The Savannah Bananas Dedicate Their Games to Foster Families
The Savannah Bananas, an exhibition baseball team renowned for their unique blend of sports and entertainment, embrace a philosophy that revolves around family. Although their players showcase exceptional skills on the field—often engaging in jaw-dropping stunts like catching fly balls with bare hands or performing acrobatics—there’s a deeper mission behind every game: to unite people of all ages through the joy of baseball.
“Few experiences allow different generations to come together in meaningful ways,” said Emily Cole, co-owner of the Savannah Bananas along with her husband, Jesse Cole. “It’s incredibly fulfilling when families share these moments—toddlers, parents, and grandparents all bonding over a game.”
The popularity of Banana Ball, the team’s distinctive twist on traditional baseball, has exceeded expectations, evidenced by sold-out crowds at iconic venues like Fenway Park and Citizens Bank Park. Last fall, a packed audience of 45,000 enjoyed the lively atmosphere, which interspersed sporting action with entertainment tailored for fans of every generation.
A Unique Game Experience
From the start of the event, the Savannah Bananas ensure a festive environment. Before the first pitch, fans are introduced to the “Banana Baby,” a local infant clad in a banana costume, who is ceremoniously lifted into the air surrounded by players in a heartwarming moment set to The Circle of Life. Throughout the match, the highlight reels include the “Banana Nanas,” grandmothers performing choreographed dance routines, and players’ extravagant walk-up routines featuring lip-syncing performances to popular songs from artists like Kendrick Lamar, The Village People, and Taylor Swift.
In an interview with Lesley Stahl from CBS’s 60 Minutes, Jesse Cole reflected on the impact these games have on family connections. “A fan once shared with me that our games have provided him and his daughter a way to bond. He expressed how much that meant to him,” Cole recalled. Understanding the importance of connection, particularly between parents and children, resonates deeply with the Coles.
Spotlighting Foster Families
Jesse and Emily Cole’s personal experiences as foster parents significantly shape their commitment to highlighting the importance of foster care. Having taken in two girls—one aged two and another, a newborn with health challenges—the couple’s dedication to nurturing children led to their eventual adoption of both girls.
Motivated by their journey, the Coles founded “Bananas Foster,” a nonprofit organization aimed at honoring and educating communities about foster families. Each Banana Ball event features a special moment where they recognize a local foster family, often met with applause from the audience—a gesture acknowledging the dedication of foster parents who usually receive little recognition for their sacrifices.
“We feel an obligation to spread positivity in the world,” Emily Cole shared. “While we aim to create joy at our games, we recognize the pressing need in foster care. Our platform allows us to discuss a topic that often goes unnoticed in society.”
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Banana Baby Ceremony | Celebratory introduction of local infants dressed in banana costumes. |
| Recognition of Foster Families | Foster families honored on the field, receiving community applause. |
| Banana Nanas Performance | Choreographed dance routines featuring grandmothers. |
| Walk-Up Routines | Players engage fans with lip-syncing performances to popular music. |
In their quest to make a difference, the Savannah Bananas not only create a memorable entertainment experience but also leverage their platform to shine a light on the needs of foster families. With every game, they strive to ensure that the joy of baseball is felt by all, uniting generations in shared appreciation and understanding.
