In fact the original team was called the Lebanon Giants, but Ponch as team mascot ,created such a sensation with his clowning around that the team changed its name in his honor.

The new Lebanon Clowns will be coached by Robert Seay and Gus Starks. The Lebanon Community Softball League will be fielding nine teams this summer. The New Lebanon Clowns is one, and Prosperity Baptist has a team, as does Bradley Creek Baptist.

The Lebanon Church of God, the L’town Riders and the Community All Stars from Watertown will each have two teams.

All of the teams are co-ed, which means they must have equal numbers of male and female players. The league rules allow only players over 14 years old, Owens said, and young people are welcome to try out.

Owens said the team is trying to arrange a special game during the week of the Wilson County Fair, set for Aug. 15-24. They want to try and play the Leeville Red Socks, which is an all-white retro team.

Owens also wished to thank some of the team’s sponsors. "I could write a book to thank them all. But I’ll start with a few," he said. The team’s first sponsor is Computer Solutions. McPherson’s Cleaners has agreed to contribute cleaning of the uniforms and Grandma’s Quilts is in charge of storing and maintaining the uniforms, Owens said.

The team’s first game will be Saturday at Head Homes Park at 2 p.m. They plan to have a parade right before the game from Lost and Found Ministry on McGregor Street to the park starting at 1 p.m.