Winston-Salem Development News

Former Indianapolis Clowns Player Steve Anderson Shares Memories and Current Role

Steve Anderson, a former player with the Indianapolis Clowns, shared his experiences playing with the team from 1965 to 1971. He described the Clowns as an offshoot of the Negro League that engaged in barnstorming and theatrical antics, positioning themselves as 'the low children of baseball.' Anderson, who lost his left arm at age six after being hit by a truck, became a featured 'one-on-one ball player' for the team. He detailed his unique playing style at first base, which involved catching the ball without a glove and then securing it with his chin before throwing, a move that particularly entertained and impressed crowds. He also mentioned his current role as a field man with the City of Wants to Salem, which he described as a 'labor of love.' Anderson expressed that the recent resurgence of the Clowns brought back pleasant memories and that he enjoys the '15 minutes of fame.'