While Saturday was about 85 degrees, Joliet Slammers Stadium was filled with folks watching Snowballs — the Chicago Snowballs, that is. After attending a tryout session earlier this year, this was my first time at an actual game.

Founded in 2025, the Snowballs are a baseball entertainment team. Combining real baseball action with music, comedy and audience participation, the Snowballs are inspired by the Savannah Bananas and Harlem Globetrotters. Playing games in multiple locations around Chicago, the main opponent is the Rocket Squirrels, but they do play other teams.

© Tony Feddeler

When we arrived at the stadium about 30 minutes before the gates opened and two hours before game time, we saw a lengthy line waiting to enter. Upon entrance, everyone was greeted by several players taking pictures and signing autographs. Players remained on the concourse and in the stands almost until game time, except when needed for batting or fielding practice.

Brian Kent

Bells

Johnny Tsunami

Tommy Boy

Prior to the game, the on-field announcer led everyone in a little exercising and also a birthday celebration for Snowballs founder and CEO Cherie Travis. He gave a quick preview of the night, including basic rules. In the backwards inning, batters had to circle the bases clockwise, instead of the usual way. In another inning, after hitting the ball, the batter had to avoid a dodgeball to score. There were also specific play quirks, like a walk becoming a full sprint around the bases to beat defensive throws. The announcer remained on the field, offering play-by-play, along with side notes and explanations throughout the game.

© Tony Feddeler

© Tony Feddeler

After the Squirrels batted in each inning, the Snowballs just had to outscore them to win the inning. Once that happened, that inning ended.

During the game there were several fun bits. The Squirrels had two women play right field and also bat from opposite sides of the plate at the same time. One of the Snowballs breathed fire. Another player rode a unicycle. All the while, defensive players made trick plays.

While few things were standard, it somehow also was real baseball. Both co-ed teams were filled with legitimate players who were also entertainers. They manage to combine both and still have an exciting game.

© Tony Feddeler

© Tony Feddeler

© Tony Feddeler

There were catches juggled between defenders, made behind the back and bare-handed. Bells of the Snowballs did backflips from third base to home on her way to scoring. A player breathed fire. Another balanced a crowbar on his chin. Almost every play was special.

© Tony Feddeler

© Tony Feddeler

The Snowballs play a few more games before ending the season Sept. 12 in Wisconsin. Based on the popularity, I am guessing there will be even more games next season.

Built in 2002, Slammers Stadium seats 6,000. It is home to the Joliet Slammers, owned by Bill Murray, among others, who play in the Frontier League. Outside the main gate is a statue of Joliet native and former Major League Baseball star Jesse Barfield.

— John Wroblewski, online writer