#Shortstops: Real Clowning Around

This all changed in 1942 when the Clowns officially became part of the Negro Major League. But this partnership proved to be shortlived and the Clowns became affiliated with the Negro American League in 1943. It is important to note that when the team joined the NAL the minstrel style of entertainment was retired but clowning on the field persisted.

The team would continue to be affiliated with the NAL until 1955 before later becoming independent again. The team would call Bush Stadium home from 1946 to 1956. The Clowns had to play talented teams unlike to the Globetrotters, who often played games where the winning outcome was predetermined. But like the Globetrotters, the Clowns placed a premium on entertainment and humor.

Hamman was a talented ball player but is best remembered for his theatrics on the field and his commitment to fan entertainment. Hamman started his baseball career with the Cuban House of David team in 1927 and 1928. It was during this time when Hamman developed his clown comedy routine.

Hamman would dress up as a clown and would perform in-between innings. By 1933, Hamman had joined forces with Syd Pollock, who would become owner of the Indianapolis Clowns. Hamman would remain dedicated to the Clowns for the remainder of his career and life, performing for the team from 1938 to 1978.

Hamman was also known for his unique pitching style in which he pitched balls behind his back or between his legs to hitters. In 1955, he became part owner of the team and later the sole owner when he bought Syd Pollock’s share in 1968. As the owner, Hamman was also known to joke around on the PA system every game.

The Clowns would spend the majority of their time in the Negro American League trying to find new ways to entertain their fans. One was through the game of “shadow ball”.

Players would mime throwing a ball around in between innings. This was so popular that shadow ball spread to many other Negro League teams.

Another Clowns tactic was bringing in established stars. One prime example of this was Hamman’s signing of Satchel Paige to a contract in 1967. Reflective of that signing, the museum’s collection has a 1967 ball signed by Paige and other Clown’s players.

At the time, Paige was believed to be 60 years old and he agreed to pitch one inning per game as a way to attract people to games. Hamman and Paige had a “no show, no dough” agreement. Hamman gave Paige $50 for each game he pitched. It seemed like this agreement worked out well for both parties: While the team held infield practice, Paige would go to a nearby river or stream to fish. When practice was over, another player would come to get Paige, and if there was a large crowd in the beginning of the game he would pitch the first inning. If there was a late-arrival, Paige would pitch later in the game.

Even though Paige was past his prime, Hamman was still impressed with his investment.

“Sixty years old,” Hamman said, “and he could still get ’em out … he threw them dipsy-doodles.”

The team also had little people as players as a way to draw crowds to games.