The Savannah Bananas, an unconventional independent baseball team that has captivated audiences across the nation, will be showcasing their distinct “Banana Ball” at 18 Major League Baseball stadiums and three football stadiums in 2025, as announced on Thursday.
According to owner Jesse Cole, he anticipates sellouts at every venue.
“Last year, we played in front of 1 million fans,” Cole stated to ESPN. “This upcoming year, we’re aiming for 2 million fans. Some may see this as boastful, but our waitlist currently stands at 3 million.”
The Bananas will be accompanied by the Party Animals, the Firefighters, and a new addition, the Texas Tailgaters, during a 39-game tour scheduled from March to September.
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The football stadiums that will host events during the tour include Memorial Stadium (Clemson), Nissan Stadium (Tennessee Titans), and Bank of America Stadium (Carolina Panthers).
The Bananas are also scheduled to play two games in the home parks of the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, Philadelphia Phillies, Baltimore Orioles, Houston Astros, Seattle Mariners, San Diego Padres, Pittsburgh Pirates, Chicago White Sox, Colorado Rockies, Washington Nationals, Cincinnati Reds, Kansas City Royals, St. Louis Cardinals, Los Angeles Angels, Atlanta Braves, Tampa Bay Rays, and Miami Marlins.
This tour announcement was made on Thursday evening during the organization’s annual “world tour city draft” on YouTube, where fans had the opportunity to enter a ticket lottery via the team’s website.
This year, Banana Ball was played at six MLB stadiums—Miami, Philadelphia, Boston, Houston, Cleveland, and Washington—drawing large crowds at each location. Tens of thousands of fans arrived hours early to join pregame festivities. Notable former major leaguers like Ryan Howard, Roger Clemens, Jamie Moyer, Shane Victorino, Corey Kluber, Jonny Gomes, and Josh Reddick participated in these games.
“As we head to these major league stadiums, we’re being contacted by many former stars—All-Stars, World Series champions, MVPs—who want to join in,” Cole mentioned to ESPN. “It’s just incredible.”
The Savannah Bananas are set to bring “Banana Ball,” an initiative aimed at speeding up the pace of baseball and keeping fans engaged, to three football stadiums and 18 MLB parks during a 39-game tour stretching from March to September in 2025. Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
The experimental phase of Banana Ball, created to enhance the pace of baseball games and maintain fan engagement, commenced over five years ago. Currently, it is played year-round by the Savannah Bananas and their affiliated teams.
This concept includes 11 rules. If a player steps out of the batter’s box, it results in a strike, and attempting a bunt leads to an ejection. No mound visits are permitted. Each inning is treated separately, and games are capped at two hours. Fans can challenge calls and can record an out by catching foul balls.
Instead of a conventional walk, hitters dash around the bases on a fourth ball and keep advancing until the defensive team successfully throws the ball to every fielder. If a wild pitch or passed ball occurs, batters can ”steal first” no matter the count. In lieu of extra innings, a one-on-one showdown takes place, wherein all but one fielder, the pitcher, and the catcher leave the field, and the batter aims for an inside-the-park home run once the ball is in play.
A new rule—the “golden batter”—has been recently implemented, allowing each team one chance to designate any hitter from any position in the lineup.
The concept book created by Cole regarding Banana Ball is now part of an exhibit that opened at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, New York, in September 2023. The recent announcements included the formation of the Banana Ball Championship League, set to begin in 2026 and featuring six teams, with Cole envisaging “taking Banana Ball all over the world.”
Jesse Cole, the owner of the Savannah team and the mastermind behind “Banana Ball,” expressed hopes of reaching 2 million fans during the 39-game tour in 2025. “It’s something I could’ve never imagined,” Cole reflected. ”… I feel, in many respects, we are accomplishing the impossible.”
“Initially, people said, ‘You’re just the Harlem Globetrotters of baseball,'” Cole recounted. “I consider that a compliment because the Globetrotters have fundamentally transformed the game of basketball, and they’ve been around for almost a century.
“However, we see ourselves as creators of a sport. We’re developing something for future generations to enjoy and genuinely crafting something extraordinary. This is where our dream expands significantly.”
In the fall of 2015, Cole and his wife, Emily, acquired the former Class A affiliate of the New York Mets based in Georgia, intending to launch a new collegiate summer league team. Their debt rapidly escalated to $1 million. They sold their home in North Carolina, depleted their savings, relocated to Savannah, Georgia, and committed themselves to the challenging task of promoting unconventional baseball to traditional fans.
Momentum shifted when they announced their team mascot, the Bananas. The circus-like entertainment style of the team quickly turned the Bananas into a major attraction. They made games affordable, transforming them into grand events, featuring players in kilts, choreographed dances, and outrageous fan activities. Soon, the Bananas began to consistently sell out Grayson Stadium, a historic ballpark that once hosted Babe Ruth, with Banana Ball becoming their permanent style of play.
