Savannah Bananas: A New Twist on America's Pastime
The Savannah Bananas are redefining the game of baseball, infusing it with creativity and a touch of showmanship long absent from traditional sports arenas. As they gear up for a massive 39-game tour from March to September 2025, excitement is building—not just for the games themselves but for the very essence of what the Savannah Bananas represent.
In 2025, the Bananas will showcase their unique brand of "Banana Ball" in 18 Major League Baseball stadiums and even three football stadiums. The tour has already generated immense interest, with a staggering waitlist of 3 million fans eager to experience this novel take on baseball. Jesse Cole, the visionary owner of the Savannah Bananas, sees their mission as not merely playing baseball but evolving it into a new kind of spectacle. "We look at ourselves as, we're building a sport," he says, underscoring their ambitious vision.
A League of Their Own
The Savannah Bananas' journey began in 2015 when Jesse and Emily Cole acquired the team, which was then a Class A affiliate of the New York Mets. This acquisition came with a hefty $1 million debt. What could have been a deterrent instead became a catalyst for innovation. Their unconventional approach to baseball has now earned them a place in the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, with an exhibit dedicated to the Bananas as of 2023.
Cole draws inspiration from pioneering entertainers, comparing their journey to that of 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," he reflects. This nod to the Globetrotters highlights how the Bananas are not just changing how baseball is played, but how it is perceived.
The Rules that Make It Unique
Banana Ball is not just baseball; it's a re-imagined sport with its own set of intriguing rules. Time constraints keep games sharp and engaging, lasting no more than two hours. There are automatic strikes for stepping out of the batter's box and playful mechanics like ejecting players for bunting attempts. Fans wield more influence than ever, with the ability to challenge calls and even record outs by catching foul balls.
Moreover, the way innings and extra action unfold is revolutionary. When a fourth ball is thrown, the batter doesn’t simply walk to first; instead, they dash around the bases as the defensive players scramble to touch the ball to each fielder. Should the game go into extra innings, traditional methods are cast aside for thrilling one-on-one showdowns.
Building for the Future
Looking ahead, the Bananas are set to expand even further. Having captured the attention of baseball fans and former professional stars alike, their brand continues to grow. "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 reveals.
This expansion is not just about bringing excitement to fans today but constructing a legacy for future generations. Jesse Cole envisions a movement that is bigger than the game itself. "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," he says with conviction. It's a sentiment echoed in his quoting of Walt Disney: "It's kind of fun to do the impossible."
As the Bananas prepare for next year, they aim to entertain 2 million fans, further solidifying their status as trailblazers in the world of sports entertainment. In 2026, they plan to launch a Banana Ball Championship League featuring six teams, a testament to their expanding vision and the enduring appeal of their unique format.
The Savannah Bananas have embarked on a journey that challenges the very essence of baseball. Through innovation and a refreshing break from tradition, they are churning fresh excitement into a historic sport, all while capturing the imagination of fans and athletes alike. As they continue to evolve, they embody a spirit of innovation, proving that, sometimes, it really is fun to do the impossible.