Backyard Baseball is Back: Four MN Athletes Backyard Sports Should Feature in Return

It was a simpler time back in the late 90’s and early 2000’s. Well, once we got passed the whole Y2K panic attack. Back then, you made friends on real baseball fields, not on internet baseball fields. Video games back then were legendary too.

Some games stick out more than others. One of those that stands above the rest is Backyard Baseball, originally released in 1997 for PC, then re-released in 2001 (and many times after), with real MLB players included. Now, the entire Backyard Sports franchise is set to make its return.

Pablo Sanchez and Backyard Baseball making a return

Maybe you don’t remember Billy-Jean Blackwood or Jorge Garcia. I bet you do remember Achmed Khan throwing fireballs with his headphones though. Maybe Pete Wheeler and his lightning speed was more your fancy. Of course Mikey Thomas and Keisha Phillips always brought that power.

There is also no way you have forgotten about Pablo Sanchez. No matter who you grew fond of in the Backyard Baseball series, they are ready to make a triumphant return.

#backyardsports pic.twitter.com/XQyF5fjPfc

— Backyard Sports (@_BackyardSports) August 20, 2024

It has been nearly a decade since the last Backyard Sports title (Backyard Basketball 2015) released. A baseball iteration hasn’t been produced since 2010 (Sandlot Sluggers), and Backyard Baseball last dropped in 2009. The wait is over though, and the team at Backyard Sports is bringing the heat.

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Appropriately questioning whether they knocked if out of the park, it’s safe to say the reception has been solid.

Former Minnesota athletes that appeared on Backyard Sports

The announcement of a return is related solely to the baseball franchise. However, multiple sports have been featured previously and Minnesota has had a number of pros included. The list of previous stars spans decades.

Four Minnesota sports athletes we’d like to see in new Backyard Sports games

We can dream of a scenario in which the franchise reboots other sports as well. Four Minnesota athletes that would be a must to make an appearance are:

• Royce Lewis (Minnesota Twins) – The smile alone makes it a perfect fit. Lewis’ talent takes it to another level. This is a no-brainer for the upcoming Backyard Baseball reboot should they include pros.
• Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves) – This one is another layup. Edwards would bring both star power and significant fan engagement.
• Justin Jefferson (Minnesota Vikings) – The most popular sport in the country and one of its most popular athletes.
• J.J. McCarthy (Minnesota Vikings) – Maybe this is a reach given he will miss the season, but it would be fun to see the next franchise QB compete on the kid-sized gridiron too.

Honorable mention: Kirill Kaprizov – Obviously, if Backyard Hockey returns, Kirill Kaprizov is the player Minnesota Wild fans will want to see

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Bobby Witt Jr. (Kansas City Royals) is just 24-years-old and even he knows how incredible Backyard Baseball is. The series was initially produced prior to his birth, and yet he celebrated Player’s Weekend with none other than Pablo Sanchez.

Bobby Witt Jr. has a Pablo Sanchez bat for Players’ Weekend

(via @hustlesportsgrp) pic.twitter.com/RuHpnjxW7y

— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) August 16, 2024

An iconic franchise is returning, and what they do from he will be worth keeping an eye on.