The Savannah Bananas, once known simply as a Class A affiliate of the New York Mets, have rapidly redefined what it means to engage audiences in the world of baseball. Under the ownership of Jesse and Emily Cole since 2015, the Bananas have transformed from a traditional baseball team into a cultural phenomenon that merges sport with entertainment, boasting a distinctive brand of baseball known as "Banana Ball."
An Unconventional Approach
Banana Ball isn’t just baseball with a quirky name—it's a reimagining of how the sport can be played and experienced. With unique rules like automatic strikes for stepping out of the batter's box and ejections for attempted bunts, the game is designed to keep players and fans on their toes. Matches are limited to two hours, a move that ensures excitement remains high from start to finish. Fans are even encouraged to influence games by challenging calls and recording outs with caught foul balls.
Innovatively, after a fourth ball, batters take off running while the defensive team scrambles to throw the ball to every fielder—a challenging and delightful spectacle. Furthermore, instead of traditional extra innings, the Bananas engage in one-on-one showdowns, highlighting the team's commitment to redefining the baseball experience. As Jesse Cole puts it, "We look at ourselves as, we're building a sport."
Touring Major League Baseball
The Bananas' appeal is not limited to their unique style of play. Their popularity is set to reach new heights as they prepare for a 39-game tour across 18 Major League Baseball stadiums and three football stadiums in 2025. This ambitious tour, spanning March to September, has already captured the imagination of millions, evidenced by a waitlist of 3 million hopeful attendees.
Such demand is a testament to the Bananas’ burgeoning reputation, encapsulated by Jesse Cole's dream of "building something for future generations to have fun with and really create something truly special." He draws parallels to the Harlem Globetrotters, saying, "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."
From Debt to the Hall of Fame
Jesse Cole's vision for the Savannah Bananas has not been without its challenges. The team faced a daunting $1 million debt when Cole took ownership. However, through innovative marketing and a refreshingly authentic approach, the Bananas have flourished. So much so that they earned an exhibit at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum as of 2023, a nod to their unique impact on the sport.
With the Bananas expecting to entertain 2 million fans next year, their influence and success are undeniable. Cole's leadership and willingness to experiment have drawn interest from former baseball stars, including All-Stars, World Series champions, and MVPs eager to participate in their innovative games. "Now as we go out to these major league stadiums, we're getting reached out to by a lot more former stars," Cole notes, emphasizing the increasing allure of Banana Ball.
Looking Ahead
The Savannah Bananas are not resting on their laurels. Looking forward to 2026, the organization plans to establish a Banana Ball Championship League, comprising six teams. This venture marks another bold step in Cole's journey to further embed Banana Ball into the sporting zeitgeist. In his words, "It's kind of fun to do the impossible," a quote attributed to Walt Disney that perfectly captures the spirit of the Bananas’ mission.
Through their playful yet competitive spirit, the Savannah Bananas are breaking new ground in sports entertainment. With a blend of innovative rules, engaging fan interactions, and a growing roster of notable participants, they continue to challenge the norms of traditional baseball while offering fans an exciting new way to experience America's pastime.