About
What do you get when you combine baseball with theater and the Harlem Globetrotters? The answer: The Savannah Bananas!
This unique baseball squad started in 2016, redefining the sport into what they affectionately call Banana Ball. While similar to baseball, it goes "off-script" with fast-paced action, comedic routines, and scripted choreography. The bottom line: fans will have fun and will be entertained!
Our journey began when minor league baseball left Savannah after 90 years. Owners Jesse and Emily Cole took over, dreaming of bringing folks back out to a ball game at Historic Grayson Stadium.
The Bananas started in the collegiate Coastal Plain League, winning three championships and producing over 35 MLB draftees. But things weren't always rosy. In 2016, the club was in financial trouble, and Jesse and Emily sold their home to keep things going.
The name "Savannah Bananas" garnered national attention from CBS, NBC, and Sports Illustrated. While local Savannahians were skeptical and dismissive, the team sold out its opening night.
In 2022, everything changed. Jesse and Emily left the league to focus on their creation, Banana Ball—a high-energy, two-hour game designed to keep fans engaged. Since then, every game has been a sellout. They play year-round against other professional squads like The Party Animals, The Texas Tailgaters, and The Firefighters.
Grayson Stadium, affectionately called Bananaland, offers an all-inclusive experience with unlimited food and drinks, ad-free surroundings, and unique beverages like Banana Split Cream Soda.
For a fun, energy-filled experience on your Savannah getaway, see a game with the Savannah Bananas.
Savannah Bananas: Fun Facts & Cool Features
So, what makes Banana Ball different from traditional baseball?
Traditional rules are out the window—there's no bunting or walks, no mound visits, or stepping out of the batter's box. And if a fan catches a foul ball, it counts as an out! The result is a fast-paced, two-hour, thrilling game that is, well, just bananas!
The players are as much performers as athletes. They dance, sing, and even wear kilts. Walk-ups to the plate are legendary, featuring everything from yellow carpets to live music.
In the field, expect the athletes to do Harlem Globetrotter-like showboating, like doing flips to catch a ball or throwing between their legs to a base. Scoring celebrations are over-the-top, with players running through the crowd or breaking into choreographed routines.
Also involved are the umpires who dance to the music, perform a gymnastic move before calling out a runner, and other zany antics. Additionally, fans enjoy unlimited hot dogs, hamburgers, and drinks, and ticket prices are reasonable. If you're still hungry, head to any of the nearby eateries like The Vault Kitchen & Market for a delicious meal.
As if that's not enough, the master of ceremonies is none other than Jesse, dressed in a yellow top hat and suit. Between innings, the Banana Nanas, a senior dance squad made up of grandmas, entertain the crowds.
The ballpark's central location makes it easy to combine Banana Ball with sightseeing. For instance, visit Bonaventure Cemetery, Pin Point Heritage Museum, Tybee Island Light Station & Museum, or Skidaway Island State Park before the game. But make sure you have enough energy to shout, jump, and clap at the game!
With its mix of humor, athleticism, and community spirit, the Savannah Bananas have created a one-of-a-kind experience that's worth adding to any Georgia vacation.
Getting There
Here are step-by-step driving directions from downtown to the Savannah Bananas:
- Head east on E Bay St toward E Broad St.
- Turn right onto E Broad St and continue for 1.5 miles.
- Turn left onto Victory Dr/US-80 E and drive for 0.8 miles.
- Turn right onto Skidaway Rd.
- Continue for 0.5 miles.
- Address: 1401 E Victory Dr, Savannah, GA 31404.
Local Tips
- Pre-game festivities start hours before the game, so plan accordingly.
- Only purchase tickets through Fans First Tickets.
- Tickets are limited to five per person.
- Don't miss the specialty drinks like the Slippery Banana.
