‘Banana Ball’ is back at Dunkin’ Park.

The Hartford Yard Goats and Savannah Bananas announced Tuesday that the Banana Ball World Tour will make a stop next July in Hartford for three games, though the world-famous Savannah Bananas themselves won’t be playing.

Savannah’s nemesis, the Party Animals, will take on the Indianapolis Clowns in ‘Banana Ball’ on Thursday, July 23rd, Friday July 24th, and Saturday, July 25th. Banana Ball is baseball– only with unique rules, such as a two-hour time limit on games, no walks, and foul balls caught by fans counting as outs. The Savannah Bananas have been described as the Harlem Globetrotters of baseball, with quirks such as a pitcher on stilts, players doing backflips while fielding grounders, and batters stealing first base all a part of their charm. The Party Animals could be thought of as their Washington Generals.

It’ll be the second time Banana Ball has been played in Hartford, after Savannah took on the Party Animals in 2023.

Individual tickets for next summer’s games will be sold through a lottery system. Fans can now join the ticket lottery list from now until it closes on Nov. 1 by registering on the website, www.bananaball.com/tickets. A random drawing will take place before the event for the chance to purchase available tickets. When fans are drawn, they will have an opportunity to continue through the verification process. Standard individual tickets start at $35 with meet-and-greet tickets starting at $100.

Requests for hospitality options, which includes an all-you-can-eat buffet (guests of 10 or more) in the party decks, and picnic areas are now being accepted by emailing groups@yardgoatsbaseball.com.

“We are really excited that the Banana Ball is returning to Hartford and Dunkin’ Park for three games next summer as part of its world tour,” Yard Goats President Tim Restall said in a release. “It will be fun to watch our fans sing, dance, and enjoy the fun atmosphere that Banana Ball brings to our community.”

The Banana Ball World Tour, which originally featured only the Savannah Bananas, has grown so much in popularity that it has been expanded to include multiple teams that all play using the unique Banana Ball rules.

The Indianapolis Clowns are the newest member coming to the Banana Ball Championship League, and will feature Phillies World Series Champion and All-Star Ryan Howard as its Prime Time Coach. The Clowns were a barnstorming baseball team that traveled the country playing in many different ballparks for over 50 years from the 1930’s through the 1980’s. The team was once a member of the Negro League, and featured Hall of Famer Hank Aaron. Banana Ball is partnering with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum to preserve the history of the club.

https://www.courant.com/2025/10/14/wild-wacky-banana-ball-returning-to-hartford-next-summer/