John Sommers II, John Sommers II/Special to the Courier Journal

Former Padres Closer Heath Bell Makes Dream Comeback in Banana Ball

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jeremy Lockett | Last updated Sep 8, 2025 9:22 AM ET

Former San Diego Padres closer Heath Bell added a splash of nostalgia and flair to the Savannah Bananas stop at Petco Park.

The Bananas called on Bell to help get them out of the sixth inning, and he did so in signature style.

Heath Bell Steals the Show at Petco Park

Bell, 47, who pitched for the Padres from 2007 to 2011, earned three All-Star selections and retired in 2015 with 168 saves.

Over his career, he won the Rolaids Relief Man Award twice, was named Delivery Man of the Year, and earned The Sporting News Reliever of the Year Award.

As a closer, Bell had a reputation for high-energy entrances, famously sprinting in from the bullpen beyond the center field wall and sliding behind the mound during his All-Star Game appearances.

At Petco Park, Bell brought that energy back. He sprinted out of the dugout, touched first base, and slid into second before walking to the mound — a shorter distance than usual, understandably, since it’s been more than a decade since he last pitched in the majors.

Fans cheered as Bell recreated one of his classic All-Star Game movements, a tradition the Bananas embrace with all their special guests as they travel to different stadiums and cities.

Heath Bell joined the Savannah Bananas in Petco Park and just HAD to recreate his iconic entrance pic.twitter.com/cN6ZidlYJb
— Banana Ball (@BananaBall_) September 8, 2025

Even before facing a batter, Bell’s charisma electrified the crowd. He broke out the popular “floss” dance move after striking out the one of the Firefighters, capping off the inning and leaving fans in stitches.

“This was a dream come true,” Bell said afterward. “To be an old guy, come out here, pitch in a fun game with the Bananas — it’s awesome.” Catching his breath during a post-inning interview, he laughed that he needed “a minute” before answering more questions.

Savannah Bananas Bring Fun Back to Baseball

The Bananas are known for their theatrical, fan-first approach to baseball, and Bell’s appearance was the perfect fit.

Beyond the spectacle, it also highlighted the league’s playful nods to baseball history, allowing fans to relive the energy and excitement of past All-Star Games.

Bell’s entrance, sprint, and signature slide recreated a moment remembered by many as one of the best All-Star Game entrances of all time.

By combining nostalgia, athletic flair, and sheer fun, Heath Bell’s cameo embodied everything the Savannah Bananas stand for — turning a single inning into an unforgettable experience for fans of all ages.

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

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