Savannah Bananas Celebrate 11 Years of Banana Ball Fun

The quirky baseball franchise has grown from a local summer league team to a national touring sensation.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The Savannah Bananas baseball franchise is kicking off its 11th season this week, marking over a decade of the team's unique brand of baseball entertainment. What started in 2016 as a summer college league team has evolved into a national touring sensation, with the Bananas now playing their own version of the sport called "Banana Ball" in front of sold-out crowds across the country.

Why it matters

The Savannah Bananas' success story demonstrates the power of sports entertainment and the ability to build a passionate fan base around an unconventional product. Their growth from a local team to a national touring act has captured the attention of baseball fans and the broader sports world, showing that there is an appetite for a fresh take on America's pastime.

The details

The Bananas were founded in 2016 after the Savannah Sand Gnats, the city's previous minor league team, relocated. Entrepreneur Jesse Cole saw an opportunity to fill the void and created the Bananas, a team that quickly gained a reputation for its zany in-game entertainment and fan engagement. The team's popularity skyrocketed, leading to the creation of the Banana Ball league in 2020, which features the Bananas and several other teams playing by their own unique rules. The Bananas have since expanded their reach, touring the country and playing in major league and college stadiums in front of huge crowds.

  • The Savannah Bananas were founded in 2016 after the departure of the Savannah Sand Gnats.
  • The first official Banana Ball game was played in June 2020.
  • The Bananas Premier Team began touring the country in March 2022.
  • The Bananas announced they were leaving the Coastal Plain League in August 2022 to focus on expanding Banana Ball.
  • The 11th season of Banana Ball kicks off this week.

The players

Jesse Cole

The founder of Fans First Entertainment and the driving force behind the creation of the Savannah Bananas.

Tyler Gillum

The manager of the Savannah Bananas since 2018.

Eric Byrnes

The former Major League Baseball player who coached the Bananas Premier Team in 2022.

Roger Clemens

The seven-time Cy Young Award winner who pitched for the Bananas in a 2024 game.

Jackie Bradley Jr.

The former MLB player who was the first pick in the 2025 Banana Ball Player Draft by the Indianapolis Clowns.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The Bananas will continue their national tour in 2026, playing 190 games across 45 states and 75 stadiums, including stops at major league and college venues.

The takeaway

The Savannah Bananas' remarkable rise from a local summer league team to a nationally touring baseball entertainment franchise demonstrates the power of innovation, fan engagement, and a willingness to think outside the box. Their success has captivated baseball fans and the broader sports world, showing that there is an appetite for a fresh take on America's pastime.