The Savannah Bananas have become one of the most intriguing stories in baseball, redefining the sport with a flair that mixes the essence of traditional baseball with innovative entertainment. This independent team, under the stewardship of Jesse and Emily Cole since 2015, has made substantial strides in the baseball world, transitioning from their roots as a Class A affiliate of the New York Mets to embarking on a groundbreaking tour across 18 Major League Baseball stadiums and three football stadiums in 2025.
Redefining Baseball with Banana Ball
At the heart of the Savannah Bananas' meteoric rise is the introduction of Banana Ball, a version of baseball that promises to entertain and engage fans more than the traditional game. The rules of Banana Ball are a testament to creativity, featuring quirky twists such as automatic strikes for stepping out of the batter's box and ejections for bunting attempts. The game is fast-paced, lasting only two hours, where fans hold the power to challenge calls and even record outs by catching foul balls in the stands. In a daring innovation, after a fourth ball, the batter runs the bases while the defensive team is tasked with throwing the ball to every fielder. When games stretch beyond regular innings, they are decided by one-on-one showdowns instead of ordinary extra innings.
A Growing Phenomenon
As Jesse Cole ambitiously states, "We look at ourselves as, we're building a sport." The Savannah Bananas are not just a team; they are a movement, spearheading a new approach to America's pastime. With a staggering waitlist of three million hopeful attendees for their upcoming 39-game tour from March to September 2025, the Bananas are poised to captivate audiences in ways few thought possible. In doing so, they expect to play in front of 2 million fans next year, projecting a reach and influence unrivaled by many traditional baseball squads.
Building on Success
The Bananas' success story is deeply rooted in the challenges faced by Jesse Cole when purchasing the team, incurring a $1 million debt which he risked developing and executing his vision. "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," says Cole, painting a picture of a legacy in the making. The impact is tangible, as evidenced by the Bananas' exhibit at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in 2023, a testament to their innovative contributions to the sport.
A Dream That Adapts and Thrives
The Savannah Bananas' evolving narrative draws numerous comparisons. "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," Cole acknowledges. As they prepare to showcase their distinct brand of entertainment in major league stadiums, the Bananas have caught the attention of former stars—all eager to experience and contribute to this novel phenomenon. "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," Cole shares, hinting at the allure of their unique brand.
Future Prospects
This journey, characterized by its unconventional route to prominence, is set to push further boundaries with plans for a Banana Ball Championship League in 2026, featuring six teams. The Savannah Bananas' story illustrates that the pursuit of dreams often involves embracing the impossible. As Cole, quoting Walt Disney, reflects, "It's kind of fun to do the impossible." Here's a team that is not just playing baseball but reinventing how the game is meant to be played and experienced—ensuring their role in shaping the future of the sport right before our eyes.