The Savannah Bananas Revamp Baseball with Banana Ball Tour
In the world of baseball, tradition often reigns supreme. However, the Savannah Bananas are making waves with their vibrant reimagining of the sport. This independent team, formerly a Class A affiliate of the New York Mets, has been capturing hearts since Jesse and Emily Cole took ownership in 2015. The Bananas aren't just a team; they are a revolution, reshaping baseball into something exhilarating and unorthodox.
The Savannah Bananas have become synonymous with "Banana Ball," a fresh take on America's favorite pastime. This innovative concept includes playful quirks like an automatic strike for stepping out of the batter's box and ejections for bunting attempts. Games are capped at two hours, keeping the action fast-paced and thrilling. In Banana Ball, fans aren't mere spectators; they participate by challenging calls and earning outs by catching foul balls. The game introduces wild moments like batters running the bases after a fourth ball while the defensive team scrambles to pass the ball to every fielder. Rather than the traditional extra innings, one-on-one showdowns decide tied games, adding a sudden-death-like intensity.
Jesse Cole, the architect behind this spectacle, believes the Bananas are building more than just a team. "We look at ourselves as, we're building a sport," Cole proclaims. This ambition transcends the game, aiming to leave a legacy for future generations. "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 adds.
In 2025, the Savannah Bananas are set to embark on an unprecedented 39-game tour, stopping at 18 Major League Baseball stadiums and three football stadiums from March to September. The excitement is palpable, with a staggering waitlist of three million hopeful fans vying to experience this unique brand of baseball first-hand. The team anticipates playing in front of two million fans, a testament to their growing influence.
The journey from debt to widespread acclaim wasn't easy. When Jesse Cole acquired the team, they were burdened with a $1 million debt. Yet, through perseverance and innovation, the Bananas transformed into a national sensation. Their display at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum as of 2023 marks their indelible impact on the sport.
Despite comparisons to the Harlem Globetrotters, Jesse Cole embraces the association, stating, "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." The Bananas aim to do the same for baseball, bringing a fresh, entertaining perspective.
As the Bananas prepare for their extensive tour, they are increasingly attracting interest from former baseball stars. "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 enthuses. The allure of Banana Ball is undeniable, bringing together talent from across the baseball spectrum.
With ambitions reaching new heights, a Banana Ball Championship League featuring six teams is already on the docket for 2026. Cole, inspired by the words of Walt Disney, sums up their journey succinctly, "It's kind of fun to do the impossible." The Savannah Bananas continue to redefine the limits of baseball, proving that with creativity and passion, even the impossible can become a reality.