Latest news with #SavannahBananas
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Going bananas: Why Savannah Bananas tickets cost more than a Dodgers-Yankees rematch
In a region where baseball is king, the long-awaited rematch of last year's World Series between the Dodgers and Yankees is unfolding. Ohtani. Judge. Two of the game's best, facing off once more. But just down the 5 Freeway in Anaheim, the home of Disney, the hottest ticket in baseball this weekend belongs to a stilted pitcher, juggling infielders and a yellow-suited, top hat-wearing carnival barker. Advertisement For back-to-back nights, more than 45,000 fans packed the Big A to see the Savannah Bananas — a team born from a small-time collegiate summer team that became a tour de force that has forever changed baseball. It was one stop during the Bananas' most audacious barnstorming effort since their baseball traveling show hit the road just a few years ago. The Savannah Bananas celebrate amid confetti after beating the Firefighters at Angel Stadium on Friday. (Luke Johnson / Los Angeles Times) These tickets were only available through a lottery — reserved months in advance. And when they went on sale, all were gone in an instant. The only way in was through the resale market, where just hours before first pitch on Friday, the lowest price (fees and taxes included) for a pair of tickets on StubHub was $209.52. Meanwhile, two lowest price StuHub tickets for the Dodgers versus Yankees game were available for $171.72. Advertisement All for the sake of 'Banana Ball.' This baseball game is a ballyhoo. One rooted in the thrills, energy and pageantry of early 20th-century carnivals, but with a 21st-century twist — the atmosphere of a TikTok reel brought to life. It's the showmanship of Ringling Brothers Circus combined with the athletic flair of the Harlem Globetrotters. Read more: Meet the Savannah Bananas, who've captivated fans and MLB. 'We exist to make baseball fun' But above all, it's a brand built on Walt Disney's blueprint— not just to entertain, but to make the audience feel. 'When you look at all the touch points — the joy, the fun, the dancing, the celebrating — and think about all the different stages, just like Walt, we think about all the stages: from the parking lot to the plaza, to the upper deck, to the dugouts,' said Bananas owner Jesse Cole, the man in the top hat. 'How do we make someone feel something?' Advertisement Instead of lounging in a cushy, air-conditioned owner's suite, Cole is in the dugout hours before showtime — a Disney-like archetype, his energy as vibrant as his layered, all-yellow suit, braving the afternoon heat. Savannah Bananas founder and owner Jesse Cole leads the crowd in a cheer as his team takes on the Firefighters at Angel Stadium on Friday. (Luke Johnson / Los Angeles Times) 'Nonstop,' Cole said, describing Banana Ball in a nutshell. Refusing to sit, not wanting to lose an ounce of edge, he added, 'It's all about energy. We want to give people energy, delivering it every second, from the moment we open the gates at two o'clock until the last fan leaves at 11.' While gates opened at 2 p.m., fans began arriving as early as 11 a.m. — clamoring for a shot at Banana-themed merchandise, many leaving the team tents with bags in both hands. In the parking lot, two young boys passed the time playing catch, gloves in hand. Advertisement As the afternoon wore on and the temperature climbed to 91 degrees, crowds trudged through the heat, some seeking refuge beneath the oversized Angels helmets at the stadium entrance, all for a chance to meet their favorite Banana Ballers. At the pregame plaza party, fans collected autographs, posed for photos and presented handmade gifts to players. Savannah Bananas mascot Split marches through the crowd before the team's game against the Firefighters at Angel Stadium Friday. (Luke Johnson / Los Angeles Times) When the gates opened, the LaCaze family pointed out their 9-year-old daughter's favorite player, David 'DR' Meadows. Decked out in her signed Meadows jersey, Carrigan LaCaze ran into his arms, with glove and oversized baseball clutched tightly and began speaking with him as if they were old friends. 'I ran to DR, and we started hugging and just started talking for a while because I missed him,' Carrigan LaCaze said. 'Tomorrow is actually one year on the dot since I met him.' Advertisement A Christmas road trip planned around the holidays, the family of four traveled across three states from their home in Alexandria, La., to Anaheim for two reasons: to visit Disneyland and see the Bananas. It was their second game — the family first saw the Bananas in the club's hometown of Savannah, Ga., when Carrigan, who is battling cystic fibrosis, was granted a Make-A-Wish experience so meaningful it was a no-brainer to relive it. 'It's great,' her father, Pierre LaCaze, said of the player interactions. 