FRANKLIN, Wis. — The Savannah Bananas took center stage at Franklin Field this weekend as they concluded their “Bananas 2023 Banana Ball World Tour.”

What You Need To Know

  • Last year, the Savannah Bananas played 14 games in seven cities

  • This year, the Bananas will have played 86 games across 31 cities

  • Demand for Savannah Bananas games is so high that regular-priced tickets are now going for hundreds of dollars on the scalping market

  • It's aiming to create a new avenue for the next generation of baseball enthusiasts

This unique baseball team has captured the hearts of fans across the nation due to their unconventional approach to the beloved sport.

They play a style of baseball known as “Banana Ball,” featuring stilt-walking, costumes, lively music and signature dance moves.

According to Kyle Luigs, the starting pitcher for the Savannah Bananas, their mission is simple.

“Just creating good moments for people to want to come back to our games,” said Luigs.

And it’s working. Last year, the Bananas played 14 games in seven cities. In contrast, this year the Bananas will have played 86 games across 31 cities.

The demand for Savannah Bananas games is so high that regular-priced tickets are now earning hundreds of dollars on the scalping market.

“I can’t really remember that last time I played at a stadium where it wasn’t completely sold out,” said Luigs.

Social media has played a significant role in drawing younger generations to the Bananas’ unique brand of baseball. Young fan 10-year-old Zakiya Bridgewater was captivated by the experience.

“I think it’s fun that I got to actually watch it in person,” she said.

Luigs said the Savannah Bananas symbolizes a shift in how the younger generation experiences baseball.

“I think it kind of just goes with the newer generation,” said Luigs. “I feel like baseball has kind of fallen off. You want shorter games; you want more entertaining stuff, and you want stuff to be fast-paced and happen immediately.”

Despite their innovative approach, the Bananas have respect for baseball traditions. Many team members have a background in college and affiliate professional baseball.

“I think I’m a baseball purist at heart,” said Luigs. “It’s the game we grew up playing. A lot of us idolized professional players growing up.”

The Bananas aren’t here to disparage the classic American sport. Instead, they’re aiming to create a new avenue for the next generation of baseball enthusiasts.

“We’re definitely not trying to knock anything they’re doing,” said Luigs. “We’re trying to create a new avenue for the next generation of people who want to watch baseball.”

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