MLB Sees Savannah Bananas as Entertainment, But Owner Jesse Cole Has Bigger Vision**
According to *The Athletic*, Major League Baseball doesn’t view the **Savannah Bananas** as a threat to the sport’s traditional structure but rather as a complementary entertainment product—a fresh twist that draws new fans to baseball. The Bananas’ meteoric rise has captured the attention of sports fans and media alike, thanks to their viral antics, show-stopping game experiences, and an innovative approach to fan engagement.
For MLB executives, Banana Ball’s blend of baseball fundamentals with vaudeville-style entertainment is a way to attract casual fans who may not sit through a traditional nine-inning game. The league sees the Bananas as a valuable tool in expanding baseball’s cultural footprint, especially among younger audiences. With sellout crowds in every city they visit, the Bananas are proving there is an appetite for baseball experiences that prioritize energy and fun.
But Bananas owner **Jesse Cole**, famous for his signature yellow tuxedo, insists that his vision is far greater than simply putting on a show. “We’re not just baseball with a twist,” Cole told *The Athletic*. “We’re creating a new sport, a new experience, and a movement. Our goal isn’t to replace Major League Baseball—it’s to bring people together, make them fall in love with the game in a whole new way, and change how sports are experienced.”
Banana Ball’s success lies in its innovation: games are capped at two hours, fans are encouraged to dance and interact, and the team regularly breaks traditional baseball rules to create a spectacle. From choreographed player entrances to mid-inning skits, Cole’s approach has turned a minor-league-like operation into a global brand, selling out venues across the country and amassing millions of followers online.
MLB, rather than pushing back, has embraced the Bananas’ popularity. League officials recognize that Banana Ball helps spark interest in baseball at a time when traditional TV ratings and attendance have dipped. The Bananas’ social media presence has even surpassed that of some MLB teams, showing that audiences crave creativity in sports.
For Cole, though, this is just the beginning. “We’re not competing with baseball; we’re competing with every form of entertainment,” he said. “Our mission is to bring people joy, create unforgettable experiences, and prove that sports can be fun again.”
With this mindset, the Savannah Bananas are more than a novelty—they’re redefining how the world sees America’s pastime.
Would you like me to **make this sound like a full The Athletic deep-dive feature** with quotes and stats woven throughout?
