The Savannah Bananas are redefining the game of baseball, bringing both spectacle and innovation to America's pastime. With a vision driven by Jesse and Emily Cole, who took ownership of the team in 2015, the Bananas have transformed from a Class A affiliate of the New York Mets to a pioneering independent baseball team. They are fast becoming a cultural phenomenon, taking their unique rendition of the game, known as "Banana Ball," to the masses.
A New Era in Baseball
The Bananas are preparing for an ambitious 39-game tour scheduled from March to September in 2025, during which they will visit 18 Major League Baseball stadiums and three football stadiums. Demonstrating the growing demand and curiosity for their novel approach to baseball, a staggering 3 million fans have joined the waitlist to witness the team's antics firsthand. The Bananas expect to perform in front of 2 million fans next year, cementing their status as a major draw in the sports world.
At the heart of the Bananas' charm is Banana Ball, a fresh take on the sport that infuses new rules and creative flourishes. It's baseball, but with a twist. A two-hour time limit ensures games are brisk and entertaining, while fans get to participate by challenging calls and influencing the game by catching foul balls. Unique rules like awarding an automatic strike for stepping out of the batter's box and ejecting players for bunting attempts further distinguish Banana Ball from traditional play.
"We look at ourselves as, we're building a sport," says Jesse Cole, whose vision for the Bananas extends beyond mere entertainment. The team thrives on the excitement of doing what many have thought impossible, shifting the narrative of baseball as they go. With plans for a Banana Ball Championship League by 2026, the Bananas are not just shaking things up but also laying the groundwork for a future that's both fun and strategically innovative.
The Magic of Banana Ball
The Bananas' tour promises a spectacle that echoes the legendary Harlem Globetrotters in its showmanship, yet Jesse Cole sees their influence as transformative: "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." Indeed, with recent showcases and innovative mechanics, like the one-on-one showdowns replacing traditional extra innings, Banana Ball is poised to change how audiences engage with the game.
An intriguing aspect of Banana Ball is the rule allowing batters to run the bases after a fourth ball, prompting the defensive team to quickly rally and throw the ball to each fielder. It adds an unexpected layer of strategy and excitement for players and fans alike.
The unconventional charms of Banana Ball have even drawn attention from former baseball legends, with Jesse Cole noting, "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."
A Legacy in the Making
Beyond just the diamond, the Bananas have left a mark on history, earning a spot at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. This recognition underscores their growing influence and the serious fun they bring to the sport.
Despite their success, the journey hasn't been without its challenges. When Jesse Cole purchased the team, he incurred a hefty $1 million debt. However, his passion and belief in the team's potential have been drivers for the remarkable turnaround and ongoing expansion. His mission to build something enduring is clear: "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."
As the Savannah Bananas continue to innovate and delight, they are proving, as Walt Disney famously said and Jesse Cole echoes, "It's kind of fun to do the impossible." With each game, tour, and new fan brought into the fold, they are steadily redefining what it means to play—and enjoy—baseball.