Savannah Bananas Create Constant HR Nightmares

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jeremy Lockett | Last updated Sep 8, 2025 11:40 AM ET

Not every idea works, and no one embraces that truth more than Savannah Bananas owner Jesse Cole.

Cole has built Banana Ball into one of the most unique shows in sports, but he’s quick to laugh at some of the promotions that didn’t survive beyond a single trial.

Jesse Cole Admits the ‘Living Piñata’ Was a Disaster

“There was the living piñata,” Cole said, shaking his head. “We thought it was going to be great. We put someone in a costume and had kids swing at them with plastic bats while they threw candy. That was an HR disaster.”

He rattled off others that went sideways. In Baltimore, they tried “Crab in My Pants,” literally stuffing crabs into fans pants as they ran the bases.

In Arkansas, they thought it would be clever to do a “Razorback” skit—complete with shaving cream on actual backs.

In Philadelphia, “The Brotherly Shove” saw four brothers battling in musical chairs with more force than fun and the brothers had to shove each other to get to the chairs.

Bananas Keep the Focus on Fans First

Each wild swing at entertainment reminds fans of what makes Banana Ball different. It’s not just baseball; it’s a traveling experiment in joy, community, and creativity.

The Bananas tailor shows to each city, blending local history and flavor into the skits, songs, and dances.

“Fans first” has become more than a slogan—it’s why the team sells out nearly every stop. For many, it’s the first time seeing the Bananas in person, and while the dances grab attention on social media, the actual game itself delivers plenty of baseball.

Critics often knock the spectacle without ever attending, but in the stands, it’s impossible to deny the buzz. Every inning brings a new storyline, every weekend a fresh performance layered over the sport itself.

Not every promotion is a hit. But the misses, just like the home runs, are part of the fun.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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