Howard and Victorino to Coach Banana Ball Teams
Former Philadelphia Phillies teammates will lead exhibition games at Citizens Bank Park in August 2027.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Baseball
Live Poll
Do you enjoy non-traditional sports entertainment formats like Banana Ball more than traditional baseball games?
Former Phillies stars Ryan Howard and Shane Victorino are set to manage opposing teams in two Banana Ball games at Citizens Bank Park on August 27 and 28, 2027. The event will feature the Indianapolis Clowns, a revival of the historic Negro Leagues team.
Why it matters
The exhibition series brings two beloved figures from the Phillies organization back to Philadelphia to participate in the growing Banana Ball format. It also serves as a cultural homage to the history of the Indianapolis Clowns.
Fans are required to enter a ticket lottery for a chance to purchase seats, with the submission deadline set for 11:59 p.m. on October 31, 2026. The two-game series marks a unique appearance at the home of the Phillies.
The players
Ryan Howard
A former professional baseball player who spent his entire MLB career with the Philadelphia Phillies.
Shane Victorino
A former professional baseball player known for his time as an outfielder for the Philadelphia Phillies.
Indianapolis Clowns
A historic professional baseball team from the Negro Leagues that was known for its blend of athletics and entertainment.
Citizens Bank Park
The baseball stadium located in Philadelphia that serves as the home field for the Philadelphia Phillies.
The details
Ryan Howard will lead the Indianapolis Clowns, while Shane Victorino will manage the Loco Beach Coconuts during the two-day event. Attendees interested in witnessing the matchup must register via the official lottery system to secure their entry.
Timeline
The ticket lottery entry deadline is 11:59 p.m. on October 31, 2026.
The first Banana Ball game is scheduled for August 27, 2027.
The second Banana Ball game will take place on August 28, 2027.
Season Trajectory
This event expands the footprint of non-traditional baseball exhibitions into major professional venues like Citizens Bank Park. It follows the entertainment-focused model set by the Savannah Bananas' barnstorming world tour.
Securing tickets requires navigating the lottery process at bananaball.com before the Halloween deadline. The event provides a rare opportunity to see former Phillies icons in a unique, rules-modified version of the sport.
The takeaway
This event highlights the increasing popularity of alternative baseball formats that prioritize entertainment alongside traditional gameplay. Philadelphia residents should note that the ticket lottery remains the only path to attendance for these upcoming August games.
What happens next
Fans must submit their ticket lottery entries by 11:59 p.m. on October 31, 2026, to be eligible for purchase opportunities.
Further reading
For more on the local baseball landscape, check out our coverage of Philadelphia Baseball.
More information
To enter the ticket lottery, visit the Banana Ball ticket lottery portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Live Poll
Do you enjoy non-traditional sports entertainment formats like Banana Ball more than traditional baseball games?