Since then, their brand has experienced exponential growth.
“It’s something I could’ve never imagined,” said Cole, a former collegiate pitcher. “Walt Disney has always been my biggest mentor. He taught me that ‘it’s kind of fun to do the impossible.’ I genuinely feel, in many ways, we’re achieving the impossible.”
Savannah Bananas to Bring ‘Banana Ball’ to MLB and NFL Stadiums in 2025, Expecting Record Crowds
What is ‘Banana Ball’?
‘Banana Ball’ is the innovative and entertaining version of baseball created by the Savannah Bananas, a team renowned for its commitment to making baseball fun and engaging for all ages. This alternative format emphasizes a fast-paced game with unique rules designed to enhance the fan experience.
Key Features of Banana Ball
- Two-Hour Time Limit: Each game lasts a maximum of two hours, ensuring fans get the full action without lengthy delays.
- No Walks: Players must swing at pitches, as walks do not occur in Banana Ball.
- Fans Can Catch Foul Balls: If a fan catches a foul ball, the batter is out, adding an exciting twist that involves the audience directly in the game.
- One-On-One Showdowns: In the event of extra innings, the game goes to a one-on-one showdown between a batter and a pitcher.
- Players Can Steal First Base: Base stealing rules are modified to allow players to steal first base, keeping the game dynamic.
Upcoming ‘Banana Ball’ Tour in 2025
The Savannah Bananas are making headlines with their announcement to bring ‘Banana Ball’ to Major League Baseball (MLB) and National Football League (NFL) stadiums in 2025. This exciting move is set to redefine the sports entertainment landscape and attract record crowds.
What to Expect
As the Savannah Bananas tour major stadiums, fans can anticipate an exhilarating blend of baseball and entertainment that transcends traditional sports experiences. The following are key expectations for the 2025 tour:
- Increased Fan Engagement: Interactive elements are designed to get fans involved, making them a part of the action.
- Live Entertainment: Expect a high-energy atmosphere with live music, dance performances, and unique halftime shows.
- Merchandising Opportunities: Exclusive ‘Banana Ball’ merchandise will be available, catering to both avid fans and casual attendees.
Record Crowds Anticipated
The Savannah Bananas have a proven track record of drawing large crowds, and their venture into MLB and NFL stadiums is expected to shatter attendance records. Here’s why:
Previous Successes
The Bananas have consistently attracted thousands of fans to their games, with many matches selling out quickly. Their unique approach to baseball has garnered attention across the country.
Marketing and Promotion Strategies
Innovative marketing strategies will play a crucial role in the anticipated record crowds:
- Social Media Campaigns: Utilizing platforms like Instagram and Twitter to engage with fans and build excitement leading up to the games.
- Influencer Partnerships: Collaborating with sports influencers to reach a broader audience.
- Community Events: Hosting local events leading up to the games to generate buzz and create community engagement.
Benefits of the Savannah Bananas Experience
Attending a ‘Banana Ball’ game offers numerous benefits for fans and communities alike:
- Family-Friendly Environment: The emphasis on fun and entertainment makes it a great outing for families.
- Affordable Pricing: The Bananas strive to keep ticket prices accessible, encouraging more fans to attend.
- Unique Entertainment Value: The combination of sports, performance art, and interactive experiences means there’s something for everyone.
Case Study: Previous ‘Banana Ball’ Events
To illustrate the appeal and success of ‘Banana Ball,’ let’s look at a few previous events that highlight the fan experience:
| Event | Date | Attendance | Unique Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Savannah Bananas vs. Party Animals | July 4, 2023 | 6,000 | Fireworks show, theme night |
| Banana Ball World Tour | August 15, 2023 | 5,500 | Celebrity appearances, music festival |
| Halloween Spooktacular | October 30, 2023 | 7,200 | Costume contest, trick-or-treating |
First-Hand Experience: Attending a ‘Banana Ball’ Game
Fans who have attended ‘Banana Ball’ games often rave about the experience. Here’s what one fan had to say:
“The energy in the stadium was electric! It felt less like a traditional baseball game and more like a festival. The players interacted with the fans, and the unique rules kept everyone on the edge of their seats!”
Practical Tips for Attending a Banana Ball Game
Planning to attend a ’Banana Ball’ game in 2025? Here are some tips to enhance your experience:
- Arrive Early: Get there ahead of time to enjoy pre-game festivities and grab the best seats.
- Dress for Fun: Wear bright colors or even banana-themed attire to join the festive atmosphere.
- Engage on Social Media: Share your experience using the hashtag #BananaBall to connect with other fans.
Conclusion
The Savannah Bananas’ move to bring ‘Banana Ball’ to MLB and NFL stadiums in 2025 signifies a new era in sports entertainment. With their unique approach that combines fun, community, and innovative gameplay, they are set to create record-breaking crowds and unforgettable experiences for fans across the country.
