The Journal. The Game Making Baseball Fans Go Bananas
117 snips
Aug 8, 2025 
Jason Gay, a writer for the Wall Street Journal, shares his insights after attending a banana ball game that’s sweeping the nation. He discusses how this fan-first style, driven by showmanship and a two-hour time limit, could reinvigorate Major League Baseball. The transformation of the Savannah Bananas from struggling underdogs to a beloved spectacle emphasizes creativity in sports marketing and community engagement. Gay reflects on how prioritizing fun has attracted a diverse and passionate fan base, challenging the traditional norms of the game.
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Entertaining First, Baseball Second
- Banana Ball prioritizes nonstop entertainment over traditional baseball pacing.
- Jason Gay calls it "entertainment maximization" to counter the sport's boredom.
Fans-First Pregame Carnival
- Banana Ball turns pregame into a carnival with Banana Nanas, Man Nanas, and baby races.
- Jason Gay notes this supports their "fans first" mantra and drives early arrivals and excitement.
Two-Hour Game And Faster Pace
- Banana Ball enforces a strict two-hour clock and accelerates play to keep attention.
- Jason Gay highlights the rule as relief for fans tired of multi-hour games.