An Open Letter From CEO Jesse Cole To Team, Fans, and The Entire Savannah Community
To the greatest team, the most passionate fans, and the entire city we are so proud to call home,
It feels like only yesterday we were unveiling a crazy idea: a baseball team in Savannah that would be about so much more than baseball. We dreamed of creating unforgettable fun, a place where families could escape the ordinary, and an experience that would become a cherished tradition. We painted the town yellow, put our players in tuxedos, and promised to do everything differently. We vowed to always be Fans First.
When I look out at Grayson Stadium now, buzzing with energy, laughter, and the joyful chaos of a Bananas game, my heart is full. This incredible journey we’re on together has surpassed every one of my wildest dreams. But this letter isn’t just to celebrate how far we’ve come; it’s to thank you for being the reason we’ve come this far at all.
To our players, our Banana-Na-Nas, and every member of our staff—you are the heartbeat of this organization. You are the magicians who turn a simple night at the ballpark into a spectacle of joy. You don’t just play a game; you create moments. You sign every autograph, you dance every dance, and you play with a passion that is palpable. You have bought into a culture where the fans are the star, and you execute it with relentless enthusiasm. You are pioneers, rewriting the rules of what it means to be a professional athlete. You remind everyone that sports are, at their core, about entertainment and connection. Thank you for your hard work, your creativity, and for always wearing the yellow with pride.
To our fans—the Bananas Fam—what can I say? You didn’t just buy tickets; you bought into a belief. You embraced the yellow, you learned the dances, and you became the most electric crowd in all of sports. You are the difference between a show and a sensation. Your energy doesn’t just fill the stadium; it fuels our entire organization. You are the reason we obsess over every detail, from the walk-up music to the between-inning skits. We hear your cheers, we see your smiles, and we read your stories. You have made the Savannah Bananas more than a team; you have made us a family. This is your team. Always.
And to the entire Savannah community—our city officials, our local business partners, our media, and every single resident—thank you for your unwavering support. You welcomed a bright yellow idea with open arms. You trusted us. You have been our partners in this endeavor from day one. The success of the Bananas is, in every way, a success for Savannah. It’s about economic impact, national exposure, and a renewed sense of civic pride. We are constantly striving to be an organization that gives back as much as you have given us, to be a positive force that makes Savannah an even more vibrant and exciting place to live.
This journey has taught me one powerful lesson above all others: when you truly put people first, anything is possible. We didn’t focus on winning games; we focused on winning moments. We didn’t focus on opponents; we focused on our fans. That shift in priority—from the scoreboard to the stands—is what created this movement.
And what a movement it has become. The world has taken notice. Our games are sold out for years, and our waiting list is longer than ever. We’ve been featured on national television, and millions watch our videos online. But amidst this whirlwind, I want to make one thing perfectly clear: our focus will never change.
The demand has created a fascinating challenge. How do we stay true to our roots—to the intimate, fan-centric experience of Grayson Stadium—while the whole world seems to want a piece of the Banana? It’s a question we grapple with every day. Our answer is always the same: we will never sacrifice the connection that got us here. We will never become too big for our yellow britches.
We will continue to innovate, to experiment, and to push the boundaries of what live entertainment can be. But we will do it with our core values cemented in place: Fans First. Fun Is Forever. Always Entertain. We will continue to measure our success not in wins or revenue, but in smiles created and memories made.
The future is bright yellow, and it’s because of you. This is not my team. This is Savannah’s team. Thank you for believing in the magic. Thank you for your trust. Thank you for making this the greatest show in sports.
The best is yet to come.
With gratitude and yellow love,
Jesse Cole
