The Savannah Bananas Step Up to the Plate for a Unforgettable 2025 Tour
The Savannah Bananas, known for their lively take on America’s pastime, are gearing up for an unprecedented journey set to revolutionize the perception of baseball. This independent team, which once was an affiliate of the New York Mets, is preparing for an ambitious 2025 tour that will span 39 games across 18 Major League Baseball stadiums and three football stadiums from March to September. With an impressive waitlist of 3 million hopeful attendees, the Bananas have certainly captured the nation's attention.
Their zany brand of baseball, known as Banana Ball, incorporates a distinctive set of rules designed to enhance entertainment and fan interaction. These include innovations like penalizing batters who step out of the batter's box with an automatic strike, ejecting players for bunt attempts, and limiting game times to two hours. In Banana Ball, fans also play a pivotal role by influencing calls and even recording outs with foul ball catches. According to Jesse Cole, the visionary owner behind the Bananas, "We look at ourselves as, we're building a sport," a sentiment that resonates throughout their approach to the game.
A Different Kind of Ballgame
One of the more audacious aspects of Banana Ball is its unique take on traditional baseball components. Instead of protracted extra innings, games are decided by one-on-one showdowns, adding an element of suspense that keeps fans on the edge of their seats. When batters reach a fourth ball, they embark on a sprint around the bases while the defense scrambles to throw the ball to every fielder.
Cole's passion for evolving the sport is infectious as he explains, "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." The Bananas' rise can be likened to that of the Harlem Globetrotters in basketball, as Cole acknowledges, "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."
Creating a Lasting Legacy
Since their inception in 2015 under the ownership of Jesse and Emily Cole, the Savannah Bananas have shaken the ground of traditional baseball. The team, which incurred a $1 million debt upon Cole's acquisition, has since undergone a transformation into a cultural phenomenon that continues to draw comparisons with legendary entertainment sports teams.
The Bananas' signature flair and innovation have not gone unnoticed; they even boast an exhibit at the esteemed National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum as of 2023. Jesse Cole’s aspirations for his team extend beyond mere entertainment as plans for a Banana Ball Championship League in 2026 are unveiled, envisioning a six-team competition that further cements their impact on the baseball landscape.
A Global Aspirational Game
The anticipation for the Bananas' upcoming tour is electrifying. Cole's team aims to perform in front of 2 million fans next year, a figure that speaks volumes about their growing popularity. As their unique game reaches more major league stages, a plethora of former baseball stars, including All-Stars, World Series champions, and MVPs, have expressed interest in joining this unconventional journey. "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," says Cole with palpable enthusiasm.
In a world seeking fresh takes on beloved traditions, the Savannah Bananas offer a colorful version of baseball that has significant potential to inspire a new generation of fans and players. As Cole, quoting Walt Disney, aptly puts it, "It's kind of fun to do the impossible." With their sights set on transforming the baseball experience, the Savanna Bananas invite everyone to join them on this captivating adventure.