'We've gotten to keep track with some of them during the course of the year. We come back, we see them again. You know they're truly about the fans.' Rainer Easton, 11, tries to catch a yellow "Banana Ball" from the stands before the Savannah Bananas take on the Firefighters at Angel Stadium on Friday. (Luke Johnson / Los Angeles Times) The Bananas don't sell tickets. They sell connections, moments and memories. Advertisement For Cole, meetings are a constant brainstorming session on how to keep fans engaged and interacting. That's how he measures success. He says when the focus shifts to transactions, the game begins to lose its meaning. 'Our success is not judged by revenue,' Cole said. 'It's not judged by sales. It's judged by the moments we create.' But the numbers don't lie. The last time the Bananas came to Southern California, they played in front of 5,000 fans at LoanMart Field in Rancho Cucamonga in 2023 — a far cry from now selling out 18 major league ballparks and three football stadiums with capacities over 70,000. Fans fill the stands as the Savannah Bananas take on the Firefighters in front of a sold out crowd Friday at Angel Stadium. (Luke Johnson / Los Angeles Times) Attendance has soared year after year. Last season, the Bananas drew one million fans. This year, that number is expected to double, with more than three million people on the waitlist for their ticket lottery. Every game since February has sold out and every date in June and July is as well. Advertisement Michael and Melinda Schulteis, a husband and wife from Mission Viejo, were there the last time the Bananas came to town. When they heard the team was returning, they knew they couldn't miss it. 'The intimate atmosphere at the last event was great,' Melinda Schulteis said. 'But I'm curious, because they do such a good job putting on events, what touches are they going to add to still keep it close and intimate and give us another great experience?' Read more: What is Banana Ball? Here are the Savannah Banana rules of the game As the Bananas' success and reach have grown, spilling out from cozy minor league parks into stadiums not built for intimacy, the games still feel like family gatherings. Whether serenading players with stadium anthems like Bon Jovi's 'Livin' on a Prayer' or the waving of phone lights to Coldplay's 'Yellow,' the crowd moves in sync, no matter the tune. Advertisement While they're a privately owned team and don't disclose revenue figures, they've confirmed generating millions. Much like their box office appeal, their social media reach extends into the millions as well. The Savannah Bananas perform a kick line before taking on the Firefighters at Angel Stadium on Friday. (Luke Johnson / Los Angeles Times) Their antics — choreographed dances, lip-synced walk-ups, backflip outfield catches — have attracted nearly 10 million followers on TikTok, almost double the combined total of the Dodgers and Angels. That viral mastery, and the parasocial bonds it fosters, is part of what makes every game feel tight-knit. With his glove by his side, hoping to catch a foul ball for an out — one of the many offbeat rules of Banana Ball — Michael Schulties was disappointed he missed his favorite player, RobertAnthony Cruz, whom he first discovered on social media through his baseball coaching channel, better known as 'Coach RAC.' Advertisement Cruz, who drew the longest meet-and-greet line, is a former minor leaguer in the Nationals' farm system and a local — born just an hour away in Fontana. The game was a homecoming for Cruz, who joined the Bananas in 2023. With more than 70 family members and friends in attendance — and even more social media direct messages asking for tickets — playing in big league stadiums has become a dream come true, especially for a former minor leaguer whose baseball ambitions nearly died when he never got the call to the show. Savannah Bananas pitcher Correlle Prime delivers at Angel Stadium on Friday. (Luke Johnson / Los Angeles Times) Behind all the gimmicks, wackiness and absurdity, the roster is still filled with ballplayers — many of them with unrealized MLB dreams — now finding a second life through Banana Ball. And for Cruz, it's the happiest he's ever been in the sport. Advertisement 'I never would have imagined playing in this capacity,' Cruz said. 'Banana Ball didn't even exist when I was pursuing my dream of professional baseball. To be here, to see a sold-out crowd at a stadium that I went to growing up all the time, it's very special.' As the team travels the nation, sold-out crowds and newfound stardom have become the norm for Cruz. 'I'm not surprised by anything anymore,' Cruz said. 