Banana Ball Championship League Comes to Memphis

Two teams from the unconventional baseball league will play at AutoZone Park this week

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The Banana Ball Championship League, known for its unique take on baseball, is coming to Memphis this week. While the Savannah Bananas will not be making an appearance, the Party Animals and the Indianapolis Clowns will be playing at AutoZone Park. Additionally, the Shelby County Board of Commissioners is looking to fill the District 9 seat left vacant by Edmund Ford Jr. after he pleaded guilty to federal tax evasion charges.

Why it matters

The Banana Ball Championship League has gained a cult following for its entertaining and unconventional approach to baseball, which includes rules like no bunting, no walks, and a two-hour time limit. The arrival of two teams from the league in Memphis is expected to draw interest from local sports fans. Meanwhile, the selection of a new Shelby County Commissioner for District 9 will have an impact on the local political landscape.

The details

The Party Animals and the Indianapolis Clowns, two teams from the Banana Ball Championship League, will be playing at AutoZone Park in Memphis this week. The Banana Ball league is known for its unique rules and entertaining gameplay, though the Savannah Bananas, the league's most popular team, will not be making an appearance. In a separate story, the Shelby County Board of Commissioners is looking to fill the District 9 seat left vacant by Edmund Ford Jr., who was forced to resign after pleading guilty to federal tax evasion charges. There are 10 candidates vying for the position, with at least three considered to be major contenders.

  • The Banana Ball Championship League games will take place this week at AutoZone Park in Memphis.
  • Edmund Ford Jr. resigned from the Shelby County Board of Commissioners in 2026 after pleading guilty to federal tax evasion charges.

The players

Party Animals

A team in the Banana Ball Championship League, known for its unconventional and entertaining approach to baseball.

Indianapolis Clowns

A team in the Banana Ball Championship League, known for its unconventional and entertaining approach to baseball.

Edmund Ford Jr.

Former member of the Shelby County Board of Commissioners who resigned after pleading guilty to federal tax evasion charges.

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What they’re saying

“The Banana Ball Championship League has really captured the imagination of sports fans looking for something different and exciting.”

— Bianca Phillips, Journalist (dailymemphian.com)

What’s next

The Shelby County Board of Commissioners will select a new member to fill the District 9 seat left vacant by Edmund Ford Jr.'s resignation.

The takeaway

The arrival of the Banana Ball Championship League in Memphis is an opportunity for local sports fans to experience a unique and entertaining take on baseball, while the selection of a new Shelby County Commissioner for District 9 will have important implications for the local political landscape.