BREAKING NEWS: The Savannah Bananas Leave Fans Speechless as They Honor Dakota “Stilts” Albritton with a Statue at Grayson Stadium
**SAVANNAH, GA –** In a moment that left fans stunned, emotional, and on their feet, the Savannah Bananas unveiled a life-sized statue of team legend Dakota “Stilts” Albritton during a surprise halftime ceremony at Grayson Stadium on Saturday night.
Known as one of the most beloved and unconventional figures in Bananas history, Albritton – who earned the nickname “Stilts” for his towering 6’10” frame and signature circus-style stilts routine between innings – was immortalized in bronze just outside the first base gate. The statue, standing at an impressive 11 feet tall, captures Albritton mid-dance, one arm twirling a banana-shaped cane, the other tipping his iconic yellow top hat.
**“Dakota represents everything the Bananas are about,”** said Bananas owner Jesse Cole, donning his usual bright yellow tuxedo. **“Fun, flair, and fearlessness. He didn’t just play baseball – he performed it. He brought joy, creativity, and heart to this team in a way nobody ever has.”**
Albritton, who retired from Bananas baseball last season after an 8-year run with the team, made his mark as both a player and performer. Though he started his career as a relief pitcher, he quickly became a fan favorite for his off-the-wall antics, including dancing on stilts, choreographed entrances to the mound, and once pitching an entire inning while dressed as Abraham Lincoln.
**“Honestly, I thought the stilts thing would get me kicked off the team,”** Albritton laughed during the unveiling. **“Turns out, it made me a Bananas legend. I’m still waiting for someone to tell me this is all a joke.”**
The statue ceremony was kept under wraps until the fifth inning, when the stadium lights dimmed and the sound system boomed with a mash-up of Albritton’s favorite walkout songs. A spotlight swung toward center field as a banana-shaped blimp descended slowly, delivering Albritton himself – in full stilts and uniform – to home plate.
What followed was a standing ovation that lasted over five minutes. Fans chanted “STILTS! STILTS! STILTS!” as Albritton hugged teammates, old coaches, and young fans in the front rows. Moments later, the tarp covering the statue was pulled off by Albritton’s own mother, who tearfully embraced her son as confetti exploded from the dugouts.
**“This isn’t just for me,”** Albritton said, addressing the crowd. **“It’s for every kid who thought baseball had to be serious to be real. The Bananas taught me that fun can be fierce, that joy is a weapon, and that sometimes the best way to get a strikeout is to distract the batter with a dance move.”**
The statue, designed by local sculptor Marlene Avery, took over a year to create. Avery attended dozens of games, studying Albritton’s movements to capture the perfect pose.
**“I wanted to capture the magic,”** Avery said. **“Dakota is more than a player – he’s an energy, a spirit. He’s the soul of this team.”**
The event concluded with a fireworks show, a banana-themed light display, and a surprise performance by The Banana Band, who played a funk rendition of “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” in Albritton’s honor.
The Savannah Bananas, known for their wild blend of baseball and entertainment, have once again proven that they’re in a league of their own. And with the new statue of Dakota “Stilts” Albritton now standing tall at Grayson Stadium, future generations will know exactly what it means to be a Banana.
**“Legends wear yellow,”** said Cole with a grin. **“And now one of them stands forever right outside our gates.”**
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