'If you told me that we're playing on the moon next year, I'd be like, 'All right, cool. Let me know when and where, and I'll be there' … I wouldn't be surprised if this thing continues to grow at an unprecedented rate.' Read more: It's time for Banana Ball! The story of the Savannah Bananas Advertisement Despite their growing success, the Bananas' brand of baseball remains polarizing — an easy target for detractors of zaniness, gatekeepers of fun and opponents of pizzazz who either don't understand it or refuse to see its appeal. 'Anybody that criticizes this, we're not for them,' Cole said. 'There's tradition in baseball, perfect. They've got Major League Baseball. … For people that want to come out and have fun, not take themselves too seriously and see something they've never seen before — and hopefully see the greatest show in sports — we built something for you.' The formula works. And again, the numbers don't lie. The Savannah Bananas' Jackson Olson celebrates a Troy Glaus base hit while the Bananas take on the Firefighters at Angel Stadium on Friday. Comedian Bert Kreischer celebrated behind the Bananas in the dugout. (Luke Johnson / Los Angeles Times) Yes, the Savannah Bananas' brand of baseball is far too outlandish ever to be compared to the major leagues — from flaming baseballs, rump-shaking umps and dress rehearsals. That's the point. It all feels like something conjured from the wildest dreams of the late Bill Veeck's imagination found a home, in a good way. Advertisement With many of the Banana Ball's 11 rules — like an automatic strike when hitters step out of the box or ejecting bunting hitters because bunting 'sucks' — are grounded in some sports-based logic, the innovations remain sacrilegious to baseball purists. But for a fleeting moment in December, Major League Baseball and Banana Ball were almost linked. In Banana Ball, the Golden Batter rule allows teams, once per game, to send their best hitter to the plate regardless of where they fall in the batting order. MLB commissioner Rob Manfred caused a stir when he floated a potential seismic rule by floating, making an offhand comment about the golden batter rule. Manfred later clarified it was merely 'a very preliminary conversation' among members of the league's competition committee and had not been formally discussed by the full ownership group. Advertisement A far-fetched idea, but Manfred has ushered in sweeping changes, from the widely praised pitch clock to the more contentious extra-inning 'ghost runner.' 'Anything that's best for the fans, I'm all in,' Cole said of its potential. 'I know Major League Baseball won't do it because of traditions, but ... we've had a lot of fun doing it.' The Firefighters run on the field before taking on the Savannah Bananas at Angel Stadium on Friday. (Luke Johnson / Los Angeles Times) But MLB would be behind the Bananas, who already introduced their version of the rule last season with a typical flair and showmanship. Their spin on it is a batter summoned from the dugout wearing a James Brown-esque cape and a gleaming golden helmet — an honor that went to Joe Lytle, who came to bat in the top of the ninth for the Bananas' Anaheim opponent, the Firefighters. Advertisement Ultimately, in a game where the score isn't the end-all, be-all — but the fun is — the Bananas beat the Firefighters 5–2. Like any other Bananas game, the festivities took center stage. It began with the 'First Peel,' a signature ceremony in which a young fan bites into a banana to declare whether it's good or bad — setting the tone for the night. Read more: How do the Savannah Bananas draw sold-out crowds? Five fun facts about the team Heisman Trophy winner and USC legend Matt Leinart threw out the ceremonial first spiral (because, of course, he did). And in true fashion, Angels World Series MVP Troy Glaus made a surprise cameo as a pinch hitter. Advertisement But what was more important was the trip to Anaheim, a fitting one for Cole and Co. The team that opened its season lip-syncing 'Be Our Guest' from the Disney classic 'Beauty and the Beast' — and its owner, cut from the same theatrical cloth as Disney — were celebrated a visit to the Happiest Place on Earth — Disneyland. Savannah Bananas founder and owner Jesse Cole provides color commentary during the baby race between innings at Angel Stadium on Friday. (Luke Johnson / Los Angeles Times) Greeted by fans in yellow gear, Cole's creation — the Bananas — marched in step down Main Street U.S.A., alongside Walt's own — Mickey Mouse, Goofy, Donald Duck. 'When I walked underneath the castle and over the bridge and in front of thousands of people, they were all there for us,' Cole said. 'Then I look and see Walt's statue, holding the hand of Mickey, and I see that and I'm like, 'This is special.'' Advertisement It was a full-circle moment for Cole, who became 'immersed in the magic' after his first trip to Disney World as a kid — and who now says, 'In a perfect world, I'd play catch with Walt on Main Street.' Serendipity. 'For me, that was an emotional moment — to know that we have worked so hard to create something that means something to people, that they come from all over the country just for a chance to see us,' Cole added. Get the best, most interesting and strangest stories of the day from the L.A. sports scene and beyond from our newsletter The Sports Report. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Time of India
