Photo credit: www.cbsnews.com
The Savannah Bananas: Bridging Generations Through Baseball
The Savannah Bananas are redefining the essence of family in sports. While the exhibition baseball team showcases remarkable athleticism—like catching pop-ups barehanded while executing backflips and hitting from stilts—their primary goal transcends the mere outcome of games. The unique style of play, known as “Banana Ball,” emphasizes community and entertainment over traditional scorekeeping.
Emily Cole, co-owner of the Savannah Bananas alongside her husband, Jesse Cole, highlighted the significance of intergenerational connections during their games. “There are few activities that can genuinely bring together different age groups,” she explained. “Seeing families unite—toddlers with parents and even grandparents—is one of our greatest rewards.” Such sentiments underscore the heart of Banana Ball, which prioritizes shared experiences and joy amongst fans of all ages.
The appeal of Banana Ball is evident, as their matches have drawn packed crowds in iconic MLB stadiums like Fenway Park in Boston and Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, with the latter seeing an audience of 45,000 last fall. This widespread interest illustrates the success of their fresh take on the sport.
Apart from the exciting gameplay, the Bananas have curated an immersive experience for attendees. Before each game, the “Banana Baby,” a local infant donned in a banana suit, is celebrated alongside players who gather in an endearing tribute accompanied by “The Circle of Life.” Throughout the match, grandmothers, referred to as Banana Nanas, take part in coordinated dance performances, while players engage fans with lively lip-syncing routines featuring popular artists like Kendrick Lamar and Taylor Swift.
Jesse Cole emphasizes that these elements are designed to unite generations. He shared a touching encounter with a father at a recent game who expressed gratitude: “You provided me with something that I can share with my daughter. Your impact is profound.” Cole, who has two daughters himself, understands the importance of creating bonding moments through shared interests.
Family values play a pivotal role in the Bananas’ mission, particularly regarding their involvement in fostering children. As licensed foster parents, the Coles initially welcomed a two-year-old girl and later took in a newborn baby girl facing significant challenges. Although their intention was temporary support, the couple ultimately made the decision to adopt both girls permanently.
To raise awareness and honor foster families, the Coles established a nonprofit called “Bananas Foster.” This initiative celebrates foster parents at every Banana Ball game, often culminating in a heartfelt standing ovation from the audience. “We feel a moral obligation to promote positivity,” Emily Cole stated. “While we’re focused on delivering joy, we recognize the pressing needs within the foster care system. We’re fortunate to have a platform that allows us to address this critical issue.”
The video above was produced by Brit McCandless Farmer and edited by Scott Rosann.
More from CBS News
Source
www.cbsnews.com