CLEVELAND — The viral Savannah Bananas baseball team is ready to play in Cleveland this weekend at Progressive Field.
Fans will be able to see the traveling team on Saturday, Aug. 10, at the corner of Ontario and Carnegie.
Often compared to basketball's Harlem Globetrotters, the Bananas initially began as a collegiate summer league team before their special brand of "Banana Ball" started to gain popularity not just in their home state of Georgia, but nationwide. The team now competes in exhibition games against other touring semi-pro squads such as the "Party Animals."
Despite tickets being sold out for Saturday's game, fans can spend time with the Savannah Bananas on Friday morning at Dunkin' on Carnegie Avenue in Cleveland.
From 9-11 a.m., Savannah Bananas and Party Animals players will "go behind the counter to serve orders and treat guests to giveaways, photo ops, appearances from Dunkin’s mascot Cuppy, and more."
Last year, the team stopped at Akron's Canal Park and recently visited Huntington Park in Columbus for three games in May.
For those attending Saturday's game, here's what you can expect:
GAMEDAY EVENT SCHEDULE
2 p.m. - Pregame Party Plaza begins! Ticket scanning will open and you can enter via Bolivar Rd, Eagle Ave, or E Sixth ST. We'll have merchandise, food and beverages, and entertainment galore.
4:30 p.m. - Player and character parade begins! They will be landing in the Plaza. Immediately following the parade, Progressive Field seating will open!
Plaza Merchandise stands will be open and accessible throughout the night.
4:45-5:30 p.m. - Special appearances from Bananas and Party Animals players will take place in the Party Plaza!
6:15 p.m. - Make sure to be in your seats - the show is about to start!
6:30 p.m. - Banana Ball introductions - It's showtime!
BANANA BALL RULES
Every Inning Counts: Just like picking the ripest banana, each inning is a chance to score. Win the inning, get a point, and keep your team a-peeling.
Two-Hour Time Limit: Time is of the essence! When the clock strikes banana, the game's done. Unless we're in a tie, then it's a showdown, one-on-one, like a banana duel.
No Bunting: Bunting? More like bungle-ling! Swing that bat like you're swatting flies off a banana bunch.
Steal First: If the pitcher throws a wild one, don't slip on the peel! Dash to first base like you're racing for the last banana split.
No Walks, Only Sprints: Ball four means it's time to hustle! No leisurely strolls to first base; it's a mad dash, like a banana in a blender.
Stay in the Box: Batter's box is your banana patch. Step out, and it's a strike! Keep those feet planted like roots in fertile soil.
No Mound Visits: No time for a leisurely stroll to the mound. Keep the game moving like a rolling banana down a hill.
Fan Participation: Fans, you're not just spectators; you're part of the peel-fect action! Catch a foul ball, and you're a hero! It's like winning the banana lottery.
WXIA'S Makayla Richards and Crash Clark contributed to this story.