18 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Why fans are paying more for Savannah Bananas than a Dodgers-Yankees clash
Image Source: Getty The Savannah Bananas, a quirky baseball team, are more popular than some of the largest Major League Baseball games. On June 1, 2025 their games at Angel Stadium in Anaheim had over 45,000 fans, and of course, tickets were selling for even higher than a Dodgers-Yankees World Series rematch. Here is why fans are spending more to watch the excitement of the Bananas' 'Banana Ball' as opposed to traditional baseball. Savannah Bananas tickets cost more than MLB's biggest game The Savannah Bananas make baseball a big, fun show, and fans are willing to pay more for it. On June 1, 2025, the cheapest pair of tickets for their game at Angel Stadium cost $209.52 on StubHub, while Dodgers-Yankees tickets were only $171.72. Their tickets are sold through a lottery, so they're hard to get, which makes resale prices higher. The Bananas mix baseball with dancing and circus-like fun, creating a lively event like a party. With almost 10 million TikTok followers, their videos spread fast, bringing huge crowds. Last year, they had one million fans, and this year, they expect two million, with three million people waiting for tickets. This huge demand makes their games more expensive than even the Dodgers-Yankees matchup, showing how much fans love their 'Fans First' style. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Esse novo alarme com câmera é quase gratuito em Ilha Solteira (consulte o preço) Alarmes Undo Also Read: "One whole year of loving you" — Dodgers star BlakeSnell's wife Haeley Ryane celebrates son's first birthday with heartfelt post Banana Ball's unique appeal transforms baseball into a party Banana Ball is very different from regular baseball, mixing sports with fun that everyone loves. Players dance, lip-sync, and even try backflip catches, making the game feel like a big celebration. Special rules, like picking the best hitter once per game, add excitement. Owner Jesse Cole, who loves Disney's magic, makes sure every part of the event, from the parking lot to the field, is fun. Fans come early to buy Bananas gear and meet players, like 9-year-old Carrigan LaCaze hugging her favorite player. The team's recent Disneyland parade with Mickey Mouse shows their special charm. Unlike the serious Dodgers-Yankees games, the Bananas create a happy, welcoming vibe for all ages. This fun and connection, plus their huge social media fame, explain why fans pay more for their tickets than for MLB's biggest stars. The Savannah Bananas make baseball fun and unforgettable, which is why fans love them so much. Their games are not just about sports; they're about creating happy moments. From packed stadiums to viral videos, the Bananas have changed how people see baseball. As they travel for their 2025 Banana Ball World Tour, their popularity keeps growing, proving that fun and connection can beat even the biggest names in baseball. Whether it's dancing players or a kid's dream coming true, the Bananas give fans a show worth every dollar.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Going bananas: Why Savannah Bananas tickets cost more than a Dodgers-Yankees rematch
In a region where baseball is king, the long-awaited rematch of last year's World Series between the Dodgers and Yankees is unfolding. Ohtani. Judge. Two of the game's best, facing off once more. But just down the 5 Freeway in Anaheim, the home of Disney, the hottest ticket in baseball this weekend belongs to a stilted pitcher, juggling infielders and a yellow-suited, top hat-wearing carnival barker. Advertisement For back-to-back nights, more than 45,000 fans packed the Big A to see the Savannah Bananas — a team born from a small-time collegiate summer team that became a tour de force that has forever changed baseball. It was one stop during the Bananas' most audacious barnstorming effort since their baseball traveling show hit the road just a few years ago. The Savannah Bananas celebrate amid confetti after beating the Firefighters at Angel Stadium on Friday. (Luke Johnson / Los Angeles Times) These tickets were only available through a lottery — reserved months in advance. And when they went on sale, all were gone in an instant. The only way in was through the resale market, where just hours before first pitch on Friday, the lowest price (fees and taxes included) for a pair of tickets on StubHub was $209.52. Meanwhile, two lowest price StuHub tickets for the Dodgers versus Yankees game were available for $171.72. Advertisement All for the sake of 'Banana Ball.' This baseball game is a ballyhoo. One rooted in the thrills, energy and pageantry of early 20th-century carnivals, but with a 21st-century twist — the atmosphere of a TikTok reel brought to life. It's the showmanship of Ringling Brothers Circus combined with the athletic flair of the Harlem Globetrotters. Read more: Meet the Savannah Bananas, who've captivated fans and MLB. 