Savannah Bananas Host Weekend Series in Buffalo

BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Savannah Bananas are now at bat! The popular baseball team, which has made waves with its innovative and entertaining twists on America’s pastime, is preparing for a three-game series at Sahlen Field.

The sold-out crowds have been ready for months, and finally, the long-awaited first Banana Ball pitch in Buffalo is getting closer.

7 News reporter Derek Heid spoke to some of the players ahead of their first game on Friday.

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“For the people at home who don’t know what Banana Ball is, can you give me an idea of ​​what to expect?”

“It’s baseball on steroids,” said Bananas pitcher Ryan Kellogg. “It’s a mix of baseball, circus and acrobatics. The music is playing all the time, it’s like being at a concert. There are so many different elements, no matter where you look, something’s happening.”

“We’re trying to make baseball more fun,” Bananas right fielder Reese Alexiades said. “We’re trying to break down the barriers between players and fans.”

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For Kellogg, a Greater Toronto Area native, Buffalo feels like a homecoming game.

“I think 50 to 60 people will come (to watch this weekend’s games),” Kellogg said.

The character he plays during the games is entirely in honor of his country of origin.

“I try to live up to some Canadian stereotypes. I’ve been in a few games where I’ve pitched with a hockey stick. I’ve been drinking maple syrup on the mound, whatever Canadian stereotypes we can live up to.”

Bananas from the savannah

What can we expect from the three games the team plays here?

Kellogg tells 7 News to expect a different game every day.

“We’re often referred to as the Harlem Globetrotters. The only difference is our games aren’t scripted,” Kellogg said. “We have celebrations and things like that that are scripted, but they’re more of an ‘if, then’ moment. If we hit a home run, then we’ll do this. If we score this run, then we’ll do that.”

Bananas from the savannah

“Can you give us an idea of ​​what we can expect here in Western New York for your games?”

“I don’t want to give away too many spoilers, but I will say that if you’ve never been to a Savannah Bananas game, you’ll be blown away, you’ll have a great time and you’ll leave wanting more,” Kellogg said.

“Buffalo is a big stadium. I think it seats about 15,000 people,” Alexiades said. “I expect it to be loud and attractive, and we might have some elements that are custom-made for Buffalo.”

Bananas from the savannah

All tickets are general admission, so spectators are advised to arrive early.

Some of you who already have tickets may have received an email from the Savannah Bananas asking you to return your tickets if your plans to attend the game have changed.

The team told 7 News: “We wanted to give people the option to return tickets they wouldn’t use to Bananas for a full refund or credit for later – as it was a bank holiday weekend, we were contacted several times to say people’s plans were changing, and we want to be proactive. Anyone with a valid ticket to Buffalo events will be welcomed inside for a night to remember – no one will be turned away.”

Games will be played on Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and on Sunday at 1 p.m. Friday and Sunday games will be broadcast live on ESPN.