Adventure 403: It's BANANNAS!

·1 hr 3 min·5 clips

Dan forgot to use $800 in Disney reward dollars for his tickets and asks the hosts what he should do.

The episode begins with co-host Dan Hanson sharing a personal dilemma: he forgot to use $800 in Disney reward dollars when purchasing park tickets and seeks advice from the hosts. Co-host Cody reminisces about nostalgic Disney stores in malls. Host Holly then introduces the main topic: the Savannah Bananas baseball league, also known as Banana Ball. Cody explains the league's origins, starting as part of a college wooden bat summer league before evolving into a professional entertainment spectacle in 2023. The hosts describe the six teams in the league, including the Savannah Bananas, Party Animals, and Indianapolis Clowns, each with distinctive gimmicks. They detail the chaotic, fast-paced nature of Banana Ball games, which feature unusual rules like a two-hour game clock, no bunting, and the ability to 'steal first base.' Entertainment elements include players surfing on hoverboards in the outfield, mascots rolling down hills, and constant music changes. Holly shares her experience attending games at Petco Park and Angel Stadium, noting the overstimulating but fun atmosphere. She also recounts Savannah Banana Day at Disneyland, which faced overcrowding and logistical issues like virtual queues for meet-and-greets. The hosts discuss the league's rapid growth, with over 700 employees under Fans First Entertainment, and its business model, including a lottery system for tickets and flat pricing. They explore how the league maintains a 'fans first' philosophy, with players staying for autographs and emotional post-game ceremonies. The conversation touches on player salaries, which average over $100,000, making it a viable career alternative to traditional minor league baseball. The hosts speculate on future expansion, including potential international games, and share personal anecdotes about merchandise and fan interactions.

As heard by us

A grounded family account of banana ball's fun, fatigue, and sensory overload.

Banana ball lands here as a family logistics story with a noisy upside: the game is so busy that just trying to watch can become its own challenge.

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Why you'd press play

Want to understand why an 11u team would try its own banana ball for a day?

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