It’s batter up for historic Indianapolis Clowns; team joins entertainment baseball league

The Indianapolis Clowns are returning to the field, this time to play in the Banana Ball Championship League. The name is a tribute to recognize the historic team that inspired the newest generation of entertainment baseball.

Banana Ball, founded by the Savannah Bananas, has drawn thousands of fans to sold out baseball games. The rules are modified in an effort to make the sport more fan-friendly. The game has a two-hour time limit, fan caught balls count as outs and batters can steal first base on any pitch.

On Thursday the league announced it would be expanding with new teams in 2026 including the Indianapolis Clowns and Loco Beach Coconuts.

The new chapter of the Clowns will continue the team's legacy. During the team’s 50 year history, they were known as the Harlem Globetrotters of baseball traveling the country and entertaining fans.

The Clowns will be partnering with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. The original team were the last onesto play in the professional league before switching to exhibition games.

Savannah Banana founder and Banana Ball creator Jesse Cole said in a press release the story of the Indianapolis Clowns inspired him.

“Partnering with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum to bring the Clowns to millions of fans all over the country and preserve their legacy is a dream come true,” Cole said. 


President of the museum Bob Kendrick said the rebirth of the team is exciting.

“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,” Kendrick said.

The Clowns head coach will be Errick Fox who joined the Savannah Bananas in 2018.  World Series champion Ryan Howard will be the Clowns’ Primetime coach — a new position added for the 2026 season.

The team will have two games next year in Indianapolis at Victory Field — May 15 & 16.

Contact Samantha at shorton@wfyi.org or on Signal at SamHorton.05.