It’s all over YouTube and has taken the country by storm. It’s Banana Ball, made famous by the Savannah Banana’s baseball team. The concept that sees a game with just 9 rules that include foul balls caught by fans are outs, no walks, bunting or mound visits and the ability to steal first base at any point during an at bat.
The Salem Wildcats put a team together yesterday and traveled to BCDC Park in Beckemeyer to compete against the Breese 14u Flames. Salem came out with a 3-2 loss in points, another difference in the game from regular baseball, but it was a great time. Coach Toby Gullion was looking for an opportunity to get a team together to enjoy the game of baseball.
“At this age, there are so many pressures put on young athletes either internally or externally, trying to make a team, securing a position or whatever it may be. It was nice to get out and remind them that this is a game and it’s meant to be fun.”
Salem combined members of the 13u Wildcats coached by Kyle Butts along with some 14u players to compete. Players dressed up in costumes that included a piece of bacon or a whoopee cushion, and just enjoyed playing with a group of kids they may not play with again until late in their high school careers.
“I went and asked everyone after the game what they thought and everyone was in agreement, it was something that we all would love to do again.”
