If you’ve been anywhere near baseball TikTok or Instagram lately, you’ve probably seen the Savannah Bananas. They’re not your typical baseball team — think Harlem Globetrotters, but for the diamond. Their wild “Banana Ball” rules have flipped traditional baseball on its head, bringing in millions of fans and selling out major league stadiums across the country.
And now, they’ve added a major new name to the roster: Kelsie Whitmore, one of the top women in baseball history. Her signing is more than just exciting — it’s groundbreaking.
Who Are the Savannah Bananas?
The Savannah Bananas are known for turning baseball into pure entertainment. Their version of the game, called Banana Ball, keeps things fast-paced and unpredictable:
- Games are capped at two hours.
- Fans can catch foul balls for outs.
- No bunting (it’s “ban-ana’d”).
- Players dance, perform stunts, and sometimes even take at-bats in kilts.
It’s baseball with personality — and it’s working. The team tours the country, playing in major league stadiums and drawing crowds that rival pro teams. Their viral moments have racked up millions of views and created a whole new fanbase for the sport.
Meet Kelsie Whitmore
Kelsie Whitmore isn’t new to breaking barriers. She’s played for the U.S. Women’s National Baseball Team, competed in multiple international tournaments, and starred in college softball at Cal State Fullerton, where she earned Big West Player of the Year honors.
Whitmore has also played in professional men’s leagues, becoming the first woman to start and pitch in the Atlantic League with the Staten Island FerryHawks and continuing her career with the Oakland Ballers in the Pioneer League. Her resume? Packed with “firsts.”
Making History With the Bananas
On August 1, 2025, Whitmore officially joined the Savannah Bananas and made her debut at Camden Yards in Baltimore in front of 40,000 fans. True to Banana style, the game was part baseball, part circus — but Whitmore fit right in.
She’s expected to play through September, appearing in stadiums across the country, including stops in San Diego, Chicago, Houston, New York, and more. Fans can expect to see her pitch, play the outfield, and, of course, join in on the team’s legendary antics.
Quick Sidebar: What Makes Banana Ball So Different?
Banana Ball is baseball turned upside down. Here are a few of its craziest rules:
- Two-Hour Time Limit: No dragging out extra innings — games are fast and fun.
- Fans Can Catch Outs: If a fan catches a foul ball, the batter is out (yes, really!).
- No Bunting Allowed: It’s actually against the rules — and earns the batter an ejection.
- Walks Become Sprints: After ball four, the batter runs while the defense has to throw the ball around the field.
- Every Inning Counts: Each inning is worth one point; the team with the most innings won, wins the game.
These changes keep the action moving and the fans fully engaged — which is exactly why the Bananas have gone viral.
Why This Signing Matters
Whitmore’s addition to the Bananas is about more than just fun:
- Representation Matters: She’s bringing visibility to women in baseball on one of the sport’s most talked-about stages.
- Elite Skills + Entertainment Value: Whitmore is a rare two-way player who can pitch, hit, and field — all while embracing the Bananas’ showmanship.
- A Cultural Moment: The Bananas are one of the most viral teams in sports right now. Whitmore’s presence only amplifies their reach and breaks down barriers for women in the game.
The Future of Banana Ball
Banana Ball is no passing fad. With sold-out stadiums, millions of fans on social media, and now history-makers like Whitmore joining the team, the Bananas are proving that baseball can be fun, fast, and inclusive.
If you get the chance to see them on tour, do it. You might just witness a whole new side of baseball — and history in the making with Kelsie Whitmore leading the way.
Learn more at: https://thesavannahbananas.com/
The Sport Lady has been a lifelong sports enthusiast. She believes that sports have the power to unite people, create common bonds, and foster shared experiences. As a wife and mother of sports lovers, she is passionate about her favorite teams and cherishes every opportunity to watch them play. For her, every day is game day!