A modern spin on showtime baseball with deep roots in Black baseball history is coming to Richmond next spring.

“Banana Ball,” the fast-paced, fan-focused baseball league born from the viral Savannah Bananas phenomenon, will be among the first to take the field at the city’s new CarMax Park when it opens in April. 

The league, known for its blend of athleticism and entertainment, features six traveling teams playing under rules designed to keep fans engaged — from time limits to choreographed celebrations. But this visit carries extra meaning: one of the featured teams, the Indianapolis Clowns, is a revival of the historic Negro Leagues club that once broke barriers and blended comedy with competition. 

Richmond will host the Clowns and the Firefighters on May 1 and 2, part of a national tour expected to draw packed crowds similar to last year’s sold-out games at The Diamond. 

Bananas founder Jesse Cole said the new Clowns team was inspired by his visit to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City. 

“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,” Kendrick said. “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 original Indianapolis Clowns became one of the most beloved and enduring teams in the Negro Leagues, known for their flair, humor, and talent — launching the careers of players such as Hank Aaron before joining the majors. 

CarMax Park is scheduled to open April 7, when the Richmond Flying Squirrels play their first home game. Fans can sign up now for ticket access to the Banana Ball series.