BROCKTON, Massachusetts — When Babe Ruth traveled across America displaying his skills as an exhibitor, this small southern city in Georgia hosted one of baseball’s hottest tickets: Savannah Bananas exhibition team was one of its main draws – selling out arenas across the nation and adding unique twists to an age-old sport.
The Bananas specialize in playing a brand of baseball called BananaBall that features no bunting and two-hour game limits, fans catching foul balls as outs and an exciting tiebreaker showdown at game’s end. This fast-paced style aims to engage fans while creating plenty of social-media buzz – it promises a high level of engagement for both spectators and participants!
Bananas founder Jesse Cole and his ragtag staff started the team in 2016; today it is a fully professional travel franchise drawing thousands to Grayson Stadium every week and millions online due to its captivating approach.
A typical Bananas game begins with an energetic pregame dance party and features plenty of audience participation. At one home game against Pittsburgh Party Animals, one fan’s swift grab of a foul ball signaled the third out for them and earned him an ovation from everyone on the field. Dakota Albritton takes it one step further by hitting golf balls into the crowd from outfield while also stealing bases on command – something no other player does as consistently!
Service Brewing Company collaborated to produce the beer served at this game as an accessible experience, so as many fans as possible could enjoy watching their Bananas play. Brewed with brown rice, quinoa and oats for complex flavor profiles and low in carbohydrates and gluten-free for accommodating various diets.
Additionally, there’s also a team store with all of the usual baseball stadium gear available – including hats and T-shirts featuring Bananas-related graphics or featuring their signature fruity hue.
Jon and Braden Akin were among the fans who turned out to watch the Bananas take on the Party Animals at Las Vegas Ballpark Friday night. These Las Vegans donned matching Bananas-printed shirts and have been following them ever since they saw videos posted to TikTok of them performing. Jon and Braden Akin say their family-friendly atmosphere, entertainment and dances make these games worth attending; in fact they may drive to Savannah next summer just so they can witness one in person!