'We exist to make baseball fun' But above all, it's a brand built on Walt Disney's blueprint— not just to entertain, but to make the audience feel. 'When you look at all the touch points — the joy, the fun, the dancing, the celebrating — and think about all the different stages, just like Walt, we think about all the stages: from the parking lot to the plaza, to the upper deck, to the dugouts,' said Bananas owner Jesse Cole, the man in the top hat. 'How do we make someone feel something?' Advertisement Instead of lounging in a cushy, air-conditioned owner's suite, Cole is in the dugout hours before showtime — a Disney-like archetype, his energy as vibrant as his layered, all-yellow suit, braving the afternoon heat. Savannah Bananas founder and owner Jesse Cole leads the crowd in a cheer as his team takes on the Firefighters at Angel Stadium on Friday. (Luke Johnson / Los Angeles Times) 'Nonstop,' Cole said, describing Banana Ball in a nutshell. Refusing to sit, not wanting to lose an ounce of edge, he added, 'It's all about energy. We want to give people energy, delivering it every second, from the moment we open the gates at two o'clock until the last fan leaves at 11.' While gates opened at 2 p.m., fans began arriving as early as 11 a.m. — clamoring for a shot at Banana-themed merchandise, many leaving the team tents with bags in both hands. In the parking lot, two young boys passed the time playing catch, gloves in hand. Advertisement As the afternoon wore on and the temperature climbed to 91 degrees, crowds trudged through the heat, some seeking refuge beneath the oversized Angels helmets at the stadium entrance, all for a chance to meet their favorite Banana Ballers. At the pregame plaza party, fans collected autographs, posed for photos and presented handmade gifts to players. Savannah Bananas mascot Split marches through the crowd before the team's game against the Firefighters at Angel Stadium Friday. (Luke Johnson / Los Angeles Times) When the gates opened, the LaCaze family pointed out their 9-year-old daughter's favorite player, David 'DR' Meadows. Decked out in her signed Meadows jersey, Carrigan LaCaze ran into his arms, with glove and oversized baseball clutched tightly and began speaking with him as if they were old friends. 'I ran to DR, and we started hugging and just started talking for a while because I missed him,' Carrigan LaCaze said. 'Tomorrow is actually one year on the dot since I met him.' Advertisement A Christmas road trip planned around the holidays, the family of four traveled across three states from their home in Alexandria, La., to Anaheim for two reasons: to visit Disneyland and see the Bananas. It was their second game — the family first saw the Bananas in the club's hometown of Savannah, Ga., when Carrigan, who is battling cystic fibrosis, was granted a Make-A-Wish experience so meaningful it was a no-brainer to relive it. 'It's great,' her father, Pierre LaCaze, said of the player interactions. 'We've gotten to keep track with some of them during the course of the year. We come back, we see them again. You know they're truly about the fans.' Rainer Easton, 11, tries to catch a yellow "Banana Ball" from the stands before the Savannah Bananas take on the Firefighters at Angel Stadium on Friday. (Luke Johnson / Los Angeles Times) The Bananas don't sell tickets. They sell connections, moments and memories. Advertisement For Cole, meetings are a constant brainstorming session on how to keep fans engaged and interacting. That's how he measures success. He says when the focus shifts to transactions, the game begins to lose its meaning. 'Our success is not judged by revenue,' Cole said. 'It's not judged by sales. It's judged by the moments we create.' But the numbers don't lie. The last time the Bananas came to Southern California, they played in front of 5,000 fans at LoanMart Field in Rancho Cucamonga in 2023 — a far cry from now selling out 18 major league ballparks and three football stadiums with capacities over 70,000. Fans fill the stands as the Savannah Bananas take on the Firefighters in front of a sold out crowd Friday at Angel Stadium. (Luke Johnson / Los Angeles Times) Attendance has soared year after year. Last season, the Bananas drew one million fans. This year, that number is expected to double, with more than three million people on the waitlist for their ticket lottery. Every game since February has sold out and every date in June and July is as well. Advertisement Michael and Melinda Schulteis, a husband and wife from Mission Viejo, were there the last time the Bananas came to town. When they heard the team was returning, they knew they couldn't miss it. 