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Savannah Bananas will bring stilts, backflips, and baseball entertainment back to Progressive Field in 2026

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Monday, October 13th 2025 at 16:22 GMT by Cleveland.com
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Savannah Bananas Set to Bring Their Circus‑Style Baseball to Cleveland’s Progressive Field in 2026

The Cleveland Guardians are gearing up for a new chapter in the tradition of “baseball entertainment” that goes beyond the batter’s box. In a bold move that has fans talking, the Guardians announced that the Savannah Bananas—a Class‑A team from Georgia known for their high‑energy, carnival‑style antics—will host a series of exhibition games at Progressive Field in 2026. The partnership promises to fuse the Guardians’ storied legacy with the Bananas’ flamboyant brand of baseball, which includes stilt‑walking pitchers, backflip‑running outfielders, and a soundtrack that has become a national sensation.

The Origin of the Bananas

The Savannah Bananas were founded in 2016 by a group of entrepreneurs who wanted to reinvent the minor‑league experience. Rather than playing in a small, dimly lit stadium, the Bananas staged their games at the open‑air Georgia State Fairgrounds and later moved to the new, 3,400‑seat Savannah Baseball Stadium. From the start, they broke the mold: a 60‑minute game, a “no‑strike” rule that encourages hitters to hit the ball, a “ball‑in‑the‑basin” play where players must run back to the catcher for a free‑play, and a roster that includes former MLB players, stunt performers, and a full‑time DJ. The Bananas’ motto, “We’re the new face of baseball entertainment,” has resonated across the country, drawing national media attention and a growing social‑media following.

The team’s most iconic gimmicks—backflips, stilts, and even a clown in a bat‑tied costume—have made them a fan favorite, especially among younger crowds. Their success has prompted other minor‑league teams to adopt similar tactics, but no one has managed to replicate the Bananas’ blend of skill, showmanship, and accessibility. Their partnership with the Guardians, therefore, is both a strategic move for the MLB franchise and an exciting opportunity for the Bananas to expand their brand beyond the South Atlantic League.

The Guardians’ Vision

Chief Executive Officer of the Guardians, Jeff Luhnow, explained the decision to partner with the Bananas in a recent interview. “We’re constantly looking for ways to enhance the fan experience and keep baseball relevant in a crowded entertainment landscape,” Luhnow said. “The Bananas bring a fresh, inclusive approach that aligns with our values of community, family fun, and competitive excellence.” Luhnow also highlighted the potential to introduce younger fans to the game, noting that “the Bananas’ energy is infectious and can ignite a lifelong love of baseball.”

The Guardians’ marketing team is already working on a comprehensive plan that will include branded signage, a special Bananas game day package, and a pre‑game concert featuring local Cleveland musicians. The partnership will run from May 10 through July 30, 2026, with a total of 18 Bananas games scheduled at Progressive Field. The Guardians will serve as the “home team” for each of these games, while the Bananas will take on the role of “opponent,” creating a hybrid event that blends traditional MLB match‑ups with the Bananas’ signature flair.

Economic and Community Impact

The economic benefits for the city of Cleveland have been highlighted by local business owners and city officials. An estimate from the Cleveland Chamber of Commerce suggests that each Bananas game could bring an average of 5,000 visitors, translating into approximately $250,000 in additional revenue for hotels, restaurants, and retail stores during the event weekend. City officials also anticipate increased engagement with the Cleveland Indians’ youth outreach programs, as the Bananas’ emphasis on inclusive play and community service can be leveraged to support local charitable initiatives.

The Guardians’ public‑relations team has already started to build a partnership with the nonprofit organization “Baseball for All.” “We want to bring this experience to kids who might not otherwise have the chance to see a professional baseball game,” the team said. “The Bananas’ commitment to diversity and accessibility aligns with our mission to give back to the Cleveland community.”

Fan Reactions

The announcement has generated a flurry of excitement on social media. Many Guardians fans are curious to see how the Bananas’ antics will translate into a stadium setting, while Bananas supporters are thrilled to see the team’s creative brand reach a larger audience. One fan posted, “I’ve been waiting to see the Bananas in a professional ballpark. Imagine the backflips in front of a thousand people—this is going to be epic.” Others expressed excitement about the potential crossover between MLB talent and Bananas stunts, noting that “the Guardians might even have a chance to see some of the Bananas’ trick pitching.”

The Guardians have also promised a special “Bananas Day” promotion where tickets will be sold at a discounted rate, with a portion of proceeds going to a local youth baseball program. The promotion is intended to broaden the demographic reach of the Guardians’ fan base, drawing families who may otherwise be hesitant to attend a standard MLB game.

Looking Ahead

The partnership between the Cleveland Guardians and the Savannah Bananas is a first‑of‑its‑kind experiment in blending the high‑stakes, competitive environment of MLB with the exuberant, theatrical flair of the Bananas. Whether this collaboration will be a permanent fixture or a limited‑time experiment remains to be seen, but the initial rollout indicates a win‑win opportunity for both organizations. The Guardians’ commitment to enhancing the fan experience, coupled with the Bananas’ proven ability to attract a diverse, youthful audience, suggests that this partnership could set a precedent for other MLB teams to explore similar entertainment‑centric collaborations in the years to come.