Chatting With The Savannah Bananas: Inside The Wild World Of Banana Ball

Read our interviews with players who are redefining baseball entertainment. A player-led phenomenon, one wild rule at a time.

Step right up to the most entertaining show in baseball! The Savannah Bananas are turning the diamond into a dazzling stage where every pitch is a performance and every inning is an adventure. Banana Ball is more than just a game; it's a full-blown spectacle that keeps fans on the edge of their seats.

Banana Ball moves fast. With a two-hour time limit, no walks, and the fan-catch foul-ball rule, every moment is engineered for maximum fun. At the center of the action are the Savannah Bananas players, athletes who double as entertainers and thrive on fan interaction. We spoke with Savannah Bananas players Jackson Olson, KJ Jackson, Ty Jackson, and Dakota Albritton to discover how they embrace creativity while competing. 

Curious about the 11 official Banana Ball rules? Find them here on the official site.

Now, let’s dive into the interviews!

#8 Jackson Olson (Infielder) — IG @jacksonolson_

How did you get into Banana Ball in the first place? What has it meant to be part of the cultural phenomenon?  

I was on a MLB stadium tour ranking each stadium based on food, venue and experience and on that tour I saw the Bananas TikTok. I made a TikTok basically trying to get the attention of Jesse Cole and the Bananas and it somehow worked. And the rest is history. It was a dream for all of us to be Major League Baseball players, but to think that we’re able to sell out stadiums while staying true to ourselves and having a life/purpose outside of Banana Ball, it means everything.

What's your favorite part of the game?

The freedom that we have to express ourselves in so many different ways. What was your favorite song growing up? Well imagine performing that song with the actual band on the field in front of 45,000 people. That’s what you get the opportunity to do here. What’s a fun baseball trick you did in the driveway growing up? Well imagine you get to do that trick in a real game. It’s a special place and we’re all just lucky to be part of it. 

What's a memorable song or performance you've done recently?

I had to learn an entire Taylor Swift mashup of around 14 songs. I am a huge T-Swift fan but even this was tough for me. But the best part of the walk ups is that we have the freedom to pitch ideas to the entertainment crew and actually do what we want, to the songs we love.

What's a song or performance you'd like to do in the future? 

I feel like the “Super Trouper” Mamma Mia! performance with the Banana Nanas would absolutely crush. 

What are your top titles to stream on Disney+ after a big win, after practice, or for inspiration?

This one should be self explanatory, but The Greatest Showman is my favorite movie of all time and inspires every aspect of my life. Oh, and the hopeless romantic in me loves Up.

#4 KJ Jackson (Utility) — IG @kjack

How did you get into Banana Ball in the first place? What has it meant to be part of the cultural phenomenon?  

I saw the Savannah Bananas TikToks in 2021 and was always fascinated by the entertainment aspect of baseball. I loved the fans-first culture and playing competitive baseball while having fun!

What's your favorite part of the game?

My favorite part of the game is performing hitter walk ups and interacting with the crowd all throughout the show and game.

What's a memorable song or performance you've done recently?

“Ordinary” by Alex Warren.

What's a song or performance you'd like to do in the future? 

“You’ll be Back” from Hamilton.

What are your top titles to stream on Disney+ after a big win, after practice, or for inspiration?

Any of the old school Disney movies! Lemonade Mouth, Let It Shine, Cloud 9, etc.

#7 Ty Jackson (Outfielder) — IG @tyy2flyyy

How did you get into Banana Ball in the first place? What has it meant to be part of the cultural phenomenon?  

The way I got into Banana Ball is in 2021 and 2022 I played for the Savannah Bananas summer ball team when they were in the Coastal Plain League. Back then we were selling out Grayson stadium every night to 4,000 people! To me that was so many people and a great atmosphere every night! I had a talk with Jesse in 2022 about how they’re not going to bring back the summer ball team! I was so mad and upset. He said there is something bigger and better coming! Fast forward to May 2024, Tyler Gillum reached out to me and asked if I’d like to come back. I graduated in May and came straight back to Banana Land! And Jesse was right, there was something bigger. This year we played in front of 81,000 people in Clemson football stadium! It's truly a blessing to be able to play here and being able to put our fans first because I remember when I was younger I always wanted players autographs and pictures with them and I could never get them. That’s why I think what we do is so special. We put ourselves in the fans' shoes because we’ve all been there and get to make an experience with every fan!

