How the Savannah Bananas have become the greatest show in baseball | SportsCenter

[@steelberg23]

As a Savannah native, I can honestly say that the Bananas made this town a better place to live.

[@disciplefan1221]

Only been there a couple of times, but Savannah's always been one my favorite places to go. Now I gotta go back to see a Bananas game.

[@904jagzsuck5]

What have they done about the crime rate?

[@scotthall9098]

@@904jagzsuck5 I guess you’d have to look at how many bases they’ve stolen 🤓

[@904jagzsuck5]

It's sad you live in such a beautiful town rich in history and some clowns doing tricks on a ball field is what endears Savannah to you.

[@aldenweaver8237]

@@904jagzsuck5 oh yes, because when you live in a town that has a lot of history that’s just all you do. Talk, sleep and eat history. Sure it’s cool to know the history of your city and savanna definitely has a lot of American history but why would the history of a town make it a nice place to live in? You need stuff like a fun collegiate summer baseball team to go for fun.

[@tomthebomb557]

You can call this guy a genius at marketing but I think he is a student of humanity. He has fun at life and just wants others to enjoy that fun in their lives and to bring everyone of all types together...Outstanding! I am glad there are people like this in the world.

[@koryvasquez3815]

i wanna thank Jomboy for introducing many, including me, to this wonderful baseball organization 👏👏

[@JohannGambolputty22]

Me too, thanks Jimmy!

[@rbu2136]

Wait! You get a hot dog and a drink with your ticket!? Omg.

[@JohannGambolputty22]

@@rbu2136 They got the idea from Wrigley Rooftops where your ticket is all inclusive all you can eat food and all you can drink beer and wine. Aside from the long view it’s a deal at around $120.

[@Sabre912]

@@rbu2136 hotdogs, hamburgers, soda, water, chips free until they run out!!!

[@papasquat355]

Saw my first Bananas game this weekend (they played Macon Bacon) and was amazed at the show. It was great. The Banana Nanas were awesome. It made a baseball game into an event. That's the way it should be.

[@ducksliver]

😂😂😂omg "Macon Bacon"

[@nickcarneyphotography]

Banana Nanas is freaking genius oh my god

[@patton303]

I love the story of this team. I went to a Bananas game with my sister (who lives in Savannah) last season. I especially dug how there was every type of demographic in the crowd. Young, old, and people of all types. Amazing time. That’s what it’s all about.

[@theMcWOPPER]

Was the Laotian demograph present as well?

[@theboston3386]

According to ESPN, there's no gender. Your statement to them is fake news. F ESPN

[@tracysmith5488]

Love the black guys face, when they said “Bananas”, lol.

[@paige_judah5538]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Ixions]

4:26

[@Shawn6751]

@@Ixions That was everyone's reaction when they first came onto the scene.

[@88mphDrBrown]

If a fan catches the ball you're out, has to be the coolest rule I've ever heard of!!! 🍌 🍌 🍌 🍌 🍌

[@DennisJohnsonDrummer]

Our family attended a game last night and the one word that best describes what we experienced was a "circus". From the line waiting to enter the stadium until we left the stadium after the game, there's was some form of entertainment. They even had a pep band that played the national anthem and walked up into the stands at one point to play a song. Our home town stadium was a sell out crowd and the atmosphere was electric. We didn't even care who won. It was all about seeing what was coming next. Great show planning and energy. Keep up the good work.

[@hankkingsley9300]

They do it right. Seriously it's a spectacle. If you can go, GO! Inexpensive good ballpark food and the games are competitive.

[@seanbush5056]

"When you have fun, you play better." If there's a more apt description of the game of baseball...I don't know it. God bless the Savannah Bananas!

[@maryeaton8158]

MLB needs to take some notes!!! Would love to see all the teams dance and sing for their fans!!

[@bowlersunanimous1983]

I cannot lie… this concept and, in particular, this team’s spark has reignited my love for baseball all over again. It won’t be too long that this will absolutely blow up and spread into a common household theme for spectator sports.

[@bluemoyie8618]

Yogi Bera would be proud of you ... "reignited my love for baseball all over again" Go Bananas !!!

[@XLRAshon]

This is how you make baseball more popular in this country! We need more people like this!

