“It’s like a bond”: Bahamas native Wilson connects with relatives through Fort Wayne Colored Giants

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) – Arnold Wilson clutches his binder full of old newspaper clips in his hand. The golden hue of the paper already reveals the stories are from an era long before today.

Inside the binder are photos Arnold’s father, George Jr., his grandfather, George Sr. and his uncle “Jelly.” The trio are posed in baseball uniforms with Fort Wayne written across their chests.

About a century ago, Arnold’s relatives suited up for the Fort Wayne Colored Giants. At the time, they were the biggest Black baseball team in the Summit City. During the early to mid-20th century, the Giants travelled across the Midwest playing against other Black baseball clubs.

While Wilson grew up with pictures of his family, he did not have a true understanding of their stories until he connected with Tim Tassler. The head of the Society of American Baseball Research for the Fort Wayne Chapter has been studying Black baseball for over 15 years. Thanks to Tassler, Wilson learned about his family’s history in the Summit City.

This year, Arnold and his wife, Belinda, travelled to Fort Wayne to connect with his family’s history. The couple are spending their weekend at Parkview Field, taking in TinCaps baseball.

“It brings me closer to Fort Wayne as an offspring, that’s how I look at it,” Arnold said.

The two have also visited the burial sites for Arnold’s father and grandfather, who were laid to rest in Fort Wayne.

Looking ahead Arnold and Belinda hope to make their visit to Fort Wayne an annual occurrence.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WANE 15.