Long before the Savannah Bananas became a worldwide sensation, drawing thousands to a selection show to see where they would be playing next, the barnstorming Indianapolis Clowns of the Negro American League were entertaining fans with a mix of baseball prowess and comedic gags. Known as the Harlem Globetrotters of baseball they were the inspiration for the 1976 movie “The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars and Motor Kings,” which was partially filmed in Savannah.

On Thursday night before 5,000 fans at Historic Grayson Stadium, the Indianapolis Clowns made their return as one of the two newest Banana Ball teams. “They were pioneers on this way of entertainment and baseball mixed together,” said Jesse Cole, owner of the Savannah Bananas “Three years ago, we started having conversations. What i

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