I spend more than a dozen hours a week culling through Facebook videos and Instagram Reels. Over a year ago, I ran across a Reel of these guys in bright yellow uniforms playing baseball, but it’s the kind of baseball that made me follow and view some more. While I enjoy watching sports (football being my favorite), I find baseball to be the most boring one there is. I would rather stare at the wall until paint dries. The more videos I consume, the more the algorithm serves up, and the team fascinates me. They pique my interest so much I spend an evening on Google learning as much as possible about the Savannah Bananas.

One thing that quickly stands out is their motto of “Fans First” isn’t just lip service. No matter where you go that’s associated with them, you will find their fans front and enter. Each aspect reflects this philosophy, from the content they create for social media to the game of banana ball itself. And boy, do the Savannah Bananas have a passionate base! According to their website, the Banana’s home games at Grayson Stadium have entirely sold out six years in a row. They have a waitlist of over 80,000 people wanting to get tickets to see them in person (I’m one of them). When they announced their 2023 Banana Ball World Tour, there were originally 70 games in 33 cities. They extended them to 74 games in 37 cities, and seats were gone within hours of the announcement.

During the planning phase of my July vacation, my boyfriend and I first considered going to Savannah to see a game. Much to our disappointment, we could not get tickets. Plus, they were in San Jose, California, during our time off. Drat! But next year, I am planning early, and Savannah, Georgia, is number one on our list.

So, what is Banana Ball, and how does it differ from traditional baseball? The players aren’t only talented baseball players but provide entertainment in every facet of the game. Trick plays, walkups from the stands, singing, and dancing (even the Umpire gets in on the action!) are commonplace during a game. One of my favorite parts is their Dad Bod Cheerleading Squad. I mean, who wouldn’t want to spend their vacation in Bananaland? Banana Ball has nine rules:

1. Win the inning, get the point.
2. Two-hour time limit.
3. No stepping out.
4. No bunting.
5. Batters can steal first.
6. No walks allowed.
7. No mound visits allowed.
8. If a fan catches a foul ball, it’s an out!
9. Showdown tiebreaker.

All this congeals into a game that I actively seek out and enjoy. There is no tedious paint drying when the Bananas are on the screen!

To learn more about the Savannah Bananas, Banana Ball, how to follow them on socials, and watch or find tickets to a game, visit their website at https://thesavannahbananas.com.