The name Barnstormers refers to the act of "Barnstorming", which by definition is the touring excursion of any individual or group with the purpose of appearing in exhibition of their particular artistry.

During the early1920s the term Barnstorming became most closely related to aerobatic performances given by stunt pilots and aerialists, making a living with their high flying antics. Frequently these groups of air-performers, sometimes referred to as "Flying Circuses", would employ the use of fields from local farms as landing strips; hence the term Barnstormer.

By the late 1920s and the decades following, the terminology that had been coined by the aces of the air, was being used to label teams of baseball players doing what had before been seen in the clouds, now carried out on the green diamond. These highly skilled exhibition teams displayed entertaining and marveling feats of athletic agility, while promoting their sport in areas untouched by professional leagues. Hall of Famers such as Lou Gehrig and Babe Ruth even participated in off-season Barnstorming. These Barnstorming players were truly ambassadors of baseball.

In the 1930s Mordecai Brown himself managed and pitched for a Barnstorming team called the Havolines. Ironically Mordecai was particularly interested in things that flew and in 1910 he told a newspaper reporter that he saw a grand future in anything that had to do with the fledgling "aero plane" industry. Three Finger Brown would have liked being tagged with the title of Barnstormer, as it reflects two of his great passions.

Brown's Barnstormers are a team of likeminded individuals, whose purpose is to educate and mentor young people, as well as entertain through the sport of baseball. Brown's Barnstormers main service is the support of youth baseball camps and clinics hosted by The Mordecai Brown Legacy Foundation.

Instructional clinics have been proven to be an effective means of communicating skills and information to large groups of young athletes. By partnering with local civic organizations and churches for field space, The Mordecai Brown Legacy Foundation holds open invitational youth baseball camps. Set in a community arena, participants are instructed not only in baseball fundamentals, but also positive life values. Just as Mordecai Brown once trained young ballplayers, those attending the camps gain knowledge of the sport and a greater appreciation for excellence in their personal lives.

Clinic curriculum, personnel, and open venues are constantly growing and being refined. As relationships and opportunities expand in serving America's young people, so does the vision of Brown's Barnstormers.

If you would be interested in joining Brown's Barnstormers or hosting a Mordecai Brown Legacy Foundation youth baseball clinic, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it for further information.

For further history on the 349th Bombardment Squadron and the 100th Bomb Group, please visit our friends at the Eighth Air Force Historical Society.