Cal Burleson, 71, died on Sunday, Nov. 7, 2021, with his wife and daughter bedside at his home in McCordsville, Ind. He admirably fought small cell bladder cancer, an extremely rare diagnosis he received in December 2020. Cal was born Dec. 14, 1949, to Mack and June Burleson in Akron, Ohio as the first of two boys in the family.
Cal was a stranger to nobody and connected with all walks of life, from the kids participating in his self-started RightFit program to first-time attendees at an Indianapolis Indians ballgame and his front office colleagues. He made Indianapolis his home in 1975 – his rookie season as ticket manager with the Indians – and left it a better place.
Cal graduated from Tallmadge High School in the Class of 1967 and went on to Ohio University, where he received his bachelor’s degree in business administration in 1973 before earning his master’s degree in sports administration the following year. Even as an OU graduate, Cal was a passionate fan of everything Ohio State Buckeyes.
Following college graduation, Cal moved to Indy and spent most of his time at West 16th Street, and later at the corner of West and Maryland. He experienced eight league championships during his 45-year tenure with the Indians and was often seen on field and in the clubhouse during postgame celebrations. In the office, two claps from Cal meant one of two things – the day was going well, or the Indians were playing up to or exceeding his expectations. He loved a veteran closer, left-handed hitting first baseman and glove-first center fielder who could cover Victory Field’s spacious alleys.
After spending his first two years as ticket manager, Cal transitioned to business manager (1977-80) and publicity director (1981-86). He then became assistant general manager with his marketing prowess contributing greatly to the ballclub’s successful move from Bush Stadium to Victory Field. In 1998, he was named the third general manager in Indians history and held that title through the 2014 campaign while twice earning International League Executive of the Year honors. Under his leadership the Indians were Triple-A recipients of the Bob Freitas Award in 2013 – presented to the organization with the best overall operations – and helped the club soar to franchise-record attendance levels in 2014 and ’15. He assumed duties as the team’s vice president of baseball and administrative affairs from 2015-16 and spent his final three years as senior vice president of community affairs, expanding his efforts of relating Indians baseball to community leaders and civic groups.
Away from the ballpark, Cal was actively involved at Grace Church and enjoyed fishing, attending sporting events and watching his granddaughters participate in youth sports. He was a loving, dedicated father and grandfather, and found the perfect balance between his personal and professional life. In the community, he devoted time and energy to RightFit, co-chaired the Community Resource Development Commission – IMPD Downtown District, and had previously served as chairman of the board for the American Red Cross of Greater Indianapolis along with being a board member of the Indianapolis and Indiana Chambers of Commerce, Indianapolis Urban League, Military Family Research Institute, Jump IN for Healthy Kids and Triple-A Marketing Committee.
Cal’s final days were much like the Indians trailing in bottom of the ninth. He may have been behind on the scoreboard, but until that final out was made, he believed he could will the Indians – or himself – to victory. He fought until the very last strike.
Cal was preceded in death by his parents, Mack and June Burleson. He is survived by his wife Maimouna Coulibaly of Malvern, Pa.; daughter Heather (Brian) Homan of Fishers, Ind.; stepdaughter Alicia Stevance of McCordsville, Ind.; stepson David Stevance of Malvern, Pa.; brother Paul (Jill) Burleson of Hartville, Ohio; niece Ashley Childress of Murrieta, Calif.; two granddaughters Brenna Siminski and Lyla Homan of Fishers, Ind.; and grandniece Cosette Childress of Murrieta, Calif.
A Celebration of Life for Cal will be held at Grace Church (5504 E. 146th St., Noblesville, IN 46060) on Wednesday, Nov. 17. The visitation is from 4-6 p.m. and will be immediately followed by the service from 6-7 p.m. Flowers may be sent to Grace Church. Memorial donations may be made to Cal’s most recent contribution to the community, RightFit, at rightfitindiana.org/get-involved.
