ABOUT THE SPORT
What is Banana Ball?
Banana Ball is a faster, wilder, fan-first reinvention of baseball — born in Savannah, GA and now touring the country as the Greatest Show in Sports.
Fans First. Entertain Always.
That's the mission statement. The goal? Make baseball fun. Every one of the 11 rules of Banana Ball exists to make the game faster, more exciting, and more entertaining for the fans in the stands and watching at home.
THE RULES
The 11 Rules of Banana Ball
Win the Inning, Get the Point
Every inning is worth one point. The team that scores the most runs in an inning gets the point — except the last inning, where every run counts.
Two Hour Time Limit
No new inning can be started after 2 hours. In the last inning, every run counts.
No Stepping Out
If the hitter steps out of the box, it's a strike.
No Bunting
Bunting sucks. If a hitter bunts, they are ejected from the game.
Batters Can Steal First Base
On any pitch of an at-bat, the hitter can try to steal first — on a passed ball or wild pitch.
No Walks Allowed
If a pitcher throws ball four, it becomes a sprint. The hitter takes off running while every defensive player must touch the ball before it's live. The hitter can advance as many bases as they want.
No Mound Visits Allowed
Keep the game moving. No mound visits from coach, catcher, or any other player — ever. Hype your pitcher up from afar.
Fan Catches = Out
If a fan catches a foul ball, it's an out. Clean catch only — no bobbles, no juggling.
Showdown Tiebreaker
Tied at the end of two hours? Showdown time. Round 1: pitcher, catcher + 1 fielder vs hitter. Round 2: pitcher + catcher vs hitter. Round 3: pitcher, catcher + 1 fielder vs hitter with bases loaded — every run counts.
The Banana Ball Challenge Rule
Each team gets one challenge. The coach throws a challenge prop on the field. Win the challenge, keep it. Lose it, you're done. Fans also get one challenge per game via a fan representative.
The Golden Batter Rule
One time a game, a team may send any hitter in the lineup to bat in any spot — so your best hitter can bat when the game is on the line.
Want every footnote on showdowns, trick plays, and the equalizer point? Read the full rulebook
THE HISTORY
From Savannah to Sold-Out Stadiums
How the Greatest Show in Sports came to be.
- 2016
The Savannah Bananas baseball team is founded in Savannah, GA.
- 2020
The first official game is played using the foundational Banana Ball rule set.
- 2020
The Party Animals are introduced as the rival team that tours and plays against the Bananas.
- 2021
The One City World Tour takes place in Mobile, AL — the first time Banana Ball is played outside Savannah.
- 2022
The Savannah Bananas leave the Coastal Plain League and become a full-time professional Banana Ball team.
- 2022
ESPN launches the 'Bananaland' series, chronicling the Bananas' first seven-city tour.
- 2023
The Savannah Bananas kick off a massive 114-game tour.
- 2023
The Firefighters are announced as the third team in Banana Ball.
- 2023
Banana Ball is inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY.
- 2024
The Banana Ball Championship League (BBCL) is announced.
- 2024
The Texas Tailgaters become the fourth team to join Banana Ball.
- 2025
The first Banana Ball game in an NFL stadium is played at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Bay, FL.
- 2025
Two new teams join: the Loco Beach Coconuts and the Indianapolis Clowns.
- 2025
The Firefighters and Texas Tailgaters headline their first ever tours.
- 2026
The Banana Ball Championship League officially begins — all six teams hit the road for over 180 games.
Full timeline at bananaball.com/history
OFFICIAL LINKS
Connect with Banana Ball
Ready to watch?
All Banana Ball games are streamed free on each home team's YouTube channel.