt
- Joanne Weaver
- Herm Schaefer
- Lionel Repka
- Vaughn Dunbar
- Walter Jordan
- Bruce Miller
- Lashanda Harper
- Nel Fettig
- Terry Pembroke
- Steve Platt
- Tom Beerman
- Cathey Tyree
- Jason Fabini
- Tiffany Gooden
- Lamar Smith
- Leslie Johnson
- Tom Bolyard
- Roosevelt Barnes
- Conan Myers
- Lee Ann Reed
- Tom Kelley
- Mike Augustyniak
- Colin Chin
See also[]
References[]
- ^ Jump up to: a b c (January 19, 2008). Fort Wayne Sports Moments Archived October 12, 2008, at the Wayback Machine. The News-Sentinel. Retrieved on June 11, 2009.
- ^ Miklich, Eric, Night Baseball in the 19th century. Retrieved on May 16, 2008.
- ^ Rushin, Steve, (February 5, 2007). Storming The Fort (wayne). Sports Illustrated. Retrieved on May 16, 2008.
- ^ NBA All-Star Games – Names and Numbers, Basketball Digest, March, 2002. Retrieved on May 16, 2008.
- ^ U.S.S.S.A. National Tournament Archived May 17, 2008, at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved on May 16, 2008.
- ^ NBA Dateline. Retrieved on February 2, 2008.
- ^ Lakeland Ledger article
- ^ http://wildcatbaseball.us/wildcatleaguehistory.html
- ^ http://sportsillustrated.ca/vault/article/magazine/MAG1067140/index.htm
- ^ "Fort Wayne's No. 1". Street & Smith's Sports Business Journal. Retrieved May 16, 2008.
- ^ Jump up to: a b c d e f g h i Baseball-Reference.com – Major League Baseball Statistics and History
- ^ All-American Girls Professional Baseball League Players
- ^ Jump up to: a b c d e f g h NBA.com: Historical Player Search
- ^ Jump up to: a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t Football Encyclopedia of Players – Pro-Football-Reference.com
- ^ Canadian Football Hall of Fame – Johnny Bright
- ^ Sebring, Blake, (June 6, 2009). Duke star, Fort Wayne native ready for Red Coat. "The News-Sentinel". Retrieved on June 10, 2009.
- ^ Dale Purinton hockey statistics & profile at hockeydb.com
- ^ "New World Order: After years of battling for fair opportunities, people of color are finally running the show (in some places) and driving the economics in sports". Sports Illustrated. May 2, 2003. Retrieved June 11, 2009.
- ^ (February 27, 2007). More than Just a Game. Big Ten Basketball. Retrieved on June 11, 2009.
- ^ http://www.espnscrum.com/scrum/rugby/player/8843.html
- ^ News-Sentinel.com Archived December 23, 2009, at the Wayback Machine
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- History of sports in the United States
- Sports in Fort Wayne, Indiana