Barring some unforeseen catastrophe, the Indianapolis Indians will turn a profit for the 34th consecutive season — and team president and chairman Max Schumacher is a major reason why.
Barring some unforeseen catastrophe, the Indianapolis Indians (Class AAA; International League) will turn a profit for the 34th consecutive season — and team president and chairman Max Schumacher is a major reason why.
The International League has an inordinately large number of well-run teams, and the Indians are close to the top of the heap: with regular dividends and profit sharing for the owners. The margin of profit is impressive: the team did $8.7 million in revenues last season and turned a profit of $1.2 million despite paying for all operational costs — and $500,000 in rent — for Victory Field.
Being in a good market helps, but the presence of two major-league teams — the Colts and the Pacers — doesn't. So the accomplishments of Schumacher and the Indians front office shouldn't be underestimated.
Subscribers to the weekly Ballpark Digest newsletter see features before they're posted to the site. You can sign up for a free subscription at the Newsletter Signup Page.
Join Ballpark Digest on Facebook and on Twitter!