The Indiana State League first began minor league play in 1888. The league began play on May 11, 1888, as an
Independent six–team league with members Elkhart, Fort Wayne, Frankfort, Lafayette,
Logansport Oilers and Marion. After the season began, the
Lafayette, Indiana franchise withdrew on June 12, 1888, to join the
Central Interstate League and were replaced by the
South Bend Green Stockings. The 1888 Indiana State League folded mid–season, on June 18, 1888. The Logansport Oilers were in first place with a 10–3 record when the Indiana State League stopped play in 1888. The Indiana State League expanded and played as an eight–team league in 1890 under league president McCullough. The 1890 member teams were Anderson, Bluffton, Elkhart, Fort Wayne Reds, Kokomo, Marion/Logansport, Muncie and Peru. During the season, Marion relocated to Logansport on July 6, 1890. Elkhart disbanded June 26, 1890 and Bluffton disbanded June 30, 1890. Anderson finished first in the league standings with a 38–25 record. The 1896 Indiana State League briefly formed as a six–team
Independent level league. The
Logansport Ottos were the 1896 league champions with a 4–2 record under manager M.A Ryan. The league began play on July 26, 1896, and the season ended on August 4, 1896. In the final season of play, the Indiana State League reformed as a six–team league for the 1900 season. The president was Edward E. Hill. During the season, Elmwood moved from Logansport. Elwood and Muncie both disbanded on June 10, 1900, causing the entire league to fold. The Wabash Farmers were in first place with a 19–9 record when the league disbanded. Anderson and Marion joined
Interstate League in August 1900. ==Cities represented==