Try this RECIPE! Mix all ingredients together into one :
One part of Disney hospitality & magic.
One part Barnum and Bailey circus showmanship.
Stir in a pinch of Harlem Globetrotter pizazz and humor.
Add a dash of Baseball.
Finally, bake in some Core Values that attract a broad audience. What do you get?
THE SAVANNAH BANANAS BASEBALL TEAM.
There is something big about this little team from a southeastern coastal community in Georgia. By now, you may have heard about them. Maybe you are one of the 4,000,000 followers on Instagram or have seen them on ESPN, The Today Show, CBS Sunday Morning, or HBO etc. Finally, like me, you may be one of the 50,000 people on a waitlist to attend a game at historic Grayson Stadium in Savannah, Georgia.
Twenty of us from Young Life roadtripped from all around the country to see the baseball team that has become a viral sensation since its humble re-start in 2016. We came to learn what Young Life could glean about culture and belonging and they did not disappoint. I knew it would be more than ‘fun and a game,’ and boy was it.
From the moment we walked in we were met with baseball’s version of “organized chaos, with a purpose:”
Here is what we saw:
A sold-out crowd hurrying through the gates to claim choice seats in the stands.
An eight-year-old boy leading everyone in the crowd in large group calisthenics.
A team of cheerleading Grandmas named the Savannah Banana ‘Nanas.’
A dancing 1st base coach and a ‘Dad-bod, cheerleading squad (The Man-Nanas).
A mini-parade every time a run was scored and a surprise visit from the pep band in the Men’s Bathroom!
And… an 11-0 victory over their unwitting opponent.
Here is what we witnessed just beneath the surface:
A team owner who was everywhere, teaching, training, and modeling.
Ownership that was strongly embraced on every level from the players to the concession workers
A well-thought-out and detailed experience packed with humor, laughter, and joy
A spotlight on fans exclusively - from young to old.
A home-grown experience of belonging that you didn’t just watch, but participated in.
No sponsors, no jumbotron, no tech. Beautifully relational.
Anxiety every time you left your seat because we were so caught up in the excitement.
Some really good baseball!
BUT, It wasn’t just about the Fun…We were able to talk with some key Savannah Banana staff including Jesse Cole (owner) about the creation of the team (How the SB became the greatest show in baseball) as well as whether there were any core values that they were committed to. His answer revealed the ABC’s of Banana Ball. A-always, B-Be, C-Caring, D-different, E-Enthusiastic, F-Fun, G-Growing, & H-Hungry. After unpacking the core values Jesse said, “Simply, we want everything we do to be ‘Fan’s First,’ if it doesn’t serve them, we aren’t going to do it.”
The Savannah Bananas play in a College baseball summer league, BUT, it wasn’t just about Baseball either. This year 1500 College level baseball players competed for 30 coveted team spots, and yes, they won and they are favored to win the league championship too. But although baseball was at the center of things that night, it did not feel central.
The staff of the team has grown into a team of hundreds. This summer, they had over 1200 applicants for jobs. BUT, it wasn’t just about the Team. They are successful and are being courted by MLB to play in larger ballparks. They seem content to stay where they are. As a fan, I know I got more than my money's worth.
My biggest observation was the conviction that healthy organizations are able to be crystal clear on what they are about. On every level and from every member. At the end of the night, a group of remaining fans circled together for a ‘kiss goodnight.’ We sang a song and then came together for one final send-off.
“Bring it in!” said Jesse Cole.
“On three” someone else yelled.
“1,2,3” the entire crowd cheered.
And we all said…“Baseball”, (nope) …“ Savannah Bananas”, (try again) …“FANS FIRST!” (Exactly!)
In your YL community, how would you finish that cheer? What is unmistakably central to your ministry? What draws others in? What focuses your efforts? It's worth a conversation. Let ME know your answer.
More Savannah Bananas Resources: