Peacock: Business Lessons from the Savannah Bananas

If you’re not familiar with the Savannah Bananas, you’re missing out on one of the most entertaining and innovative stories in sports. Jesse Cole, the founder of the Bananas, has completely revolutionized baseball with his team’s approach. Imagine pitchers on stilts, dance routines happening between innings, and fans catching foul balls counting as outs. These games are limited to just two hours, bunting is prohibited, and a walk around the bases turns into a full-on sprint.

Some traditionalists might see this as chaos or sacrilege, but for supporters of Banana Ball, it’s pure magic. Cole didn’t set out to just run a baseball team – he aimed to create an unforgettable experience for everyone in the stands. Drawing inspiration from legendary showmen like P.T. Barnum and Walt Disney, he reshaped the game to prioritize fun, speed, and spectacle. One observer even remarked, “I went to a circus and a baseball game broke out.”

Today, the Savannah Bananas play to sold-out crowds in massive stadiums, with a waiting list of over 3 million fans eager to experience the excitement. It’s truly something incredible to witness.