What you missed at the Savannah Bananas games at Fenway Park
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Beyond the
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Here are a few highlights from some wild games at Fenway.
The Savannah Bananas face off against the Firefighters at Fenway Park. The Bananas play 'banana ball' which puts a unique twist on baseball rules.
Doug Flutie delivered the first pitch
Former Boston College star and 1984 Heisman Trophy winner Doug Flutie might be best known for his play on the gridiron.
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But the longtime NFL and CFL standout has become an honorary Savannah Banana at this point.
Flutie was called upon to deliver the ceremonial first pitch for Sunday's game at Fenway. But, rather than it be more of a ceremonial display, Flutie's first offering actually counted as either a ball or a strike for the first at-bat for the Firefighters.
But after Flutie's initial pitch dropped to the dirt for a ball, Flutie insisted on staying in the game to close out the at-bat. His wish was granted, with Flutie eventually ending what was an eight-pitch at-bat by forcing a soft pop-up to third base.
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1984 Heisman Winner, Doug Flutie, was brought on for the first pitch of the game in Fenway.
He ended up insisting on staying on the mound and after an 8-pitch battle, secured the first out of the ballgame😤
— Savannah Bananas (@TheSavBananas)
78-year-old Bill Lee returned to the mound
Former Red Sox southpaw Bill Lee last pitched in the big leagues for Boston in 1978.
But the 'Spaceman' has become a staple at Bananas games for years now, with the 78-year-old pitcher taking the mound at Fenway for the second year in a row on Sunday.
The Red Sox Hall of Famer was called upon with two outs in the sixth inning, closing out the frame after four pitches by inducing a fly out to left field — which was snagged as the left fielder was in the midst of a backflip.
Despite his abbreviated outing, Lee ended his relief appearance with a bang, turning back to the mound and taking off his shirt and undershirt to the cheers of the fans in attendance.
'No, it never gets old here,' Lee
Brock Holt may not be a fan of 'Banana Ball'
Brock Holt, a 2018 World Series champion, was one of many former Red Sox who made guest appearances over the weekend.
Holt, who spent parts of seven seasons with the Red Sox, made quite the entrance during Saturday's game, walking out to the field from the stands while receiving a large ovation from the crowd.
Those cheers quickly turned to boos after Holt fouled off a pitch that was snagged out of the air by one fan in the grandstands. While a foul ball normally just counts as a strike in baseball, it is considered an out under 'Banana Ball' rules if any fan catches said foul ball.
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As a result, Holt was called out on the play, with the fan's impressive catch of a screaming line drive leading to plenty of groans as a defeated Holt made his way to the dugout.
This fan did NOT give Brock Holt a warm welcome in his return to Fenway Park 😅
— Banana Ball (@BananaBall_)
Several other ex-Red Sox made cameos
Beyond Lee and Holt, there were multiple other former Red Sox standouts who donned Bananas gear over the weekend.
Former Red Sox closer Keith Foulke — who recorded the final out of the 2004 World Series — recorded the final out for an inning on Saturday with Savannah.
2004 World Series Champion, Keith Foulke, closes out the inning for the Savannah Bananas in Fenway Park!
— Savannah Bananas (@TheSavBananas)
Another former reliever (and 2018 World Series champion) in Matt Barnes also recorded the final out of an inning on Saturday.
Johnny Damon, a 2004 World Series champion, stepped up to the plate in the bottom of the seventh inning on Sunday, eventually lining out to first to close out the inning.
2018 World Series champion and 2018 ALCS MVP Jackie Bradley Jr. also made an appearance, eventually taking first after getting hit by a pitch. Bradley eventually returned to the game just two innings later as the Bananas' 'Golden Batter' — with the former Gold Glove winner flying out to center field in his second at-bat.
The All-American Rejects performed an impromptu concert
You never know what's going to happen at a Savannah Bananas game.
Case in point: Pop-punk band The All-American Rejects rising up from their seats on Saturday before taking to the field and performing a small set to a sold-out Fenway Park.
Nothing like the All American Rejects surprising a sold out crowd at Fenway with a little mid-game concert 😎
— Savannah Bananas (@TheSavBananas)
During a three-song medley where lead singer Tyson Ritter made his way around the diamond and danced alongside Bananas players, the band performed 'Move Along,' 'Dirty Little Secret,' and 'Gives You Hell.'
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The 'Rejects' were not done, however. After leaving Fenway, they also made a pit stop across the street to perform a set at the Lansdowne Pub.
Conor Ryan can be reached at
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