The Savannah Bananas, a team that has changed the essence of baseball, are set for an exciting journey across America in 2025 as they unveil their inventive version of the game known as “Banana Ball.” This ambitious 39-game tour, scheduled from March to September, will include appearances in 18 Major League Baseball stadiums and three soccer arenas, sharing the stage with teams such as Party Animals , the Firefighters and the newly crowned Texas Tailgaters share, said ESPN reporter Alden Gonzales.
Originally launched as a collegiate summer baseball team, the Bananas changed their identity in 2022 with the introduction of Banana Ball This circus-like incarnation of baseball introduced several compelling new rules, including two time limits of the game, the excitement of catching the fans. foul balls, which are considered outs, and an infallible rule that leaving the batter’s place results in a strike. Like the famous Harlem Globetrotters, the team travels the country delighting fans with their dynamic entertainment format as they prepare for their most important world tour.
“At first people looked at us and said, ‘You’re the only Harlem Globetrotters in baseball,'” shared Savannah owner Jesse Cole, who is also the brains behind Banana Ball. “I’m happy to receive this comparison because the Globetrotters fundamentally changed basketball and they celebrate almost a century of tradition.”
“However, we see ourselves as pioneers in a new game that aims to create an exciting future for future generations. Our ambitions are expanding here.”
In the next season, the Bananas will visit memorable places such as Memorial Stadium in Clemson, Nissan Stadium, home of the Tennessee Titans, and Bank of America Stadium, where the Carolina Panthers play. In addition, an impressive selection of major league ballparks awaits you, including the beloved homes of teams such as the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, Philadelphia Phillies, Baltimore Orioles, Houston Astros, Seattle Mariners, San Diego Padres, Pittsburgh Pirates, Chicago White Sox, Colorado Rockies, Washington Nationals, Cincinnati Reds, Kansas City Royals, St. Louis Cardinals, Los Angeles Angels, Atlanta Braves, Tampa Bay Rays and Miami Marlins.
“This year we played in front of 1 million fans,” Cole said. “Next year we want to reach 2 million. At the risk of sounding presumptuous, we currently have an incredible waiting list of 3 million.
In six MLB stadiums this year, Bananas not only attracted large crowds, but also received on-field seats from legendary former MLB players such as Ryan Howard and Roger Clemens. As anticipation builds for their upcoming tour, more and more prominent personalities from sports and beyond are eager to join the festivities.
“When we got into the big league stadiums, we were approached by a lot of former stars—All-Stars, World Champions, MVPs—who wanted to participate,” Cole told ESPN. “It’s unbelievable.”