Banana Ball Makes Memphis Debut with Sold-Out Crowd and Walk-Off Win

Former MLB All-Star Jackie Bradley Jr. is the first to commit to playing Banana Ball full-time.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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Banana Ball, a unique baseball phenomenon featuring trick plays, a two-hour time limit, and fan interaction, made its Memphis debut at AutoZone Park on March 7th. The sold-out crowd witnessed a thrilling walk-off home run by Jake Skole of the Party Animals to beat the Indianapolis Clowns 3-2. Former Boston Red Sox outfielder Jackie Bradley Jr. made history as the first MLB player to commit to playing Banana Ball full-time.

Why it matters

Banana Ball has grown dramatically in popularity in recent years, offering a fresh and engaging take on traditional baseball. The Memphis debut showcased the sport's ability to attract new fans and provide opportunities for players like Skole to continue their careers. Bradley's full-time commitment further legitimizes Banana Ball as a viable professional option.

The details

In the bottom of the ninth inning with the game tied 2-2, Jake Skole of the Party Animals hit a walk-off home run to give his team the victory over the Indianapolis Clowns. Banana Ball features several unique rules, including a two-hour time limit and players attempting trick plays throughout the game. Former Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard serves as the "prime-time coach" for the Clowns, though he was not present for the Memphis game.

  • The Banana Ball game took place on March 7, 2026 at AutoZone Park in Memphis, Tennessee.
  • It was the first time Banana Ball had been played in Memphis.

The players

Jake Skole

A former minor leaguer who is now playing for the Party Animals in Banana Ball.

Jackie Bradley Jr.

A former MLB All-Star with the Boston Red Sox, he is the first player to commit to playing Banana Ball full-time.

Ryan Howard

A former first baseman for the Philadelphia Phillies, he serves as the "prime-time coach" for the Indianapolis Clowns Banana Ball team.

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What they’re saying

“It's kind of what you draw up, right? 3-2 count, bottom of the ninth, chance to win the game with a homer. Just the culmination of hard work and putting good swings on balls.”

— Jake Skole (Yahoo Sports)

“It's a whole game-changer that Banana Ball brings. You don't really have that in all of our pasts, minor league, college games, it wasn't really like that. A little bit, a couple autographs here, but the connections you get to make with the fans really separates Banana Ball from baseball. Whether I hit a homer or not, I still go outside and these fans love us. That's what makes it special.”

— Jake Skole (Yahoo Sports)

“It was amazing. They showed some love. And it was a tight game. So hopefully they were all into it.”

— Jackie Bradley Jr. (Yahoo Sports)

What’s next

Banana Ball is expected to return to Memphis in the future, giving fans another opportunity to experience the unique brand of baseball.

The takeaway

Banana Ball's debut in Memphis showcased the sport's ability to attract new fans and provide opportunities for players, as evidenced by Jake Skole's walk-off heroics and Jackie Bradley Jr.'s full-time commitment. The sold-out crowd and tight game demonstrated the growing popularity of this innovative take on America's pastime.