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When the Savannah Bananas announced in October 2022 that they would stop in Syracuse, local Ryan Deshaies submitted his name to the ticket waiting list. Eight months later, Deshaies received an email granting him the opportunity to purchase tickets.

The online ticket window opened at 10:30 a.m. and Deshaies jumped on the opportunity to buy tickets. Twelve minutes later, the game was sold out.

Nearly an entire year after the trip was announced, Deshaies and just under 11,000 central New York baseball fans flocked to NBT Bank Stadium to see the Savannah Bananas play their unique style of baseball. Banana Ball is unlike any other sport. A team comprised of many former collegiate and low-level professional players, the Bananas and their opponent, the Party Animals, focus on fan engagement and entertainment while displaying impressive baseball skills. Amid dance routines and TikToks, a game was still played.

Fans lined up at the gates of the Syracuse Mets’ stadium nearly five hours before the first pitch. Despite the wait, fans were still entertained. Team merchandise shops were lined around the plaza and the Bananas did their shenanigans from the top of the stadium stairs. On a stage set up outside the stadium, the Banana Band played music and the teams came out for their opening parade.

As the gates opened at 5:30 p.m., fans flooded into the stadium to get the best possible seat. A large aspect of the Savannah Bananas’ business plan is their first come, first serve ticketing system.

Fans line up outside NBT Bank Stadium prior to the Savannah Bananas’ stop in Syracuse on September 14. Aiden Stepansky | Asst. Digital Editor

The attraction of the Bananas brought in fans of all age groups to their Syracuse game. Megan Jordan brought her young family to see the Bananas. Jordan first saw them on YouTube. Her son, Ethan, saw the player interaction as the most fulfilling part of the experience, even getting a fist bump from a player going up the stairs.

Sixty-five-year-old Midge Jaquays also showed her support, wearing a full banana costume with yellow Crocs, a pink tutu and oversized green sunglasses. Jaquays had looked forward to the game for a while.

“When I saw (the Savannah Bananas) were in Syracuse I was so excited to see them,” Jaquays said. “All their antics are so fun…everybody needs fun in their life.”

In Savannah Bananas baseball, a simple fly ball to centerfield turns into a spontaneous mid-backflip catch. A wild pitch turns into a stealing of first base. A walk turns into a double when the fielding team must have every player touch the ball before tagging the runner.

Unlike traditional baseball, there is no strict separation between players and fans. Before and throughout the game, players are involved in contests with fans in the stands. Whether it be dance competitions or foolish, carnival-based games, something is always going on.

The entertainment factor is only part of the fan experience. The Bananas also show gratitude toward the fanbase. During the game, the organization recognized a local foster care family that has taken in over 30 children over the years.

The Savannah Bananas take the field in front of a crowd of just below 11,000 fans in Syracuse, New York. Aiden Stepansky | Asst. Digital Editor

NBT Bank Stadium saw one of its largest crowds in some time. Thursday night drew double the amount of the usual 5,000 people for Syracuse Mets games. The concourse concession stands were filled with lines throughout the night. The Bananas brought life to central New York.

As the game ended, fans got to meet with the players outside the stadium for photograph and autograph opportunities. John Wright got to take his children down to speak with and receive autographs from Bananas players.

“It was five hours of electric energy,” Wright said. “If you’re an art fan, if you’re a music fan, if you’re a dance fan, if you’re a baseball fan, you will absolutely love this experience.”

On Thursday, the Party Animals beat the Bananas 4-3. Although the Bananas lost, the atmosphere was a win for the community. Wright, like most, was in awe of the experience.

“I have been to the Super Bowl, I’ve been to the World Series and let me tell you that (the Bananas) was one of the best experiences of my life.”

Published on September 15, 2023 at 5:52 pm

Contact Aiden at: amstepan@syr.edu | @AidenStepansky