BROCKTON, Mass. — The Savannah Bananas are an exposition baseball team that shot to fame on social media with millions of likes and they were welcomed by thousands of crazed fans at the Brockton Rox Stadium.
“I’m excited to be here because I love baseball and I love tricks,” said Shane an 11-year-old who came up from Sandwich
The team known for its antics did not disappoint dancing their way into fans’ hearts.
“Everything that’s going to be happening is cool. It’s not baseball and all the funny rules,” said Kevin a teen who came to see the team.
“Banana Land” is what the stadium became as kids screamed for their favorite players. One of them is Alex Ziggy Ziegler, aka the bat trickster, whose fancy moves are a fan favorite.
And he loves being part of this sensation.
“It’s not like even a team anymore. We’re brothers we’re all family this is everything,” said Zeigler.
The team’s owner is Jesse Cole known for his yellow tuxedo. He says he grew up playing baseball in Scituate.
“We started as a dream and struggled in the beginning and now to see every ballpark sold out since our first season. It’s wild,” said Cole.
Just before every game, the team honors a banana baby, a local newborn raised above the players on the field.
“Fans it is now time to meet tonight’s banana baby,” said Cole surrounded by the team.
Banana Ball has its own rules, aimed at making the game move faster. They include: no bunting, no walks allowed and the games are two hours max. They move fast. Their challengers are their arch-rivals called the Party Animals. The Party Animals are despised in the Banana world and are booed and harassed by fans. They are the bad guys.
Everyone was cheering and laughing, all having a blast and happy to see the Savannah Bananas in Massachusetts.
In October the team announces its 2024 season. There is interest from some major league teams to let the Bananas play in their stadiums and Cole says that includes the Red Sox.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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