The New Way to Play: Savannah Bananas Revolutionizing Baseball
In an audacious move set to disrupt traditional baseball norms, the Savannah Bananas are gearing up for a monumental tour across 18 Major League Baseball stadiums and three football stadiums in 2025. Far from being just another visiting team, the Bananas bring with them a brand of entertainment that has garnered comparisons to the legendary Harlem Globetrotters. Founded by Jesse and Emily Cole in 2015, the team operates independently, free from the constraints of Major League Baseball's conventional framework.
Jesse Cole, the visionary behind the Bananas, has described their mission in transformative terms: "We look at ourselves as, we're building a sport." This innovative spirit underpins the Bananas' approach, encapsulated in their unique version of the game—Banana Ball. "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," Cole added.
With a staggering three million fans waiting on a list for the chance to witness this 39-game tour, the Bananas are not merely playing; they're orchestrating an experience. Fans are no mere spectators in Banana Ball—they actively influence the game through rules that might seem unthinkable in conventional baseball. Consider this: players receive an automatic strike for stepping out of the batter's box, bunting can lead to ejection, and catching a foul ball in the stands records an out. Each game is a fast-paced, two-hour spectacle where even a fourth ball doesn't just mean a walk; it leads to an exhilarating race around the bases, with fielders desperate to touch the ball before the runner completes their circuit.
The innovation spills over into extra innings as well. Instead of the traditional format, one-on-one showdowns decide games, adding an element of strategy and suspense that captivates audiences and excites players alike. This flair for the theatrical isn't surprising, given Cole’s inspirations, including a nod to Walt Disney: "It's kind of fun to do the impossible."
Formerly a Class A affiliate of the New York Mets, the Savannah Bananas have evolved, shedding their traditional roots to embrace an ethos centered on engaging fans and redefining the viewer's experience. Securing a place at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum exemplifies the recognition of their unique contributions to the sport. And with the anticipation of playing before 2 million fans next year, the Bananas' impact is undeniable.
Plans for the future only amplify the excitement surrounding the team. Set to launch in 2026, the Banana Ball Championship League will expand to include six teams, further cementing the Bananas' status as innovators in the world of sports. "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 reflected, hinting at the transformative potential of his team.
As the Bananas prepare to take their show to major league venues, they draw interest not just from fans but also from baseball veterans intrigued by this new paradigm. "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 mentioned, suggesting that the Bananas' appeal transcends their current roster.
In reimagining the experience of baseball, the Savannah Bananas have not only entertained millions but also opened up possibilities for the sport itself. As their tour nears, the anticipation grows around what could be a landmark moment in the history of baseball entertainment, a movement propelled by a simple yet powerful belief: in the magic of making the impossible, possible.