Savannah Bananas Star Invites Major League MVP To Play Banana Ball
The Savannah Bananas have taken the country by storm, bringing their special brand of baseball to fans around America. What began as a viral semi-pro baseball team has turned into a worldwide sensation with millions of views and thousands of fans in pro stadiums.
The Bananas have become so popular that they're even part of ESPN's primetime programming - something beyond anyone's wildest dreams when they began play in 2016.
The team has continued to grow with each passing year, and one of their star players believes it's time for one of MLB's best to try his hand at Banana Ball.
Former Virginia Tech outfielder Tanner Thomas invited one of the best players in the big leagues, and says he'd be a natural fit on the field for one of the fun exhibitions.
"Just a Party Animal," Thomas said about Philadelphia Phillies star and former league MVP Bryce Harper.
"He just seems like he's got the mullet, the facial hair, hits bombs. That's definitely a Party Animal."
The Party Animals are the Washington Generals to the Bananas' Harlem Globetrotters. Both clubs are among the four members of the Banana Ball Championship League, along with the Firefighters and the Texas Tailgaters.
Harper would be the biggest name to join Banana Ball, but he wouldn't be the first big leaguer. Curtis Granderson and Johnny Damon have each taken part, and Banana Ball has shared stadiums with Harper and the Phillies all summer long.
Thomas noted that MLB players could learn a thing or two from Banana Ball games, especially when it comes to engaging with fans during games.
"That's your biggest supporters," he told TMZ Sports during an interview, working a ceremonial shift at Raising Cane's.
"That's why people go to these games. That's why there's these huge stadiums, so people can come to these games. Don't make it so hard about your signature. Go sign. Go interact. Go take pictures. I think that's the number one answer to one, get more people to come to their game, and two, just to build a bigger brand."
MLB attendance figures were down in many markets last season, while all Banana Ball games for the rest of 2025 are currently sold out, per the team website.
"People are lining up hours and hours before the game," Thomas said. "If we have a game at seven, people are showing up around noon. It really is awesome to see. And I mean, people just love us having fun, because when we bring the energy, they bring the energy."
We'll see if the energy is enough to get Harper - or any other current Major Leaguers - to join for Banana Ball if they can find the time.