The Savannah Bananas: Revolutionizing America's Favorite Pastime
From the heat of Georgia to the grand stages of Major League stadiums, the Savannah Bananas are more than just an independent baseball team; they are at the forefront of a baseball revolution. Known for their entertaining and innovative take on the game, the Bananas are setting their sights on a national stage in 2025. A 39-game tour from March to September will see the team light up 18 Major League Baseball stadiums and three football stadiums across the country. With a staggering 3 million on the waitlist, it’s clear that America is eager to catch a glimpse of this baseball spectacle.
The Game-Changer: Banana Ball
Central to the Bananas' allure is "Banana Ball," a quirky yet compelling variation of traditional baseball that breaks new ground with its unconventional rules. An automatic strike for stepping out of the batter's box and ejections for bunting attempts set the stage for a high-stakes, entertainment-packed event. In this version, fan engagement reaches new heights, with audiences playing active roles by challenging calls and recording outs by catching foul balls.
Unorthodox tactics continue with runners charging the bases post a fourth ball while the defensive team scrambles to pass the ball through every fielder. And forget the standoff of extra innings; one-on-one showdowns bring games to thrilling conclusions. Much like the storied Harlem Globetrotters who transformed basketball, the Bananas are out to fundamentally change America's pastime. "At first people were like, 'Well you're just the Harlem Globetrotters of baseball.' I do take that as a compliment because the Globetrotters fundamentally changed the game of basketball," remarks Jesse Cole, co-owner of the Bananas.
The Journey of the Bananas
The story of the Savannah Bananas began in 2015, under the leadership of Jesse and Emily Cole. Despite inheriting a $1 million debt when acquiring the team, the Coles envisioned a dream that extended beyond orthodox gameplay. "We look at ourselves as, we're building a sport," says Jesse Cole, underscoring the Bananas' ambition. The team's trajectory, from being a Class A affiliate of the New York Mets to becoming a trailblazing independent entity, is nothing short of remarkable.
Undoubtedly, the Bananas’ rapid rise has captivated both devoted fans and baseball veterans. "Now as we go out to these major league stadiums, we're getting reached out to by a lot more former stars—All-Stars, World Series champions, MVPs—that want to be a part of it," Cole shares, reflecting how the Bananas have become a magnet for talent and attention.
Looking to the Future
Jesse Cole's vision for the Bananas doesn’t stop with successful tours or record-breaking attendances—next year, they anticipate playing before 2 million fans. The Savannah Bananas have earned a spot in the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum as of 2023, a testament to their unique influence and contribution to the sport.
The Bananas' legacy is poised to continue as plans for a Banana Ball Championship League set to debut in 2026 come into focus. This initiative will feature six teams participating in a bid to further enshrine Banana Ball as a cornerstone of baseball. "We're building something for future generations to have fun with and really create something truly special. That is where this dream gets much bigger," explains Jesse Cole, capturing the essence of this ambitious journey.
With such innovative strides, it is perhaps fitting that Jesse Cole invokes the spirit of Walt Disney when he asserts, "It's kind of fun to do the impossible." As the Savannah Bananas gear up for a whirlwind tour, the eyes of the baseball world are fixed on a team that's reshaping the game with every swing. The future of baseball, it seems, might just be a brighter shade of yellow.