There’s something unusual happening in baseball stadiums across the country this season, and it has fans buzzing. It isn’t quite Major League Baseball—it’s something far more unpredictable, fast-paced, and joyfully chaotic. It’s called **Banana Ball**, the creation of the now world-famous **Savannah Bananas**, and if you’ve never seen it before, prepare to witness baseball like you’ve never imagined.
The story of the Bananas is one of grit, creativity, and unshakable belief in the power of fun. What began in 2016 as a scrappy college-summer-league team in Savannah, Georgia, quickly evolved into a cultural phenomenon. At the heart of it all is visionary owner Jesse Cole, who set out to transform baseball into something more inclusive and exciting for fans of all ages. Wearing his signature yellow tuxedo, Cole turned America’s pastime into a high-energy show, complete with dancing players, trick plays, and a rulebook designed to keep fans engaged from the first pitch to the last out.
Banana Ball operates under its own set of zany rules: games are capped at two hours, fans can catch foul balls for outs, batters are encouraged to “sprint” to first base on walks, and tie games are settled with dramatic one-on-one showdowns between pitcher and hitter. Every detail is designed with entertainment in mind. Players break into choreographed dances mid-game, umpires moonwalk across the field, and even the team’s cheer squad—the “Man-Nanas”—adds to the spectacle.
The Savannah Bananas are often compared to the Harlem Globetrotters, but their twist on baseball goes even further. They’re not just playing a sport; they’re rewriting it. In doing so, they’ve captured the hearts of fans nationwide, selling out ballparks, dominating social media, and proving that joy, creativity, and community spirit can breathe new life into a centuries-old game.
The Bananas aren’t just changing baseball—they’re redefining it. And America can’t get enough.
