On February 7, 1897, the Terre Haute Hottentots were formed as a charter member of the Class C Central League.
[1] Joining the Hottentots in the six-team league were the Cairo Egyptians, Evansville Brewers, Nashville Centennials, Paducah Little Colonels, and Washington Browns.
[2] Terre Haute's uniforms were gray and blue.
[3] Severe financial problems throughout the circuit forced the league to disband on July 20, 1897.
As of July 19, the final day of play, the Hottentots were in fourth place with a 31–36 (.463) record.