On August 1, the Biggest Little Baseball Museum in Three Oaks, Michigan, will host a free community event titled "Return of the Clowns: Barnstorming Baseball Then and Now," inviting locals and visitors to explore a pivotal chapter of the sport.
A Legendary Team Returns
The program will feature Bill Heward, a native of Three Oaks who pitched for the famed Indianapolis Clowns during the 1970s, sharing personal anecdotes and insights into the team’s touring legacy.
Heward plans to trace the Clowns’ origins in the Negro American League, highlight their barnstorming tours, and discuss how their style influenced later generations of players.
Preserving History in a Small Town
The museum, situated on the second floor of the Three Oaks Library across from the historic Vickers Theatre, offers a compact yet richly curated space where artifacts, memorabilia, and interactive displays bring the Clowns’ story to life.
Organizers emphasize that the event is open to all ages and aims to foster a deeper appreciation for the cultural impact of Negro League baseball, a narrative often overlooked in mainstream sports discourse.
Free Admission, Lasting Memories
Admission is free, and museum staff hope the gathering will inspire future generations to keep the spirit of the game alive, while also supporting the museum’s ongoing preservation efforts.