Who Are the Savannah Bananas? The Viral Baseball Team Taking Over America

In a world where traditional baseball often struggles to attract younger audiences, the Savannah Bananas have rewritten the playbook—literally. Based out of Savannah, Georgia, this wildly entertaining team has become a viral phenomenon, revolutionizing the sport with their high-energy antics, TikTok-ready dances, and boundary-pushing rules. But beyond the laughs and bat flips lies a savvy entertainment model that’s capturing the hearts of millions across America.

Meet the Savannah Bananas: Baseball’s Entertainers-In-Chief

Founded in 2016 by Jesse Cole, the Savannah Bananas started as a collegiate summer league team. However, what set them apart was their radical idea: make baseball fun again. With bright yellow uniforms, choreographed celebrations, and a team-first ethos, the Bananas quickly developed a cult following both in person and online.

Today, they tour the U.S. under their self-created “Banana Ball” format—a faster, flashier version of the traditional game. With over 7 million followers across social media and frequent sold-out crowds, the Bananas have transcended minor league obscurity and become a pop culture sensation.

What Is Banana Ball?

Banana Ball isn’t your grandfather’s baseball. The Bananas created their own rules to make the game faster and more interactive. Here are a few highlights:

• No bunting allowed
• If a fan catches a foul ball, it’s an out
• Batters can steal first base
• Games are limited to 2 hours
• Every inning counts—whoever scores more in that inning wins a point

These tweaks result in a thrilling, unpredictable experience where fans are just as involved in the outcome as players. The Bananas also regularly feature mic’d-up players, dancing umpires, and surprise guest appearances—all aimed at maximizing entertainment value.

Going Viral: How the Bananas Won the Internet

The Bananas’ success is deeply rooted in their social media strategy. Their TikTok account, boasting 4 million+ followers, routinely racks up millions of views with clips showcasing dancing players, trick plays, and hilarious fan interactions.

In April 2025, a video of a Bananas outfielder catching a fly ball while doing a backflip went viral on multiple platforms, gaining over 50 million views in 48 hours. The stunt even landed them a feature on ESPN and a guest spot on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

“We’re not just playing baseball—we’re performing,” said team founder Jesse Cole in a recent interview. “And that’s what our fans connect with.”

Merch, Media, and the Future of the Bananas

From a business standpoint, the Bananas are also redefining sports merchandising and branding. Their bright yellow jerseys and quirky banana-shaped foam fingers are consistent top-sellers online. In 2024, they launched a streaming service, “BananaVision,” to broadcast games and behind-the-scenes content—reaching fans in over 50 countries.

Their 2025 tour includes stops in over 30 states, with plans to expand internationally by 2026. With the team’s growing visibility, some sports analysts believe the Bananas could influence how mainstream baseball markets itself to the next generation.

FAQs About the Savannah Bananas

Who are the Savannah Bananas?

The Savannah Bananas are an entertainment-focused baseball team from Georgia known for their viral antics and custom rules in a game called Banana Ball.

What makes Banana Ball different from traditional baseball?

Banana Ball has unique rules like fan-caught foul outs, no bunting, and timed games, designed to be faster and more exciting.

Where can I watch the Savannah Bananas play?

You can watch them live on their U.S. tour or via their streaming platform, BananaVision, which broadcasts games and behind-the-scenes content.

How did they become so popular?

The team’s fun-first philosophy, viral TikTok presence, and fan interaction have made them a hit with both sports fans and casual viewers.

Are the Savannah Bananas part of Major League Baseball?

No, they are an independent exhibition team and not affiliated with the MLB. However, they regularly play against other pro and semi-pro teams.