Eli Manning Pulls off Umpire Stunt at Yankee Stadium With Savannah Bananas

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jeremy Lockett | Last updated Sep 16, 2025 2:36 PM ET

New Yorkers got more than they bargained for Sunday night when Eli Manning showed up at Yankee Stadium disguised as an umpire during the Savannah Bananas game against the Firefighters.

The former New York Giants quarterback, a two-time Super Bowl champion, proved he’s just as adept at undercover antics as he was at engineering late-game comebacks.

For anyone at Yankee Stadium, Eli Manning suddenly became the reigning king of covert operations.

Eli Manning’s History of Hilarious Disguises

Manning’s playful antics aren’t new. His ESPN+ series Eli’s Places once saw him masquerading as a Penn State walk-on, complete with a wig and mustache, tossing deep balls that quickly gave away his secret.

He later became “Del Liveryman,” delivering packages at the FedEx St. Jude Championship while heckling golfers mid-swing.

This weekend, his role shifted to baseball—but not on the mound.

During the Bananas high-energy game, Manning appeared as the 1st base umpire.

A questionable call in the fifth inning sparked a heated—but playful—exchange with fan-favorite ump Vincent Chapman.

Just when the crowd thought the scuffle might escalate, Savannah Bananas owner Jesse Cole stepped in and revealed the imposter: Eli Manning.

Had some fun with @EliManning as our surprise umpire tonight at Yankee Stadium pic.twitter.com/bCA8MXnP7P
— Savannah Bananas (@TheSavBananas) September 15, 2025

Savannah Bananas Fans Go Wild for NFL Legend

Pulling off his black umpire shirt, Manning first showed his iconic Giants No. 10 jersey, then added a yellow Savannah Bananas No. 1 T-shirt beneath.

The stadium erupted, cheering the NFL legend turned comedic baseball figure.

The Bananas, known for their theatrical “Banana Ball” games, were facing the Firefighters, a fitting matchup in a city still remembering the anniversary of 9/11.

Manning embraced the chaos, interacting with players and fans alike, proving that even in retirement, he can still make a moment unforgettable.

Whether it’s football, TV, or a baseball field in disguise, Eli Manning continues to show the kind of magic that leaves fans clamoring for more.

And judging by the roar at Yankee Stadium, it looks like the Bananas might have gained a permanent, honorary No. 1.

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

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