[@reauxnbears]

This isn’t real baseball. Lmmfao

[@Shawn6751]

@@reauxnbears No it's not but if you want to forget and just enjoy the game, you can actually sense children's memories being made and falling in love with the Bananas. It makes me think back when the Sand Gnats was in town and how I feel in love with the Sand Gnats. I'm not trying to contradict myself but this is baseball with an entertainment twist to it. Bananas proved that this is a baseball market and do something unheard of which is a two baseball franchises sharing the same stadium. MiLB shouldn't even worry about Grayson Stadium being the oldest stadium in MiLB again when they are getting revenue. Grayson Stadium isn't going anywhere and Savannah is a huge, thriving baseball market. I would love to see the Sand Gnats come back but underneath the Braves organization umbrella.

[@cz5050]

No, this is a game I would actually enjoy watching.

[@hankkingsley9300]

@@Shawn6751 you're missing the bottom line are they filling the seats and making money I would say yes it is a difficult ticket to get these days everybody in south Georgia knows who the bananas are and so do most people around the country

[@DoranJosephMusic]

Future commissioner of MLB right there

[@matvail2002]

In terms of creativity, promotion and how they understand it's all about the fans who want to have a good time, the Savannah Bananas are probably one of the best baseball clubs in the US. Some clubs are very creative promotion-wise and yet the Savannah Bananas are next-level in terms of creativity. I went to see pro baseball games in Japan and Korea, and they are absolute pros in Asia at making a baseball game full of fun and cheers. Local and visiting fans got whole cheering sections with brass bands.

[@emorydaniel9084]

I teach a social media strategies class, and I still talk about the Buffalo Bills social media presence. A student turned me to the Savannah Bananas social media and I am hooked. Keep up the fun work y’all!

[@user-tc4cb8ly8o]

I’m 92 yrs old & it’s the best entertainment I get & I don’t even have to leave home. Thanks Mr Jessie😅

[@emich28]

Went to one of their games in August one of the best baseball experiences!

[@dirtydan6098]

I didn’t know the back story of the Bananas. Was a fan, even bigger fan now. Great job Jesse

[@kylecummings6893]

mlb been real quiet since the bananas rolled up 😳

[@elijahshaw8209]

😂

[@martydagreat7661]

Proud of the team my hometown Savannah Georgia.

[@bisket2003]

This is an absolutely perfect story, all around. Incredible. The world needs more of this. Games are meant to be fun!!

[@UvayBowl]

When all the kids swarmed the mascot I lost it ahahahaha 4:41 Awesome!

[@GeorgiaRattlesnake]

As a Georgia native I gotta question… why haven’t I heard about this team until now?! I love them! So freaking much! They are the greatest show on earth! Period! That’s the bottom line because The Georgia Rattlesnake says so!

[@fxrsniper1]

They are part of a Summer Collegiate league Georgia has the Macon Bacon I'm in SC so I have a few teams to pick from lol

[@banzaiib]

ditto... i might have to make that drive!

[@lindamikedaub6129]

Glad to see you in Kansas City, Kansas with the KC Monarch’s! Let’s go Bananas!

[@morganerickson439]

We were there Friday. It was awesome!

[@jasonjoines4180]

Love it!! I wonder how he got the players to buy into his plan. From my understanding, baseball players are all about tradition and the "unwritten rules" of baseball. Players dancing? Players showing emotion? PLAYERS HAVING FUN? The "Game of baseball" taking a back seat to entertainment? Some of my friends have gone to MLB games since the season started and left before the 7th inning stretch because they were bored to tears. This makes me WANT to go to a Banana's game...

[@hankkingsley9300]

You better go you're going to love it

[@user-fc6je9kf3b]

I can feel the atmosphere, amazing

[@rpatterskc1]

4:30 that is Kevin Holmes and he is now an anchor on 41 action news in Kansas City Missouri

[@juwonhill9102]

I grew in the area and went to a lot of Sand Gnats games growing up. Looking forward to my first Bananas game this year!

[@bradmcabee8041]

I can say that these games are far more entertaining than the old Sand Gnats. Excellent family entertainment. Tickets are very hard to get and my kids love it!

[@WMMASceneNow]

Found the bananas a few days before writing this through accident on Facebook. Now I’m fascinated

[@mitchking725]

Genius and insanity are as close as it gets. This is insanely genius!

[@WesNWheels]

Our dad has told us so much about Savannah Bananas... we even call "Savannah Banana!" when we are at a game and someone hits a foul ball, and we try to catch it so we can pretend the batter is out! We would LOVE to see a game!

