Banana Ball Kicks Off 2026 Season with Sold-Out Crowds

The unconventional baseball league takes over Tallahassee with three back-to-back sellouts at college football stadiums.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Banana Ball league kicked off its 2026 season with three sold-out crowds totaling over 74,000 fans in Tallahassee, Florida. The first two games were played at Dick Howser Stadium, followed by a Saturday night matchup at Doak Campbell Stadium, home of the Florida State University Seminoles. The inaugural game featured the Firefighters taking on the newly formed Loco Beach Coconuts, the first Banana Ball team based in Florida. Despite the Firefighters jumping out to an early lead, the Coconuts staged a dramatic comeback to tie the game in the 9th inning and ultimately win in extra innings, marking the first victory in franchise history.

Why it matters

Banana Ball, known for its unconventional rules and entertainment-focused approach to baseball, is continuing to grow in popularity and expand its footprint across the country. The league's ability to draw large crowds to college football stadiums in Tallahassee demonstrates its broad appeal and potential to disrupt traditional baseball.

The details

The Banana Ball games featured a number of exciting plays, including a popup catch by former Florida State player Logan Lacey, home runs by Eric Jones Jr., Noah Bridges, Armando Becerra, and Tyner Hughes, and a diving catch attempt by Caden Green that was ultimately dropped. The Loco Beach Coconuts, playing in their inaugural game, staged a dramatic comeback in the 5th inning to tie the game and eventually win in extra innings, with Gideon Antle hitting the first home run in Coconuts franchise history.

  • The Banana Ball 2026 season kicked off this past weekend in Tallahassee, Florida.
  • The first two games were played at Dick Howser Stadium on Friday and Saturday.
  • The Saturday night game was held at Doak Campbell Stadium, home of the Florida State University Seminoles.
  • The Loco Beach Coconuts will play their first official home game on Friday, May 29th at Disney's ESPN Wide World of Sports complex in Orlando, Florida.

The players

Banana Ball

An unconventional baseball league known for its entertainment-focused approach and unique rules.

Firefighters

One of the teams competing in the inaugural Banana Ball game in Tallahassee.

Loco Beach Coconuts

The first Banana Ball team based in Florida, making their debut in the inaugural game against the Firefighters.

Logan Lacey

A former Florida State University player who now plays for the Firefighters.

Mark Crocco

The head coach of the Loco Beach Coconuts.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The scene was set very quickly as Loco Beach Head Coach Mark Crocco conducted his pregame interview belly to board clearly riding the Coconut wave into their debut.”

— Mark Crocco, Loco Beach Coconuts Head Coach (si.com)

What’s next

The Loco Beach Coconuts will play their first official home game on Friday, May 29th at Disney's ESPN Wide World of Sports complex in Orlando, Florida.

The takeaway

Banana Ball's ability to draw large crowds to college football stadiums in Tallahassee demonstrates the league's growing popularity and potential to disrupt traditional baseball. The dramatic comeback victory by the inaugural Loco Beach Coconuts franchise sets the stage for an exciting 2026 season.