America's New Team: The Savannah Bananas
The Savannah Bananas have rapidly become one of the most talked-about phenomena in American sports, drawing unprecedented crowds, dominating social media, and redefining what it means to attend a baseball game.
With over 8 million followers on TikTok and sold-out stadiums across the country, the Bananas have broken records at venues like Clemson’s football stadium, where 81,000 fans packed the stands for a single game.
Once a quirky upstart from Georgia, the team has captured the nation’s imagination and, by many measures, earned the title of “America’s New Team”. While I won’t say move over, Dallas Cowboys, I will point out that there is a new sheriff in town who happens to play a new brand of baseball.
Founded by Jesse and Emily Cole as part of a collegiate summer league, the Bananas have invented their own brand of baseball called “Banana Ball.” In this unique version, teams earn points by winning innings rather than tallying total runs, and if a fan catches a foul ball, it counts as an out. The result is a lively blend of sport and performance art that’s unlike anything else in the game.
This summer, the Bananas embarked on a 40-city tour, playing in major league stadiums and football arenas, drawing huge crowds. Their performances have been broadcast nationally on ESPN, and they have been featured in The Wall Street Journal.
From a traditional sports standpoint, yes, the Cowboys are still clearly America’s team, but the meteoric rise from a regional collegiate summer squad to a national phenomenon has redefined what it means to be a baseball team in the 21st century.
The reality is that sports entertainment and Bananas have captivated the nation in a way no other traditional sports franchise ever has.
A New Kind of Baseball
Founded in 2016, the Bananas initially played in the Coastal Plain League. Still, they quickly distinguished themselves with their unique brand of "Banana Ball"—a fast-paced, fan-focused version of the sport that blends athleticism, music, and showmanship with a unique blend of comedy.
Games feature choreographed dances, on-field antics, and even rules that let fans record outs by catching foul balls, all designed to keep the action moving and the audience engaged and their merchandise sales surpass those of many professional sports franchises.
The Bananas have 25 players on their roster. None have played in the major leagues; however, they do use former MLB players to make guest appearances, normally in the city where they starred.
Unmatched Social Media Dominance
The Bananas’ digital presence is nothing short of remarkable. With over 8 million followers on TikTok and 2.5 million on Instagram, their online reach surpasses even some of Major League Baseball’s most storied franchises. Viral videos of their antics—ranging from players dancing in kilts to outfielders catching fly balls while doing backflips—have propelled them to global fame and brought huge crowds to their games. Individual players, like infielder Jackson Olson, have become social media stars in their own right, further fueling the team’s popularity
Sold-Out Stadiums and Huge Waiting List
The team’s live shows are now a national sensation. In 2024 and 2025, the Bananas have sold out stadiums from coast to coast, including appearances at six Major League ballparks and several football stadiums with capacities exceeding 70,000. The demand for tickets is so intense that a lottery system is often required, and resale prices often exceed those for marquee MLB matchups. In 2024, they sold over 2 million tickets, with a waiting list of 3 million fans eager to attend future games.
Cultural Impact and the Future of Baseball
The Bananas’ influence extends beyond entertainment. Their innovations, such as the “golden at-bat” and time-capped games, have even inspired Major League Baseball to consider similar changes to speed up play and increase excitement. Their success is a case study in customer experience and fan engagement, showing how tradition-bound sports can evolve to meet the expectations of new generations.
As the Bananas continue to tour the country, sell out stadiums, and dominate social media, their claim to being “America’s Team” grows stronger. In a landscape where sports are often divided by geography or tradition, the Savannah Bananas have united fans with fun, creativity, and a distinct flair for reinvention.