What's your favorite part of the game?

My favorite part of the game is scoring! You have to win the inning to get the point. In the  first 8 innings, if you win the inning you get a point, but in the 9th inning every run counts! I love it because it makes every game close and it makes every 9th inning intense!

What's a memorable song or performance you've done recently?

The “We’re All in This Together” (from High School Musical) dance! We performed at our draft last year just because it was all the teams.  Everyone in the cast was involved, the song is just so upbeat, brings so much joy, and it was a fun dance to do.

What's a song or performance you'd like to do in the future? 

I’d love to do a performance with Coldplay when I’m coming up to hit, to the song “Viva La Vida.” And then since Coldplay would be there, they can perform “Yellow” for us in the 7th inning like we always do. That would be a dream!

What are your top titles to stream on Disney+ after a big win, after practice, or for inspiration?

Cars is my thing to stream just because Lightning McQueen lives a life style like us with cameras on us all the time. But sometimes you have to take a step back and realize you’re never too big for anyone in the world and to keep the people that love you close. It just really hits home for me because it reminds me I’m never too big for anyone and to keep the people I love close!

#14 Dakota Albritton (Utility) — IG @dakota_albritton

How did you get into Banana Ball in the first place? What has it meant to be part of the cultural phenomenon?

I was pouring concrete for a living and my mama called and said I had a baseball tryout this weekend! I didn’t wanna do it but I showed up and brought out the stilts and Jesse Cole asked me if I could hit a baseball. I didn’t know I could do it but I didn’t back down from a challenge. I got out there and started hitting them, blowing his mind and my mind as well! And that’s how Stilts was born! I can’t put into words how being a part of this makes me feel! It’s such a blessing being able to have a platform to just show kids it’s okay to be different. The game is about having fun and creating memories. We really embrace those things here in Banana Ball.

What's your favorite part of the game?

My favorite part of the game is definitely “Yellow” (Coldplay)! It’s a time where we have one job and that’s to take in the moment and soak it all in.

What's a memorable song or performance you've done recently?

I did “Bottoms Up” with Brantley Gilbert in Charlotte North Carolina as a walk up to pitch in front of 75,000 people! That was super cool and definitely a core memory.

What's a song or performance you'd like to do in the future? 

A song I’d like to do a walkout to is definitely a walk up with my buddy Brent Cobb, a song writer from Ellaville, GA, my hometown! The song of choice would be “South of Atlanta” or “Richland.” Those songs are about how great of a town Ellaville, GA is and how great the people that live there are!

What are your top titles to stream on Disney+ after a big win, after practice, or for inspiration?

I think my favorite Pixar movie would have to be Finding Nemo just for the simple fact that I’m a big fisherman and Finding Nemo is about nothing but fish.

And there you have it! 

That wraps up our interviews with a few awesome Savannah Bananas players. The through-line in all their stories is freedom. Whether Jackson Olson’s dream mash-ups, KJ Jackson’s theatrical walk-ups, or Dakota “Stilts” Albritton’s larger-than-life showmanship, the Savannah Bananas empower players to entertain as boldly as they compete. That freedom feeds the club’s fan-first mentality, transforming a ballpark into a 360-degree stage.

The players' Disney+ picks reveal a softer side to the high-energy world of Banana Ball, offering a glimpse into what fuels their creativity and passion. Jackson Olson finds inspiration in The Greatest Showman, a film that mirrors the Bananas' blend of spectacle and heart. KJ Jackson keeps it classic with old-school Disney flicks like Lemonade Mouth, proving that a good sing-along never goes out of style. Ty Jackson's choice of Disney and Pixar’s Cars reflects a deeper understanding of fame and humility, reminding him to stay grounded amidst the spotlight. Meanwhile, Dakota Albritton's affinity for Disney and Pixar’s Finding Nemo ties back to his roots and love for fishing, showcasing how personal interests shape their off-field personas. 

