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Savannah Bananas performing for the crowd
BANANA BALL
Baseball gone bananas!
In case you missed it, there’s a rowdy new version of baseball barnstorming the nation with an appeal all its own.
By Spencer Carney
For those who think “America’s greatest pastime” could use a little shake-up, Banana Ball serves fans a modified approach to the classic game with exciting new rules and none of the downtime. Batter up!
How did Banana Ball come about?
At the professional baseball level, Major League Baseball tinkers with the rules of the game every so often to improve pace of play, action and safety. Most are just tweaks—like pitch timers, limits on defensive shifts and bigger bases—to preserve the pedigree of the sport that’s been part of American culture since the 19th century. But what if bigger changes were made? Would enough fans respond positively to a complete overhaul of the game? They did, and the result is Banana Ball.
Party Animals entertaining the crowd
Savannah Goes Bananas
In 2015, the Coastal Plain League (CPL), a collegiate summer baseball league located in the southeastern United States, announced a new Savannah, Georgia, team for the upcoming season. A name-the-team contest was held, and the Savannah Bananas were born. They played two seasons in the CPL before creating the alternative “Banana Ball” rule set in 2018, which spectators embraced. There was no Banana Ball league yet—just home games played with the new rules—but in 2020, the Bananas began playing games against a made-to-order opposing team, the Savannah Party Animals. The two teams played exhibition games with a rivalry similar to that of basketball’s Harlem Globetrotters and Washington Generals, and the format was a hit with the fans.
Fun Factor: 10
The rules changes set the groundwork for a unique experience, but it’s the extra touches that make a Banana Ball game so memorable. Some things are scripted, while others are spontaneous. Think epic scoring celebrations, trick plays, legendary hitter walk-ups and even choreographed dances by the Banana Nanas (a senior dance team), the Man-Nanas (a “dad-bod cheering squad”) and the Banana Splitz (a youth dance team). An added touch at home games: Events are all-inclusive and feature all-you-can-eat hotdogs, hamburgers, chicken sandwiches, water, soda, popcorn and cookies!
Party Animals on the field
Where are Banana Ball games played?
Today there are four exhibition teams in the Banana Ball league. Savannah’s Historic Grayson Stadium, affectionately referred to as Bananaland, is the home field of the sport, but teams also engage in barnstorming—taking their games on the road to places like Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Denver, Fort Myers, Miami, Nashville, Tampa and other cities.
Will Banana Ball ever replace traditional baseball?
No. But it clearly holds its own as an entertaining alternative. Starting with that first season and continuing to this day, every one of the more than 200 games has sold out. Maybe one day, pilgrimages to Savannah will rival visits to Cooperstown, but for now fans are happy to fill the seats and watch a fresh take on a classic game.
Want to see a Banana Ball game? Catch the fun by buying AAA Live Event Tickets today!
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