The Indianapolis Clowns, a storied franchise that began as part of the Negro Baseball League, have resurfaced in the national spotlight through Banana Ball, a fast‑growing exhibition circuit that mixes baseball with theatrical flair.
During a recent three‑game swing in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the Clowns swept a series against The Firefighters, drawing a crowd that included longtime fan Corina Arnett, who praised the event as family‑friendly entertainment that feels more like a concert than a traditional game.
Bill Heward, who joined the Clowns in the 1970s as a pitcher and later manager, reflects on the team’s history in his book *Some Are Called Clowns*, recalling the daring acrobatic acts — such as double‑Dutch jump rope and handstands — that helped draw audiences during segregation.
A Modern Tribute to Baseball’s Past
Head coach Errick Fox emphasizes that the league’s innovation is rooted in the same spirit of creativity that defined the Negro Leagues, noting that performances like flashlight singing and dance interludes keep the game fresh while honoring its past.
Even former Major League star Jackie Bradley Jr., a 2018 World Series champion with the Chicago Red Sox, has aligned with the Clowns, underscoring the league’s appeal to athletes who value history and community as much as competition.
The Clowns’ itinerary often includes former Negro Leagues ballparks, such as the venue in Spartanburg, South Carolina, where Heward threw his first pitch in 1971, linking each stop to a living archive of baseball’s resilient legacy.