Another key theme that comes up is intensity. Ty Jackson loves the win-the-inning scoring system because it keeps games tight until the final out. Add in fan-involved outs and walk-off showdowns, and Banana Ball never loses its edge. It’s baseball stripped of downtime and packed with personality — a perfect recipe for viral moments that keep the Savannah Bananas roster top of mind. 

Savannah Bananas 2025 Team Roster

• #32 Kyle Perry — Position: Pitcher | Bats/Throws (Left or right): L/L | Home town: Omaha, NE | Guilty pleasure food spot: Panda Express | Social: IG @kyl3perry | TikTok @kyleperry19.

• #20 Gage Voorhees — Position: Pitcher | Bats/Throws: L/R | Home town: Springfield, OH | Favorite movie: Moana | Social: IG @12_gage26 | TikTok @12_gage26.

• #4 KJ Jackson — Position: Utility | Bats/Throws: R/R | Home town: Bowling Green, OH | Fun fact: Was a theater minor | Social: IG @kjack | TikTok @kjgoinbananas.

• #7 Ty Jackson — Position: Outfielder | Bats/Throws: R/R | Home town: Jacksonville, FL | Favorite song: “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” | Social: IG @tyy2flyyy | TikTok @tyy2flyy.

• #11 Correlle Prime — Position: First Baseman | Bats/Throws: R/R | Home town: Bradenton, FL | Guilty pleasure: Eating ice cream | Social: IG @Primetime_218 | TikTok @Cprime.11.

• #1 Bill Leroy — Position: Catcher | Bats/Throws: R/R | Home town: Dublin, GA | Secret talent: Excellent breakfast chef | Social: IG @bill_leroy | TikTok @billleroy.

• #2 Reese Alexiades — Position: Outfielder | Bats/Throws: R/R | Home town: Manhattan Beach, CA | Can’t live without: Black coffee | Social: IG @reesealexiades | TikTok @reese_alexiades.

• #3 Eric Jones — Position: Infielder, Catcher | Home town: Charlotte, NC | Fun fact: Can solve Rubik’s Cubes in less than 2 minutes | Social: IG @ericjonesjr_ | TikTok @ericjonesjr_.

• #5 DR Meadows — Position: Outfielder | Bats/Throws: R/R | Home town: Vidalia, GA | Favorite food: Anything pickled | Social: IG @dr_meadows | TikTok @david.meadows.

• #6 Ryan Cox — Position: Shortstop | Bats/Throws: L/R | Home town: Aliquippa, PA | Favorite satisfying sound: Crack of a bat | Social: IG @theglovemagician | TikTok @theglovemagician.

• #8 Jackson Olson — Position: Infielder | Bats/Throws: L/R | Home town: New Milford, CT | Pregame ritual: Drink half an energy drink | Social: IG @jacksonolson_ | TikTok @jacksonolson_.

• #10 Alex Ziegler — Position: Extra Hitter | Bats/Throws: R/L | Home town: Butler, PA | Fun fact: Has several world records | Social: IG @zigzigzog | TikTok @BeardyZig.

• #12 Kyle Luigs — Position: Pitcher | Bats/Throws: L/R | Home town: Richmond Hill, GA | Go-to karaoke song: “Picture” by Kid Rock & Sheryl Crow | Social: IG @kyle.luigs | TikTok @kyle.luigs.

• #13 Dalton Mauldin — Position: Infielder | Bats/Throws: R/R | Home town: Nashville, TN | Celebrity doppelgänger: Shakira (per him) | Social: IG @daltonmauldin5 | TikTok @daltonmauldin5.

• #14 Dakota Albritton — Position: Utility | Bats/Throws: R/R | Home town: Ellaville, GA | Fun fact: Enjoys spaghetti with ranch | Social: IG @dakota_albritton | TikTok @dakotastiltsalbritton.

• #15 Robert Anthony Cruz — Position: Outfielder | Bats/Throws: L/R | Home town: Fontana, CA | Fun fact: Was homeschooled most of his life | Social: IG @coach.rac | TikTok @coach.rac.

