Grayson Stadium’s baseball games may include unexpected highlights like this – when one yellow-clad baseball player launches into a backflip from his 10-foot tall teammate on stilts and is met by his fellow players applauding and giving a pat on the back afterwards. Baseball purists might find this antics overdone; but that is part of what makes Savannah Bananas such an appealing club, and has earned them an exhibit at Baseball Hall of Fame.
The Bananas utilize “Banana Ball,” a unique mix of traditional baseball and Cirque du Soleil acts, to provide fans with an exciting, action-packed spectacle focused on fan experience. Fans cheer wildly, sing along to music played between innings and dance to keep engaged throughout. Rules also differ, including two hour time limit with no bunting allowed and focus on shenanigans that keep the crowd engaged.
Though their style may be unusual, the Bananas take their game very seriously. They won a championship in their former college league and employ independent professionals with major-league experience; according to team director Jeff Cole, their goal is bringing their unique brand of baseball into professional ballparks that they never experienced as amateurs.
Bananas baseball team’s playful attitude could help restore some joy into baseball, particularly as its focus shifts away from analytics and toward entitlement among some fans. Their exploits on social media like TikTok reach millions of viewers instantly!
Bananas’ Y’Alls players took some time adjusting to the new baseball rules, but eventually began using their natural flair for showmanship in combination with impressive plays. Maceo displayed impressive acrobatic moves in the manager’s box while shortstop Ryan Cox often took to handstanding his way onto the field in anticipation of an at-bat. Cole reported seeing Bananas players dancing in the stands, doing backflips on the field, and taking bites out of bananas when celebrating home runs!
Cole says seeing their children have fun at a game is enough to convince some fans to continue supporting sport. Others come for entertainment: Banana Nanas are a group of line-dancing grandmothers and other characters that add fun and entertainment during games; occasionally big leaguers stop by as guest players for Bananas such as Jonny Gomes, Jake Peavy (former Cy Young winner), or retired MLB pitcher Bill “Spaceman” Lee have made special guest appearances this season.