[@andrewtodd9103]

4:33 dudes fact was priceless😂😂

[@craigpinkava6256]

Any sports team or league would benefit from someone like Jesse Cole!

[@bettycogswell9851]

Jesse, I'm so glad you held onto your dream. Look at the joy you have created for everyone involved.

[@DByers-ci5kr]

I live in Milwaukee & haven't been to a ball game in many years. Last was Chicago White Sox vs Cleveland Indians. Expensive, kinda boring & not a fun CTA ride. The new stadium is 6000 tons of concrete that soaks up the sun & melts you. Now I wanna take a trip to Savannah & experience this team & try some Low Country cooking.

[@erikmorse3605]

They are coming to Milwaukee

[@jway202]

Will admit the games are fun to go to, it’s a great atmosphere 🔥

[@chrisostrowski3074]

Those boys on the team probably clean house on the college girls in town lol

[@41thru9]

I have a really interesting rule change to try. Flip first and third base direction every other inning or just do it once in the 5th inning. Baseball is so right/left handed that this switch will really mix up the game!

[@cinemasnitch3959]

cant believe this came out 8 months ago! i see them on social media like everyday and always wondered how this came about

[@bryannorman5739]

I have been to the show, absolutely amazing!

[@ok_big_ben_ok1315]

That zoom cut to the TV anchor's face when they announce the new team name cracked me up. 🫥 🍌🍌🍌🍌😂

[@powdernitz]

there need to be more sports like this

[@victomeyezr]

It's the real life, "If you build it, they will come" story

[@donsoloki]

Staying in Savannah Ga makes me kinda proud.

[@katieg1763]

That side eye was off base. 😂oh I crack myself up.

[@californian2344]

That’s so darn cool. Definitely need to get to a Bananas game!

[@rolling_hills_landscapes]

This is inspirational! I heard about them from Mike Michalowicz writing about them in his books and this is amazing!

[@kaze987]

Jesse is a smart man. Baseball and fun family environments done RIGHT

[@michaelhogg324]

After having seen them this past weekend I CAN'T WAIT to see them at Victory Field again next year!

[@JR-py9io]

Its so AWSOME its about the fans..😄😁

[@djchino774]

If they built a bigger stadium they would probably sell it out too. 💪😎

[@hankkingsley9300]

Probably not trust me South Georgia ain't like that it's perfect if it's sold out and that's great you don't want a new stadium you just want Grayson to be packed it's part of the charm I mean that thing is just a little quiet Oasis in a city that isn't that big but is very noisy Disturbed I don't know exactly what you call Savannah for such a small City it's really strange and Grayson is a Haven. Bananas are the only reason I will go there. 58, live in beautiful SEGA and have NEVER Liked Savannah. Savannah makes me very uncomfortable Brunswick Golden Isles is just about as big and it is home even though I don't work there I never feel uncomfortable in Glynn County LOL the cops suck

[@ubadman1]

Japan has been doing this and things like it in their pro league for years. Only league that outrages over fun is the MLB

[@gst013]

Not really...I've been to lots of games in Korea and seen Japanese games at well. It's fun and there are cheerleaders and fans singing, but nothing like this craziness 😅

[@904jagzsuck5]

This ain't even baseball. Every one of these players will be pumping gas or cooking burgers in Savannah in a couple years.

[@joellewis6086]

@@904jagzsuck5 Frankly: 'I fail to see the problem'. :-P

[@904jagzsuck5]

@@joellewis6086 you must be 20 something and think "the game moves too slow" ugghh🤦 These guys wanna do this nonsense? Fine, it's a free country. But don't do it in a stadium and call it baseball. A tent with 3 rings would be more applicable.

[@elijahshaw8209]

Lol no this is crazy fun MLB is just fun

[@jaretalbaugh7034]

We need him and his team here in charge of our Pittsburgh team

[@justinbish3830]

This. Is. Awesome. It’s like Bing Russell’s Portland Mavericks on steroids.

[@jamescdevos]

I freakin' love it! Go Bananas!

[@TooMuchMoxiePodcast]

If I ever go to savanna will be stopping by the ballpark looks fun...

[@redeadhead4]

Should be way more views on this video. Such a great idea

[@spriggsvid]

😅😅 That news anchor was not impressed

[@mickeyparrella5179]

Dude looks like the man in the yellow hat from curious George

[@Willverinerage]

The players introducing themselves as they come to the plate can be really funny, I'd really like to watch a game.

