Backyard Sports is officially returning, reigniting nostalgia for a beloved franchise that captivated young gamers in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The 42-second clip, reminiscent of classic children’s cartoons, showcases kids gathering at the local ballpark, ready to “Play Ball” in vibrant animation.
For many Millennial and Gen Z sports enthusiasts who fondly remember the “Backyard Sports” video games, these aren’t just any kids. They see ace pitcher Stephanie Morgan, known for her signature screwball and bubble gum pop, alongside Achmed Khan and Pete Wheeler. Slugger Kiesha Phillips, mad scientist Dmitri Petrovich, twins Tony and Angela Delvecchio, and speedster Kenny Kawaguchi join the fun, culminating in a showdown with the iconic Pablo Sanchez.
[Related: Top 10 sports video game characters: Where does Pablo Sanchez rank?]
The announcement of Backyard Sports’ return comes after nearly a decade of silence from its developer, Playground Productions. The trailer, evoking the franchise’s flagship “Backyard Baseball” title, quickly gained traction across social media platforms.
Chris Waters, chief product officer at Playground Productions, expressed enthusiasm about reintroducing Backyard Sports to a new generation. He stated in a Sports Illustrated interview, “We’re dedicated to maintaining the charm that made the original games memorable while integrating modern features that today’s players expect. Fans will be thrilled with our new playground creations.”
According to Variety, the revival of the iconic video game line is just one aspect of Playground Productions’ broader vision, which includes plans for film, television, and expanded merchandise.
During its peak from 1997 to the mid-2000s, Backyard Sports produced games for every major professional sport, including Backyard Baseball, Football, Basketball, Hockey, and Soccer. The franchise was particularly popular for its engaging gameplay and the inclusion of children’s versions of real-life star athletes, thanks to licensing agreements with major leagues like MLB, NBA, WNBA, NFL, NHL, and MLS.
While the specific titles set for relaunch remain unclear, recent promotional materials hint at a comprehensive revival, featuring characters equipped with a football, basketball, baseball glove, soccer ball, and hockey stick.
The franchise’s popularity waned as its original audience grew older, and a shift from 2D to 3D graphics did not attract new fans amid the rise of ultra-realistic sports games from brands like EA Sports and 2K Studios. Although Playground Productions last released a Backyard Sports game for consoles in 2010, mobile versions of Backyard Baseball and Backyard Basketball appeared on iOS and Android in 2015.
Despite the lull, the games have remained part of popular culture. Pablo Sanchez consistently ranks among the most iconic sports video game characters, often as the sole fictional entry on these lists. Recently, former Philadelphia Eagles offensive lineman Jason Kelce revealed on his “New Heights” podcast that he explored acquiring the rights to the Backyard Sports games, which he and his brother Travis enjoyed during their childhood.
While neither Kelce brother is directly involved in this revival, Playground Productions, the original developer, is at the helm. It seems likely that the Kelces will be among the first to experience the “Backyard” magic when “Backyard Football” makes its return.
