The 2026 ESPY Awards in New York played host to an unexpected guest: the Savannah Bananas, the exhibition baseball team that has turned the sport into a stage show.
Founded in 2016 by Jesse Cole, the club built its identity around a simple but radical motto: ‘whatever is normal, we will do the opposite.’ That creed now fuels a brand of play they call Banana Ball.
A Playful Revolution on the Diamond
What sets Banana Ball apart is not just its flashy dance breaks or outfield acrobatics, but a set of rules that rewrite the rhythm of a nine‑inning game. In this version, teams battle for a single point per inning within a strict two‑hour window, and the ninth inning permits unlimited scoring, turning the final frame into a sprint of strategy and stamina.
Players sprint around the diamond while the ball is relayed to every fielder, can steal first base on any pitch, and foul balls remain in play anywhere, even when caught by a spectator, which counts as an out. The theatricality is deliberate, yet the competition remains razor‑sharp; the outcome is never guaranteed.
The performance at the ESPYs was more than a stunt. It was a live demonstration of a sport that embraces spontaneity while still demanding precision. Coverage from HuffPost highlighted the crowd’s reaction, noting that the blend of humor and athleticism resonated with both baseball purists and newcomers.
Behind the spectacle is a community partnership with Visit Savannah, an organization that has helped bring the Bananas’ brand of entertainment to new markets. The team’s founder, Jesse Cole, and player Joe Martinelli, who has become a fan favorite for his daring steals, embody the spirit of a venture that refuses to be boxed in.
Whether on a modest field in Georgia or under the bright lights of a major awards ceremony, the Savannah Bananas prove that baseball can evolve without losing its competitive heart. Their ‘Banana Ball’ experiment invites fans to rethink what a game can be, all while keeping the scoreboard as unpredictable as ever.