Who Are The Savannah Bananas?
The Savannah Bananas are a collegiate summer baseball team based in Savannah, Georgia. They are a member of the Coastal Plain League, a collegiate summer baseball league consisting of teams from Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. The team was founded in 2016 and plays its home games at Historic Grayson Stadium.
The Savannah Bananas are known for their outrageous promotions, fan engagement, and off-the-field events. They have achieved success both on and off the field, winning the Coastal Plain League championship in 2018 and 2019. The team has also become a local sensation, drawing large crowds and selling out their games. The Savannah Bananas are committed to providing a fun and affordable entertainment option for Savannah’s residents and visitors alike.
After three consecutive Petitt Cup championships in 2016, 2021, and 2022, the franchise owner Jesse Cole decided to leave the standard baseball rules and invent a unique game style. It became to be known as the Banana Ball.
What is Banana Ball?
The Savannah Bananas fully embrace their identity, making the banana the central point. They have reinvented the traditional rules of baseball, transforming the game into an enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
While speaking with the Los Angeles Times, Cole stated,
“We looked at every boring play, and we got rid of it.”
Annually, the team takes part in the Banana Ball, a contest where the regulations are made up on the spot yet the sportsmanship remains intact – more or less. After 2022, the Savannah Bananas conducted a tour, in which they travelled to various cities to put on an incredible show. People come out in droves to witness the lively matches of the Banana Ball.
What Are Banana Ball Rules?
February 2023 onwards, the Banana Ball announced its nine official rules for Savannah Bananas.
Rule 1: Out
If a spectator catches a foul ball, it will be counted as an “OUT.”
When the Savannah Bananas play, any foul ball caught by a fan is an out
Absolutely Electric Final Out @StoolBaseball pic.twitter.com/YchpEmg5oJ
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) July 12, 2023
Rule 2: Strike
When a batter steps out of the box between pitches, it will be counted as a strike.
Rule 3: Point
A team will be awarded a point for winning an inning.
Rule 4: Ball Four
It is not allowed for any player to walk. When the umpire calls BALL FOUR, the batter must run as quickly as possible while the defense starts to move. The player should continue running until the ball is thrown to every fielder and outfielder.
Rule 5
During the running, the batters can seize first base on a passed ball or wild pitch. The batter can score no matter how many strikes they have.
Rule 6: Bunt Rule
Bunting is prohibited. If the player attempts to bunt, they will automatically be eliminated from the game.
Rule 7: Mount Rule
No one is allowed to make a mount visit, such as the manager, coach, catcher, or any other player.
Rule 8: Showdown Tiebreaker
During extra innings, the defense will be given one pitcher, one catcher, and one fielder. The batter must touch all bases before the ball is thrown home for an out.
Rule 9: Duration
The Banana Ball will last for only 1 hour and 50 minutes. After that, no further innings will be played.
The only thing the Savannah Bananas strive for is to provide amusement for their many fans. Their shows are composed of dance performances, mascot appearances, and much more. The primary goal of the exhibition game is to be a fun and enjoyable experience.
