The Indianapolis Clowns, a foundational team in the Negro American League, are the subject of a new documentary, Return of the Clowns, which explores the historical roots of modern “barnstorming” baseball entertainment. Released on Juneteenth, the film examines the team’s legacy of innovation, from signing the first women in professional baseball to launching the career of Hank Aaron, while drawing parallels to the contemporary success of the Savannah Bananas and their unique brand of “Banana Ball.”
The Indianapolis Clowns operated within the Negro Leagues until the franchise finally ceased operations in 1989. While the team is often remembered for its comedic flair, historical records highlight a series of significant professional milestones. The team famously signed Hank Aaron to play pro ball months before the then Boston Braves came calling; the $10,000 the Braves paid for the future home run king’s contract helped the bootstrapping Clowns keep operating.
Beyond their role in developing future MLB stars, the Clowns broke gender barriers by being the first professional team to sign women to play professional baseball. One of the most prominent players was pitcher Mamie “Peanut” Johnson, who died in 2017 and appears in the documentary.
Historical Roots of Barnstorming Entertainment
The modern resurgence of interest in the Clowns is largely tied to Jesse Cole, the owner of the Savannah Bananas. After visiting the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City, Cole identified a direct lineage between his team’s style of play—which features trick plays and a team not taking itself too seriously—and the historic barnstorming traditions of the Negro Leagues. This connection serves as a primary narrative thread in Return of the Clowns, which is currently available for streaming on ESPN.
The documentary aims to bridge the gap between historical baseball lore and current trends in sports entertainment. By featuring interviews with living members of the original franchise and modern athletes, including 2018 World Series champion Jackie Bradley Jr. and Mo’Ne Davis, the film provides a platform for discussing the evolution of baseball culture.
Legacy and Modern Impact
The documentary’s inclusion of Mo’Ne Davis highlights the lasting impact of players like Mamie Johnson. Davis, who quit baseball after becoming first girl to throw a complete game shutout in the 2014 Little League World Series, returns to the mound and recounts the encouragement she got from Johnson.
The Evolution of Professional Baseball
The transition from the barnstorming era to the modern spectacle of Banana Ball represents a significant shift in how baseball is consumed. Return of the Clowns posits that this evolution is an adaptation of the same spirit of showmanship that defined the Indianapolis Clowns.
The film is currently available to the public on ESPN.