Banana Ball Brings Back the Indianapolis Clowns

The Savanah Bananas are expanding its circus of fun and flair. During its Banana Ball 2026 World Tour city announcement last night, the team unveiled two new clubs: the Loco Beach Coconuts and the Indianapolis Clowns, reviving one of baseball’s most legendary barnstorming names.

The additions bring the Banana Ball League to six franchises, all set to compete for the league’s first official championship title at season’s end. But it’s the Clowns who steal the spotlight — a name steeped in baseball lore and entertainment heritage.

“When I first heard the story of the Indianapolis Clowns, I was inspired,” said Owner Jesse Cole. “They were the first baseball team to put entertainment first and would go to great lengths to bring their style of baseball to fans all over the country.”

The Clowns will be coached by Errick Foxx, who has been part of the Bananas coaching staff since 2018. Foxx will be joined by Primetime coach and former Philadelphia Phillies World Series champion and National League MVP, Ryan Howard.

The original Indianapolis Clowns were pioneers of showmanship, blending athleticism with comedy long before “sports entertainment” was a term. They were a team that not only made fans laugh but showcased legitimate stars.

One of those was Hank Aaron, who launched his professional career with the Clowns in 1952. Aaron’s stay was brief — just three months — before the Boston Braves purchased his contract for $10,000. Twenty-two years later, he became the all-time home run king when he swatted his 715th home run to break Babe Ruth’s record.

The roster also featured names like Reece “Goose” Tatum, who later dazzled with the Harlem Globetrotters, and future big leaguers John Wyatt, Paul Casanova, Hal King, and Choo-Choo Coleman.

The Clowns also broke barriers beyond the diamond. In 1953, Toni Stone became the first woman to play professional baseball when she joined the team. The following year, Mamie “Peanut” Johnson and Connie Morgan followed suit, while Nancy Miller made history as the first female umpire in professional baseball.

Founded in the 1930s as a minstrel act, the team evolved into one of the most beloved barnstorming clubs in the country. After settling in Indianapolis in 1946, the Clowns captured four Negro American League pennants between 1950 and 1954, continuing to mix laughter with legitimate competition. By 1967, they stood as the last surviving Negro League team, barnstorming across the country until their final curtain call in 1989.

“The rebirth of the Indianapolis Clowns is an exciting and historically relevant tribute to the team that was at the forefront of combining baseball and entertainment,” said Bob Kendrick, President of the Negro Leagues. “Our partnership is a tremendous opportunity to not only entertain, but educate fans about the rich history of the Negro Leagues while paying homage to the team that helped influence Banana Ball.”

The revived Indianapolis Clowns will debut on February 27 in Anaheim, before making their long-awaited homecoming at Victory Field on May 15 and 16 against the Party Animals in a game that will be a home game for the many with Clowns gear in the stands. The season will conclude with the inaugural Banana Bowl is slated for Oct. 10, 2026.

The Indianapolis Clowns hope to carry on the tradition of the original club and honor its legacy with blending baseball and entertainment, while also educating fans along the way next season.