Savannah Bananas: Revolutionizing Baseball with a Theatrical Tour
In the ever-evolving landscape of sports entertainment, few teams have captured the imagination quite like the Savannah Bananas. From their genesis as a Class A affiliate of the New York Mets to becoming an independent sensation, the Bananas have redefined the game of baseball. Rooted in Jesse and Emily Cole's vision since 2015, they’ve undertaken a bold journey, marked by innovation and financial risk, including a daunting $1 million debt acquisition.
An Unconventional Tour
Now, in an unprecedented move, the Bananas are gearing up for a monumental tour in 2025 that will see them play in 18 Major League Baseball stadiums and three football stadiums. This 39-game tour stretching from March to September promises to captivate millions, with a staggering waitlist of 3 million hopeful fans eager to witness the spectacle. The Bananas' venture into these iconic venues signifies not just an expansion of their fanbase, but also a reaffirmation of their unique brand of baseball.
Banana Ball: A New Game on the Horizon
At the heart of the Bananas’ appeal lies Banana Ball, a game adorned with playful nuances and unique rules. With an automatic strike for stepping out of the batter’s box and the quirky ejection of players who dare to bunt, Banana Ball offers a refreshing twist on traditional baseball. Fans, too, play a direct role, capable of influencing the game by challenging calls and catching foul balls to record outs. The game only lasts a crisp two hours, maintaining an energetic pace that keeps spectators engaged from start to finish.
Even when the game reaches a tie, Banana Ball eschews ordinary extra innings in favor of thrilling one-on-one showdowns. There’s even a frenetic twist after a fourth ball, where batters sprint the bases as the defensive team must relay the ball to every fielder, ensuring non-stop action.
The Bananas' Legacy
This innovative spirit has not gone unnoticed. The team’s unique contributions earned them an exhibit at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in 2023, a testament to their impact on the sport. Jesse Cole, the architect of the Bananas' vision, expresses a grand ambition, stating: "We look at ourselves as, we're building a sport." This sentiment underlines the Bananas' ethos—creating a legacy for future generations while fundamentally altering how baseball is perceived and played.
From Humble Beginnings to Stadium Tours
In their quest for growth, the Bananas are not shy about embracing comparisons to the Harlem Globetrotters. "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," Cole acknowledges. It is this spirit of change and entertainment that draws former stars—All-Stars, World Series champions, MVPs—towards involvement in this burgeoning phenomenon. "Now as we go out to these major league stadiums, we're getting reached out to by a lot more former stars," Cole notes, highlighting the league’s growing reputation.
Looking to the Future
As the Bananas continue to chart new territory, they are already eyeing further expansion. A Banana Ball Championship League is slated for 2026, introducing six teams to further amplify the excitement and competitive spirit that the Bananas have cultivated. With an anticipation to play in front of 2 million fans next year, the future is ripe with possibilities.
The Savannah Bananas are not merely a baseball team; they are emblematic of innovation and fun. As Jesse Cole, channeling the spirit of Walt Disney, aptly puts it: "It's kind of fun to do the impossible." In transforming the baseball experience into something spectacularly unique, the Bananas are indeed doing just that—shaping the future of America's pastime, one ballpark at a time.