ST. LOUIS — The Savannah Bananas are bringing their carnival-style take on America's favorite pasttime to Busch Stadium next year.
As part of the team's 2025 World Tour, "Banana Ball" is coming to the stadium for two games on Friday, April 4 and Saturday, April 5.
The Bananas, who started as summer league team for college players, have become a touring sensation with their version of the game of baseball, which includes choreographed dance routines, players on stilts and unusual rules such as outs counting when a fan catches a foul ball in the stands.
The team even has their own exhibit at the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown.
"The Savannah Bananas fan-first and family-friendly take on America’s pastime strives to be the fastest and most entertaining game of baseball," the St. Louis Cardinals said in a news release.
Fans can sign up for the Bananas' Ticket Lottery by Nov. 1, which will enter them in a random drawing for a chance to purchase available tickets.
Standard tickets will start at $40, with "VIB Meet & Greet" tickets starting at $125.
Team owner Jesse Cole said the Bananas and their affiliated teams, the Party Animals and Firefighters, have drawn more than 1 million fans this year. The goal for next year is 2 million.
“We're not just building a team, we’re building a sport," Cole said, “It's all about creating the fastest, most entertaining sport for the fans.”
He takes umbrage with those who call the Bananas nothing more than the Harlem Globetrotters with bats and gloves, pointing out that the winner is never predetermined.
“We have people say, ‘Hey, these guys can really play,’" he said. “The Bananas actually lost their tour in 2023. They lost more games than they won against the Party Animals. That's not going to happen to the Globetrotters.”
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