On a night filled with laughter, music, and nonstop entertainment, one moment stood out at PNC Park: Butler native Alex “Ziggy” Ziegler stepping onto the field in front of thousands of fans. Known for his dazzling bat tricks and playful antics as part of the Savannah Bananas, Ziegler was overcome with emotion as he…
On a night filled with laughter, music, and nonstop entertainment, one moment stood out at PNC Park: Butler native Alex “Ziggy” Ziegler stepping onto the field in front of thousands of fans. Known for his dazzling bat tricks and playful antics as part of the Savannah Bananas, Ziegler was overcome with emotion as he returned to western Pennsylvania, this time on baseball’s grand stage.
For those unfamiliar, the Savannah Bananas are no ordinary ballclub. The Georgia-based team has taken the sports world by storm with Banana Ball, a fast-paced, entertainment-first version of baseball that combines athleticism with circus-like flair. With two-hour time limits, foul balls caught by fans counting as outs, and players dancing between pitches, every Bananas game feels more like a festival than a ballgame.
A Homegrown Star Returns
Ziegler, nicknamed “Ziggy” by teammates and fans, grew up in Butler, just north of Pittsburgh. His journey from a small-town kid with big dreams to a member of one of the most viral teams in sports has been anything but ordinary. On Friday, that journey came full circle.
“I can’t even describe what this means,” Ziegler said, holding back tears as he looked around PNC Park. “Growing up, I came here as a fan. To now be out here performing in front of my family, my friends, my community—it’s surreal.”
As he jogged onto the field for pregame warmups, Ziegler was greeted by a roar from the crowd. Many fans, aware of his local roots, waved signs and wore yellow Bananas gear in his honor.
Local Pride on Display
Ziegler wasn’t the only western Pennsylvania standout to take the field Friday night. Ryan Cox of Aliquippa, another local product, also suited up for the Bananas in front of a hometown crowd. Both players took time before the game to sign autographs, pose for photos, and chat with young fans, creating memories that stretched far beyond the final score.
For families in the stands, it was a chance to see hometown athletes not just competing, but thriving in a new and unconventional way.
“Seeing guys from right here in our backyard on the field—it just makes the whole thing more special,” said one Pittsburgh father who brought his two kids to the game. “They’re proof that dreams can take you anywhere.”
Tricks, Cheers, and Pure Joy
True to form, Ziegler delivered a show. Known across social media for his eye-popping bat flips, juggling routines, and choreographed moves, he gave fans at PNC Park a firsthand look at his skills. At one point, Ziegler balanced a bat on his chin while teammates danced around him. Later, he spun three bats like drumsticks before tossing one high into the air and catching it cleanly—drawing thunderous applause.
But it wasn’t just the tricks that made his night memorable. Between innings, Ziegler made a point of connecting with fans in the stands, tossing signed balls to kids and exchanging high-fives. For him, the night was about giving back to the community that helped shape him.
“Western PA is where my love for baseball started,” Ziegler said. “If I can inspire even one kid out here to follow their dream, then it’s all worth it.”
A Stadium Transformed
The atmosphere at PNC Park was electric. From the Bananas’ famous pep band blasting pop anthems to the Banana Nanas, the team’s senior citizen dance squad, keeping the crowd entertained, the stadium never stopped moving. Fans caught foul balls for outs, joined in dance-offs, and sang along to mid-inning serenades.
Yet for many, the night belonged to the hometown players. Whenever Ziegler or Cox made a play, the cheers grew louder, the pride more visible.
“This is what makes Banana Ball so special,” said one Bananas staff member. “It’s not just about baseball—it’s about community, connection, and joy. And nights like this prove it.”
A Lasting Impact
By the time the final out was recorded, few fans were talking about the score. Instead, they left PNC Park buzzing about the energy, the fun, and the chance to see one of their own shine. For Ziegler, it was a night he’ll never forget.
“I’ll carry this forever,” he said, his voice cracking slightly. “To play here, to feel that love from my hometown—it’s something I’ve dreamed of since I was a kid. Tonight, it came true.”
The Bigger Picture
As the Savannah Bananas continue their national tour, they’re leaving a trail of unforgettable moments in every city they visit. But for Pittsburgh, Friday night was about more than just viral entertainment. It was about celebrating local talent, family, and the unifying power of sport—whether played traditionally or with a flair for the spectacular.
And for Alex “Ziggy” Ziegler, the kid from Butler who once sat in the stands, it was the perfect reminder that baseball—when fueled by passion, love, and a little bit of fun—can take you all the way home.
