The Savannah Bananas: Baseball Gets a Banana-Sized Makeover

Written by: Keya Gambhir

Imagine going to a baseball game where the players dance, fans can help make an out, and the game has a time limit. Sounds pretty wild, right? Welcome to the world of the Savannah Bananas, a baseball team that has turned America's favorite pastime into a giant party!

The Savannah Bananas began in Savannah, Georgia. The team was officially founded in 2016 as a college summer league team. Its founders, Jesse and Emily Cole, wanted to bring fans back to historic Grayson Stadium by making baseball more fun. Their motto? “Fans First. Entertain Always.” In 2022, the Bananas left the college league and became an independent team.

But what makes the Bananas so different from regular baseball?

What Is Banana Ball?

The Bananas play a special version of baseball called Banana Ball. It keeps some of the basic ideas of baseball, like hitting, pitching, and running the bases, but adds some seriously unusual rules.

For starters, Banana Ball has a two-hour time limit. Each inning is worth one point, instead of simply counting every run. There are also no walks or bunts, and batters cannot step out of the batter's box during an at-bat.

One of the craziest rules involves the fans. If someone in the crowd catches a foul ball, the batter is out! That means you could actually help decide what happens during the game just by catching a baseball from your seat.

And if the game is tied after nine innings or two hours, there is a special tiebreaker called a showdown. Only the pitcher, batter, and one fielder take part.

Baseball Meets Entertainment

The Savannah Bananas are not only about the score. Their players are also entertainers. Games can include choreographed dances, backflips, funny routines, and lots of interaction with the crowd.

In fact, becoming a Banana isn't only about being a great baseball player. Players are expected to have entertainment skills, create a social media presence, and fit the team's “Fans First” culture. Professional baseball experience is recommended, while high-level college experience is preferred.

That combination of sports and entertainment has helped the Bananas grow from a small team into a team that sells out stadiums around the country. Their games are designed to make fans laugh, cheer, and feel like they are part of the action.

More Than One Team

Despite the name, the Savannah Bananas aren't the only team playing Banana Ball. Their opponents include teams with equally unusual names, such as the Party Animals, Firefighters, Texas Tailgaters, Indianapolis Clowns, and Loco Beach Coconuts.

Can't make it to a game? Fans can also learn more about the team through Bananaland, a five-part ESPN Original series that goes behind the scenes of the franchise.

The Savannah Bananas show that sports don't always have to be serious. Sometimes, changing the rules, adding creativity, and putting fans first can turn an ordinary baseball game into something completely different.

So the next time someone asks you what Banana Ball is, you can tell them: it's baseball, but with a whole lot more bananas!