The Savannah Bananas, an exhibition baseball team based in Savannah, Georgia, have rapidly ascended from a collegiate summer league team to a global phenomenon, captivating audiences with their unique brand of ‘Banana Ball.’ Often likened to the Harlem Globetrotters for their emphasis on entertainment, the Bananas distinguish themselves with unscripted, competitive games that blend athletic prowess with comedic sketches, dance routines, and fan participation. This innovative approach has earned them widespread acclaim, with features on major outlets like ESPN, The Wall Street Journal, CNN, and Sports Illustrated.
Founded in 2016, the Bananas initially competed in the Coastal Plain League (CPL) from their home at Grayson Stadium. During their time in the CPL, they quickly made a name for themselves, winning three Petitt Cup championships in 2016, 2021, and 2022. Their inaugural 2016 season saw them rank second in average attendance among 160 summer collegiate teams, breaking the CPL single-season attendance record with over 80,504 fans and 17 sellouts. However, it was the development of ‘Banana Ball’ that truly set them apart. Introduced as an intra-squad exhibition format in 2018, the rules – which include no bunting, a two-hour time limit, fans catching foul balls for outs, batters stealing first base, and a one-on-one tiebreaker showdown – were designed to accelerate the game and enhance entertainment. By 2023, the team fully transitioned to an exhibition-only model, playing exclusively under Banana Ball rules against partner touring teams like the Party Animals, Firefighters, and Texas Tailgaters, ensuring a consistent and entertaining experience for fans.
The Bananas’ commitment to showmanship extends beyond the rulebook. Their roster features a mix of former minor league and collegiate players, occasionally joined by former MLB athletes as special guests. Notable figures include Dakota “Stilts” Albritton, known as the “World’s Tallest Baseball Player” at 10-feet 9-inches tall, who plays, bats, and pitches on stilts. In a groundbreaking move, Jocelyn Alo, a former Oklahoma softball star, became the first woman to play for the Bananas in 2023, signing a one-month contract in 2024. This blend of unique talent and theatrical flair has resonated deeply with audiences, contributing to their massive online presence, including over 8 million followers on TikTok, surpassing every team in the NHL, NFL, MLB, and NBA.
The team’s popularity has fueled an ambitious expansion of their ‘Banana Ball World Tour.’ What began as a ‘One City World Tour’ in Mobile, Alabama, in 2021, quickly grew to a 14-game, six-city tour in 2022, with all games selling out. The 2023 tour expanded to over 80 games, including their first international ‘Challenger Series’ against the Aussie Drop Bears. The 2024 tour further broadened their reach, kicking off in Tampa, Florida, and concluding with a cruise to The Bahamas. This tour notably included games at five Major League Baseball (MLB) ballparks: Nationals Park in Washington, D.C.; Minute Maid Park in Houston; Fenway Park in Boston; Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia; and Progressive Field in Cleveland. The momentum continues into 2025, with plans to play in 40 cities, including 17 MLB stadiums and three NFL stadiums. The team has already drawn record crowds, including a sold-out audience of 65,000 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, and an astounding 81,000 spectators at Clemson University’s Memorial Stadium in South Carolina on April 26, 2025, marking their largest attendance to date.
The Bananas’ growing appeal has also translated into significant television coverage. After making their national television debut on ESPN in 2022, their broadcast presence has expanded dramatically. The 2024 season saw 19 games air on Stadium and Bally Live, alongside a five-game agreement with ESPN, including three games on the main ESPN channel. Additionally, TNT Sports secured exclusive rights to air five games on TruTV. Looking ahead to 2025, ESPN has committed to a 10-game agreement, with all games simulcast on Disney+ and ESPN+, and airing on ESPN or ESPN2. Two additional games will be exclusive to ESPN+ and Disney+, while other games continue on Stadium and Bally Sports Live. Notably, a July 2025 game is set to air on The CW, marking the first over-the-air broadcast for the team.
As part of their ongoing 2025 tour, the Savannah Bananas are scheduled to bring their high-energy show to Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., on Friday, June 27, and Saturday, June 28. Fans in the DMV area who might have missed out on game tickets will have a unique opportunity to meet players at a special Dunkin’ event in Alexandria, Virginia, on Saturday, June 28, from 9:00–11:00 a.m. The team is also set to play at Camelback Ranch-Glendale in Arizona on February 6-8, 2025. The Savannah Bananas continue to redefine baseball, proving that the sport can be both competitive and an unparalleled entertainment spectacle.
