Savannah Bananas Bring Unique Baseball Experience to Anaheim

ANAHEIM, Calif. (KABC) — The Savannah Bananas, known for their entertaining and unconventional style of baseball, captivated fans at Angel Stadium this past weekend. On May 30 and 31, the unique team sold out two games, bringing in 45,000 attendees for a fresh take on America’s pastime.

Player Reese Alexiades, from Manhattan Beach, expressed his excitement about playing in a sold-out stadium, saying, “It’s something I know all of us have dreamed about. It’s incredible.” Robert Anthony ‘RAC’ Cruz from Fontana shared his sentiment, stating, “To be able to be here with the Savannah Bananas is surreal. I grew up coming to games here, and now I’m playing here.”

The Bananas, often compared to the Harlem Globetrotters, added flair to baseball with their signature ‘banana ball’ style. This includes dance routines, social media antics, and audience interaction, all while maintaining a competitive edge on the field. Cruz noted, “It’s about focusing on the fun, while we’re out here competing. It’s very high-level baseball, and we’re trying to win.”

In a nod to fan engagement, the game introduced a playful rule where a fan catching a foul ball would count as an out. Fourteen-year-old Elijah Khazin experienced this thrill firsthand. “I couldn’t believe my eyes. My legs were shaking, and the crowd went crazy,” Khazin said.

The Bananas kicked off their visit with a ceremonial first pitch by former USC quarterback Matt Leinart, who humorously threw a football instead, marking a distinct moment in the series of events. Joshua Isleib, a fan from Whittier, highlighted the family’s appeal of the games, saying, “With these guys and their antics, it gets the kids locked in.”

The team made waves earlier in the weekend at Disneyland, where fans delighted in their antics and core mission: bridging generations and creating unforgettable experiences. Player Alexiades reflected, “I’m just extremely blessed and grateful that baseball has brought me here. This is exactly where I need to be.”

As the Bananas continue their 2025 Banana Ball World Tour, they promise to bring this blend of sport and entertainment to cities across the U.S., ensuring their die-hard fans and newcomers alike can experience this one-of-a-kind spectacle.