'The intimate atmosphere at the last event was great,' Melinda Schulteis said. 'But I'm curious, because they do such a good job putting on events, what touches are they going to add to still keep it close and intimate and give us another great experience?' Read more: What is Banana Ball? Here are the Savannah Banana rules of the game As the Bananas' success and reach have grown, spilling out from cozy minor league parks into stadiums not built for intimacy, the games still feel like family gatherings. Whether serenading players with stadium anthems like Bon Jovi's 'Livin' on a Prayer' or the waving of phone lights to Coldplay's 'Yellow,' the crowd moves in sync, no matter the tune. Advertisement While they're a privately owned team and don't disclose revenue figures, they've confirmed generating millions. Much like their box office appeal, their social media reach extends into the millions as well. The Savannah Bananas perform a kick line before taking on the Firefighters at Angel Stadium on Friday. (Luke Johnson / Los Angeles Times) Their antics — choreographed dances, lip-synced walk-ups, backflip outfield catches — have attracted nearly 10 million followers on TikTok, almost double the combined total of the Dodgers and Angels. That viral mastery, and the parasocial bonds it fosters, is part of what makes every game feel tight-knit. With his glove by his side, hoping to catch a foul ball for an out — one of the many offbeat rules of Banana Ball — Michael Schulties was disappointed he missed his favorite player, RobertAnthony Cruz, whom he first discovered on social media through his baseball coaching channel, better known as 'Coach RAC.' Advertisement Cruz, who drew the longest meet-and-greet line, is a former minor leaguer in the Nationals' farm system and a local — born just an hour away in Fontana. The game was a homecoming for Cruz, who joined the Bananas in 2023. With more than 70 family members and friends in attendance — and even more social media direct messages asking for tickets — playing in big league stadiums has become a dream come true, especially for a former minor leaguer whose baseball ambitions nearly died when he never got the call to the show. Savannah Bananas pitcher Correlle Prime delivers at Angel Stadium on Friday. (Luke Johnson / Los Angeles Times) Behind all the gimmicks, wackiness and absurdity, the roster is still filled with ballplayers — many of them with unrealized MLB dreams — now finding a second life through Banana Ball. And for Cruz, it's the happiest he's ever been in the sport. Advertisement 'I never would have imagined playing in this capacity,' Cruz said. 'Banana Ball didn't even exist when I was pursuing my dream of professional baseball. To be here, to see a sold-out crowd at a stadium that I went to growing up all the time, it's very special.' As the team travels the nation, sold-out crowds and newfound stardom have become the norm for Cruz. 'I'm not surprised by anything anymore,' Cruz said. 'If you told me that we're playing on the moon next year, I'd be like, 'All right, cool. Let me know when and where, and I'll be there' … I wouldn't be surprised if this thing continues to grow at an unprecedented rate.' Read more: It's time for Banana Ball! The story of the Savannah Bananas Advertisement Despite their growing success, the Bananas' brand of baseball remains polarizing — an easy target for detractors of zaniness, gatekeepers of fun and opponents of pizzazz who either don't understand it or refuse to see its appeal. 'Anybody that criticizes this, we're not for them,' Cole said. 'There's tradition in baseball, perfect. They've got Major League Baseball. … For people that want to come out and have fun, not take themselves too seriously and see something they've never seen before — and hopefully see the greatest show in sports — we built something for you.' The formula works. And again, the numbers don't lie. The Savannah Bananas' Jackson Olson celebrates a Troy Glaus base hit while the Bananas take on the Firefighters at Angel Stadium on Friday. Comedian Bert Kreischer celebrated behind the Bananas in the dugout. (Luke Johnson / Los Angeles Times) Yes, the Savannah Bananas' brand of baseball is far too outlandish ever to be compared to the major leagues — from flaming baseballs, rump-shaking umps and dress rehearsals. That's the point. It all feels like something conjured from the wildest dreams of the late Bill Veeck's imagination found a home, in a good way. Advertisement With many of the Banana Ball's 11 rules — like an automatic strike when hitters step out of the box or ejecting bunting hitters because bunting 'sucks' — are grounded in some sports-based logic, the innovations remain sacrilegious to baseball purists. But for a fleeting moment in December, Major League Baseball and Banana Ball were almost linked. In Banana Ball, the Golden Batter rule allows teams, once per game, to send their best hitter to the plate regardless of where they fall in the batting order. MLB commissioner Rob Manfred caused a stir when he floated a potential seismic rule by floating, making an offhand comment about the golden batter rule. Manfred later clarified it was merely 'a very preliminary conversation' among members of the league's competition committee and had not been formally discussed by the full ownership group. Advertisement A far-fetched idea, but Manfred has ushered in sweeping changes, from the widely praised pitch clock to the more contentious extra-inning 'ghost runner.' 'Anything that's best for the fans, I'm all in,' Cole said of its potential. 'I know Major League Baseball won't do it because of traditions, but ... we've had a lot of fun doing it.' The Firefighters run on the field before taking on the Savannah Bananas at Angel Stadium on Friday. (Luke Johnson / Los Angeles Times) But MLB would be behind the Bananas, who already introduced their version of the rule last season with a typical flair and showmanship. Their spin on it is a batter summoned from the dugout wearing a James Brown-esque cape and a gleaming golden helmet — an honor that went to Joe Lytle, who came to bat in the top of the ninth for the Bananas' Anaheim opponent, the Firefighters. Advertisement Ultimately, in a game where the score isn't the end-all, be-all — but the fun is — the Bananas beat the Firefighters 5–2. Like any other Bananas game, the festivities took center stage. It began with the 'First Peel,' a signature ceremony in which a young fan bites into a banana to declare whether it's good or bad — setting the tone for the night. Read more: How do the Savannah Bananas draw sold-out crowds? Five fun facts about the team Heisman Trophy winner and USC legend Matt Leinart threw out the ceremonial first spiral (because, of course, he did). And in true fashion, Angels World Series MVP Troy Glaus made a surprise cameo as a pinch hitter. Advertisement But what was more important was the trip to Anaheim, a fitting one for Cole and Co. The team that opened its season lip-syncing 'Be Our Guest' from the Disney classic 'Beauty and the Beast' — and its owner, cut from the same theatrical cloth as Disney — were celebrated a visit to the Happiest Place on Earth — Disneyland. Savannah Bananas founder and owner Jesse Cole provides color commentary during the baby race between innings at Angel Stadium on Friday. (Luke Johnson / Los Angeles Times) Greeted by fans in yellow gear, Cole's creation — the Bananas — marched in step down Main Street U.S.A., alongside Walt's own — Mickey Mouse, Goofy, Donald Duck. 'When I walked underneath the castle and over the bridge and in front of thousands of people, they were all there for us,' Cole said. 'Then I look and see Walt's statue, holding the hand of Mickey, and I see that and I'm like, 'This is special.'' Advertisement It was a full-circle moment for Cole, who became 'immersed in the magic' after his first trip to Disney World as a kid — and who now says, 'In a perfect world, I'd play catch with Walt on Main Street.' Serendipity. 'For me, that was an emotional moment — to know that we have worked so hard to create something that means something to people, that they come from all over the country just for a chance to see us,' Cole added. Get the best, most interesting and strangest stories of the day from the L.A. sports scene and beyond from our newsletter The Sports Report. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
How much Clemson grossed in alcohol sales at Savannah Bananas, spring football, baseball, softball
CLEMSON — Clemson is seeing the benefits of allowing alcohol to be sold at sporting events. According to the school's athletic department, it has generated $470,927 in gross revenue and sold 39,392 units over 15 events since sales began April 5. Those games include eight Clemson baseball games at Doug Kingsmore Stadium, five softball games at McWhorter Stadium and two events at Memorial Stadium: Clemson football's spring game and the Savannah Bananas game. Advertisement The net total for alcohol sales are not available yet because Clemson is still figuring out expenses and revenue split, according to Clemson spokesperson Jeff Kallin. It received its gross revenue numbers from Aramark Sports and Entertainment, the company that sells alcohol at concession stands and kiosks at games. "The rollout of the alcohol sales from an in-venue standpoint has gone incredibly well," Clemson athletic director Graham Neff said on April 25. "... Fan-experience component, there has been great feedback on that from our folks that the sales have been beyond what