Nostalgia is at an all-time high in the video game realm in 2024.
First, the EA Sports College Football franchise returned. Now, Backyard Sports is hitting shelves, bringing back the beloved series so many enjoyed from their childhood.
The franchise released a trailer on Monday, Aug. 20 featuring some of its most iconic characters such as Pablo Sanchez and Pete Wheeler.
#backyardsports pic.twitter.com/XQyF5fjPfc
— Backyard Sports (@_BackyardSports) August 20, 2024
In addition to the video game, the franchise is expanding into film, TV and merchandise. Items such as a Pablo Sanchez jersey are available on the franchise's website.
"Backyard Sports is more than just a game; it's a cherished part of childhood for millions of people," Backyard Sports creator and Playground Productions founder and CEO Lindsay Barnett said in a statement.
Backyard Baseball is just one of many video games in the Backyard Sports franchise. Basketball, football, soccer, hockey and skateboarding have versions as well. The franchise debuted in 1997 and last released a game in 2015.
Here's all you need to know about the return of Backyard Sports, including a release date for Backyard Baseball, how good Sanchez is and how Jason Kelce is involved.
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Backyard Baseball release date
There isn't an official release date for Backyard Baseball as of Monday, Aug. 20.
The trailer and website don't have any further details on when the game will hit shelves, but it is likely in the earlier stages. Expect the timeline to be months, not weeks, until the game arrives.
How good is Pablo Sanchez?
There can't be a GOAT conversation without including Sanchez's name.
Nicknamed "Secret Weapon," Sanchez is a character in the Backyard Baseball series and is considered the "best all-around athlete and teammate."
Sanchez can do just about anything on the diamond as he has max stats in batting, running and fielding. Even his pitching is great, making him an incredible two-way threat years before Shohei Ohtani debuted.
Sanchez was more than just a baseball star. He was a superstar on just about any playing field including the blacktop, gridiron, ice and diamond. No player could compare to his abilities.
A YouTube channel by the name "EvanElectro" created an ESPN 30 for 30 parody on Sanchez.
The superstar video game character is synonymous with the Backyard Sports franchise. He's even made an MLB appearance via Bobby Witt Jr.'s custom bat.
Sanchez surely transferred some power to the Royals superstar shortstop.
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MLB players in Backyard Baseball
Since debuting in 1997, there have been dozens of MLB players to make appearances in the popular video game series. Here are some of the names to play alongside the Backyard Baseball stars.
- Albert Pujols
- Alex Gonzalez
- Alex Rodriguez
- Alfonso Soriano
- Barry Bonds
- Barry Larkin
- Bobby Abreu
- Bobby Higginson
- Brad Radke
- Cal Ripken Jr.
- Carlos Beltran
- Carlos Delgado
- Chipper Jones
- Cliff Floyd
- Curt Schilling
- David Ortiz
- David Wright
- Derek Jeter
- Derrek Lee
- Dontrelle Willis
- Eric Chavez
- Eric Gagne
- Frank Thomas
- Grady Sizemore
- Greg Maddux
- Greg Vaughn
- Ichiro Suzuki
- Ivan Rodriguez
- Jake Peavy
- Jason Giambi
- Jason Kendall
- Jeff Bagwell
- Jeff Conine
- Jeromy Burnitz
- Jim Thome
- Jimmy Rollins
- Johan Santana
- Jose Canseco
- Juan Gonzalez
- Ken Griffey Jr.
- Kenny Loften
- Lance Berkman
- Larry Walker
- Magglio Ordonez
- Mark McGwire
- Marty Cordova
- Michael Young
- Miguel Tejada
- Mike Piazza
- Mo Vaughn
- Nomar Garciaparra
- Paul Konerko
- Pedro Martinez
- Phil Nevin
- Prince Fielder
- Randy Johnson
- Richie Sexson
- Ryan Howard
- Sammy Sosa
- Shawn Green
- Tim Hudson
- Todd Helton
- Tony Gwynn
- Troy Glaus
- Vladimir Guerrero
Does Jason Kelce own Backyard Sports?
Jason Kelce does not own Backyard Sports, nor is he in any games ... yet. He did, however, inquire about who owned the franchise and whether it would be renewed for a new game.
The series hasn't had a new game since 2015, so Kelce, like many, wanted a new one almost a decade later. The former Eagles center mentioned it on his podcast with brother Travis Kelce last year.
"I don't even know if I want to mention this," Kelce said on New Heights. "I've secretly been looking into seeing if anybody holds the rights to Backyard Baseball and Backyard Football because I want to buy it and get this thing going again."
Kelce is not the reason why the franchise is returning, a Playground Productions spokesperson told Sports Illustrated.
"While Jason Kelce isn't directly involved in this relaunch, he represents an audience of people that, to this day, fondly remember Backyard Sports as a staple game with iconic characters beloved by many," the spokesperson said.