"Never seen that stadium so packed" - Fans react as MLB legends ft. Juan Pierre, Dee Gordon return to Miami in Savannah Bananas gear
While the MLB postseason has captured the attention of fans, the Savannah Bananas entertained baseball enthusiasts in Miami with the unique "Banana Ball" in an exhibition game against the Party Animals on Saturday at LoanDepot Park.
The exhibition game featured some fan-favorites as former Miami Marlins players Dee Gordon, Juan Pierre, Aníbal Sánchez and Pat Venditte returned to the Marlins' home ground in the Bananas' colors.
Fans were in awe of the crowd that showed up to witness "Banana Ball."
"Never seen that stadium so packed in my life," a fan wrote.
"The stadium is actually filled!"
"I haven’t seen the marlins stadium packed since the old stadium this is wild to me," another fan said.
The game follows the "Banana Ball" format, featuring some unique rules compared to the MLB. Although the Bannans entertained the fans, they came up short in the game, losing 3-2 to the Party Animals.
Former MLB outfielder Juan Pierre was one of the most recognizable names on the night as he was part of the World Series-winning Miami Marlins (then Florida Marlins) team in 2003. He returned to the Marlins in 2012 for a brief stint before retiring in 2015.
Savannah Bananas' world tour to entertain fans at renowned MLB ballparks in 2025
The Savannah Bananas announced venues for their 2025 Banana Ball World Tour schedule earlier this month with 18 MLB stadiums hosting the team.
Among the 18 venues are some of the most notable ballparks in the country ft. the Yankee Stadium (New York Yankees), Fenway Park (Boston Red Sox) and Truist Park (Atlanta Braves).
Bananas owner Jesse Cole shared how he envisioned the team to entertain fans at the biggest MLB venues in the country:
“Our goal has always been to be Fans First and to take Banana Ball to as many fans as possible. Now, to be at some of the largest stadiums in the entire country, these venues are something we never could have imagined. We know they will provide an electric atmosphere which will create some unforgettable nights for our fans.”
Savannah Bananas added a new team to "Banana Ball," the Texas Tailgaters. They will feature along with the Animals and the Firefighters. The Banana Ball World Tour will start in February next year in Arizona at the Chicago Cubs' spring training facility, Sloan Park.