North Platte Indians
The North Platte Indians was the final moniker of the minor league baseball teams based in North Platte, Nebraska between 1928 and 1959. The North Platte Indians played as members of the Class D level Nebraska State League from 1956 to 1959. Previously, the North Platte Buffalos played in the Nebraska State League from 1928 to 1932.
| North Platte Indians | |
|---|---|
| |
| Minor league affiliations | |
| Class | Class D (1928–1932, 1956–1959) |
| League | Nebraska State League (1928–1932, 1956–1959) |
| Major league affiliations | |
| Team | Cleveland Indians (1956–1959) |
| Minor league titles | |
| League titles (1) | 1958 |
| Team data | |
| Name | North Platte Buffalos (1928–1932) North Platte Indians (1956–1958) |
| Ballpark | North Platte Baseball Stadium (1928–1932) Bill Wood Field (1956–1959) |
The North Platte Indians were a minor league affiliate of the Cleveland Indians from 1956 to 1959.
History
Based in North Platte, Nebraska, the North Platte Indians were an affiliate of the Cleveland Indians, playing as members of the Nebraska State League. Previously, the North Platte Buffalos played as members of the Nebraska State League from 1928 to 1932. The North Platte Indians finished 41–22 in 1958 and captured the 1958 Nebraska State League Championship, playing under manager Mary Wylie.[1]
On July 29, 1928, North Platte pitcher Joe Smith threw a no–hitter in a 7–inning game against the Beatrice Blues. North Platte won the game 3–0.[2]
The Nebraska State League folded permanently after the 1959 season. The 1959 league member franchises folded as well, the Hastings Giants, Holdrege White Sox, Grand Island Athletics, Kearney Yankees, McCook Braves and North Platte Indians all folded. North Platte has not hosted another minor league team.[3]
The ballpark
The North Platte Baseball Stadium was noted to have hosted the North Platte Buffalos from 1928 to 1932 for minor league home games. The ballpark was located 7th and Jeffers, North Platte, Nebraska. The ballpark was destroyed by fire in 1955.
After the fire, Bill Wood Field was constructed in 1956, within Cody Park. Bill Wood Field was referenced to have hosted the North Platte Indians. The ballfield is still in use today, located within Cody Park, near the National Guard building. Today, Bill Wood Field is home to American Legion baseball. It is located at 18th & Jeffers, North Platte, Nebraska.[4][5]
Timeline
| Year(s) | # Yrs. | Team | Level | League |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1928–1932 | 5 | North Platte Buffalos | Class D | Nebraska State League |
| 1956–1958 | 3 | North Platte Indians | ||
Year-by-year record
(from Baseball Reference Bullpen)
| Year | Record | Finish | Manager | Playoffs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1956 | 24–39 | 7th | Spence Harris | None held |
| 1957 | 11–45 | 8th | Rudy York | None held |
| 1958 | 41–22 | 1st | Mark Wylie | League Champions |
| 1959 | 22–40 | 6th | Mark Wylie | None held |
Notable alumni
- Bob Allen (1956)
- Doc Edwards (1958)
- Spence Harris (MGR, 1956) Holds minor league career records for runs (2,287), doubles (743), and hits (3,617)[6]
- Ramon Lopez (1958)
- Jim Perry (1956) 3x MLB All-Star; 1970 AL Cy Young Award; Minnesota Twins Hall of Fame
- Duke Sims (1959)
- Dave Vineyard (1959)
- Rudy York (MGR, 1957) 7x MLB All-Star
See also
North Platte Indians players
References
- "North Platte, Nebraska Encyclopedia". Baseball-Reference.com.
- "Minor League No-Hitters 1920-1929 - BR Bullpen". www.baseball-reference.com.
- "Nebraska State League - BR Bullpen". www.baseball-reference.com.
- "North Platte First Nationals baseball - New". www.ballcharts.com.
- "North Platte Indians". nebaseballhistory.com.
- "Spencer Harris - BR Bullpen". www.baseball-reference.com.