How the Savannah Bananas celebrate foster families
How the Savannah Bananas celebrate foster families
How the Savannah Bananas celebrate foster - Family is at the heart of the Savannah Bananas, a unique exhibition baseball team that blends athleticism with creativity. While the game itself showcases remarkable skills—players perform backflips, catch pop-ups with bare hands, and run on stilts—its true essence lies in uniting generations through joy and shared experiences. The team’s version of baseball, known as "Banana Ball," has become more than a sport; it’s a cultural event designed to foster connections across all ages.
The Coles, who co-own the team, have turned their passion for family into a platform for broader social impact. As licensed foster parents, they have integrated the theme of fostering into their baseball spectacle. Their journey began with adopting two children, first a two-year-old girl and later a newborn who had been exposed to substances. "Our goal was to support these kids and welcome them into our family," Emily Cole explained, "until they could safely return to their biological family." Though the children eventually reunited with their original families, the Coles decided to adopt both, embedding their commitment into the fabric of the team’s mission.
Now, the team honors foster families through its "Bananas Foster" nonprofit initiative. At each Banana Ball game, a local foster family is celebrated on the field, often receiving a standing ovation from the crowd. These moments highlight the often-overlooked dedication of foster parents, who provide care and stability to children in need. "We believe we have a responsibility to do good in the world," Emily Cole said. "Creating joy every night is one thing, but using this platform to raise awareness about foster care is another."
Banana Ball’s appeal extends beyond its entertaining antics. Before the game begins, players honor a local infant dressed in a banana costume, known as the Banana Baby, while "The Circle of Life" plays in the background. During the match, grandmothers take center stage in choreographed dance routines, and batters perform elaborate lip-syncing to music by artists like Taylor Swift and the Village People. These elements ensure that every aspect of the event is designed to bring people together, regardless of age or background.
The team’s efforts have resonated widely, with games filling Major League Baseball venues such as Fenway Park and Citizens Bank Park. Jesse Cole, the team’s owner, shared a touching anecdote about a fan who approached him after a game. "He says, 'You gave me something my daughter and I can bond over together. You have no idea how much this means to me,'" Cole recalled. This sentiment underscores the team’s mission: to create a space where families, old and new, can find connection and joy.
About the Video
The video featured in this article was originally published on April 13, 2025. It was produced by Brit McCandless Farmer and edited by Scott Rosann.