The Banana Ball craze that has swept across the nation is about to get a little younger—and a lot louder. From October 9 through October 13, Savannah will welcome youth teams from across the country for the second-ever Banana Ball Youth Tournament, a multi-day celebration of the fastest, wildest, and most fan-friendly version of baseball ever created.
The Banana Ball craze that has swept across the nation is about to get a little younger—and a lot louder. From October 9 through October 13, Savannah will welcome youth teams from across the country for the second-ever Banana Ball Youth Tournament, a multi-day celebration of the fastest, wildest, and most fan-friendly version of baseball ever created.
The event, which will take place just blocks away from the iconic Grayson Stadium, promises to be part tournament, part festival, and all fun. While the Savannah Bananas have already captured national headlines and sold out stadiums coast-to-coast with their unique style of Banana Ball, this October will mark the first time many fans get to see kids take the rules of the game and make them their own.
Expanding the Game to the Next Generation
Banana Ball, for those still catching up, is baseball reimagined. Games are limited to two hours. Fans can catch foul balls for outs. Batters can steal first base on a wild pitch. There are no mound visits, bunting is outlawed, and tie games are decided in a one-on-one showdown. The result? A high-octane, action-packed brand of baseball designed to entertain fans of every age.
By bringing the format to youth players, the Savannah Bananas and their leadership hope to inspire the next wave of athletes—not just to play, but to love the game in a new way.
“This is about growing the sport,” said Bananas head coach Tyler Gillum in a statement. “Banana Ball removes the pressure and brings back the fun. Kids light up when they play this way, and that’s exactly the kind of energy we want to see in Savannah this October.”
What to Expect
The five-day youth tournament will feature dozens of games played under the full Banana Ball rule set. Organizers say teams from across Georgia, Florida, the Carolinas, and as far away as Texas and Ohio have already expressed interest in competing.
Games will be played at local ballparks throughout Savannah, with the championship game scheduled to be held at Historic Grayson Stadium, home of the Savannah Bananas.
In true Bananas fashion, though, it won’t just be about baseball. Each day will include fan-focused events—parades, skills challenges, player meet-and-greets, live music, and even on-field entertainment from the famous Banana Nanas senior dance team. For many of the young players, it could be the first time they’ve ever experienced baseball as a full-scale entertainment production.
“Every single game is going to feel like a show,” said Bananas owner Jesse Cole, known for his trademark yellow tuxedo. “These kids are the stars, and we’re going to make sure they feel like it. Banana Ball is about joy, connection, and energy, and there’s no better way to showcase that than by giving the spotlight to the next generation.”
Building Momentum Toward 2026
This tournament isn’t just a fun detour—it’s a strategic part of the Bananas’ big-picture future. Earlier this year, the team announced that Banana Ball will become its own professional league in 2026, with multiple traveling teams competing in stadiums across the country. By introducing youth tournaments now, the organization is laying the foundation for a grassroots community that will sustain the league for decades to come.
“It’s like planting seeds,” explained Gillum. “When these kids grow up, they’ll already know Banana Ball inside and out. They’ll be our players, our fans, our future coaches. They’ll carry this forward.”
For Savannah, the tournament also means a significant economic boost. With dozens of teams and their families traveling in for the week, local hotels, restaurants, and shops are expected to see a spike in business. City leaders say they are ready to roll out the welcome mat.
“Events like this are exactly why Savannah is proud to be the home of Banana Ball,” said Savannah Mayor Van Johnson. “It brings people here, it puts smiles on faces, and it makes our community shine on a national stage.”
The Kids Are All In
If there’s any doubt that youth players are excited, one only needs to hear from the kids themselves. Landon Mitchell, a 12-year-old shortstop from Jacksonville, Florida, said he’s been practicing Banana Ball rules with his friends since the announcement was made.
“My favorite rule is stealing first,” Mitchell said with a grin. “You never know when it’s coming, and it makes the game way crazier. I can’t wait to play in Savannah.”
Parents, too, are embracing the fresh energy. Many see Banana Ball as a way to get their kids off screens and onto the field, without the long and sometimes boring stretches of traditional baseball.
“Honestly, my son has had more fun in one Banana Ball game than in a whole season of Little League,” said Melissa Carter, mother of a 10-year-old from Atlanta. “It keeps them moving, laughing, and learning how to play with joy.”
Looking Ahead
With the Savannah Bananas regularly selling out games across the country, demand for anything related to Banana Ball has skyrocketed. Tickets to the youth tournament championship are expected to sell out quickly, and organizers say they may need to expand the event in future years to meet interest.
Still, for now, the focus is on October. For five days, Savannah will once again be the epicenter of baseball’s wildest experiment—and this time, the kids get to take center stage.
“Banana Ball has always been about breaking the mold,” said Cole. “Now we’re letting the kids break it, too. I can’t wait to see the energy, the creativity, and the joy they bring to the game.”
From the yellow tuxedos to the choreographed dance breaks, from the rules that baffle purists to the cheers that shake the stands, the Banana Ball Youth Tournament promises to be more than a competition—it’s a glimpse into the future of baseball.
And for Savannah, it’s another chance to prove why this city isn’t just the birthplace of Banana Ball. It’s the heartbeat.
