What Happened to Savannah Bananas?
The Savannah Bananas have transformed from a collegiate summer league baseball team into a global sports entertainment phenomenon, known for their unique 'Banana Ball' rules and fan-first approach. By 2026, they have expanded into a six-team Banana Ball Championship League, touring major stadiums across the United States and drawing millions of fans with their high-energy, unscripted, and entertaining brand of baseball.
Quick Answer
The Savannah Bananas have evolved from a collegiate summer baseball team into a full-time exhibition and barnstorming team playing 'Banana Ball,' a fast-paced, entertainment-focused version of baseball. As of July 2026, they lead the newly formed six-team Banana Ball Championship League, continuing their sold-out World Tours across major league and football stadiums, captivating millions with their unique blend of sport and showmanship. Their innovative approach has garnered a massive social media following and significantly impacted the baseball landscape, attracting a new generation of fans.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
Team Founded as Collegiate Summer League
Jesse and Emily Cole arrived in Savannah with the goal of making baseball fun again, establishing a collegiate summer team.
Savannah Bananas Name Announced & First Game
The team name 'Savannah Bananas' was announced, initially met with mixed reviews but generating buzz. They sold out their opening night, offering an all-inclusive experience.
Won Coastal Plain League Championship
In their inaugural season, the Savannah Bananas won the Petitt Cup championship in the Coastal Plain League.
Began Banana Ball Exhibition Games
The team started playing exhibition games outside of the CPL season, experimenting with the 'Banana Ball' format.
First Official Banana Ball Game
The first official game under the unique Banana Ball rules was played at Grayson Stadium, marking a shift towards entertainment-first baseball.
Left Coastal Plain League to Play Banana Ball Full-Time
The Bananas announced their departure from the collegiate summer league to focus exclusively on their Banana Ball World Tour year-round.
Baseball Hall of Fame Exhibit & Jocelyn Alo Plays
The Baseball Hall of Fame opened an exhibit dedicated to the Savannah Bananas. Jocelyn Alo became the first woman to play for the Bananas.
Expanded World Tour & ESPN Agreement
The Banana Ball World Tour expanded significantly, visiting 40 cities, including 3 NFL and 17 MLB stadiums, drawing over 2 million fans. A 10-game agreement with ESPN was announced.
Announced Banana Ball Championship League (BBCL) for 2026
Founder Jesse Cole announced the formation of a new six-team Banana Ball Championship League for 2026, including new teams like the Loco Beach Coconuts and Indianapolis Clowns.
Banana Ball Open & Record Attendance
The inaugural Banana Ball Open was held, won by the Texas Tailgaters. The Bananas also set a new attendance record with 102,000 spectators at Kyle Field.
The Guardian Reports on Banana Ball Universe Expansion
The Guardian published an article highlighting how the Bananas are building a 'traveling entertainment universe' with multiple teams playing Banana Ball across the US.
Free Fan Event in Chicago
The Savannah Bananas hosted a free summer bash at Dunkin' locations in Chicago ahead of their Wrigley Field series, offering meet-and-greets and merchandise.
Playing at Wrigley Field
The Savannah Bananas are currently playing a three-game series against the Firefighters at Wrigley Field in Chicago, part of their ongoing 2026 World Tour.
Scheduled Games at Gillette Stadium
The Savannah Bananas are scheduled to bring Banana Ball to Gillette Stadium for the first time, playing two games against the Loco Beach Coconuts as part of their 2026 World Tour.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
The Savannah Bananas originated in 2016 as a collegiate summer baseball team in the Coastal Plain League (CPL), founded by Jesse and Emily Cole with a 'Fans First' mantra aimed at revitalizing the baseball experience. Initially facing financial struggles, the team gained notoriety for its unconventional approach, including all-inclusive tickets, dancing players, and unique on-field entertainment at Grayson Stadium in Savannah, Georgia.
The turning point came with the development of 'Banana Ball,' a modified set of rules designed for speed, entertainment, and fan engagement, first introduced in exhibition games in 2018 and officially in June 2020. These rules include a two-hour time limit, no bunting, batters stealing first base, and fans catching foul balls for outs. This innovative format quickly resonated with audiences, leading the Bananas to depart from the CPL in 2022 to focus entirely on their Banana Ball World Tour.
The team's popularity exploded, fueled by viral social media content and a commitment to entertainment. By 2023, the Banana Ball World Tour had attracted over 500,000 fans, and the team was recognized with an exhibit at the Baseball Hall of Fame. The 2025 tour marked a significant expansion, with the Bananas playing in 40 cities, including 3 NFL stadiums and 17 MLB stadiums, drawing over 2 million attendees. They also secured a 10-game agreement with ESPN, with all games simulcast on Disney+ and ESPN+.
As of October 2025, the organization announced the formation of the Banana Ball Championship League (BBCL) for 2026, expanding from two touring teams (the Bananas and the Party Animals) to six. The new teams include the Firefighters, Texas Tailgaters, Loco Beach Coconuts, and a revival of the historic Indianapolis Clowns, honoring the Negro Leagues. The 2026 World Tour is even more ambitious, scheduled for 75 stadiums in 45 states, including 14 MLB parks and 10 football stadiums, with a projected attendance of 3.3 million fans. The Bananas set a new attendance record on May 2, 2026, with 102,000 spectators at Kyle Field in College Station, Texas.
Currently, as of July 25, 2026, the Savannah Bananas are actively touring as part of the BBCL season. They are playing a three-game series at Wrigley Field in Chicago from July 24-26, 2026, and have upcoming games at Gillette Stadium in August. The Bananas continue to be a leading team in the BBCL standings, demonstrating that their blend of competitive baseball and theatrical performance continues to captivate a diverse and growing fanbase, including many who are new to sports.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Savannah Bananas made different choices?