Ball State student Leah Shopp has been hitting, running, and fielding on baseball and softball diamonds since she was a little girl growing up in New Castle, Indiana.

Never one to back down from a high inside fast ball or a challenging opportunity, she jumped at the chance to participate in an immersive learning experience to educate fans about the rich history of the Indianapolis Indians when visiting Victory Field.

"Baseball has always been in my life, and I have always enjoyed the game," says Shopp, who is studying finance and plans to graduate in 2009. "Although I don't follow a specific league, I continue to appreciate the sport and the rich history behind it. After spending time with the Indians, I became a really big fan of the team."

Shopp and a dozen other Ball State students—in a class under the direction of Rod Davis, interim dean of the Miller College of Business, and Jennifer Bott, a management professor—developed an image campaign that incorporates photos as well as baseball gloves, hats and other game-used items.

As students worked on the project, they researched the history of the Indians as well as other Indiana sports teams. They also visited the Great American Ballpark, home of the Cincinnati Reds.

The Indians are reviewing the students' recommendations and could incorporate some of their suggestions as early as the 2009 season.

"We are very pleased to be working with this very enthusiastic group of Ball State students," says Cal Burleson, general manager and vice president for the team. "The Indians have a great tradition in our community, and we look forward to their recommendations in regards to how these traditions can be uplifted to our fans.”