Former Red Sox World Series champ joins Savannah Bananas in Starkville

The biggest spotlight naturally fell on Jonathan Papelbon, one of the most decorated players to ever come through Mississippi State baseball. The six-time MLB All-Star and 2007 World Series champion didn’t just show up for a cameo—he took the mound and made it look easy.

Just like the old days, Papelbon delivered with his trademark fire, drawing cheers from a crowd that once watched him dominate as the closer for the Bulldogs before going on to star for the Boston Red Sox, Philadelphia Phillies, and Washington Nationals.

Jonathan Papelbon Returns to the Mound

For Papelbon, it was a full-circle moment. Before his 12-year MLB career, he racked up 13 saves and a 2.90 ERA in three seasons at Mississippi State, helping the Bulldogs reach multiple NCAA tournaments.

Now, back in Starkville, he got to put on a show again—this time in the freewheeling, fan-first atmosphere that has made the Savannah Bananas one of the most popular attractions in all of sports.

He wasn’t alone. Mitch Moreland, another Mississippi State product who carved out a decade-long MLB career and won a World Series with the Red Sox in 2018, was also in uniform.

And of course, the presence of Ron Polk—the legendary coach often referred to as the “Godfather of SEC Baseball”—gave the event an extra layer of history.

The Savannah Bananas have made their name with their unique style of baseball entertainment, but in Starkville, the show came with a heavy dose of Mississippi State pride.

Fans didn’t just get the dancing, the trick plays, and the nonstop fun the Bananas bring to every stop—they also got to see their legends back on the field, even if only for a night

For Mississippi State, it was more than an exhibition game. It was a reminder of the deep baseball tradition that runs through Starkville and a celebration of the stars who helped build it.