[@uhhFez]

Good buddy of mine Alex Ziegler plays for the Bananas, this team is awesome!

[@jrwcape]

Hey Jesse, Being from Scituate, you're next expansion must be to the Cape Cod Summer Baseball League!!!!! Instant SUCCESS.........

[@valaryevictoria8314]

This is great ! Im super intrigued, I've got to see them in person, omg how cool

[@anisasahhar9486]

Bravo! Makes you want to watch baseball!

[@thatJAWNraps]

This is the greatest thing i've ever seen.

[@crissharmon]

I was there when you popped the question in Gastonia. I miss the Grizzlies

[@412hwc]

yea this is what its truly about gotta surport this at all costs

[@jorgehernandez1490]

These guys are great.

[@chrisdiver6224]

Baseball has become so slick, efficient, serious which suppresses the goofy, FUN which is our actual personality as Americans, source of the playfulness that made us the technological envy of the world!

[@maxmotors9497]

I found out about this today and I wish I was still living in Charleston so I could come see them.. I'm on the opposite corner, maybe we'll have to start something.

[@artchick07]

Do it! Bring joy to your corner of the country!

[@robthornton1704]

The future of baseball

[@wheeliesmalls9464]

I was introduced to this by Jomboy

[@KimChilds75]

It's a Georgia thing with the crazy names. Macon, Georgia is 165 miles north of Savannah & our baseball team is the Macon Bacon. And yes, our bacon mascot is Kevin Bacon. Our old hockey team was the Macon Whoopee. It's Macon Mayhem now, which isn't as fun.

[@ezekieljordan7209]

I have to go to a banana’s game man 🤣😂😂

[@dzav2282]

Lmaooo what a legend this guy is

[@popstone116]

This is so very cool. Happy story, very happy story.

[@austinh7110]

I just went to check out their tickets and they’ve already sold out for the 2023 season. That’s an impressive turnaround there!

[@mikemurphy7157]

How do I get the schedule for this year

[@andrewtodd9103]

Glad I clicked on this lol these boys entertaining.

[@olliesutton1804]

The guys look when they announced the game was brilliant

[@scazermazz]

Wish I heard about this when I was living in SC.

[@lucagattoni-celli1377]

Just awesome

[@philtrum2455]

This reminds me of the St. Louis Cardinals Gas House Gang of the 1930's, very similar.

[@904jagzsuck5]

Except that was real, sanctioned baseball. These are clowns wearing caps .

[@RobbieRidley]

I've gotta make it to a Bananas game!!!!

[@devcon28]

This is so cool

[@chad735]

CPL is a cool league too. Unique

[@druoleary]

Any Cheesehead can appreciate this!

[@James-qq2vq]

This is what sports is all about! 😁👍🍌

[@aniwack]

Jesse has turned bananas into an empire.

[@maryannlyons]

Found them on Tik Tok! I love it!

[@tonyconsolini7861]

He’s from scituate? That’s made close to where I live

[@WARSfate]

4:33 😂

[@TeddyBear-ii4yc]

That's a hollywood film and the guy has just outlined the plot. Young guy buys empty stadium, the story is in him filling the positions with a team of crankie or eccentric but lovable characters, he finds a wife, and they all pull together and win the trophy at seasons end!! Just send my chaque to... ;-)

[@SquarePegDivergent]

I love this story! :)

[@chrismeadows0199]

Love the Banana’s

[@kevinshea3028]

Nice work! We know the feeling! Go Chihuahuas!

[@JohnJay1745]

Major league baseball take note! You too are in the entertainment business and your product has become boring!!!

[@alanoparra]

Fr it seems they try to make it more boring with their "unwritten rules" and God forbid athletes actually have fun playing a game 🤦‍♂️

[@JohnJay1745]

@@alanoparra Yes! And it's very expensive, which makes it a terrible value proposition for many people.

[@clownindan]

They have the same rules from the early 1900s.... i don't think people were allowed to have fun back then.

[@SugaryCoyote]

@@alanoparra Can you provide one example of the league trying to prevent players from having fun?

[@FrankG5874]

Baseball’s version of the Harlem Globetrotter’s!

[@blairpenny1526]

I feel like someone watched Semi Pro and was like, hey that might work