A new style of baseball is solving the sport's biggest problems, and the fans can't get enough.
Jesse Cole Makes Honest Admission About Selling Savannah Bananas originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
In a world of corporate buyouts and multi-billion-dollar deals, Jesse Cole stands out like a bright yellow tuxedo in a sea of gray suits. When a reporter asked if MLB had tried to acquire the Savannah Bananas, Cole’s response was a simple, yet powerful, "no." He wasn't just turning down a hypothetical offer; he was rejecting a mentality.
We will never sell the Savannah Bananas or give up control of Banana Ball.
— Jesse Cole (@YellowTuxJesse) August 9, 2025
We believe in long term fans over short term profits and will always work to put the fans first. pic.twitter.com/h35wEYempq
"I would never sell. I'd be bored," he explained. For Cole, it was never about the money. He started the Bananas nine years ago sleeping on an air mattress, driven by a singular mission: to create a billion fans, not a billion dollars.
Jesse Cole and the Bananas Are Redefining Baseball
This "fans first" philosophy is more than just a tagline; it's the engine that powers the Bananas' success. This is a lesson MLB has been struggling to learn, and the Bananas are teaching it by example. Take, for instance, a recent game in Baltimore.
The Orioles, despite being a major league team, have had trouble filling seats, even for playoff games. But when the Bananas came to town, the stadium was packed. The atmosphere was a spectacle of pure joy and community, a stark contrast to the often-stagnant energy of traditional baseball.
Cole and his team have tackled head-on the issues that plague the MLB. They’ve addressed the length of games, the slow pace, and the exorbitant costs that alienate fans. They've done away with ticket fees, convenience charges, and sponsorships, ensuring that a $35 ticket is exactly that—$35.
They stream their games for free on YouTube, prioritizing accessibility over TV rights. By removing the "friction" from baseball, they've created an experience that is both affordable and endlessly entertaining.
Former Orioles manager Buck Showalter, a true baseball purist, was a believer after seeing the Bananas in action. He called it "a Caribbean World Series game on steroids." It's a sentiment that speaks to the Bananas' ability to blend old-school love for the game with new-school showmanship.
While some people may call them a fad, the Bananas continued growth, their massive social media following, and their ability to sell out major stadiums prove they are a force to be reckoned with.
They're not just playing baseball; they're reinventing it, one dancing umpire and backflipping player at a time. The doubters may still be out there, but as long as Cole remains committed to his "billion fans" mission, there's nothing stopping them.
Related: Savannah Bananas Go Beyond Entertainment, Ushering In Historic Shift for Women in Baseball
Related: Bryce Harper's Name Causes a Stir at Savannah Bananas Game
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 13, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Baseball
