By Josiah Stromberg
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You might know the worldwide sensation the Savannah Bananas and you might also know that they're coming to Eugene's Oregon Ducks baseball stadium Autzen Park (A football stadium). Most everyone is excited including TEACH-NW students because when big teams come to Oregon they typically go to Portland or Salem instead they are going to Eugene. They are so popular that you have to win the lottery to even be able to buy tickets (Congratulations if you won). If you have never heard of the Savanna Bananas, here is a quick rundown.
Savannah Bananas was first founded in February 2016 by Jesse Cole. The team played their first season in Grayson Park, their home field in Savannah Georgia. They began to gain fame and began traveling across the country visiting different states and cities and even gaining fame from other countries. New teams began to join, such as The Texas tailgaters, the Party Animals, firefighters, Indianapolis Clowns, and the Loco beach coconuts.
Although they are famous and loved by many people, what does a semi professional think about it? Let me introduce you to Bill Shamblin, Bill is a former Minor league player who played in the minor leagues for 7 years and had his peak game in 1985 against the Iowa Burlington Rangers. “They’re against the grain as entertainment. It's cool, very inspirational for youth, it's always changing, very fun for youth” says Shamblin. Banana ball is super engaging for youth and for adults. It is much different than MLB rules, the speed “ The talent level mlb pitches 100+ in banana ball you won’t see that” Bill says. In banana ball you see backflips in the outfield you won't see that in MLB not a chance. Banana ball is a chance for college players who couldn't go pro and for semi pro players who are looking for a second chance.
Banana ball is a crazy game filled with acrobatics and skills mixed with America's pastime baseball. It is highly successful in entertainment and if you have not seen banana ball I highly suggest that you watch it or try to see them live.
Work Cited
Skalla, Biko. “The History and Future of Banana Ball.” The Savannah Bananas, 28 October 2021, https://thesavannahbananas.com/the-history-of-banana-ball/. Accessed 3 December 2025.
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