Often described as the Harlem Globetrotters of baseball, the Savannah Bananas are an exhibition barnstorming team that has become a global viral sensation. They are known for their fast-paced, fan-centric, and wildly entertaining approach to America’s pastime.
Who Are the Savannah Bananas?
The Savannah Bananas are far from a traditional baseball team. Founded in 2016 in Savannah, Georgia, the team gained fame by turning the game on its head with Banana Ball, a set of unconventional rules designed for non-stop action and fun.
Key features of Banana Ball include:
* A strict two-hour time limit on games.
* No bunting (bunting results in an automatic ejection).
* Batters can steal first base at any time.
* Foul balls caught by a fan on the fly are counted as an out.
* Walks are replaced with a “ball-four sprint” where the batter runs the bases until every defensive player has touched the ball.
* Players perform choreographed dance routines, comedic sketches, and wear kilts, all while competing in a fast-paced game.
The Bananas, led by owner Jesse Cole (who famously wears a yellow tuxedo), have cultivated a massive online following and consistently sell out games at their home field, Grayson Stadium, and across the country on their barnstorming tour. They retired their collegiate summer league team status in 2022 to focus entirely on the Banana Ball exhibition format, facing off against their rival teams, the Party Animals, the Texas Tailgaters, and the Firefighters, who are all part of the newly expanded Banana Ball Championship League.
Ohio Gets “Banana Ball” in 2026
The Bananas’ expansive 2026 tour will span dozens of cities, including appearances at Major League Baseball parks, NFL stadiums, and college football arenas.
The heart of the Banana Ball excitement will be returning to Cleveland, with two games scheduled for late September:
| Cleveland | Progressive Field | September 25 & 26, 2026 | Party Animals vs. Fire Fighters |
While the Savannah Bananas themselves are not currently scheduled to play in the Ohio games, the event will feature other teams from the Banana Ball Championship League, ensuring the full “Banana Ball” experience is delivered to fans.
Ticket Information
Due to the overwhelming demand for tickets, the Savannah Bananas use a lottery system for ticket sales. Fans interested in attending the games at Progressive Field are encouraged to join the official 2026 Banana Ball Ticket Lottery List on the team’s website. The lottery list for the 2026 tour opened immediately following the schedule reveal and will remain open until October 31, 2025. Tickets start at $35, and fans are strongly advised to purchase only through the official lottery to avoid fraudulent resale listings.
Ohio fans can prepare for a circus of baseball unlike any other when the Banana Ball Championship League brings its high-octane entertainment to the state in the fall of 2026.