• #18 Danny Hosley — Position: Utility | Bats/Throws: R/R | Home town: Vienna, VA | Fun fact: He’s a certified EMT | Social: IG @dan_hoz34 | TikTok @danhoz34.

• #19 Dan Oberst — Position: Utility | Bats/Throws: R/R | Home town: Tampa, FL | Favorite gas station snack: Honey Buns | Social: IG @danny__bananas | TikTok @danoberstt.

• #21 Jared Donalson — Position: Pitcher | Home town: Dawson, GA | Fun fact: Lost his 3rd-grade spelling bee | Social: IG @DonalsonJared | TikTok @jared_donalson.

• #22 Austin Krzeminski — Position: Pitcher | Bats/Throws: R/R | Home town: Chandler, AZ | Fun fact: Track and field junior Olympian | Social: IG @austinmichael_k | TikTok @austinmichael_k.

• #24 Andy Archer — Position: Pitcher | Bats/Throws: R/R | Home town: Peachtree Corners, GA | Favorite show: Friends | Social: IG @archdaddeh24 | TikTok @archdaddy24.

• #29 Zack Phillips — Position: Pitcher | Bats/Throws: L/L | Home town: Jonesboro, AR | Fun Fact: Did competitive cheer from 3rd–7th grade | Social: IG @Zackarie25 | TikTok @zphilly_.

• #49 Ryan Kellogg — Position: Pitcher | Bats/Throws: R/L | Home town: Whitby, ON | Most useless skill: Can recite the alphabet backwards | Social: IG @ryankellogg49 | TikTok @ryan.kellogg.

• #88 Noah Niznik — Position: Pitcher | Bats/Throws: L/L | Home town: Imperial, MO | Fun fact: Loves Mariah Carey | Social: IG @noah.niznik | TikTok @noah.niznik.

• #⚡Malachi Mitchell — Position: Designated Runner | Home town: Gainesville, FL | Go-to karaoke song: “This Love” by Maroon 5 | Social: IG @flashthakid_ | TikTok @flashthakid.

Savannah Bananas 2025 Season Recap

From selling out Grayson Stadium to drawing 81,000 fans in Clemson, the Savannah Bananas kept the energy sky-high all year. Every city stop became its own carnival as the team faced rivals like The Party Animals, The Firefighters, The Texas Tailgaters, and The Visitors.

Check out the game replays with ESPN on Disney+.*

• July 26-27 — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Citizens Bank Park) — vs. The Texas Tailgaters

• Aug. 1-2 — Baltimore, Maryland (Camden Yards) — vs. The Firefighters

• Aug. 9-10 — Denver, Colorado (Coors Field) — vs. The Firefighters

• Aug. 15-16 — Chicago, Illinois (Guaranteed Rate Field) — vs. The Firefighters

Still want more Savannah Bananas content?

Bananaland, ESPN

This five-part docuseries steps off the diamond to explore how the Savannah Bananas reinvent America’s pastime with their crowd-pleasing spin called Banana Ball. Cameras trail owner Jesse Cole, players, coaches, and staff as they travel to seven cities, refining bold rule tweaks and on-field showmanship designed to delight audiences. Featuring baseball greats Bill Lee, Jake Peavy, and Jonny Gomes, the series spotlights the people and process driving a grassroots sports phenomenon. (ESPN)*

Add Bananaland to your Watchlist

The Bananas’ secret sauce is simple: put fans first, keep the action moving, and never be afraid to dance between pitches. Stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes stories and fresh coverage of live sports that break the mold — because Banana Ball is only getting bigger, and you won’t want to miss the next showdown.

Looking for other sports titles? Check out our dedicated sports watch guide or sink your teeth into a sports documentary, with reccos in our 30 for 30 watch guide

*ESPN on Disney+ requires a plan that includes ESPN. Available for U.S. residents, 18+ only. Location data required to watch certain content. Select Hulu content available via Disney+; additional content only available via Hulu app. Offer valid for eligible subscribers only. Subject to Disney+, ESPN, and Hulu Subscriber Agreement. Additional terms, app feature and device restrictions apply. For more information visit the Disney+ Help Center. © 2025 Disney and its related entities.