Throughout the 21st Century, the Hoosier state — specifically Indianapolis — has become one of the top sports hubs in the country with its innate ability to host a plethora of national sporting events
In addition to its hosting ability, big names such as Peyton Manning, Reggie Miller, Tamika Catchings, Tyrese Haliburton, Jonathan Taylor and Caitlin Clark have helped bring the Colts, Pacers and Fever to the national media limelight. One thing that is missing from the Hoosier state? A MLB team to cheer for.
While baseball fans throughout the state get quality baseball from local minor league teams in the Indians, TinCaps and Cubs, in terms of MLB fandom the state is typically split between the Chicago Cubs or Cincinnati Reds.
However, of the 18 Indiana natives competing in different MLB systems, four players from the state can help you choose your fandom based on what region you represent for the ongoing playoffs starting Oct. 1 and going through Nov. 2.
Northern Indiana MLB Standouts:
Your New Team: Mets
Sean Manaea
Position: Pitcher
Born: Valparaiso
High School: Andrean
College: Indiana State University
Born and raised in some of the northernmost parts of Indiana, Manaea is in his ninth season of his MLB career. An active member of the pitching rotation, Manaea and the Mets will face off against the Milwaukee Brewers starting Oct. 1 in a best-of-three series.
Your New Teams: Dodgers
Kevin Kiermaier, Dodgers
Position: Centerfielder
Born: Fort Wayne
High School: Bishop Luers
College: Parkland College (IL)
One of the most accomplished baseball players to ever come out of Indiana, Kiermaier is a four-time Golden Glove and one-time Platinum Glove winner — even gardening a few MVP votes in his 2015 campaign. In his twelfth season now, Kiermaier started the season with the Blue Jays before being dealt to the Dodgers on June 30. The best team in the league, Kiermaier and the Dodgers will have a first-round bye and play the winner of the Padres and Braves.
Central Indiana MLB Standouts:
Your New Team: Cleveland Indians
Tim Herrin
Position: Pitcher
Hometown: Terre Haute
Highschool: South Vigo
College: Indiana University
In his second year in the majors, Herrin boasted a 5-1 record with a 1.92 ERA for the Guardians this season. Clocking 65.2 innings on the season, Herrin is typically a one-and-done pitcher with seven of his last 10 appearances exactly one inning of action. Herrin and the Guardians also have a first-round bye and will play the winner of the Astros and Tigers.
Southern Indiana MLB Standouts:
Your New Team: San Diego Padres
Name: Bryan Hoeing
Position: Pitcher
Born: Batesville
High School: Batesville
College: Louisville University
In his third year in the majors, Hoeing logged just 23 innings throughout the season for the Padres. While Hoeing may not log many innings — if any at all —- during the postseason, the Padres racked up 93 wins this season and will be dueling the Braves in the first round to try and advance into the NLDS.
