The Savannah Bananas are redefining the boundaries of baseball entertainment, evolving from a former Class A affiliate of the New York Mets to a self-styled phenomenon that’s set to captivate millions. Founded in 2015 under the visionary ownership of Jesse and Emily Cole, the Savannah Bananas have not just survived their initial $1 million debt but have thrived, amassing an impressive waitlist of 3 million hopefuls eager to experience their 2025 tour. The Bananas are gearing up to showcase their thrilling version of baseball, known as Banana Ball, across 18 Major League Baseball stadiums and three football stadiums with a 39-game lineup stretching from March to September.
Building a New Baseball Tradition
"We look at ourselves as, we're building a sport," Jesse Cole remarked, capturing the essence of the Bananas' mission. Banana Ball is not just another baseball variant; it’s a reimagining of how the game can be played and enjoyed. "We're building something for future generations to have fun with and really create something truly special," Cole added, highlighting the ambitious vision behind their approach. Rooted in enhancing fan experience, Banana Ball introduces novel concepts such as an automatic strike for stepping out of the batter's box and the revolutionary notion of a batter running the bases after four balls while the defensive team scrambles to get the ball to each fielder.
Engagement Like Never Before
Games are capped at two hours, emphasizing energy and engagement, with fans invited to participate directly by challenging calls and even recording outs by catching foul balls themselves. In Banana Ball, traditional elements are turned on their head; instead of typical extra innings, the game transitions into one-on-one showdowns that add escalating tension and excitement.
"At first people were like, 'Well you're just the Harlem Globetrotters of baseball.' I do take that as a compliment," Cole said, reflecting on early comparisons. "The Globetrotters fundamentally changed the game of basketball," he mused, acknowledging the transformative impact that blending sport with showmanship can yield. It’s no surprise then that even former stars, from All-Stars to World Series champions, are drawn to be part of this exhilarating endeavor. "Now as we go out to these major league stadiums, we're getting reached out to by a lot more former stars," said Cole, signaling the widening appeal and magnetic pull of this unique style of play.
Looking Towards a Bright Future
The Bananas' journey from a financially strapped minor league team to a vibrant baseball entity is nothing short of remarkable. It’s this ability to revolutionize an established sport while capturing the imagination of fans and players alike that has earned them a place at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum as of 2023.
Looking towards the future, the Bananas are poised to make an indelible mark with the planned Banana Ball Championship League in 2026, which will feature six teams in fierce competition. The Bananas expect to play in front of 2 million fans, further cementing their reputation as innovators of entertainment within the sport.
"It's kind of fun to do the impossible," Cole expressed, quoting Walt Disney, a fitting tribute to the audacious path they’ve embarked on. From their humble beginnings to the forthcoming tour, the Savannah Bananas are much more than a team—they are builders of a new sporting tradition, blending innovation, fan engagement, and sheer audacity into an experience that is undeniably their own.