Toni Stone, Huntington Theatre. mainstage, through June 16. 617-266-0800 or huntingtontheatre.org

Call the Indianapolis Clowns a baseball counterpart to the Harlem Globetrotters. As with the legendary Black basketball team, the barnstorming Clowns of the Negro American League were known for combining comedy, showmanship and genuine skill.

In 1953 owner Syd Pollock—who had introduced Hank Aaron to the Negro Leagues—signed Toni Stone (after Aaron moved on to the MLB Braves) as the first woman to play as a regular on a men's professional level team. The pioneer second base player—inducted into the Women's Sports Hall of Fame 50 years later—and her stint with the Clowns are the fascinating subject of the 2019 Lydia R. Diamond Off-Broadway hit "Toni Stone.". Now directed exuberantly by the playwright herself, its Huntington mainstage premiere is a high-scoring winner.

Based on the Martha Ackmann biography "Curveball:The Remarkable Story of Toni Stone," Diamond's insightful play demonstrates how passionate this undaunted player was about playing as well as about baseball itself. Stone stresses the need to "get in the head of your opponent" as in chess. Speaking to the audience about her life and athletic prowess—garnering trophies in several sports, she admits to rambling even as she displays an encyclopedic knowledge of baseball.

At times she makes a claim (not fully documented) that she actually batted against the legendary Black pitcher Satchel Paige. Still, she remains focused on the game (actually batting .243 in 50 games with the Clowns) and eventually gains the respect of her fellow players. Those diverse teammates include the savvy catcher Stretch and the book-reading "long on brains" Spec. Pollock goes to bat for Stone, saying "She's no cupcake" and asserting that she plays with her heart.Just as absorbing are Stone's intriguing relationship with Aurelious Alberga—who became her husband—and her friendship with wise and world-weary sex worker Millie.

Especially remarkable is the very talented and versatile Black cast. Aside from Jennifer Mogbock as Toni, male actors are called on to play not only the baseball players but also female characters—notably pivotal Millie—and white roles—including Pollock and a Coach Gabby who turns out to be a KKK member.Mogbock is commandingly riveting as both narrator and protagonist. She fully captures Stone's love of the game and her confidence about playing and her talents. Toni's romance with

Alberga—played with charm and style by Jonathan Kitt—develops very convincingly.

Also impressive is Stanley Andrew Jackson as Millie. Jackson finds all of her grace and vulnerability as Toni's first female friend—particularly as she advises Stone.

Blake Morris is fittingly direct as Pollock and decisive as Stretch. Omar Robinson has the right thoughtfulness as reflective Spec and tenacity as demanding Gabby. All of the cast members playing Clowns move with the right combination of baseball athleticism and dance synchronization thanks to Ebony Williams' Broadway caliber choreography. Hassiem Muhammad's sharp acrobatics and juggling are high points of the showmanship of the team.

Special praise goes to Collette Pollard's scenic design for the Clowns' stadium—with full size billboards and realistic bleacher benches-where players sometimes sit as though on the team's barnstorming bus. Designer Brian J. Lilienthal does similar justice to stadium lights as does costumer Mara Blumenfeld to team uniforms.

While the cast and production values make Diamond's lively play absorbing throughout, the second act could do with a stronger finish. Even so, theatergoers and baseball fans alike will want to explore the history of the Negro Leagues and Stone's significant contributionafter seeing it.

Stone speaks of turning something that matters into something beautiful. Mogbock and the entire Huntington cast hit Diamond's compelling theatrical pitch right out of the park.