Chicago's Rate Field went bananas this past weekend as the Savannah Bananas, the baseball team that's gone viral for their on-field dance routines and high-jinks, made their Windy City debut. The phenomenon that's sweeping through sports enthusiasts and social media alike attracted hundreds of fans for a meet-and-greet on Saturday morning, WGN TV reports. Fans of all ages, some decked in yellow jerseys and tutus, flocked to the event with the Bananas' games against the Firefighters selling out both Friday and Saturday nights.
At the heart of the spectacle is the Savannah Bananas' blend of baseball and entertainment, which has players like pitcher Kyle Lugis explaining their dual role. “We know how to play baseball at a high level, but dancing is a little foreign to us I’d say,” Lugis told WGN TV. The team's unique style has not just brought them sold-out crowds but a staggering waitlist. "To have 3.6 million people on our waitlist, it's crazy, but we know that's a responsibility," Bananas Owner Jesse Cole stated. The Bananas are already planning a return to Chicago next year, hoping to possibly bring their act to Wrigley Field.
Among the fans was 14-year-old Ruby Kellogg, who came from Minnesota. The young fan shared her love for the Bananas' brand of sports, telling the Chicago Sun-Times, “I do a lot of sports, and sometimes they get a little boring, so, when I can go home and watch the Savannah Bananas, it gets my mood a little happier.” The enthusiasm was shared by fans who appreciated the shorter game time and the constant engagement provided by the Bananas.
Players like left-fielder Robert Anthony Cruz, who drew the longest line for autographs, are feeling the electric excitement. “Playing at Rate Field was 'electric,'” Cruz said in a statement obtained by the Chicago Sun-Times. While a seasoned player, he admitted that the transition into dancing has been a learning curve for many on the team. Fans also commend the approachability and the efforts of the players, including pitcher and first baseman Correlle Prime, who tries to connect with the team’s young fan base.
It’s clear that Banana Ball, as it’s being called, is more than just a baseball game. According to Savannah Bananas manager Adam Virant, the show "is a combination of Broadway, sketch comedy, high-level baseball and constant music," which requires a special blend of skill and personality from its players. Their innovative approach, which has been compared to the Harlem Globetrotters by some, ensures fans like Serena Gilham from Hobart, Indiana, find joy in the game, as they can move and dance along without feeling out of place. All this points to the Bananas not just hitting home runs, but also striking a chord with fans by mixing athleticism with entertainment, turning traditional baseball on its head.