we had (expected) so to speak." Clemson's athletic department announced April 1 that alcoholic beverages would be available for purchase at designated stands and kiosks at sporting events. It was one of three Power Four schools nationally (the others being Utah and BYU), including the only school in the ACC, SEC and Big Ten, that neither offered the sale of alcoholic beverages in its athletic venues nor accepted sponsorship revenue from alcoholic beverage advertisers. However, Clemson hopes its change in stance will be a boon for its revenue as it is aligned with other Power Four programs as the college athletics landscape is set to shift with the pending House settlement. Advertisement Here's a breakdown of how much Clemson made in gross revenue from each event. Savannah Bananas, Clemson football spring game a sign of things to come The Bananas sold out Memorial Stadium, welcoming 81,000 fans. It was the largest sporting event at Clemson since alcohol was permitted, and its revenue was a reflection of it. MORE: What Clemson baseball's Erik Bakich said about alcohol finally being sold at home games Clemson sold 27,181 units to make $346,684 in gross revenue. In its agreement with the Bananas, Clemson was responsible for the facility infrastructure (field of play, dugouts, bullpens, backstops), concessions, its merchandising, parking, security and custodial staff. The Bananas handled ticketing (Clemson received money from premium seating), their merchandising and Fan Fest event and on-field entertainment. Advertisement For its football spring game on April 5, which was its first time selling alcohol, it welcomed around 35,000 fans and sold 3,394 units to make $35,174 in gross revenue. Clemson hopes this momentum can carry over to the football season when coach Dabo Swinney's team takes the field for seven home games in 2025 and potentially a College Football Playoff game. According to the Knoxville-News Sentinel, Tennessee sold more than 278,000 servings of beer at football games at Neyland Stadium, that generated $3.3 million in the 2022 season. Clemson baseball, softball could have stronger figures in NCAA regionals Clemson baseball and softball combined for 8,817 units sold, which made $89,069 in gross revenue. Clemson baseball coach Erik Bakich has been a proponent of alcohol sales, even labeling its new standing-room-only area near the opposing team's bullpen a beer garden. He hopes the new amenities will help create a rowdy environment, like it did against Georgia this season. Advertisement "We want the rowdy crowd. We want the beer-drinking crowd," Bakich said in January. "We want people to come out here and have a blast, and the opposing pitchers are going to have to get warm right in front of that section." Both programs are projected to host an NCAA regional this season, meaning not only could they have greater turnouts but have more alcohol sales. Derrian Carter covers Clemson athletics for The Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network. Email him at dcarter@ and follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DerrianCarter00 This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Alcohol sales: Here's how much Clemson has generated in gross revenue
Thrill Geek
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Thrill Geek
Savannah Bananas Visit Disneyland Resort
Today, May 28, guests at Disneyland Resort went wild for a one-day-only event featuring the wildly entertaining Savannah Bananas baseball team, also known as The Greatest Show in Sports. The resort has released new photos capturing the excitement of the team's special appearances at Disneyland Park earlier today. The Savannah Bananas visit Disneyland Resort on May 28, 2025. The schedule included an 11:00AM PT dance performance in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle and a 12:30PM cavalcade down Main Street, U.S.A. Select team members joined an energetic cavalcade along the park's parade route before treating fans to a lively performance of 'Hey Baby' in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle. Banana-themed snacks and drinks were also available throughout the resort, adding to the festive atmosphere. The Savannah Bananas visit Disneyland Resort on May 28, 2025. The schedule included an 11:00AM PT dance performance in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle and a 12:30PM cavalcade down Main Street, U.S.A. The Savannah Bananas' visit comes at the perfect time, as Disneyland Resort kicks off its historic 70th anniversary celebration and just ahead of the team's upcoming road games against the Firefighters at Angel Stadium on May 30–31, 2025. Clint Gamache is the owner of ThrillGeek. He started ThrillGeek to share his love of theme/amusement parks and pop culture with the world. You can find him at Halloween Horror Nights. Also, be sure to follow him on Twitter/X, Instagram @iamcg83
