Netflix Confirms Blockbuster Baseball Surprise: Seattle Mariners Icon and 7-Time All-Star Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. Will Suit Up With the Savannah Bananas at T-Mobile Park on Friday Night in an Unforgettable Collision of Nostalgia, Fun, and Streaming Magic That Promises to Electrify Fans Across the Globe…
For Seattle, this is more than just a special guest appearance — it’s a homecoming. Griffey Jr., affectionately known as “The Kid,” is arguably the most beloved player in Mariners history. His effortless swing, highlight-reel catches, and iconic backwards cap defined an era of baseball and made him a household name. Now, he’s set to trade Mariners navy for Bananas yellow in a crossover no one could have predicted.
The Savannah Bananas, who have turned baseball upside down with their wacky rules and fan-first entertainment, teased for weeks that a “legendary surprise” was coming. Netflix confirmed the news Thursday morning, releasing a short trailer showing Griffey Jr. walking into T-Mobile Park with a Bananas jersey slung over his shoulder. The clip ended with Griffey grinning at the camera, saying: “Seattle, let’s have some fun.”
The announcement instantly lit up social media. Mariners fans flooded Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok with disbelief and excitement. “Ken Griffey Jr. in a Bananas uniform? That’s my childhood colliding with pure chaos — and I’m here for it!” one fan posted. Another wrote, “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but Friday’s Bananas game might be bigger than Opening Day.”
Jesse Cole, the charismatic owner of the Bananas known for his yellow tuxedo and showman spirit, couldn’t contain his enthusiasm. “This is a dream come true. Ken Griffey Jr. is not just a Mariners legend — he’s baseball royalty. To have him step onto the field with us, in Seattle, with Netflix capturing every second, is going to be one of the greatest moments in Banana Ball history.”
Details on how Griffey will be involved remain under wraps. Will he take an at-bat in the Bananas’ unorthodox rules format? Will he patrol the outfield one more time in front of a roaring Seattle crowd? Or will he surprise fans with a wild Banana-style stunt, like catching a fly ball while dancing to music? The uncertainty only fuels the anticipation.
Netflix, which has been documenting the Bananas’ world tour for a highly anticipated feature series, emphasized that Griffey’s involvement will be a centerpiece of the show. “This is baseball history meeting baseball future,” a Netflix executive said. “Griffey is one of the greatest to ever play the game. The Bananas are redefining what the game can be. And in Seattle, at T-Mobile Park, those two worlds are colliding.”
The Mariners organization also voiced support for the collaboration, calling it “a celebration of everything fans love about baseball.” T-Mobile Park, the house that Griffey helped build with his star power in the 1990s, is expected to be filled to capacity Friday night. Tickets sold out weeks ago, but resale sites are reporting prices soaring since the announcement.
Banana Ball itself is sure to entertain new fans. The Bananas play under a zany set of rules designed for nonstop action — games are timed at two hours, walks become sprints around the bases, and fans can even catch foul balls for outs. The energy is equal parts comedy show, dance party, and competitive sport. For a legend like Griffey, known for bringing joy to the game, it feels like a perfect match.
For longtime Mariners fans, seeing Griffey step onto the field again — even in a playful exhibition — will be a moment of nostalgia and pride. For younger fans discovering the Bananas through Netflix, it will be a chance to witness a baseball icon in a whole new light.
As Friday approaches, excitement is reaching a fever pitch. Whether Griffey Jr. takes a swing, coaches from the dugout, or surprises fans with something completely unexpected, his involvement guarantees that this stop on the Bananas’ world tour will go down as one of their most iconic ever.
One thing is certain: when Ken Griffey Jr. suits up with the Savannah Bananas under the lights of T-Mobile Park, history will be made. And thanks to Netflix, the whole world will be watching.
