Baseball has long been the ultimate American pastime, steeped in time-honored traditions that rarely change. But at Grayson Stadium in Savannah, Georgia – home of collegiate summer team the Bananas – something different is taking place: this team is altering the game by reinstating fun as an integral component of baseball and drawing new fans with its playful approach dubbed “Banana Ball.”
Jesse Cole is the team owner, an unassuming but creative individual who repeatedly calls out from the outfield after every home run and strives for their introduction into professional ballparks where he never played himself. Thanks to him, TikTok now holds more fans than Twitter or Facebook for all MLB franchises combined!
Cole has built a team that’s been dubbed “Bananas World Tour” by local media, playing exhibition games across the nation and beyond. At one game earlier this year, Cole proudly announced over the stadium speakers that fans from 30 states as well as Philippines attended his game! Their energy and enthusiasm has earned them global renown often reserved for World Series champions; creating a devoted following all around.
Jon and Braden Akin had been outside Las Vegas Ballpark since 4 p.m. when gates opened so they could secure an ideal seat to watch Savannah Bananas take on Las Vegas Party Animals in an exciting baseball match-up. By night’s end, their early bird efforts paid off: They managed to snag one or two remaining first row sideline seats along first base for just $20 more per ticket!
They came to watch the Bananas play an exhibition game like no other: an entertaining matchup full of colorful characters. You might encounter the breakdancing first-base coach, Banana Nanas senior citizen dance team or Biko Skalla ’18 (team’s radio announcer who displays his eccentricities through over-the-top calls).
But while they’re breaking down baseball’s old barriers, the Bananas are not changing its core fundamentals. They still play nine-inning regular games in the Coastal Plain League and won three Petitt Cup championships without altering its core fundamentals; yet their exhibition games add an unrestrained element with breakneck play speeds, unexpected rules changes and an emphasis on entertainment that would garner instant beaning in major league baseball but is welcomed by both players and fans who watch them; making for fast-paced, entertaining and fun baseball that has taken the world by storm!