Iconic Video Game Makes a Comeback

The beloved 1997 video game 'Backyard Baseball' is set to be transformed into an animated special titled 'Sticky Situation'. This exciting news was announced by Playground Productions, the current owner of the Backyard Sports franchise, which was successfully rebooted last year.

A Star-Studded Cast and a Fun Premise

According to Deadline's Katie Campione, the animated special will feature talented voice actors Tiffany Haddish and Arturo Castro. The plot centers around the thrilling Opening Day at Steele Stadium, where the team’s superstar, Stephanie 'Bubbles' Morgan, faces a crisis. She has lost her indispensable lucky bubble gum just 30 minutes before game time!

Joined by the other Backyard kids, Bubbles sets off on an adventurous mission to recover her favorite gum and save their season. This fun premise promises to capture the spirit of teamwork and the excitement of youth sports, a nostalgia-filled journey for fans of the original video game.

Release Details

The special is funded in part by Dave & Buster's and is expected to release in 'early 2026' at a date yet to be announced. Additionally, it will be available on the Backyard Sports YouTube channel.

Behind the Scenes

Lindsay Barnett, CEO of Playground Productions and a former elementary school teacher, played a pivotal role in reviving the franchise. She reportedly hired a private investigator and employed creative tech solutions to acquire the rights to the Backyard Sports games, including 'Backyard Baseball'. With hopes for further adaptations, the success of 'Sticky Situation' might lead to a scripted series in the future.