Fraser Health: Three-Day Biocontainment Simulation Prepares The Savannah Bananas Team for the Unexpected…Read More
In an unprecedented blend of sports and public health collaboration, Fraser Health recently completed a rigorous three-day biocontainment training exercise with none other than baseball’s most unconventional franchise—the Savannah Bananas. Known globally for their viral “Banana Ball” antics, dance routines, and fan-first approach, the team stepped off the field for a different kind of preparation: learning how to respond to extreme public health crises.
The exercise, conducted at Fraser Health’s specialized training facility, brought together infectious disease experts, emergency preparedness officers, and the Bananas organization for a high-stakes simulation that tested readiness against outbreaks, environmental hazards, and cross-border emergencies. Though not the usual curveball the Bananas face, the initiative highlighted a growing recognition that athletes and entertainers, given their constant travel and mass gatherings, can play a pivotal role in broader community resilience.
A Game Beyond Baseball
The Bananas’ participation might have surprised some fans, but the partnership was intentional. Fraser Health officials explained that athletic organizations often operate like small cities when traveling. They move in groups, interact with thousands of people in different regions, and maintain intense logistical schedules. This makes them uniquely vulnerable to disruptions caused by disease outbreaks or other emergencies.
“Sports teams are high-mobility, high-visibility units,” said Dr. Karen Mitchell, Fraser Health’s Director of Emergency Preparedness. “Training them in biocontainment not only safeguards the athletes but also protects the broader communities they interact with.”
During the exercise, the Bananas team members and staff were put through a series of escalating scenarios: from a simulated influenza outbreak in a stadium, to handling contaminated equipment, to navigating international travel restrictions mid-tour. Each scenario required rapid decision-making, coordination with health authorities, and the use of protective protocols that mirrored those applied in hospitals during real infectious disease events.
Bananas Take on the Unexpected
For a team built on unpredictability and entertainment, the shift to serious emergency drills was eye-opening. Team owner Jesse Cole, famously known for his yellow tuxedo and showmanship, emphasized that the Bananas are committed not just to fun but also to responsibility.
“We’re in the business of joy, but with that comes a duty to keep our players, fans, and communities safe,” Cole explained. “This training taught us that resilience and preparedness can be just as important as a walk-off hit. It’s about being ready for the unexpected.”
Players echoed this sentiment. Catcher Bill Leroy admitted that donning protective gear and following containment protocols was far different from his usual pregame ritual, but said the team’s adaptability was put to the test in ways they had never imagined.
“We’re used to dancing on the field and breaking the rules of baseball,” Leroy said with a grin. “But here, breaking protocol wasn’t an option. It was all about discipline, precision, and teamwork in a completely new arena.”
Building Community Resilience
Fraser Health officials pointed out that the collaboration went beyond preparing the Bananas—it demonstrated how sports organizations can model responsible behavior for their fans. By publicly engaging in such exercises, the Bananas send a message about the importance of preparedness and adaptability, especially in a world where pandemics and crises have reshaped daily life.
The exercise also reinforced cross-sector cooperation. Fraser Health invited representatives from local law enforcement, transportation hubs, and international health agencies to observe the drills. These partnerships allowed for a fuller picture of what large-scale emergency response could look like, with the Bananas serving as a “living laboratory” for crisis management.
A Model for the Future?
Public health experts are now exploring whether similar programs could be extended to other traveling entertainment groups, from musicians to touring theater productions. The goal is not to turn performers into emergency responders, but to ensure they have baseline training in containment and crisis response, minimizing disruption while maximizing safety.
“The Bananas showed us that athletes can be more than entertainers—they can be leaders in resilience,” said Dr. Mitchell. “This is a model that can be replicated, and we believe it can help build stronger bridges between health systems and the communities they serve.”
Fans React
News of the Bananas’ participation in biocontainment drills sparked lively conversation among fans online. Some were amused, suggesting the team might debut “hazmat dance routines” during their next show. Others praised the initiative, pointing out that the Bananas’ influence could normalize conversations around public health in ways traditional messaging cannot.
“It’s one thing for doctors to talk about preparedness,” one fan wrote on social media. “It’s another thing entirely when the Savannah Bananas show they’re taking it seriously. That makes people listen.”
Looking Ahead
As the Bananas gear up for their next season, the lessons from Fraser Health’s simulation are likely to travel with them. While most fans will see the usual chaos—banana costumes, choreographed plays, and unexpected surprises—behind the scenes, a new layer of preparedness will ensure the team is ready for anything.
For Fraser Health, the collaboration underscores a growing truth: in today’s interconnected world, health security is everyone’s responsibility—even a baseball team famous for dancing more than pitching.
By bridging the gap between sports and public health, the three-day biocontainment exercise highlighted a shared goal: keeping communities safe, whether under stadium lights or in the face of global challenges.
